My Home Isn’t Staying Cool: Speak to an AC Tech

Top Reasons Your AC Is Working Harder Than It Should

The extreme climate in Las Vegas means that brutally hot summer seasons are to be expected, but that’s why human invented Air Conditioners, right? As a complex machine air conditioning units have limitations in how well they can perform. When it comes to keeping a comfortable indoor climate the size and ability of your AC system comes into play. Read on to learn more about why the size of your AC unit, and number of AC units you have matters when keeping your Las Vegas home cool all summer long.

AC Unit Size

The size of an air conditioning unit matters significantly when cooling your home, especially during extreme heat, for several reasons. In Las Vegas our extreme heat puts a massive demand on AC units. Smaller units don’t have the capacity to combat extreme heat, run excessively without results, and therefore wear out faster, reducing it’s lifespan. Let’s dive a little deeper into why each of these elements individually diminish when an AC unit is too small for the space it’s attempting to cool.

• Cooling Capacity: The size of the AC unit determines its cooling capacity, usually measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units) per hour. If the AC unit is too small for the space it’s trying to cool, it won’t be able to effectively lower the temperature to a comfortable level, particularly during extreme heat when the demand for cooling is high.
• Efficiency: An undersized AC unit will have to work harder and run for longer periods to try to cool the space, leading to increased energy consumption and higher utility bills. On the other hand, an oversized unit may cycle on and off frequently, leading to inefficient operation and increased wear and tear on the system.
• Longevity of the System: Operating an AC unit that is either too small or too large for the space can lead to premature wear and tear on the system components, reducing its lifespan. Proper sizing ensures the unit operates optimally, extending its longevity and reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements.

Number of AC Units

The number of AC units matters when cooling large square footage or two-story homes. Similar to AC unit size there are specific reasons for when multiple AC units may be appropriate. In larger homes or multiple story homes creating zones, dispersing the load, increasing efficiency and even for redundancy, many homeowners choose multiple systems. Each of these elements individually diminish when multiple AC units are used to cool a larger space or multiple areas.

• Zoning and Temperature Control: Having multiple AC units allows for better zoning and temperature control throughout the home. Each unit can be independently controlled to maintain different temperatures on each floor, addressing the natural tendency for heat to rise. This ensures that both levels of the home remain comfortable, especially during extreme heat.
• Increased Efficiency: Properly sizing and distributing the cooling load with multiple AC units can lead to increased energy efficiency. Instead of relying on a single, potentially oversized unit to cool the entire home, having separate units for each floor allows for more precise cooling, reducing energy waste.
• Redundancy: Having multiple AC units provides redundancy in case one unit fails or requires maintenance. If one unit malfunctions, the other unit(s) can still provide cooling, preventing discomfort and inconvenience for occupants, particularly during extreme heat.
• Customization of Climate: Different occupants may have different cooling preferences based on their activities and comfort levels. Multiple AC units allow for customization of cooling settings in different areas of the home, accommodating individual preferences and maximizing comfort for everyone.
• Load Distribution: Two-story homes often have varying cooling loads on different floors due to differences in insulation, sun exposure, and usage patterns. Multiple AC units allow for more balanced distribution of the cooling load, ensuring that each unit operates within its optimal capacity and reducing strain on the system.
• Longevity and Maintenance: Distributing the cooling load among multiple units can extend the lifespan of the HVAC system components by reducing wear and tear. Additionally, having multiple units may simplify maintenance and repairs, as issues can be isolated to specific zones or floors without affecting the entire home’s cooling system.

Why Is My AC Unit Too Small?

Asking why your space isn’t cooling properly may be due to a failing AC unit, or it could be that your AC unit is too small or there just aren’t enough to keep your entire space cool. Often this is the result of the previous owner or the builder saving a little bit of money. At the end of the day those savings result in overpaying for energy to cool a space. The AC technicians at No Sweat AC will take the time to answer your questions and ensure you get the right unit for your home.

AC Techs Focused On Your Complete Satisfaction

In summary, the team at No Sweat AC will only recommend the right unit for your specific needs. Overall, the size of an AC unit and number of AC units in your home matters. With the right size and number of systems you will be able to efficiently cool your space and maximize the lifespan of your system. It is essential to choose the right system based on factors such as the size of the space, insulation, climate, and specific cooling needs.