AC Repair Considerations for Sterling Heights
The most common home type in Sterling Heights is the single-story brick home. This home has many advantages and disadvantages concerning AC repair and maintenance. We have trained our technicians to service these homes specifically taking into account seasonal weather patterns and other factors in Sterling Heights. We have included more in-depth information below.
Proper Insulation and Sealing Gaps Are Crucial Due to the Extreme Climate
Brick is not generally considered an insulative material, meaning proper insulation in the home and sealing in the doors and windows must be prioritized. If the insulation and sealing gaps are not properly checked, the AC system will overcompensate for the loss of cool air, meaning the system will deteriorate quicker, require more maintenance, and the energy will cost more. Because the Sterling Heights summers are extremely humid and hot and the winters are extremely cold, regular maintenance is required to ensure the system will not give out sooner than expected.
How Brick Homes Are Affected by Humidity
With a brick home, there are several considerations relating to how humidity is handled. They naturally absorb and release moisture, which will naturally keep the home cooler. But, during the heat of the summer when humidity remains high for long periods, humidity inside the home can also drastically increase if not properly managed. During the summers, 30%-40% of Sterling Heights homes will have too high (>60%) humidity. For this, we recommend the use of dehumidifiers in addition to ensuring the AC system is properly maintained and able to not only cool the air but also remove moisture through condensation.
The Thermal Mass of Brick Can Lead to Slower Temperature Adjustments
Brick has a high thermal mass, meaning once it has heated up, it can take it longer to release the heat than siding, for example. Additionally, this means that once a home has become humid, it can take longer to dehumidify. If the cooling load of the AC system is not properly balanced for the home taking into account the seasonal weather patterns, the home will take far longer to cool. Our technicians ensure the system is properly balanced for cooling the home.
Direct Sunlight Exposure on All Parts of the Home Can Hurt Cooling Efficiency
Because there is no second-story buffer on single story homes, primary areas of the home will be hit with sun both on the walls and the roof. On the average of 183 sunny days per year in Sterling Heights, direct sunlight can increase indoor temperatures. Our technicians may recommend additional attic insulation to mitigate heat absorption, and landscaping with trees and shrubs to provide shade can also reduce the cooling demands. Our goal is to ensure your system is not being overworked in the summers, which could lead to a decrease in the life of the system.
Airflow Dynamics Are an Important Consideration in Single-Story Brick Homes
In multi-story homes, heat rises to create varying temperature zones. Because this does not occur in single-story homes and heat entering the home through large windows or a wall exposed to the sun has nowhere to rise to, the ductwork design must distribute air efficiently based on where heat is building. For this reason, we ensure the ductwork is not leaking or obstructed to ensure cooling happens efficiently.
Pollutants & Humidity Can Become More Concentrated in Single-Story Homes
Many single-story homes in Sterling Heights built prior to 2001 are not properly ventilated, meaning pollutants and humidity can become more concentrated in the home. Brick has a lower rate of natural air exchange, meaning other tools must be used to ensure air flows efficiently without temperature loss. Mechanical ventilation systems are a great way to ensure the air in the home remains clean without sacrificing AC efficiency. Additionally, regular maintenance of the AC system such as cleaning filters and ductwork is important for maintaining the indoor air quality.