5 Solutions For AC Systems Struggling To Cool Large Spaces

5 Solutions For AC Systems Struggling To Cool Large Spaces

Cooling a large home during a hot New Albany summer can put even the best air conditioning systems to the test. If your AC unit is constantly running but your rooms still feel warm, it is more than just an inconvenience—it is a sign that your system may be under strain. Larger homes come with specific challenges like uneven temperature distribution, high ceilings, and varying insulation levels across rooms, all of which can limit your AC’s ability to perform efficiently. When one side of the house is cool and the other is consistently warm, you may start questioning if your system is equipped to handle the job.

Inconsistent cooling is not always a result of a complete breakdown. Sometimes, the system is not designed for the size or layout of the space. If you have recently added square footage or rely on one central unit to cool multiple zones, your current setup may not be adequate anymore. Understanding the key reasons behind poor cooling in larger homes can help you find lasting solutions before peak summer temperatures hit.

Assessing Your Current AC System

The first step in fixing poor cooling performance is evaluating the efficiency and size of your current AC system. Many homes in New Albany were built with smaller AC units back when energy efficiency standards and home layouts looked very different. If your system has not been updated or assessed in years, it may no longer meet your home’s needs.

A few telltale signs that your AC system might be too small or outdated for your space include:

– Hot and cold spots across different rooms
– AC running constantly but barely lowering the temperature
– Weak airflow from vents, especially in rooms farther from the unit
– Short cycling, where the AC turns on and off frequently without finishing a cooling cycle

These signs can point to capacity issues or poor air distribution that is struggling to keep up with the square footage. For example, in an open-concept home with vaulted ceilings, a unit that worked when the home was smaller might now fall short. If your home feels humid even when the thermostat is set low, that is another clear sign that your current system needs a review.

It is also worth checking the age of the unit. AC systems typically last around 10 to 15 years with proper maintenance. An older unit might lose its ability to cool evenly and operate efficiently, leading to rising energy bills and seasonal frustration. Before making any major decisions, it is helpful to have one of our professionals inspect the system and complete a proper load calculation. That way, you will know if the system is worth keeping or if you should begin planning for a replacement.

Upgrading to a Larger Capacity AC Unit

If your current system is consistently underperforming, one of the most reliable solutions is upgrading to a unit with a higher cooling capacity. AC systems are sized in tons, which measure how much heat they can remove in a given amount of time. A system that is too small for your square footage will continually struggle to reach your desired temperature, especially during long, hot days.

A correctly sized unit improves both comfort and long-term efficiency. It will not need to run as often or as long to keep your home cool, which helps reduce wear and tear on the components. Lower runtime also means less energy use, which can help bring your bills back under control. A new unit designed for your home’s size and layout will deliver more balanced airflow and consistent temperature control from room to room.

When planning an upgrade, it is important to consider:

– The total square footage of conditioned living space
– Ceiling heights and window exposure
– How well your home is insulated
– Existing ductwork layout

Choosing a new unit is not just about picking a bigger model. A system that is too large can also cause problems like short cycling and humidity issues. Working with our technicians ensures the cooling system is designed for your home’s size and layout, especially for properties needing AC installation in New Albany. A proper assessment ensures the new unit delivers effective, efficient cooling without overworking itself or compromising comfort.

Implementing Zoned Cooling Solutions

Zoned cooling is one of the most effective ways to address temperature inconsistencies in large homes. Rather than depending on a single thermostat to control cooling across the entire house, zoned systems divide the home into sections, or zones, each with its own thermostat. This setup makes it easier to customize the temperature in specific parts of the home based on how often they are used or how much sunlight they receive.

With a zoned system, your AC does not have to work overtime just to cool unoccupied areas. You can lower the temperature in specific rooms like a bedroom at night while maintaining higher temperatures in less-used parts of the house. This makes your system more efficient over time.

