How Long Does It Take to Cool a House After AC Repair?

You’ve just had your AC repaired, and now you’re eagerly waiting for that sweet, cool breeze to fill your home. But how long will it take to cool your house down after an AC repair? The answer depends on several factors. The good news is, you can speed up the process by understanding what’s at play and making a few adjustments while you wait.

Factors That Affect How Long It Takes to Cool Your House After an AC Repair

1. Type of AC Repair

The type of repair your AC unit needed plays a key role in how long it takes for your home to reach your desired temperature. Some repairs are minor and can be fixed quickly, while others might require more extensive work. For example:

• Recharging Refrigerant: If the refrigerant in your AC was low, it could take anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours to get it back to the right levels. Once that’s done, cooling should return to normal fairly quickly.
• Cleaning Coils or Filters: If the repair was just a quick cleaning of the condenser or evaporator coils, or if a new filter was installed, the system may cool your home a bit faster than if the refrigerant had to be recharged.
• Replacing Parts: If a major component, like the compressor or the fan motor, was replaced, the repair might have required the system to be shut off for an extended period, meaning it could take a bit longer for the house to cool back down to a comfortable level.

2. Weather Outside

One of the biggest factors affecting how quickly your home cools down after an AC repair is the outside temperature. If it’s a scorching 95°F outside, it’s going to take longer for your air conditioner to cool the house. Why? Because the temperature differential between your home and the outside air is larger, and the AC unit has to work harder to overcome that.

However, if it’s cooler outside – maybe in the 70s – your AC won't have to work as hard, and your home will cool down more quickly. In hot weather, you might notice it can take a few hours for the house to feel noticeably cooler. In milder weather, it may take less time.

3. How High the Temperature Got During the Repair

Another factor to consider is how high the temperature inside your house got while the AC system was off during the repair. If the indoor temperature rose significantly – say, to 85°F or higher – it will naturally take longer for the system to cool things down. If the AC has been off for several hours, it may take more time for it to bring the temperature back to a comfortable level. 

It’s also important to avoid adjusting the thermostat too low right after a repair. Setting it to an extremely low temperature, like 60°F, could cause the system to struggle, especially if it hasn’t been functioning properly for a while.

4. House Size

The size of your home also matters. A larger house requires more cooling power to reach the desired temperature. For example, cooling a 1,500 square foot home is much faster than cooling a 3,000 square foot house. The number of rooms, the layout of your home, and the number of floors all impact how long it will take. A home with multiple floors may take a bit longer since the cold air needs to circulate through all areas of the house.

5. AC System Type and Efficiency

Not all air conditioning systems are created equal. Older or less efficient units will take longer to cool down your home compared to modern, high-efficiency units. If your system was older or had major repairs, you might notice that the cooling process isn’t as quick as it used to be. On the other hand, if you have a high-efficiency system, it might cool your house down more quickly.

6. Ductwork Condition and Insulation Levels

The condition of your home’s insulation and ductwork can also impact how quickly your house cools down after an AC repair. If your insulation is outdated or your ducts are leaking, cool air may escape, causing the system to work harder and take longer to reach your desired temperature. Properly sealed ducts and good insulation help maintain the cool air inside, allowing the AC to cool the space more efficiently.

What to Do in the Meantime

While you’re waiting for your home to cool down, there are a few things you can do to speed up the process:

Set Your Thermostat to the Desired Temperature

After your AC repair, it’s tempting to crank the thermostat way down to speed things up, but this can actually put unnecessary strain on your system. Instead, set it to a reasonable temperature (maybe 5-10 degrees lower than the current room temperature) and let the AC gradually work its way down.

Use Fans to Circulate Cool Air

Ceiling fans or portable fans can help push the cool air down to your living spaces, making it feel cooler while you wait for the temperature to come down. Fans don’t lower the temperature, but they can make the air feel cooler by improving air circulation.

Close Windows and Blinds

Heat can easily sneak in through open windows or blinds, especially during the day. Make sure all windows are closed, and use blinds or curtains to block out the sun. This helps keep the cool air inside and prevents your AC from working harder than necessary.

Check the Air Filter

A dirty air filter can limit your system’s airflow, making it harder for your AC to cool the house. If the filter was cleaned during the repair, great! If not, it’s a good idea to check it and make sure it’s clean. A clean filter helps improve the system’s efficiency, allowing it to cool your home faster.