Why Your AC Works Harder in Colorado Springs (And What To Do About It)

Here's a paradox that puzzles many Colorado Springs homeowners: Despite our relatively mild summer temperatures compared to places like Phoenix or Dallas, your air conditioner seems to run constantly during hot afternoons. The thermometer might read only 88°F, yet your AC is working like it's 100°F outside. What gives?

The answer lies in a combination of factors unique to our high-altitude location—and understanding them can help you work with your climate rather than against it.

The Thin Air Factor

At 6,035 feet elevation, Colorado Springs has approximately 20% less air density than sea-level locations. This affects your air conditioning system in ways that aren't immediately obvious.

Your AC works by moving heat from inside your home to outside. It does this by circulating refrigerant through coils while blowing air across those coils. The efficiency of this heat exchange depends partly on the mass of air available to carry heat away. With thinner air, there's simply less air mass moving across the coils per minute, reducing the system's ability to reject heat to the outdoor environment.

Additionally, the outdoor condenser unit relies on air passing over its coils to release the heat removed from your home. Less dense air means less efficient heat rejection, which can cause the system to work harder and run longer to achieve the same cooling effect.

Intense Solar Radiation

Perhaps the biggest factor working against your AC is something we usually celebrate: that brilliant Colorado sunshine. At our elevation, there's less atmosphere to filter solar radiation before it reaches your home. This means more intense UV rays and more solar heat gain through your windows and roof.

Consider this: A home in Houston might experience peak temperatures of 95°F, but the sun's intensity is significantly reduced by the thicker layer of atmosphere. Your Colorado Springs home at 88°F might actually be absorbing comparable or even greater amounts of solar energy. Your AC has to remove all that heat, regardless of what the outdoor thermometer says.

Homes with large west-facing windows or dark roofs feel this effect most acutely. During afternoon hours when the sun is most intense, these homes can see indoor temperatures rise rapidly despite the AC running continuously.

Our Extreme Temperature Swings

Colorado Springs is famous for dramatic daily temperature changes. It's not unusual to see a 40-degree swing from morning low to afternoon high. Your AC might not need to run at all during the cool morning, then suddenly face an enormous cooling load as temperatures climb in the afternoon.

This pattern creates challenges for your cooling system. Rather than maintaining a steady state, it must rapidly increase output during afternoon hours, often at the exact time when solar radiation is also at its peak. The system that seemed oversized during the morning might seem undersized by mid-afternoon.

Practical Solutions for Colorado Springs Homeowners

Understanding why your AC works harder is the first step. Here's what you can do about it:

Manage Solar Heat Gain

Since intense solar radiation is a major factor, reducing how much sun enters your home can dramatically reduce your cooling load. Close blinds or curtains on south and west-facing windows during afternoon hours. Consider installing solar screens or reflective window film on problem windows. Light-colored roof materials or reflective coatings can also reduce heat absorption.

Pre-Cool Your Home

Take advantage of Colorado's cool mornings. Run your AC to cool your home a few degrees below your normal set point during morning hours when the system can work more efficiently. Then, when afternoon heat arrives, your home starts from a cooler baseline, reducing how hard the system must work during peak conditions.

Increase Attic Insulation

Much of the heat entering your home during summer comes through the roof. At altitude, with more intense solar radiation, adequate attic insulation is even more important. Many Colorado Springs homes, especially older ones, have insufficient insulation by current standards. Adding insulation is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce cooling loads.

Ensure Proper Airflow

Since thin air already reduces your system's efficiency, any additional restrictions to airflow compound the problem. Replace your air filter regularly—monthly during peak cooling season. Make sure supply and return vents aren't blocked by furniture or curtains. Keep the outdoor condenser unit clear of debris and vegetation.

Consider System Upgrades

If your AC is more than 10-15 years old, newer systems offer significant efficiency improvements. Variable-speed compressors can adjust output to match changing conditions throughout the day, rather than cycling on and off at full capacity. When it's time to replace your system, consult with experienced Colorado Springs HVAC professionals who understand altitude-specific sizing requirements.

What's Normal vs. What's a Problem

It's important to distinguish between normal operation at altitude and signs of a problem. Your AC running for extended periods during hot afternoons is often normal for our climate. However, certain symptoms suggest something is wrong:

• Running constantly without reaching set temperature – If your home never reaches the thermostat setting even after hours of operation, the system may be undersized, low on refrigerant, or experiencing mechanical issues.
• Ice forming on refrigerant lines – This indicates restricted airflow or low refrigerant charge.
• Unusual noises or smells – These warrant immediate professional attention.
• Dramatically higher bills than previous years – Could indicate declining efficiency or developing problems.

Regular maintenance helps ensure your system operates at peak efficiency. Professional tune-ups verify refrigerant charge, clean coils, check electrical connections, and identify developing problems before they become expensive failures.

Work With Your Climate

Living at altitude means adapting to unique conditions—and that includes how you approach home cooling. By understanding why your AC works harder and implementing strategies to reduce its burden, you can stay comfortable through Colorado summers without breaking the bank on energy bills.

Remember that what seems like excessive operation might actually be your system performing exactly as it should given our intense sunshine and thin air. But if you're concerned about your system's performance, having a professional evaluation from Winterrowd HVAC can provide peace of mind and identify any opportunities for improvement.