Home AC Question

[doylehargraves]

I have a vaulted ceiling, which creates headaches in trying to keep the house cool when temps start getting in the upper 90s / near 100. I have ceiling fans which help a little, but are there other alternatives to help cool the house?

 

[Brak]

Do you have a two story home and the problem is in the upstair?

Or a one story that won't keep cool. I thought the warmer air would rise up and not be that big on a deal.

Can you provide more details?

 

[doylehargraves]

It's a one-story. Has a 17 ft. tall vaulted ceiling in the family / entertainment room. I always assumed the lack of attic space / and insulation creates the problem.

 

[BigWill]

Turn off the ceiling fans. Ceiling fans and AC don't mix. Let the cool air settle towards the floor, and the hot air rise up to the ceiling.

 

[TXHookem]

BTW - anyone know how much a new air conditioner costs? We have a 2,000 sq.ft. house (1 story) and I figure sooner or later, we'll need to get a new system.

 

[sapo1495]

TXHookem- are you in Austin- if so,and your unit is over 10 yrs old, contact Austin Energy about the low interest or rebate programs they have- they are a good deal . www.austinenergy.com/Energy%20Efficiency/Programs/Rebates/index.htm

 

[TXHookem]

Nope... I'm in Houston

 

[horn4life]

doylehargraves- Do you have soffit vents on the outside under your eaves(sp?)?

I have the same problem and simply cutting holes in soffits and putting vent covers on them helped A LOT! I think there simply was not enough ability for cooler air to displace the super heated air in the small area between the vault and the roofline was the main problem.

It worked wonders for me and my energy use fell to keep the same level of coolness. I do however think that ceiling fans help when you are in the room.

TX HOOKEM - call around and get some folks to give you estimates. Much better if possible to have this done in non-peak season. For $2000 square feet i am guessing about $3500 for both inside and outside units. Possible less.