One of the most uncomfortable things in Sunrise, FL, is a malfunctioning air conditioner during the summer. Like any other mechanical device, air conditioners need regular maintenance to run at their optimal state, and even then, they need occasional repairs. To help you troubleshoot and determine why your air conditioner isn’t cooling properly, here are six possible reasons.
Excess or Inadequate Air Conditioner Refrigerant Charge
The amount of refrigerant charge in the air conditioner should be at the exact level as the manufacturer’s recommendations. Any more or less causes inadequate cooling. To ensure that it is fixed properly, you will need the expertise of a professional technician.
Sometimes refrigerant problems are happening as a result of a leak. If the leakage persists, it means the refrigerant charge will be lower than it should be, and the air conditioner won’t cool as it should. If you suspect a leak, you should call a professional to locate the leak, seal them and recharge the system.
Thermostat Failure
Many new-model air conditioners come with a smart thermostat. The thermostat is responsible for ensuring efficiency by increasing the cooling rate when you are around and reducing it when you are away, according to how you’ve pre-set it. Sometimes, an older thermostat will not operate correctly and will need to be replaced.
Dirty Filters and Condenser Coils
Whether your air conditioner uses a disposable or washable air filter, you need to clean or change it periodically, as stated with the manufacturer. If you don’t, the filter is going to gain a layer of dust particles resulting in inadequate airflow, reducing the efficiency of cooling. If you have pets or a big house, you will need to change the filter more frequently.
Regular maintenance includes cleaning the air handler, and checking the condenser. The condenser fins are prone to attract leaves, dust, or grime, and after some time, the condenser will stop expelling warm air outside as it should. Regular maintenance by a professional will ensure that the condenser is cleaned and performs as it should.
Leaking Ducts
The ductwork is responsible for ferrying the already cool air to the different air conditioner vents you have throughout the house. Since ducstwork is mostly inside walls or the attic, rodents, time or careless installation can result in leaks. When a leak happens, the duct will lose some of the cooled air into the walls and attic. Leaking ducts can be responsible for you losing up to 20% of your cooled air.
You will need to call a professional to look for the leaks and fix them sooner rather than later. Mostly, if the problem persists, the other parts inside the air conditioner will keep working hard to achieve the required cooling temperature. The overworking may shorten your system’s lifespan and cause high electricity bills.
Over time, dirt that seeps in from the attic or your house can build up inside your ducts. From time to time, you will need to schedule thorough inspection and cleaning of the ducts. This will ensure the air conditioner always delivers clean and cool air.
Faulty Wiring in Air Conditioner
Typical use of your air conditioner will cause normal wear and tear on your system. The wiring and the terminals are also subject to corrosion, causing malfunctioning of the system. To ensure that your electrical wiring controls are of good quality, schedule a professional service call at least twice a year.
Fan Malfunctioning
Every air conditioner has two fans. One that blows out the heat coming from indoors and one that blows indoor air over the evaporator coil. Both of these fans are checked during maintenance for cleaning and lubrication.
By having your AC system regularly maintained, you can avoid most of these problems. Call HI-VAC Air Conditioning Service for air conditioning installation, repairs, maintenance and general servicing.
Image provided by iStock