Key benefits of zoned cooling include:

– Balanced temperatures across all rooms
– Greater control over energy usage
– Reduced load on the central system
– More comfort in spaces like sunrooms, lofts, and second floors

You can also combine zoning with smart thermostats that offer remote access and precision control through your phone or device. Whether your home includes finished basement spaces, guest rooms, or attic conversions, zoned cooling provides reliable comfort with more precise management. Our professionals can evaluate your current setup and build a zoned solution that works with your system or recommend options that improve both efficiency and comfort.

Improving Insulation and Air Circulation

Even the best AC systems cannot perform well in homes with poor airflow or insulation. In larger homes, particularly older ones, air movement is often uneven, and cooled air escapes through gaps, cracks, or leaky ductwork.

Start by checking airflow throughout your home. Make sure vents are not blocked by furniture and that filters are clean. If filters are clogged or airflow is weak, rooms farther from the unit may feel warmer than others. Addressing simple blockages can make a big difference in your home’s overall comfort.

Some insulation and airflow improvements that help cooling performance include:

– Sealing window and door gaps to prevent cooled air from escaping
– Installing weather stripping on doors
– Adding insulation to the attic and sun-exposed walls
– Inspecting and repairing damaged ductwork
– Using ceiling fans for better circulation in upper-level rooms

Efficient insulation helps maintain cooler indoor conditions longer, meaning your system works less. This decreases energy use and helps the unit maintain performance over time. Many older homes in New Albany fall short when it comes to modern insulation expectations. Combined with ductwork concerns, this can explain why some areas never quite cool down even when the AC is running.

Improving circulation and reducing air leaks are practical steps that bring long-term benefits for comfort and system efficiency.

Maximizing AC Efficiency with Regular Maintenance

Once system performance and insulation are addressed, regular maintenance becomes the final key to ensuring dependable cooling all summer. Even a brand-new unit can lose efficiency over time without basic upkeep. Dust buildup, hidden refrigerant leaks, and worn parts can all affect how well your system cools.

Routine maintenance gives your AC system the best chance of staying strong through hot months. Our technicians can catch early problems before they grow into major breakdowns, keeping your unit reliable and running at peak efficiency.

A seasonal AC maintenance plan should include:

– Changing or cleaning air filters
– Inspecting evaporator and condenser coils
– Clearing the condensate drain
– Testing and calibrating the thermostat
– Checking refrigerant levels and potential leaks

These tasks allow the system to run more smoothly and cool more evenly. Large homes using high-capacity units or zoned systems rely on calibration and cleanliness for consistent results. Skipping maintenance for even one cooling season can drag down output and shorten your unit’s lifespan. Making tune-ups a yearly priority helps you avoid emergency repairs and stay more comfortable when temperatures rise.

Ensuring Comfortable Cooling for Large Spaces

If your large home feels stuffy or unevenly cooled despite having AC, the issue likely goes beyond one central unit. Bigger homes need a thoughtful combination of the right unit size, targeted airflow, zoned solutions, strong insulation, and consistent upkeep. All of these factors together support long-lasting comfort.

Whether you are dealing with high ceilings, multi-story layouts, or older ductwork, a tailored plan can help. Upgrading to the right AC equipment, segmenting zones, improving circulation, and committing to professional maintenance gives your home the best shot at staying cool from season to season.

Homes in New Albany have unique cooling needs, especially when square footage stretches beyond what most standard systems are meant to handle. With the right setup and support, your summer cooling can go from frustrating to dependable. Every improvement made reduces stress on your AC system and improves how your home feels day to day. Getting it right means staying comfortable, using less energy, and extending the life of your unit for years to come.

To maintain a comfortable home all summer in New Albany, Best Service Heating and Cooling advises that homeowners invest in the right cooling upgrades, including AC installation in New Albany to handle large spaces effectively. Regular assessments, tailored zoning, improved airflow, and scheduled maintenance can help ensure that your AC system works efficiently when you need it most. For a quick estimate or to book a service visit, please contact us today.