I bought my 1964 home in 2021, and I've noticed that it really struggles to stay cool during the summer months. My house is a single-story, 1200 sqft with three bedrooms and an attached garage that we use as a fourth bedroom. The HVAC system was added in the 90s, and I had to replace it just two months after moving in. Now, as we're going into our fourth summer with this unit, I'm concerned because it can't keep up when it gets over 90°F. Even now, it's two hours before sunset, and my thermostat is set to a lower temp, yet it's already 5°F higher than what it should be.
We've tried several fixes: replacing a large single-pane wood window that faced the sunset with a newer style and adding blackout curtains, but that didn't help. I also replaced the front door and fixed the weather stripping, and we've had the attic checked—the insulation is fine. We recently cleaned the ductwork and checked for leaks, but everything seems good. Two HVAC companies confirmed that the unit size is appropriate for the space. We regularly change the filters and even have the system serviced twice a year.
It's becoming a point of contention with my husband; he thinks blocking the large window might be the best approach, but I'm skeptical. Could there be something we're overlooking?
3 Answers
One thing you might consider is getting a thermal camera to check for any hidden leaks where cold air might escape. It can really help pinpoint problem areas that you can’t see right away.
Sounds like you've put a lot of effort into improvements! Just a thought: try adjusting your thermostat up a bit. Setting it to 65 might be pushing your old system too hard. It could be easier to keep it around 74-75. Also, check that the air coming from your vents is at least 15-20°F cooler than the return air; if it’s not, you might have airflow issues.
That makes sense! I'll definitely check the temps and see how well the return vents are working.
I get how frustrating that can be! With older homes like yours, even if you’ve done a lot, walls often lack the modern insulation we have now. You might want to look into insulation options to up your R-value a bit. Also, consider shading on the south side; that can help reduce heat during the day.
That’s a good idea! Do you have a specific thermal camera in mind that works well?