A homeowner struggling with the HVAC system in their brand-new home turned to Reddit for advice after noticing a frustrating issue. Though the system kept the house comfortably cool under normal conditions, the homeowner said that after leaving for a weekend and raising the thermostat to save energy, the HVAC system took "all day" to bring the home back to its usual temperature once they returned.
Here's what to know
Because the unit otherwise seemed to "keep the house cool well through the day," the owner was left to sort out whether the problem was an undersized system or some other issue affecting how the AC worked. They took to Reddit's r/hvacadvice for guidance.
That kind of issue can have an effect on your wallet. If your AC runs for hours longer than expected, it can drive up utility bills, wear down the equipment, and leave your home uncomfortable. Because heating and cooling are among the largest energy expenses for many households, upgrading your system is one of the best ways to save money on your utility bills and protect yourself against rising energy prices.
If you're trying to figure out whether your system is undersized, outdated, or underperforming, the HVAC experts at Palmetto can help you understand your options and slash your energy bills with new, efficient units and heat pumps.
And Palmetto's Comfort Plan network can help you find efficient heating and cooling solutions for your home and connect you with vetted installers.
After listening to commenters under the post, the homeowner asked an HVAC contractor to visit the home. They found that the unit was working well but the refrigerant in the system was low, so they charged it.
More background
Refrigerant levels, windows, duct design, air leaks, shade, ceiling height, and local climate all affect how much cooling a home actually needs.
A low refrigerant charge can mimic the symptoms of an undersized system. If the charge is off, your AC may still cool the home, but it can take much longer to bring temperatures back down.
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"It's supposed to be an energy efficient house," the original poster said. But even efficient homes can fall short if commissioning details were not dialed in correctly from the start.
A comfort problem in a new home does not automatically necessitate a full system replacement; it may simply mean a relatively simple repair is needed.
What can be done?
If your AC holds temperature but struggles to recover after a setback, start with a professional inspection before assuming the equipment is broken. Ask for the refrigerant, airflow, and thermostat operation to be checked, and if you're in a new build or within a warranty window, document everything.
If you do need an HVAC upgrade, Palmetto's Comfort Plan includes $0 down options that can lower your heating and cooling costs by up to 50%. It also includes 12 years of maintenance, which can protect those savings over time.
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