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When a brand-new air conditioner fails to keep your entire Escalon home cool, it can feel like a waste of time, money, and energy. Summer temps in this area don't leave much room for error, so when rooms start feeling warmer than others or not cooling at all, it’s more than a slight nuisance. If your AC is underperforming right after installation, it’s likely not a matter of bad luck. There’s usually a clear cause behind it.

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A reliable AC installation in Escalon should consistently cool every corner of your home. If that’s not happening, there’s a good chance something’s off with the installation itself, the equipment chosen, or other system components. The good news is, these issues can be solved. Knowing what to look for is the first step to getting your system back on track before summer gets any harsher.

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Incorrect AC Size

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Your AC unit can only perform as well as it's been sized to do. A common issue we come across is homeowners installing a system that’s either too small or too large for the square footage and layout of their home. When the sizing isn’t matched properly, comfort suffers.

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An undersized unit will work harder than it should and still won’t get your home consistently cool. You’ll notice things like:

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- Hot or warm rooms, especially those farther away from the thermostat

- Constant running of the system without adequate temperature drop

- Rising energy costs due to systems straining to meet demand

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An oversized unit might sound like a better deal, but it’s not. It’s going to cycle on and off too quickly, which doesn’t allow it to dehumidify properly or evenly distribute air. The result is uneven cooling, high humidity, and more wear on the unit.

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Proper sizing requires accurate measurements of your home’s insulation, square footage, ceiling height, and number of windows. This step is often skipped in basic installations, but it plays one of the largest roles in long-term comfort and efficiency.

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Poor Airflow or Duct Issues

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Even if your AC is the right size, it won’t cool your home well if the cold air can’t get where it needs to go. Poor airflow is a common problem tied to ductwork that’s outdated, blocked, or poorly configured. A new AC won’t fix issues that already exist within your air distribution system.

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Here are a few signs your ducts could be part of the problem:

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- Some rooms are much cooler while others stay warm

- You feel very little airflow coming out of certain vents

- There are strange hissing or whistling sounds when the AC is running

- Dust builds up quickly around the house despite regular cleaning

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If the duct layout wasn’t designed properly to match your new AC, or if old ducts weren’t checked or cleaned before installation, cooling will be uneven. Smaller rooms might feel comfortable, but large or far-away areas can lag behind. In Escalon homes with older ductwork, this issue can be more common than expected.

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Sometimes duct sealing or a minor redesign can correct the problem. In other cases, collapsed or crimped ducts might need replacement. An airflow assessment can usually identify what’s limiting the system and point to a practical solution.

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Thermostat and Control Issues

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If your AC system is sized properly and your ductwork is in good shape, the next step is to look at your thermostat. Incorrect thermostat settings or placement often lead to uneven cooling, especially in Escalon homes where sun exposure varies throughout the day. A poorly placed thermostat, like one near a sunny window or drafty doorway, can throw off your whole system. If it thinks the room is cooler or warmer than it actually is, your AC might shut off or turn on at the wrong time.

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Modern thermostats are more accurate and efficient than older models, but only when installed and programmed correctly. If you’re seeing unusual cooling patterns or the system turns on and off too frequently, it’s worth reviewing how your thermostat is working. Even using the wrong mode, such as “fan only” instead of “cool,” can leave rooms warmer than expected.

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Things to check:

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- Verify the thermostat is set to “cool” and not “auto” or “fan”

- Double-check any programmed schedules to make sure temperatures aren’t changing unintentionally

- Ensure it’s not located near vents, windows, or appliances that could affect readings

- Consider upgrading old thermostats that may not be compatible with newer AC units

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If these steps don’t seem to help, our professionals can test the thermostat directly to check for wiring problems or sensor issues that aren’t visible to the eye.

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Installation Errors That Affect Airflow

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Choosing the right AC model won’t matter if the system isn’t installed correctly. Mistakes made during installation can immediately affect how well your AC functions and distributes air throughout your Escalon home. Issues like an improper refrigerant charge, damaged lines between indoor and outdoor components, or poor sealing can prevent the system from doing its job efficiently.

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Incorrect installation of return and supply vents can also restrict how air moves in and out of your home’s rooms. If airflow paths are blocked or misaligned, even a powerful system will struggle to deliver consistent temperatures. These errors are not always visible to the homeowner but can make a noticeable difference right away.

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Common installation problems include:

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- Refrigerant lines that are bent, kinked, or leaking, reducing system performance

- Electrical connections that are not secured properly, causing system malfunctions

- Drainage systems that are missing or set up incorrectly, leading to moisture buildup and system shutdowns

- Insulation missing from where it’s needed most on refrigerant lines, reducing overall cooling capability

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When our technicians assess a system after a faulty installation, we often spot these problems fast. Leaving them unresolved only adds to stress on the system, making failure more likely down the road. Having an experienced team evaluate the system right after noticing uneven cooling prevents long-term damage and higher repair costs.

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Stay Comfortable With a Working AC Installation

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Every Escalon home is different, and if your new AC isn’t cooling the way it should, it likely traces back to one or more of these issues. Incorrect sizing, bad ductwork, thermostat troubles, or installation errors are common causes of uneven cooling, even in new systems. Once identified, they can usually be corrected without replacing the entire unit.

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If you notice differences in temperatures between rooms or your system doesn’t run the way you expect it to, take action early. Waiting too long can lead to higher energy bills, more wear and tear, and shorter system lifespan. It’s a good idea to bring in our professionals who specialize in AC installation in Escalon to inspect the system and find the root of the issue.

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Keeping your system running smoothly doesn’t stop after installation. Regular maintenance, seasonal tune-ups, and experienced inspections extend the life of your AC and keep it working when you need it most. A setup that functions well not only delivers comfort but also prevents recurring problems through Escalon’s long, hot summers.

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At Scully's Air, we understand that uneven cooling can be a significant hassle for homeowners in Escalon. Sometimes a small oversight in system setup might be the reason your home isn't cooling evenly. A proper AC installation in Escalon may be the key to overcoming this challenge and restoring comfort across every room. Our technicians have seen that fine-tuning components like thermostat settings and duct alignment can make a big difference. For a quick estimate or to book a service visit, please contact us today.