If your AC unit isn’t producing enough cool air, contact the HVAC experts at SM Mechanical Services, LLC in Glastonbury, CT. Call 860-296-5100 and request assistance today.
Summer heat and humidity can be brutal in Connecticut. Many homes rely on air conditioners to achieve a comfortable temperature and combat the high outdoor heat. So what happens if the AC is taking too long to cool the house?
Glastonbury’s top-rated furnace technicians from SM Mechanical understand the frustration that accompanies air conditioning units with poor performance. The team also knows that there is more than one reason why a cooling system isn’t producing cold air, which we explain below.
Reasons an AC System Takes Too Long to Cool Your House and Their Solutions
1. Clogged Air Filter
AC units have air filters to trap airborne particles that would otherwise circulate throughout your home’s indoor air. Over time, the filters can become dirty and impede airflow through the HVAC system. Not only will the lack of airflow negatively impact your home’s indoor air quality, but it also causes dust, dirt, and other debris to shed onto the air conditioner’s interior components.
Dirt on evaporator coils usually comes from a dirty filter. With debris covering the coil, the refrigerant inside the component cannot effectively remove heat from the air as it passes over. As a result, the air conditioner can’t generate enough cool air to cool your home.
Solution
Changing or cleaning air filters at least once every 90 days is best. However, if your household includes smokers, pets, or people with allergies, it may be best to change the air filter once a month to keep the indoor air fresh and prevent AC unit problems
2. Dirty Condenser Unit
Air conditioners have an outdoor unit called the condenser unit. It is responsible for dispersing the heat the system’s refrigerant traps into the air outside. Wind, plants, and wildlife can push organic and inorganic debris into the condenser unit, restricting essential airflow and forcing the system to overwork.
If your outdoor unit is dirty, the components inside it are likely unclean. The condenser unit houses the condenser coil, which helps disperse heat. Like the evaporator coil, the condenser coil works best unimpeded by dirt and dust.
Solution
Regularly clean the areas around the outside unit to remove leaves, twigs, litter, and other clutter. Keeping a minimum two-foot clearance around the equipment is always a good idea, so you may need to move or clear plants or shrubs around it. If you suspect your condenser coils are dirty, contact an air conditioning professional to clean them safely.
3. Extreme Heat Outdoors
Sometimes, it feels like your home’s AC system isn’t keeping things cool because it’s too hot outside. On sweltering days, it will take longer for the air conditioner to cool your home, especially if you set the thermostat too low.
Solution
Consider installing a programmable thermostat to regulate temperatures throughout the day better. These advanced devices will help you conserve energy and spend less on electric bills by allowing you to raise and lower temperatures with ease.
4. Refrigerant Leak
Refrigerant is a chemical that draws heat from indoor air in the evaporator coil and distributes the heat outdoors in the condenser coil. Since your air conditioner unit must maintain an appropriate refrigerant level to produce cold air, a leak in the coils or refrigerant lines will prevent the system from effectively cooling your space.
Solution
Though refrigerant is an essential chemical for heat transfer, it is toxic. If you suspect your system has a refrigerant leak, turn your AC off and call an HVAC professional immediately. The technician can identify the leak, repair it, and recharge the refrigerant by adjusting its levels.
5. Leaky Ducts
Air ducts throughout the house help disperse cold air from the air conditioner to various rooms. Duct leaks can develop due to improper connections, holes, or cracks in the seams. If the supply duct is leaky, your home won’t cool quickly because the conditioned air will seep through before reaching the vents and registers.
Solution
A ductwork inspection will identify signs of leaks and damage. The technician can repair the holes or cracks to stop the leak.
6. Poor Attic Ventilation
Your home could have excellent attic insulation. However, heat will accumulate in the space and make the house’s upper rooms stuffy, balmy, and uncomfortably warm unless the attic also has sufficient ventilation. If your AC’s air ducts go through the attic, the ductwork will also stay hot, forcing the cooling system to work harder to keep the house at your desired temperature.
Solution
Attics need ventilation to allow trapped heat to expel itself out of the building. If you suspect your AC is taking too long to cool the house because of poor attic ventilation, you can rectify the issue by:
- Adding soffit vents
- Inserting roof vents
- Using fans to encourage steady airflow
7. AC Repair Needs
A damaged or malfunctioning air conditioner can reduce the unit’s cooling abilities. A qualified HVAC technician can thoroughly inspect the AC unit to locate signs of trouble and provide the necessary AC repairs. Common issues air conditioners have are:
- Electrical failures
- Blower fan malfunctions
- Frozen evaporator coils
- Broken thermostats
Solution
The best way to address an air conditioner that needs repair is to contact a professional heating and cooling technician. Many AC issues show similar signs or symptoms. Only someone with years of HVAC experience can access a system properly and come up with the best solutions.
Contact SM Mechanical for All Your AC System Needs
Is your AC taking too long to cool the house? There are several reasons why your system isn’t producing enough cool air, leaving you uncomfortable on hot days. However, the skilled HVAC technicians at SM Mechanical, LLC can quickly diagnose and repair air conditioning issues that affect your unit’s cooling abilities.
Call SM Mechanical, LLC at 860-296-5100 to request a thorough cooling system inspection. You can also click here to learn about what AC expansion valves are and when to use them.