We all know that feeling. It’s finally summertime, and the weather is hot and sticky.
So naturally, the last thing you want to do is be inside a stuffy house, so you turn on the air conditioner for the first time this season.
But how long does it take for the AC to cool down your home?
To cool a house using a new air conditioner for the first time, you must wait at least 3 hours to cool a home with three to four bedrooms. This ensures the air conditioner has enough time to cool the house properly.
And is there anything else you can do to make it work more efficiently? In this article, we’ll answer those questions and more.
How Long Does It Take For a New AC Unit To Cool a House?
If it feels like your AC is taking longer than it should cool your space, don’t fret. Your unit is taking time to adjust for a couple of reasons.
First, your AC has been inactive for months. Like any other machine, it needs time to get going again after a long period of inactivity.
New air conditioners tend to take longer to cool a house the first time they’re used because of the low Freon levels.
When an AC unit is turned on, it needs time to build up enough Freon to function correctly. This process can take up to 24 hours, so be patient!
Second, the temperature outside is probably hotter than when you last used your AC unit, and it’s working hard to adjust the temperature inside to match the new conditions.
Given the circumstances, you’d better understand how your air conditioner would work when all these are factored in.
If you’ve been waiting for your AC unit to cool your house for more than 24 hours and it still doesn’t feel significantly cooler, your unit might have a problem.
In this case, it’s best to call a professional to look at it and see the issue.
What Factors Impact Cooling Time?
If your air conditioner has been turned on for the first time and still gives less than satisfactory results, consider the following factors:
Incorrectly Sized Unit
When an air conditioner is too small for the space, it’s trying to cool and must work overtime to make the difference.
This will cause a significant delay in cooling time. Asking an HVAC professional can help you determine the best size for your needs.
Freon Defect
As mentioned, Freon is essential for an AC unit to function. If there’s a problem with the Freon levels, it can cause a delay in cooling time.
It’s crucial to observe any Freon leaks because this can be dangerous. It’s best to call a professional to handle the issue if you notice any.
Faulty Evaporator And Condenser Coils
If these coils are dirty or damaged, they won’t be able to transfer heat as efficiently. It will make it harder for your AC unit to do its job, resulting in a longer cooling time.
Ask accredited HVAC technicians to look for defects in your newly installed air conditioner unit.
Poor Insulation
Cooled air will escape through cracks and gaps if your home isn’t well insulated. It also makes it harder for your air conditioner to lower the temperature in your space.
Several factors can impact how long an air conditioner is to cool a house. Considering these, you can better understand the kind of air conditioner best fits your home or office space.
What Can You Do If Your AC Is Not Cooling As Fast As You’d Like?
”]There are a few things you can do to make sure that your AC unit is running as efficiently as possible:
Change the Location Of Your Thermostat
If your thermostat is in a sunny spot, it might give false readings. The sun can cause the thermostat to think that the temperature in the room is higher than it is, causing the AC to run longer than necessary.
Lower the Thermostat To Your Desired Temperature.
The AC unit will have an easier time cooling the house if it doesn’t work as hard to reach a lower temperature.
Upgrade Your Insulation
Cooled air will escape through cracks and gaps if you have poor insulation. This will make it harder for your air conditioner to lower the temperature in your space.
You can use rubber weatherstripping to seal doors and windows tightly. Instead of insulating the living room, you can use unfaced insulation to keep the room cool when using the air conditioner.
These can be done DIY and won’t require much expertise to install these insulators.
Close All Doors And Windows In the House.
When working, you want the AC unit to have as little resistance as possible.
Keep doors and windows shut as much as possible when the air conditioner is turned on, preventing ambient air from entering the space.
All Vents And Registers Are Open And Unobstructed.
Registers are moving grills responsible for distributing conditioned air throughout the house.
Even with a new unit, checking for its airflow is essential. Keep air flowing through vents and registers open and unobstructed to maintain the unit’s efficiency.
People Also Ask
How long should it take to cool a house from 80 to 72?
It should take a house to cool from 80 to 72 the AC unit an hour to a half.
It generally should take about two hours for larger rooms to cool the house from 80 to 72.
What is the fastest way to cool a room with AC?
Lowering the thermostat to your desired temperature is the fastest way to cool a room with AC.
Lowering the thermostat around two to three degrees than the ideal temperature can make a significant difference.
