How Long Does It Take to Cool House After AC Repair: Quick Guide

After repairing the malfunctioning AC, we all feel eager to feel that cool breeze again. However, the time it takes to cool down the home can vary. In this post, we’ll cover different factors influencing the cooling time, how long does it take to cool your house after an AC repair, and effective tips for cooling after repair.

Factors Influencing the Cooling Time 

A common question people often ask is: “How long will it take to cool down my house” after an AC repair. The answer depends on a variety of factors, such as:

1.  Size and Layout of Your Home

This is one of the most important factors that affect the cooling duration.

When the cool air is distributed evenly, you will feel the cooling more effectively. So, if you have a small house, you can feel the air cooling faster. On the other hand, larger houses require more time to cool.

Moreover, complex houses with multiple floors or open spaces take even more time to cool the house.

2. Outdoor Temperature and Humidity 

If the outside temperature is 95°F or above, cooling indoor space will be time-consuming. Your AC will have to balance the temperature first to cool the house. 

In case of high humidity, cooling takes longer as the air conditioner needs to dehumidify before cooling. This increases the cooling time and consumes more energy.

3. Type of the Repair 

Repair type mainly indicates how bad the condition of your AC was and what extent of repair is done. Minor repairs from any HVAC service in Texas do not require a longer period to start cooling. But any major repair needs comparatively more time to cool the house. In major repairs like compressor fixing, refrigerant leak fixing, or resetting certain components, the AC unit needs to stabilize first and then start cooling. 

4. Type of Service Provider 

Sometimes, this factor is overlooked but you should repair your AC from expert service providers. Many experts offer 24-hour HVAC service which is reliable. If you get the best service, the AC will function faster, and cooling time will decrease. But for inefficient service, the functioning of your AC may take time.

5. Age and Condition of the System 

New and upgraded systems are normally more efficient than old models. Additionally, the upgraded AC units with higher SEER2 ratings are designed for faster cooling.

On the other hand, old AC units are not efficient enough to work faster. So, after repair, it takes a long time to get in form and cool the house.

6. Insulation Quality and Condition of the Ductwork 

If your house has poor insulation quality, it will vent some cool air outside. So, the AC will require a long time to distribute the air and cool the space. But a well-insulated house will cool down faster.

Leaky or poor ductwork also creates the same scenario. So, ensure there is proper ductwork and well-insulated walls, ceilings, or windows.

7. Thermostat Settings

If you set the thermostat wrong or keep it low initially, it will take a longer period to cool the house. So, keep the thermostat in a moderate setting and try not to force fast cooling. 

Approximate Cooling Time After AC Repair 

The cooling duration of an AC isn’t fixed for all types of repairs. On average, the cooling time can be anywhere from 3 to 24 hours. You may feel the temperature drop within 30 minutes to an hour. But it changes according to the factors.

Here is a simplified table for approximate cooling time:

Home SizeCooling Time (Start)Full Cooling Time (Approximately)
For Minor Repairs 
Small Homes (under 1,500 sq. ft.)1 to 2 hours3 to 4 hours
Medium Homes (1,500 – 2,500 sq. ft.)2 to 3 hours4 to 6 hours
Larger Homes (2,500 sq. ft. and above)3 to 4 hours6 to 8 hours
For Moderate Repairs 
Small Homes 2 to 3 hours5 to 6 hours
Medium Homes 3 to 4 hours6 to 8 hours 
Larger Homes 8 to 12 hours8 to 12 hours
For Major Repairs 
Small Homes 5 to 7 hours10 to 12 hours
Medium Homes 6 to 8 hours12 to 16 hours 
Larger Homes Up to 24 hoursUp to 24 hours

Keep in mind:

–          Minor repairs include filter changes, thermostat recalibrations, etc.

–          Moderate Repairs include refrigerant refill, fan motor replacement, etc

–          Major repairs include compressor replacement, major refrigerant leak fix, etc.

Extreme heat conditions and all other factors may slightly change the approximate time for cooling your home.

Effective Expert Tips for Cooling After Repair

Experts suggest some tips and tricks to speed up the cooling process after repairs.

●        After repairing, set the thermostat to a moderate setting and let your AC run continuously at the same setting. Do not try to adjust the setting repeatedly. This stabilizes the air conditioner and lets it cool the space faster.

●        Close the doors, windows, and any open area of your house to let the AC circulate cool air in the house.

●        Keep the air vents clean so that there are no obstructions to the airflow. 

●        Avoid using stoves, ovens, dryers, or such heat-generating appliances for the first few hours.

●        Switch on the ceiling fan to circulate the cool air throughout the house faster.

●        Keep the curtains closed and give the AC some time to stabilize.

This is how you can cool your home faster after AC repair. However, do not forget to take the repair service from experts. Do not get worried about the cooling time after repairs. Just allow it to stabilize first and cool the home gradually. 

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