If your air conditioner has been struggling to keep your house cool during the sweltering southeastern summers, but it’s in good condition, you might consider adding a second AC unit.
Learn more about the pros and cons of adding a second air conditioner and some alternatives to consider.
Adding a second AC unit to your home can provide several advantages, but it isn’t a decision to take lightly. Here are some of the benefits to consider before getting another air conditioner:
If some rooms in your house are too hot while others are too cold, adding a second AC can help create more balanced, consistent temperatures. Your home may have a temperature imbalance for several reasons.
A single air conditioning system is adequate for most single-story homes. However, if your house is large, has an unusual layout or has rooms isolated from the rest of the home — such as an apartment or a guest suite — some rooms might cool more inconsistently than others. Generally speaking, one AC unit should be effective for a single-story home of less than 3,000 square feet.
Two-story houses are more likely to have a temperature imbalance than single-story houses. Because heat rises, the top floor is often hotter than the ground floor when there is only one AC unit to cool the entire house. Depending on how your system is set up, the top floor may never reach the set temperature, or the lower floor may be colder than you want to get the second floor to the desired temperature.
Maintaining a comfortable, consistent indoor temperature throughout the home can be difficult with only one unit. Having multiple AC units allows you to create multiple zones to cool the home consistently. When you install a second AC, it will have its own ductwork and thermostat. If you want, you can set different temperatures for each floor. You can also set them at the same temperature without worrying about one floor being hotter than the other.
When you have multiple AC units, each one can be smaller since it will only cool a portion of your home. Running two smaller air conditioners instead of one large one can improve energy efficiency and prevent overworking a single unit.
You may even find you only need to run one and not the other, optimizing your energy use and decreasing cooling costs. For example, if all the bedrooms are on the top floor, you might only cool the main floor during the day and only the second floor at night.
Replacing one system with two reduces strain on each unit, helping prolong their life spans. When you aren’t pushing your AC to the limit, it operates more effectively, which also reduces repairs.
Another advantage of having a second AC is that you essentially have a redundant system in case one unit fails. You can keep your home at a safe, more comfortable temperature while you wait for an air conditioner repair tech to fix the broken system.
For homeowners in Florida, relying on a single unit can be risky during the hottest parts of the summer. This is especially true if your household includes people particularly vulnerable to heat, such as young children and older adults.
The main downside of getting a second air conditioning system is the cost of installation. In addition to purchasing the actual air conditioner and a thermostat, you may need to adjust your ducts and upgrade your electrical system to handle the additional load.
You should also consider where you’ll place the outdoor AC unit and indoor air handler. Condensers perform best out of direct sunlight, such as on the north or east sides of your home, and in a clear area where vegetation is unlikely to interfere with heat dissipation.
Ideally, you want to place all the equipment close together since this can reduce ductwork and increase efficiency. Having everything in one central location also makes it easier to inspect and maintain the equipment.
However, buying a new AC system can save you money in the long term by improving efficiency, reducing maintenance costs and increasing your property value. Even if the dual system costs about the same to run as the single system, the improved comfort may be worth the investment.
You may not need a second AC unit to achieve more consistent temperatures and a more effective system. Consider these alternatives:
Creating a zoning system without adding another AC means implementing dampers in your ductwork so the single AC unit only cools some parts of the house and not others. Unlike adding a dual AC system, a single-unit zoned system uses the same ductwork, but each zone still has a separate thermostat.
Using a zoning system can also save money if you aren’t cooling the entire house at the same time. Installing zones is more expensive than replacing a traditional non-zoned system, but it is more affordable than adding an entire second AC system.
Another option is installing a ductless mini-split system instead of a traditional second system. If only one room gets particularly warm, you might not need a second whole-house AC. This smaller AC unit is usually wall-mounted and allows you to control the temperature in one area without adding to or adjusting your ductwork.
Uneven cooling could also result from inadequate insulation or air leaks. In this case, adding a second unit might keep the area cool, but you likely won’t see any cost savings. It’s better to address any insulation issues and gaps before committing to installing a second AC system. Air gaps are common around doors and windows, and attics are often insufficiently insulated.
If you’re trying to decide whether you need a second air conditioner, it’s best to work with a trained specialist who can help you determine which AC units you need for your home and size them correctly. Since 2003, Strada Air Conditioning & Heating has provided quality HVAC equipment and excellent services. When you need to repair or replace your AC system, we’re here to help.
We serve homeowners across the Southeast, and our technicians provide prompt, professional services. Please reach out if you have questions about your HVAC system. You can also find a location near you or schedule services online today!
Joe Strada, owner of Strada Electric, Security & Air Conditioning, started working at the young age of 14. He’s never attended college, but he has spent his life dedicating his time and energy to his trade and providing high-quality services to his customers. At 19, Joe started working at a well-known air conditioning company and developing his commitment to excellence. He has state certifications in electric, plumbing, air conditioning, residential building and general contracting. During his years of training and experience, Joe noticed a sincere need for a dependable electrical contractor in Florida who embodied the same dedication to customer service in which he believed. In 2003, Joe co-founded Strada Electric, Security & Air Conditioning. Since then, the company has been in the business of providing peace of mind to customers. We offer expert electric, security and air conditioning solutions for homes and businesses, leveraging our experience to deliver professional and responsive service with reliability and respect.
