The reason why your air conditioner (AC) feels cold at home but not in other places like parking lots is primarily due to the difference in the surrounding environment and the effectiveness of the air conditioning system in each location. Several factors contribute to this temperature disparity:
Insulation and Enclosed Space: Your home is likely well-insulated and designed to retain cool air when the air conditioner is running. The enclosed space of your home allows the cool air to circulate effectively, maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature.
Heat Gain in Open Spaces: Parking lots and other outdoor areas lack the insulation and enclosed spaces that homes have. In open spaces, the cool air from the air conditioner dissipates quickly, and warm air from the surroundings quickly replaces it. Additionally, paved surfaces in parking lots can absorb and radiate heat, contributing to higher temperatures.
Air Conditioning System Capacity: The cooling capacity of your home air conditioning system is designed to handle the specific size and layout of your indoor space. It may not have enough power to cool larger, open areas like parking lots effectively.
Direct Sunlight: Parking lots are often exposed to direct sunlight, especially in hot weather. Sunlight can significantly increase the temperature of the surrounding area, making it more challenging for an air conditioner to cool the space effectively.
Air Circulation: In homes, air conditioning systems are designed to ensure proper air circulation through vents and ducts, facilitating even cooling. In open areas like parking lots, there is little to no organized air circulation, hindering the even distribution of cool air.
Heat from Vehicles: In parking lots, the heat generated by parked vehicles can contribute to higher temperatures. Engines and exhaust systems generate heat, and when many vehicles are present, this cumulative heat can impact the overall temperature in the area.
Overall, air conditioning systems are designed to provide localized cooling within enclosed spaces. They are not intended to cool vast outdoor areas like parking lots effectively. To stay cool in outdoor spaces, people often rely on shaded areas, natural ventilation, fans, misting systems, or other cooling solutions specifically designed for outdoor use.