A/C Not Keeping Your Home Cool? Try This

If your air conditioner is running but not cooling your house, the problem may not be the unit itself. Sometimes long Wisconsin winters can make us all forget why we even own an air conditioner. We might even enjoy a few comfortable spring days and a second or third dose of winter before thinking about it. Then BAM! In comes the heat without much warning, and you start to notice your A/C can barely keep up. Before you jump right to an A/C repair or replacement, there are a few things to investigate.

1. Are you using it properly?

Did you know an air conditioner is only meant to cool the air in your home 20℉ below the outside temperature? Setting your thermostat for anything lower will only expend more energy without additional cooling benefit. During extreme heat, you may need to supplement central air with fans. It also helps to spend time on the lowest level of your home, as hot air rises and will impact the temperature of your upstairs floors.

2. Does your A/C need to be cleaned?

Many homeowners neglect to schedule the yearly service maintenance recommended by air conditioning manufacturers. When properly maintained, the units last about 40 percent longer. If annual visits from a technician still aren’t on your to-do list, there are also DIY cleaning tips available to help you keep your unit running smoothly.

3. Does your home have air leaks?

Air sealing helps your home stay cooler for longer. In fact, this is the first necessary step to summer-proofing your home. Even if your home is properly insulated, you won’t eliminate drafts without filling in all of the gaps with a tight seal so air stays put. Have a professional thoroughly examine your home for points of air leakage: vents, recessed lighting, windows and chimneys are just some of the places where outside air can leak into your home and inside air can leak out.

4. Is your home properly insulated?

While insulation may seem synonymous with winter, it helps tremendously in summer by blocking warm air from entering your home. How does it work? Insulation slows the transfer of heat, restricts movement of air moisture, and creates an air and vapor barrier. It can be installed in your walls, ceilings, and floors to help make your heating and cooling systems work more efficiently, which will ultimately reduce your energy bills.

Signs Your Home May Need More Insulation

If you’re experiencing any of these issues, your insulation, not your air conditioner, could be part of the problem:

• Your upstairs is much hotter than the first floor
• Your A/C runs constantly during hot afternoons
• Some rooms never seem comfortable
• Energy bills spike every summer
• Walls or ceilings feel warm to the touch
• You notice drafts around windows, doors or attic access points

Why Insulation Helps Your Air Conditioner Work Better

Many homeowners think insulation only helps keep heat inside during winter. In reality, it works year-round.

During the summer, insulation slows the movement of outdoor heat into your home, helping your air conditioner maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without working as hard.

Your attic plays an especially important role. On a hot Wisconsin summer day, attic temperatures can exceed 130°F. Without enough attic insulation and proper air sealing, that heat transfers into the rooms below, often making upstairs bedrooms the hardest areas to keep cool.

Better insulation can help:

• Reduce hot and cold spots
• Improve comfort upstairs
• Lower cooling costs
• Reduce strain on your HVAC system
• Help your home stay cooler longer

Frequently Asked Questions

Can insulation really help my air conditioner?

Yes. Proper insulation slows heat transfer, allowing your A/C to cool your home more efficiently.

Can poor insulation make my air conditioner run constantly?

Yes. If cool air escapes through gaps or your home allows heat to enter easily, your A/C has to run longer to maintain the thermostat setting. This can increase wear on your system and raise your energy bills.

Why is my upstairs always hotter?

Heat naturally rises, but insufficient attic insulation and air leaks often make upstairs rooms much warmer than the rest of the house.

Can air leaks make my A/C work harder?

Absolutely. Air escaping through gaps around your attic, recessed lights, windows, doors, and penetrations forces your cooling system to run longer.

Can air sealing make a difference even if my home is already insulated?

Yes. Insulation works best when combined with proper air sealing. Even a well-insulated home can lose cooled air through small gaps and cracks. Sealing those leaks helps your insulation perform more effectively.

Should I replace my air conditioner or add insulation first?

If your HVAC system is functioning properly, improving insulation and air sealing may solve comfort issues while reducing energy costs. A professional evaluation can help determine the best solution.