Architectural Designs

What should you do when at the start of season the Central AC seems very slow to cool? Any tips?

I bought a house in upstate NY in Dec, The prior owner installed Central AC last summer (2007) integrated with the existing forced air heating system. It worked fine on house inspection. A few days ago it was a very humid night & my house was somewhat warm (78) but the humidity made it feel worse. Outside it was only 70 so I tried to open up more windows to cool the house but that wasn't doing the trick so I closed the windows and started up the Central AC. It came on, & I could feel it but it seemed to take a rather large amount time to cool expecially since it was actually a bit cooler outside. It eventually did cool the house & get rid of the humidity. I am trying to figure out if that is normal at the start of the season. 1 person said it needs run it for 24 hrs or so before it reaches it peak efficiency. Perhaps it needs a new filter (I am planning to bring in HVAC guy for a tune up to make sure its ok) but is this normal? Anyone have tips to start the cooling season? thanks Additional details: Filter, yes I would like to change it but I have no idea how and so at least initially I need the HVAC to show me how to do it. Plus, I just want to make sure as baseline everything is working properly (yeah it may costs a few bucks, but the more efficient it run the less electric it will need). I already have a programmable thermostat and intend to use. I programed it for winter and will set up something for the cooling season. I have a ceiling fan in my bedroom and I use it and will continue to do so. The other day when I tried it wasn't that hot (I could handle the 78 temp esp with the fan, it was the humidity that made it feel awful). When I first used it was on a day that was not that hot (just humid) and in fact outside was already cooler (70). It just took a while which was a concern causes when its 95 this weekend I really need it to work. And during the summer I plan to leave it, but set at high temp (84-86) when not home. Above in the addtional details when I said HVAC, I meant HVAC service person (not the system). I have scheduled the person to come take a look but I still welcome your thoughts and tips. Thanks.

Public Comments

1. Sounds normal. The house had been shut down and the heat had settled in. The a/c just took a little longer to cool the whole house down. It should run normal now. I would still have the HVAC guy come over and check it out.
2. let it run 24 hrs.., if you are at work set it to 78 when you get home lower the temp down on your desire 70 or whatever..,at night when you go to sleep change the temp back to 78 again..,in your bedroom turn your fan on...,you don't need lower temp at night coz you are sleeping you're not moving around 78 degree from airconditioning with fan in your room would be enough to stay you cool...this will save you money too...do not turn the airconditioning off ever, unless you change filter then turn it back on right away... :)
3. I'll tell you what my father-in told me. Save yourself the money of calling the HVAC guy, especially if the system was put in just last year. First of all, make sure that your filter is cleaned or replaced as should be. Here's where my father-in-law's advice comes in, that was suggested to him from a HVAC guy. The best way to test you system is on a cooler day before the heat really starts. Turn on your system and set the temperature down a couple of degrees from the current temperature. If the system is running efficiently, the AC should be able to reduce the temp this couple of degrees in about an hour. (This is subject to some give and take depending on the size of your house?) As another suggestion, I hope you have a programmable thermostat? If not, it will more than pay for itself and I'd highly advise it. Most of them come with energy saving schedules for set temperatures and time. As for myself, I set it for 78 while we're home and use ceiling fans in the rooms were in (ceiling fan will make it feel approx. 4 degrees cooler). During the day while we're not home it's set to 82. But at night while the cost of electricity is lower (we have pay by the hour utilities) I have it set to 75. We all seem to enjoy the cooler temps for a restful night. Best of luck!