How Long Should My AC Take To Cool? [7 Factors To Consider]

Turning on the air conditioner can be a great way to relax. It brings cold air and creates a fresh breeze throughout a space. But that leads us to think, how long will an AC unit take to cool down my home? Well, lucky for you, we've done plenty of research into this topic, and we have the answers here.

Most air conditioners should take 1030 minutes to cool a room to the desired temperature. However, this can depend on various details. For example, the state of the air conditioner, desired temperature, size of the room, and even the climate outside. 

Furthermore, underlying issues with an air conditioner can affect its cool time, so many things come into play here.

To know more about the cooling time of your ACs, keep reading the additional details below. Learn how various can affect the speed to cool the room and determine how to make cooling time faster.

Additionally, see below some general guidelines and specific tips to choose the best units for more comfortable AC usage.

Beautiful girl stands under air conditioning and a stream of fresh cold air against a gray wall, How Long Should My AC Take To Cool [7 Factors To Consider]

Ideal Conditions For An Air Conditioner

One of the benefits of newer AC technology is that it can cool your home quicker than older models.

If you have an older model, you may have noticed that it takes quite some time for your home to cool down. This can be frustrating, especially on hot summer days.

Close up view on HVAC units

But then, with a new air conditioning unit, you can enjoy faster cooling and improved energy efficiency.

Furthermore, the size and location of the unit also bring a strong impact on the cooling time. If you have the right size for the room, it would efficiently give enough output required for the room.

So, it would operate faster, keeping the room at an ideal temperature.

Also, the correct placement of AC in the room would help to ensure that there's no passageway blockage. In this case, you need to make sure your AC faces the right direction of where you are mostly staying.

For example, if you are in a bedroom, you may see if it directly hits the bed or the dressers.

If you are in an office, you may also consider checking its angle to your table.

Whether you are placing them near the area you are primarily located in, you still need to keep them in the correct position. Through this case, It helps to make the room much cooler.

Factors To Consider For An Air Conditioner's Cool Time

Besides the suggestions given earlier, it is also essential for you to know the other factor affecting the cooling time of your AC. So check out below the various things to consider to make your room cool faster. 

1. Outdoor Climate And Temperature

When it comes to climate, hotter climates will naturally take longer to cool than cooler ones. That's because the humidity in hot weather makes it harder for an air conditioner to do its job.

So, if you wish to consider buying an air conditioner unit, it would be better to consider the climate in your area. Besides that, the time of the year is a significant factor in the AC cooling time.

To help you make the cooling time faster, you can use thick curtains, drapes, or blinds.

2. Thermostat Setting

Hand adjusting temperature on smart thermostat to save energy and money

Adjusting the thermostat will also help to speed up the cooling time of your AC. For example, you may try lowering the thermostat by just a couple of degrees and see the changes in the temperature.

Afterward, you may adjust it again to the higher thermostat to maintain the air level you desire to have.

If you adjust the thermostat, but the temperature is not changing, there could be a problem. Check it and see if it will let you do a system setting.

3. Size Of An Air Conditioning Unit

Most people think that bigger is always better for their air conditioner. But this isn't necessarily the case. Typically, an AC unit that's too large for your home will cool the space quickly but won't entirely remove the humidity properly.

As a result, it can leave your home feeling damp, and that would be pretty uncomfortable. Conversely, a too-small unit will run constantly and never reach the desired temperature.

4. State Of An Air Conditioner

Installing a new air conditioner can also help you achieve better cooling performance. If your AC unit is more than ten years old, it may be time to consider replacing it with a newer model.

Newer air conditioners are more energy-efficient and can cool your home down faster than older models.

Another thing you also need to consider is the state of your air filters. These filters quickly get dirty, so you need to allot time cleaning them.

On the other hand, maintaining your filters clean will help have a smooth airflow, keeping an effective cooling for the room. Experts suggest checking these filters once a month and if they look dirty, change them right away.

Dirty air conditioner filter need cleaning

Additionally, you also need to check your air ducts to see if there are some leaks, dirty coils, and even the condenser units. Then, make sure to fix them instantly for the AC to work without any problems.

5. Location Of An AC Unit

If you're looking for ways to enhance the performance of your AC unit, consider installing it in the correct location. Generally, air conditioners work best when placed in a spot with plenty of airflow, and that's shaded from direct sunlight.

However, if you can't install your AC unit in an ideal location, make sure to give it plenty of space to breathe and keep it clear of any obstructions.

6. Home/Room Size

Boyfriend turning on air conditioner while cheerful girlfriend sitting with arms raised on sofa at home

The size of your house and room also affects the cooling time. If you have a larger home, it will take longer for the AC unit to cool enough.

So, keep this in mind when choosing an air conditioner, and make sure to purchase one sized appropriately for your needs.

7. Insulation Of A Home

The insulation in your home can impact how quickly your AC unit cools down the room. If you have good insulation, your AC unit will need to work less to achieve the desired temperature.

Additionally, it can result in shorter cooling times and improved energy efficiency. However, if you have poor insulation, your unit will have to work harder to get the desired results, leading to increased energy costs and longer cooling times.

How Long Should My AC Take To Cool 1 Degree?

In general, a newer air conditioner and well-maintained units will lower the temperature by one degree in about 18 minutes. As we said, newer systems tend to do a better job versus old ones, so this can affect your timeframe.

Additionally, you can reach cool up to one degree by adjusting the thermostat to its best possible level.

How Long Will An AC Unit Take To Cool House From 80 To 72 Degrees?

If you wish to lower the temperature from 80 to 72 degrees, you might wait for about two and a half hours to three hours. It could also get longer if the outside temperature is hot, especially during the summer months.

How Can I Cool Down My Home Fast?

Mature woman adjusting central heating temperature at home on thermostat

Luckily, you can do several things to make the AC cooling time faster. Others prefer using dark curtains and covers to the windows.

You could also upgrade your lights to LEDs to prevent heat from coming from other lights like fluorescent, incandescent, and light bulbs.

Besides that, insulators also work perfectly to keep the house cool. Furthermore, you may add them to the walls, ceilings, or even under the flooring.

Final Thoughts

We found that a room and house can cool faster than one may have expected. You only need to ensure that your air conditioning unit is in its best condition. Also, you may follow the tips we mentioned above.

If you still need any help on why your AC is not working correctly, you can reach out to the experts and let them check the current situation of your unit.

Made it to the end? Check out these helpful related posts below!

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