Cheyenne, WY, has a unique climate that presents several challenges for properly sizing air conditioning systems. Here are five of those challenges and how Advanced Comfort Solutions addresses each to provide you with the most efficient and dependable air conditioner for your home or business.
1. Cheyenne’s High Elevation
The city sits at approximately 6,000 feet above sea level, so temperatures are generally cooler than in most other cities at the same latitude. Because of these cooler temperatures, the air conditioners we install are typically smaller than those locations at lower elevations. This is because installing cooling appliances that are oversized will run less than they should, and that can lead to short cycling and failure to maintain proper humidity levels.
The air is also thinner at 6,000 feet, which adversely affects the heat transfer efficiency of the coils and may reduce the performance of compressors and fans designed to work in denser climates. Solutions we provide for such thin air include adjusting components of the unit or installing variable-speed compressors. We also offer ductless and split-zone units.
2. Semiarid Climate
Cheyenne’s semiarid climate means the city will experience lower annual precipitation, significant temperature swings and relatively low humidity, especially in the summer. Since one of the primary jobs of an AC is to remove humidity, this function is less critical in Cheyenne than it would be in a more humid climate.
In fact, Cheyenne’s dry climate allows an air conditioner to be sized precisely for the cooling load without factoring in humidity. In most cases, there is no need to oversize the system for humidity removal because doing so would only lead to wasted energy, short cycling and a truncated life span.
3. Chinook Winds
Wind is another crucial factor to consider when sizing air conditioners. Located between two mountain ranges, Cheyenne is known as one of the windiest cities in the United States. Its Chinook winds can quickly change the outside temperature. Snowstorms may suddenly appear, only to be followed by warm, sunny weather. Summertime thunderstorms are also common.
Sudden changes in wind speed can affect heat gain and heat loss, both of which must be considered when sizing ACs. On a hot, windy summer day, winds may blow hot air into a building envelope, increasing its heat gain. The operating efficiency of outdoor units can also be adversely affected by winds. This makes it important to properly locate outdoor components in addition to correctly sizing them.
4. Frequent Sunny Days
Despite Cheyenne’s cooler climate, sunny days are common, and the sun can cause significant heat gain in rooms that face the sun or have inadequate insulation. Hot spots may develop in certain portions of your home or business, causing uneven cooling if the AC isn’t sized properly. Rather than simply oversizing the air conditioner, here are two of the smarter methods we use to reduce hot spots.
Install a Zoned AC Unit
Zoned ACs provide more cool air to the areas that need it most. Various portions of the home or business can also be equipped with independent temperature controls.
Add a Supplemental AC System
A supplemental unit allows the primary air conditioner to be sized for the entire dwelling while ensuring that hot spots are also addressed.
5. Wide Daily Temperature Swings
Temperatures in Cheyenne can range from the 80s during the day to around 40 or 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night. This means that an AC must be sized to handle the peak heat load of the day without being too large for the cooler nighttime temperatures. This is a delicate balance and makes a strong case for variable-speed units and split-zone systems with intelligent thermostats. If cooling units are oversized to handle the peak heat of the day, they may short cycle during the cooler nighttime hours.
Contact Advanced Comfort Solutions Today!
Cheyenne’s climate presents several unique challenges for properly sizing air conditioners. Advanced Comfort Solutions has the experience and expertise to meet each of those challenges head-on. If you are in the market for a new AC or need to have your existing one serviced, contact our air conditioning services pros today. You can also learn more about the additional services we offer when you call us.
