Why Your Air Conditioner Isn’t Keeping Up
March 26, 2020
There are a lot of factors that could be stopping your AC system from working the way it should. Common problems can lead to an inefficient unit and cause symptoms that affect the way your system operates. The best step you can take is to contact us.
Ask Green Horizon One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® to troubleshoot your unit and ensure that there aren’t any major issues. Most problems can be avoided with regular preventative maintenance, but other problems can be the result of normal wear and even improper installations. Here are the top reasons your AC system might not be functioning properly.
Leaking Ducts
Older ducts or poor quality installation is typically the main factor when addressing cooling efficiency issues. Over time the sealant tapes on older ducting can deteriorate from friction, moisture, and even pest damage.
If you’re experiencing higher electric costs and a unit that just doesn’t seem to be cooling your house like it used to, then you should have your system professionally inspected.
Even a brand new ventilation system can have overlooked gaps and openings present if not properly installed. You can take a look at your ducts to see if there are any disconnected segments or damages. However, even a small leak can cause major efficiency issues. An expert will usually test for leaks with an infrared heat sensor so that there’s no guesswork when it comes to repairing your ducts.
Unmaintained Evaporator Coils
Over time, an evaporator coil can become encased in dirt and grime. Some homeowners may try to clean the coil themselves which can also cause irreparable damage.
The symptoms of a bad coil are an overworking system, reduced airflow, and clogged drainage lines. You will know your evaporator coil needs service if your unit ever freezes.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to licensed air conditioning services experts to fix this problem, or else you may end up having to replace your coil entirely.
Air Filters
A clogged air intake vent can force your system to work harder and will eventually lead to excessive wear that can hinder overall performance. Make sure you check all of your filters and change them regularly to avoid this issue.
Always use approved filters that fit exactly over your air intake vents. When you change your filters it’s a good idea to check at the entrance for dust and debris.
A clogged filter might cause existing leaks to worsen and introduce dust into sensitive components. Something as small as installing clean filters on a regular basis will save you a lot of headaches and trouble.
Improperly Sized Units
Undersized or oversized units are installed more often than you would think. It’s very easy for someone to miscalculate the volume of your home and fit it out with an improperly sized unit.
If your AC stays on constantly and never reaches the set temperature your system might not be strong enough to do its job. The main symptom of an oversized AC unit is the moisture content of the air in your home. If your AC doesn’t stay on very long and cools the house quickly you might have this problem.
It takes time for the condenser to collect water and drain. When a system is too efficient it can’t collect moisture to fill the drip pan, so it’s reintroduced into your house while it evaporates.