Ever feel like your air conditioner just isn’t doing its job during the Colorado summer? Before you blame the unit, consider this: your AC might not be lazy, it’s just trying to do its job in Colorado’s high-altitude environment.
That’s right. Living a mile above sea level in places like Denver or Colorado Springs affects more than your lungs. It also puts a surprising amount of stress on your cooling system.
How Does Colorado’s Altitude Affect Air Conditioners?
At higher elevations, the air is thinner. This means there’s less oxygen and lower air pressure. So what does that have to do with your AC?
Your air conditioner relies on dense air to help move heat out of your home. When the air is thinner, it can’t transfer heat as efficiently. As a result, your AC has to work harder to achieve the same level of cooling it would at sea level. In fact, performance can drop by 15 to 20 percent.
Why Does This Make Your AC Less Efficient?
It comes down to two major things: heat exchange and compressor performance.
When the air is less dense, your AC’s ability to exchange heat drops. That’s bad news in the summer. On top of that, the compressor, which is already doing the heavy lifting, has to run longer and harder. That means more wear and tear, higher energy bills, and a home that may never quite feel cool enough.
What Can Help Your AC Perform Better at High Altitudes?
So, what can you do about it? Thankfully, there are solutions.
- Get a professional calibration – Your system may need adjustments to account for altitude. A trained technician can recalibrate the system pressure and refrigerant levels.
- Choose altitude-rated equipment – If you’re replacing your system, look for units built for high elevations.
- Install a variable-speed system – These systems adapt better to Colorado’s big temperature swings and thinner air.
- Maintain regularly – Clean filters, proper refrigerant levels, and annual tune-ups go a long way.
Ready To Cool Smarter in Colorado?
Your AC isn’t underperforming, it’s just battling the unique challenges of living at altitude. With the right adjustments and a little help from professionals, you can beat the heat without overworking your system.
For expert AC service and smart cooling solutions tailored to Colorado’s climate, trust SWAN Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, INC. We’re here to help your home stay cool, no matter the elevation.