Why do houses in Arizona have air conditioners on the roof?

It's not uncommon to see an air conditioning unit on the roof in Arizona because these systems require optimal circulation and ventilation in such a hot climate.

Why do houses have AC units on the roof?

Keeping the unit off the ground may also reduce the need for maintenance and repair. The dust storms can cause ground-level AC's to collect a lot of dust. If the unit is on the roof, it may avoid collecting so much dust and debris that can harm the unit.

Is it better to have AC unit on roof or ground?

1) The Climate

Homeowners, living in areas which tend to have warmer climates, should ideally prefer to install the outdoor unit on the ground. This is because, placing the unit on the rooftop means, exposing it to the scorching heat of the sun. Consequently, the air conditioner will not operate at optimum efficiency.

Is it bad to have AC unit on roof?

Being constantly out of sight, roof-mounted systems require more protection and maintenance, compared to ground-mounted systems that can be easily hidden from external risks. Consequently, this limited access to roof-mounted AC units causes more challenges for homeowners on the way to proper maintenance.

How do air conditioners work in Arizona?

Employing this principle, air conditioning units force special chemical compounds (called “refrigerants”) to quickly evaporate and condense in a closed system of coils. As these refrigerants cycle from liquid to gas to liquid, your air conditioner draws heat out of the room and produces cool air.

Solar Powered Air Conditioner Discussion for Gridtie or Offgrid Systems

How long does AC last in Arizona?

Air conditioning units are not luxury, but a necessity for the people of Arizona as its temperatures can go well above 100°F. According to the US Department of Energy, an air conditioning unit's average lifespan is about 15 to 20 years.

What kind of air conditioning is used in Arizona?

Split Air Conditioning

The most popular form of air conditioning in Arizona, a split system has the benefit of being easier to maintain and work on, while efficiently cooling single- and multi-story homes.

How much does a roof top air conditioner cost?

How Much Does Installing an AC Unit on the Roof Cost? You can expect to pay between $5,500 and $11,000 for a rooftop AC unit according to HomeAdvisor, whereas you can expect to pay between $3,300 to $4,000 for one at ground level.

Does Arizona have air conditioning?

8 – Air Conditioners Only Cool the Home

Humidity isn't normally a big concern throughout Arizona compared to in many other parts of the country. That said, it can be harder for your air conditioner to cool your home if the humidity is either too low or too high.

What is refrigeration cooling Arizona?

Home cooling in Arizona means installing air conditioning equipment that is capable of dealing with sequential months wherein the average temperature exceeds 90-plus degrees. In fact, Phoenix regional homes endure a season wherein heat increase rises well above 100-degrees for up to four consecutive months.

How do you clean a rooftop air conditioner?

Why are air conditioners mounted off the ground?

First, you should know that an AC condenser pad (referred to as such because that large exterior unit houses – yup, you guessed it – the condenser) lifts the unit slightly off the ground. This is important for two reasons. For one, it protects your air conditioner from pests.

Do you need 2 AC units for a 2 story house?

Two units allow for an easier time balancing the desired temperature in your home. Generally, one area of your home will be warmer or more difficult to cool than another. In a two-story home, the upstairs area is often warmer, as warm air rises. Having two AC units in your home can help balance out the temperature.

Can you survive in Arizona without air conditioning?

As far as living in Phoenix without AC, I don't think it's possible. I drove a '91 Ford Ranger with no air conditioning when I was in high school and survived (barely). Not having it in your home would just be miserable.

How did people live in Arizona without AC?

To help stay cool, many houses had high ceilings to pull hot air up. Many houses also had a “sleeping porch”. During the summer, families in Phoenix would sleep outside on their porch. Some families even put water on their sheets to help keep cool.

How do Arizona rooms cool down?

Another much simpler option is simply using a portable fan or ceiling fan to cool your Arizona room. Just keep in mind that fans cool people, not rooms, so don't expect to spend a Phoenix summer day in your Arizona room.

How long does an AC unit last?

While every unit is different, and every homeowner has a different understanding of when their central air conditioner is broken beyond repair, it's fair to say that, with proper maintenance and care, you can expect a good 15 to 20 years of cooling from a new high efficiency air conditioning system.

How much does an air conditioner cost for a 2500 sq ft home?

Replacing a 3 to 5-ton AC unit costs $3,000 to $8,000 for a 1,500 to 2,500 square foot home.

How much does an air conditioner cost for a 2000 sq ft home?

Installing a central air conditioner into a 2000 square ft. home with an existing forced air furnace heating system (that has all ductwork installed properly) would cost between $3,000 to $4,000.

Is air conditioning expensive in Arizona?

Arizonans pay three times as much as the average U.S. resident for air-conditioning in the summer, according to a study by Sense, a residential energy management company. Sense analyzed 1,600 homes across the country in 2018 to figure out how much people pay to air-condition their homes during the summer months.

How do Arizona heats stay cool?

Do air conditioners work in high humidity?

With proper unit sizing and installation, this system provides effective dehumidification in most conditions. But when humidity levels spike, however, most systems can't cope. High humidity cancels out the air conditioner's cooling effect. When the humidity is too high, your building will feel warmer than it is.

How long does an air conditioner last in Phoenix AZ?

That said, it is not out of the ordinary for an air conditioner to last 15 to 20 years in most parts of the country. In Phoenix, because of higher temperatures and constant use, an AC unit's lifespan can often be closer to 12 – 15 years, if it is correctly sized for the home and is well maintained.

What do you do if your AC breaks in the summer?