Due to the increased temperatures in the summer months, it is a good idea to have a cooling unit in your home. But what happens when you turn it off on a crisp, cool evening and forget to turn it back on?
It is now 80 degrees in your house, and you are getting uncomfortable. 72 degrees Fahrenheit is a great temperature during the summer, but how long should it take to cool a house from 80 to 72? Keep reading to find out!
How Long Does It Take To Cool Down A House?
It usually takes around two and a half to three and a half hours to cool your house from 80 to 72 degrees.
However, a variety of different factors can affect the time it takes to reach the desired temperature, including the thermostat setting, the size of the house, and the efficiency of the air filters.
By taking these factors into account, it is possible to get a better sense of how long it will take to cool down a specific home.
Why Does It Take So Long To Cool Down A House?
It can seem like it takes forever to cool down a house on a hot day. But there’s actually a scientific reason for this. Heat waves are caused by warm air that gets trapped near the ground.
The warm air heats up the objects around it, including the walls and floors of your house. That heat then radiates back into the air, making the house even warmer.
In addition, there are other factors that have an effect on how fast your house cools down as well.
1. You have a larger home
If you have a larger home, it will take longer to cool. The physical size of your house creates more cubic footage for heat to move through.
In fact, it takes about twice as long to cool a 2,000-square-foot home as it does to cool a 1,000-square-foot home.
In addition, larger homes often have higher ceilings, which also contribute to heating and cooling costs.
The number of windows in your home also makes a difference. More windows mean more heat gain in the summer and more heat loss in the winter.
Therefore, if you have a larger home, it is important to take these factors into account when considering your heating and cooling needs.
2. The efficiency of your air conditioner
Many people don’t realize that an inefficient AC unit can actually make your house hotter. That’s because the unit has to work harder to cool the air, which means it runs longer and uses more energy.
As a result, your house will take longer to cool down, and your energy bills will be higher. So if you want to keep your home cool and save money on your energy bills, it’s important to make sure your AC unit is running efficiently.
There are a couple of simple things you can do to ensure that your unit is running at its best. One important thing to do regularly is to keep the area around the unit clear of dust, dirt, and debris.
If leaves and other objects block the unit, it won’t be able to function properly. You can also schedule regular maintenance checkups with a qualified technician.
By taking these simple steps, you can help ensure that your AC unit is running efficiently and keeping your home cool all summer long.
3. Outdoor temperature
The outdoor temperature will play a part in how fast your house cools down. On very hot days, your house will not cool down as quickly as if the temperature were moderate.
In addition, if the sun is shining directly on your house, it will also take longer for your house to cool down.
4. Your AC unit has a leak
If your air conditioner is taking a long time to cool your home, there could be a problem with the unit itself. One possibility is that there is a refrigerant leak in the system.
As the refrigerant found on the inside of the evaporator coil turns to gas, it absorbs heat from the air inside, cooling the air as it makes its way over the coils.
The blower fan from the unit inside then pumps the air that has been cooled back into the home’s ductwork and out into the vents. A leak can allow refrigerant to escape, which will reduce the efficiency of the unit and make it harder for the unit to absorb heat.
Leaks can also lead to your unit freezing over. What’s worse, low refrigerant levels can cause damage to your compressor.
This, in turn, can lead to expensive repairs. If you suspect you have a leak or low refrigerant levels, make sure to call a professional to repair it before it turns costly.
Ways To Cool Your House Off Faster
If your AC is taking a long time to cool the house down, here are a few things to speed up the process now and prevent it from taking too long in the future.
1. Curtains and blinds
If you’re trying to cool down your home quickly, one of the best things you can do is close all of your curtains and blinds.
This will block the heat from the sun and allow your air conditioner to cool the house faster. Of course, not all curtains are created equal.
Light-colored curtains reflect heat better than dark-colored curtains, so if you’re looking to invest in some new window treatments, opt for light-blocking curtains in a light color.
2. Don’t turn off your air conditioner
In the sweltering days of summer, there’s nothing more refreshing than coming home to a cool, air-conditioned house. But if you’re trying to save on your energy bill, you may be tempted to turn off the ac system when you leave for work in the morning.
However, this can actually make your home harder to cool when you return in the afternoon. Instead, put the thermostat to a higher temperature (around 78 degrees is ideal) before you leave.
This will allow your AC to cool your home more quickly and efficiently when you come back inside. Plus, you’ll stay comfortable knowing that your home is still being cooled while you’re away.
3. Check your filters
One of the most common reasons for an air conditioner unit to not cool efficiently is a dirty air filter. A clean air filter is essential for allowing air to flow freely through the system, and it can also help to remove dust and other allergens from the air.
If your house isn’t cooling as quickly as you would like, changing the filter is one of the easiest and most effective things you can do.
Most filters should be changed every few months, but if you have pets or live in a dusty environment, you may need to change them more frequently.
Checking and changing your air filter is a simple way to keep your cooling system running at peak efficiency. Another thing to check for is to make sure you have the correct air filter. The wrong air filter can prevent air from flowing as it should.
To ensure proper airflow, consult your air conditioner manual to find the correct size and type of air filter for your unit.
4. Turn on the fans
If you want to cool your house down quickly, ceiling fans are a great solution. By circulating the air in your rooms, they can help to lower the temperature and make it more comfortable.
To get the most out of your fans, be sure to turn them on when you first arrive home and keep them running until the room feels comfortably cool. You may also want to open any windows to let in a cross breeze and further cool the air.
5. Don’t use your oven or stove
In the summer months, the last thing you want is to heat up your home by using the oven or stove. Not only will this make it harder to keep your house cool, but it can also add to your energy bill.
Fortunately, there are a few simple tips you can follow to avoid using the oven or stove when it’s hot outside.
First, try to cook meals that can be made in a slow cooker or on the grill. These methods of cooking won’t add any extra heat to your home.
If you do need to use the oven or stove, try to do so during the cooler hours of the day, such as the early morning or late evening.
6. Get a window unit
If your house routinely takes a while to cool down or doesn’t get as cool as you want it to, one simple and effective solution is to get a window air conditioner.
In addition to your central AC unit, a window unit can help to cool down individual rooms more quickly. They are also relatively inexpensive and easy to install.
Just make sure to get the right size for your space, and be sure to close any doors or windows in the room when the unit is on. With a little bit of effort, you can keep your cool all summer long.
Conclusion
Everyone’s house will cool at a different rate based on the factors mentioned in this article. Hopefully, we helped you answer the question of how to cool your house from 80 to 72 degrees.
If it did, let us know in the comments. We love hearing from our readers and always appreciate the feedback. Have a great day!