My house is so hot upstairs
As the summer temps rise, your thermostat temperature tends to go down. If you start questioning “My house is so hot” or finding that your house is only hot on the second story, there is a problem. Scorching hot summers in Phoenix can be bearable if you have the AC at the right temperature. There are several factors as to why your AC Unit may be struggling to produce cold air. When was the last time you had an AC tune-up, or had your air ducts cleaned, read along to see what you can do to ensure your system is running smooth, and energy-efficient.
Energy-efficient home plays a vital role in the community that you’re surrounded by, but also ensure’s that your energy bill is low. Take a look at several reasons why your house is so hot.
Why is my house so hot?
AC Mechanical Issues
Thermostat
Thermostats play a vital role in your HVAC system. Acting as the control center, they determine how your heating and cooling units operate. Their main task is to monitor the indoor temperature and ensure your HVAC system keeps your home cozy regardless of the outdoor conditions.
Most older thermostats have a lifespan of around ten years, although some can last even longer depending on the brand and type. Since thermostats typically age along with your HVAC system, it’s a good idea to consider replacing your home thermostat when you upgrade your HVAC system.
Refrigerant leak
AC Units often face this common mechanical problem. In addition to causing poor performance and compressor damage, low refrigerant levels can be the culprit behind your AC not blowing cold air. Make sure to check your refrigerant levels if you’re experiencing this issue.
Frozen evaporator coil
When the air filter is dirty, the air ducts are clogged, or the refrigerant is low, it can result in the evaporator coil freezing, which may cause issues with the electrical and mechanical components.
Compressor
AC compressor is a vital component of an air conditioning system that pumps refrigerant through the system, allowing the heat pump to work. Often it’s located inside the condenser unit, which is usually found in the outdoor unit of the AC, on the side or rear of the house.
When your compressor is failing, a clear sign is when your system starts blowing warm air instead of cold air, even if the condenser appears to be functioning properly. This indicates that the compressor is no longer able to cool effectively and cannot circulate the refrigerant throughout the system.
Arizona Valley Heating & Cooling can evaluate your compressor during an AC tune-up.
Ductwork
When the air ducts get old, and leak, or if they are not installed very well in the first place, it leads to cooling being unevenly distributed, no matter how low you set your thermostat.
Ductwork Cleaning
Not cleaning your air ducts regularly can cause various problems. It can lead to higher energy usage because your HVAC system won’t work as well. Also, having dirty air ducts decreases the air quality inside your home from the build-up of dust, mold, and other pollutants, which could pose health risks like allergies and respiratory issues. We recommend getting your air ducts cleaned every 2 to 3 years.
Proper insulation is key to getting the most out of your AC unit
Ensuring that your home is properly insulated will make a difference in how heat travels into your home. Properly insulated homes benefit from:
Decreased Heat: Insulation won’t shield your roof from the sun, but it will prevent the heat from seeping into your home.
Keep Air In: Insulation helps trap the cold air inside the lower rooms of your house, preventing it from seeping out.
AC Efficiency: Keeping outdoor air out and maintaining conditioned air inside allows your air conditioner to work at its best.
Energy Bill: It’s common knowledge that using your AC less will lead to a decrease in your monthly power bill. We recommend keeping your thermostat at 78°F during the day and 86°F when you leave the house.
Poor Ventilation
Another reason why your house is so hot could be because of inadequate attic ventilation can damage your home and may end up costing you money. So, what exactly constitutes a good ventilation system?
A properly balanced roof ventilation system is the key. It should effectively bring in cool outside air through intake vents and expel hot indoor air through exhaust vents. This process helps regulate your attic’s temperature to closely match the outdoor temperature.
- Heat in the Attic: Having a warm attic might seem comfortable, but it could indicate inadequate ventilation in your home. Surprisingly, the best winter temperature for your attic is close to the temperature outside. When ventilation is lacking, the heat in your attic gets stuck at the top, causing issues like uneven roof temperatures (leading to ice dams), strain on your HVAC system (resulting in higher energy costs), and other expensive problems.
Plugged In Devices
Things that are plugged in such as TVs, computers, ovens, stovetops, dishwashers, and even light bulbs are being used, they all produce heat. The greater the number of appliances and electronics in operation, the more they add to the heat in your home. We advise that you limit the usage amount of appliances and electronics during the summer. That not only keeps your house from having excessive heat but also helps with your energy bill.
Our Solution
Depending on how old your unit is, we will determine the best solution tailored to you.
AC Tune-Up
During an AC Tune-up we’ll carefully take out the condenser blower fan and tidy up the inside of the condenser unit. We’ll get rid of any dirt and debris, and also wash the condenser coils with water. Arizona Valley Heating & Cooling recommends having an AC Tune-Up at least once a year. Learn more about AC Tune-Ups
Time to upgrade
An answer no homeowner, or business owner would like to hear. But after about 15 years, air conditioners start nearing the end of their life. It’s best to put yours to rest and look into a new, more energy-efficient model. Having a new energy-efficient AC unit will not only lower your energy bill, it will also help with the environment. We offer top-of-the-line AC Units, manufactured by Trane. Arizona Valley Heating & Cooling provides quality AC installations with industry standards. Our New energy-efficient AC Units comes with a lifetime workmanship warranty with all installations.
Let’s see why your house is so hot
Don’t wait, seeing as to why your house is so hot can be something very simple! Schedule a service request for a no-obligation evaluation to evaluate why your house is so hot. If it’s recommended that you get a new unit, we can also asisst you in finding the best energy-efficient system for your home.
