When you’ve just had a brand-new AC system installed in your Glendale home, the last thing you expect is for it to underperform. Maybe your rooms aren’t cooling evenly, or the energy bills have started climbing instead of dropping. It’s frustrating when something you believed would make your home more comfortable turns into another problem to tackle in the middle of summer.
There are a few key reasons this could be happening, and most of them go back to how the installation process was handled. A new AC system should run efficiently and cool your home reliably. If it’s not doing that, it may not be the equipment at fault. It could be the result of sizing errors, airflow issues, thermostat misplacement, or even insulation problems. Let’s explore what might be going wrong before the problem gets worse.
Improper Sizing Of The AC Unit
If the AC unit in your Glendale home isn’t sized correctly, you’ll notice problems almost right away. Unfortunately, this issue is more common than most homeowners think. Whether it’s too small to handle your square footage or too large and short-cycling constantly, the system won’t operate at full potential if the load calculation wasn’t done properly.
Here’s how sizing issues tend to reveal themselves:
– Uneven cooling across your rooms
– AC runs constantly or turns off too quickly
– High humidity indoors even when the AC is on
– Spikes in your electric bill
– Noticeable wear and tear in just a few months
For example, a Glendale homeowner might install a unit meant for a larger home hoping to boost performance. But bigger doesn’t mean better. An oversized unit will cool spaces too fast and shut down before removing enough humidity, leaving behind a damp, sticky atmosphere. On the other hand, a unit that’s too small will run nonstop trying to catch up with the temperature on the thermostat, putting extra stress on the system and using more energy.
Sizing is not just about the square footage of your house. Ceiling height, number of windows, insulation quality, and your home’s layout all impact which AC size is best for your space. If your system doesn’t match the actual cooling needs of your home, performance is going to fall short quickly.
Poor Ductwork Design
Even when you’ve got the right AC unit, bad ductwork can block your results. Airflow is key to making a new installation work the way it should. If air can’t circulate properly, your system will struggle to cool rooms evenly, no matter how advanced the model is.
Here are some common ductwork issues that can lower AC performance:
– Ducts that are too narrow or too wide for the system
– Long runs of ductwork without zoning or balancing
– Leaks in duct joints or seams
– Poor sealing with tape instead of mastic
– Ducts placed in unconditioned spaces without insulation
One common issue in homes around Glendale is leaky ductwork in older properties. As homes age, so do their duct systems. If there’s a crack or loose connection, cold air can escape before it even reaches the vent. You might feel like your system isn’t doing enough, when in reality, the cool air is being lost inside walls or the attic.
Layout matters too. Sharp turns and long duct paths can slow airflow, especially without proper air balancing. Even if your AC is pushing air with full power, poor duct design can keep it from reaching the furthest rooms in your house.
If your new AC isn’t performing the way it should, ductwork problems are worth checking. The solution often starts with correcting layout issues, sealing up leaks, and making adjustments that match your new system.
Inaccurate Thermostat Placement
It’s easy to overlook the thermostat when dealing with AC performance problems, but its placement can throw off the entire system. If the thermostat is installed in a spot that doesn’t reflect the average temperature of the home, it may cause unnecessary short cycling or extended run times. This means your system is constantly stopping and starting or running too long, not because the temperature in your rooms is off, but because the thermostat is getting the wrong signal.
Here are common thermostat placement issues that cause problems:
– Placed too close to windows where sunlight skews the reading
– Installed near vents or returns that draft cool air directly onto the unit
– Located in hallways where airflow is limited and not reflective of room temps
– Positioned near kitchens or appliances that release heat
– Installed upstairs in larger two-story homes where heat naturally rises
For example, a Glendale homeowner could have a new thermostat mounted near a kitchen. As cooking heats the area, the thermostat reads that space as warmer than the rest of the house, causing the AC to overcompensate, run too long, and overcool the home. This simple mistake leads to discomfort and usually higher energy use.
Moving a thermostat even just a few feet can make a noticeable difference. It should be placed in a central location away from vents, heat-producing appliances, and windows. When wired and positioned correctly, it helps the AC know when to start and stop based on an accurate average temperature inside the living areas.
Inadequate Insulation Reduces Efficiency
Even with a properly sized AC unit and efficient ductwork, your cooling system can struggle if the insulation in your home isn’t doing its job. Insulation is what keeps the cool air inside and the heat outside, especially during Glendale’s summer heat. When insulation is missing, thin, or poorly installed, you’ll feel the difference.
Some typical signs of insulation issues include:
– Rooms that heat up quickly during the afternoon
– Cool air that seems to disappear minutes after turning off the AC
– The need to run the system longer than expected
– Attics or crawl spaces that are extremely hot
Insulation problems often start in the attic. Since heat rises, the attic becomes a primary escape route for cooled air. Many older homes in Glendale were built with minimal insulation or materials that have broken down over time. In newer homes, insulation may have been installed too loosely or not enough of it was used. Without a reliable barrier, your AC has to run longer to make up for the steady loss in temperature.
Walls and floors matter too. A new AC installation is meant to cool the indoor environment, not fight an uphill battle against external heat gain. If cool air escapes and hot air enters, your system ends up working harder for less output. That usually shortens the lifespan of the equipment and raises energy costs.
Upgrading insulation or sealing weak areas can help your system cycle less and maintain a more even temperature throughout the day. It’s one of the last things homeowners think about, but it often plays a bigger role than expected in how well an AC setup performs.
Getting the Most from Your AC Installation in Glendale
New AC systems aren’t typically the source of poor performance. It’s the way everything else around them was handled. Undersized or oversized units, air blocked by flawed ductwork, a thermostat that can’t read the room correctly, and heat slipping in through poorly insulated walls and ceilings all put pressure on the system. These issues prevent the equipment from performing as intended.
For Glendale homeowners, resolving these problems starts with a full assessment of your setup. It’s not always about replacing the AC unit. Fixing the surrounding environment, duct layout, thermostat location, home insulation, can change how your system performs from day one. The goal is to create a setup where the AC doesn’t have to overwork just to maintain the desired temperature.
Once everything is properly aligned, your system should run cleaner, quieter, and more consistently. Professional installation isn’t just about placing equipment. It’s about ensuring the entire home supports its function. When all the pieces are in place, your Glendale home will stay cooler, longer, and far more efficiently.
When your home struggles with inconsistent cooling and rising energy bills, it may be time to review your system’s installation. At Just One Call, Inc., our professionals understand that issues like improper sizing and poor ductwork design can impact performance, and a careful assessment can make all the difference. Improve your comfort and efficiency with expert AC installation in Glendale. For a quick estimate or to book a service visit, please contact us today.