Why Does the AC Take So Long to Cool Down the House?
When it’s sizzling outside, you depend on your AC system to keep things comfortable inside. But is your AC taking too long to cool down the house? This is typical on sweltering days, which push your AC system harder than usual. However, if it’s not particularly hot outside and your AC is still having a hard time, your air conditioner might have a problem. Use these tips to help you resolve the issue.
Dirty Air Filter
A clogged filter is the most common reason an air conditioner takes too long to cool down the house. The purpose of a filter is to snare airborne particles that could harm sensitive HVAC equipment. More advanced filters even catch microscopic airborne particles to enhance indoor air quality.
Eventually, the filter becomes stuffed with dust, pet hair, and textile fibers, restricting circulation. Besides making the AC unit take a long time to cool down the house, this problem can also produce larger energy bills, additional wear and tear, and overheating.
Solution: Check your air filter each month and change it if it seems dirty. Don't wait longer than three months to change the filter or follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. If you’re not sure where an air filter is located, check with an HVAC technician at your next service appointment.
Improper Thermostat Settings
Your thermostat must be compatible with your cooling to work effectively. Then, you have to set it correctly to reach a cozy temperature. Employing a programmable or Wi-Fi thermostat produces the best results.
Solution: If you want to update your thermostat, require help learning about programmable options, or aren't comfortable programming a thermostat on your own, call an HVAC technician at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for assistance.
Dirty Evaporator Coil
Split-system air conditioners come with an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit features the evaporator coil, which absorbs heat from the air with the refrigerant. It’s more difficult for the refrigerant to hold onto heat effectively if the evaporator coil is dirty, making it take longer to lower the temperature of your house.
Solution: Contact our HVAC specialists to clean and tune up your air conditioner. Part of this call includes clearing away debris and grime from the evaporator coil to enhance cooling performance.
Dirty or Obstructed Outdoor Unit
Your AC system's cooling cycle involves sending heated refrigerant to the outdoor unit, where it expels heat to the exterior. That said, if the outdoor unit is dirty or covered with encroaching plants, the cooling process might be less successful.
Solution: Carefully hose off the outdoor unit to get rid of dust, cobwebs, pine needles and grass clippings. Then, cut back bushes to around 12 inches from the unit to increase airflow.
Refrigerant Leak
Refrigerant is the key to effective cooling. Typically, this substance flows in a closed loop among the indoor and outdoor units. If a leak forms and your AC loses refrigerant, it becomes less capable of absorbing and releasing heat from your home.
Solution: Only a qualified technician can correct refrigerant leaks and refresh the system. If you suspect this problem, call our HVAC specialists for help in no time.
Leaky Ductwork
Air ducts are the arteries and veins of your HVAC system. A leak in either the return or supply side can make your air conditioner work harder and longer maintain comfortable temperatures.
Solution: If you are dealing with uneven temperatures and high amounts of dust inside the house, call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to examine your ductwork. Duct sealing or replacement can take care of the problem.
Dirty or Blocked Air Vents
Conditioned air can only flow throughout your home if the supply and return vents are open and free from any obstructions. Shutting too many vents can even throw off the system’s balance, contributing to increased breakdowns and repair costs.
Solution: Check the vents in each room, ensuring they’re open and not blocked by furniture, carpeting or drapes.
Outdated or Undersized AC System
Did you install your air conditioning more than 10 to 15 years ago? As it ages, the system becomes less effective and can struggle to maintain comfortable temperatures. Additionally, have you recently built a home add-on or made other changes? This might leave you with an undersized air conditioner that won't always keep up with demand.
Solution: The only fix for an aging or undersized air conditioner is to replace it. Depend on our licensed HVAC technicians to size and install your new unit for comfort and efficiency.
Schedule AC Repair with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning
If your troubleshooting efforts prove ineffective, feel free to call in the HVAC experts at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We provide fast, efficient services to get your HVAC system back up and running as soon as possible. You can count on the fact that our technicians adhere to the highest standards of care to ensure your long-term peace of mind. Contact us to request air conditioning repair or other HVAC services today.
