You depend on your air-conditioner to keep your home cool when the hot temperatures arrive in Atlanta; however, when your unit breaks down or stops functioning correctly, it can quickly become extremely uncomfortable. In fact, your indoor air quality and overall living conditions will be undermined. For this reason, you need to diagnose your AC system's cooling issues as soon as you notice them.
You don't want to wait for the problem to worsen because that could make the problem worse and more expensive to fix. Without further ado, here are 10 reasons why your AC isn't cooling your house and what to do about it:
1. Dirty or Clogged Air Filters
Dirty or clogged air filters will reduce the cooling performance of your air-conditioner because they will restrict the airflow coming through the filters. When air filters have been used for a long time, they begin to accumulate lots of airborne particles from outside, such as pollen, dust, and dirt. If the filters are not cleaned or replaced regularly, they will eventually become too clogged for air to pass through them efficiently.
If you notice less air blowing out the air vents of your home, check the air filters to see if they are clogged. Your filters should be regularly inspected and changed at regular intervals, which depends on the type of unit you have.
2. Thermostat Issues
The thermostat is the device on your wall that lets you manage the temperature settings of your air-conditioner. If the settings are incorrect or have some kind of programming errors, the thermostat won't regulate your indoor temperatures correctly. Try to change the settings to the correct ones to see if that fixes the problem. If not, the problem could be due to battery issues if it is a digital thermostat. In that case, replace the battery to resolve the problem.
Problems with recently installed thermostats might be attributed to the installation location, especially if they are near heat sources or direct sunlight. It may be necessary to switch the location of your thermostat away from heat and sunlight if you have this problem.
Older thermostats will eventually develop calibration issues, resulting in fluctuating or inconsistent temperatures in the home. You'll need to recalibrate the thermostat or upgrade to a newer smart thermostat to eliminate calibration issues and improve the efficiency of the unit.
3. Refrigerant Leaks
The first signs of low refrigerant include ice on the refrigerant lines and hissing sounds from your air-conditioner unit. The only reason for low refrigerant is leakage since AC units are closed systems that don't consume refrigerant during normal operation. Leaks must be contained and resolved immediately because they can harm the environment and reduce the cooling performance of your AC system.
EPA refrigerant regulations mandate that only certified technicians can handle refrigerant and repair leaks. This ensures proper handling and repair. A qualified technician will typically complete the following steps:
Conduct pressure tests to locate the exact source of the leak.
Repair the damaged components (which may include coils, valves, or connections).
Safely recover any remaining refrigerant.
Vacuum the system to remove moisture and air.
Recharge the system with the correct type and amount of refrigerant.
Test the system to ensure proper operation.
Regular preventative maintenance can help identify potential issues before they become major problems, potentially saving you significant repair costs. This is one of the many reasons why Estes Services is a proud pioneer of the HVAC maintenance agreement in Atlanta, GA.
4. Dirty Condenser Coils
Dirty condenser coils cannot release heat from inside your home because all the dirt, debris, and yard waste on them reduce their performance and efficiency. The result is less cool air inside your home until the coils are cleaned.
Enrollment in a Maintenance Membership Program can help ensure that you regularly have your condenser coils chemically cleaned by a professional.
5. Blocked Condenser Unit
AC condenser units are frequently blocked by common obstructions like outdoor debris, vegetation, or personal objects stored too close to them. You must clear out all the debris and objects from around the condenser units to keep them functioning normally. Otherwise, your air-conditioner won't perform as well.
It is important to keep all objects at least 2 to 3 feet away from the condenser units. If you have vegetation growing nearby, trim back the vegetation to keep it a few feet away from the condensers. That also includes mowing the surrounding grass as well. If it is summertime, you will need to do more frequent landscaping because the vegetation will grow faster.
6. Evaporator Coil Problems
Evaporator coils are responsible for absorbing heat from the indoor air before the condenser coils release them outside. Unfortunately, evaporator coils become covered with mold and dirt over time, which reduces their cooling efficiency and the overall quality of your indoor air.
You will know when your evaporator coil most likely has problems because the indoor air will be musty, and warmer air will come from the vents. If you notice these signs, it's definitely time to call a professional to clean the evaporator coil.
7. Ductwork Issues
If you don't have good insulation in your air ducts, they will start to leak and cause your rooms to cool unevenly. Leaky ducts can happen due to damage, disconnection, and/or poor design. Not only will the cooling be inconsistent, but you will notice much higher energy bills each month as well.
The average homeowner loses up to 30% of their cool air when they have duct leaks. If you suspect ductwork issues, take the time to inspect the air ducts to see if you can spot any visible leaks, such as small gaps or holes anywhere.
8. Improperly Sized Unit
Did you have an improperly sized air-conditioner installed? This can reduce the cooling performance of the unit and can take away years from its normal lifespan due to excessive wear and tear it will incur. This is why it is so critical to have a licensed professional a part of the best HVAC companies in Atlanta performing the work.
9. Electrical Problems
Air-conditioners are susceptible to common electrical issues, such as worn contactors and tripped breakers. You will notice these issues when you hear humming sounds and smell burning odors. These are serious signs of electrical problems, so please take them seriously.
Try resetting the circuit breaker for your unit. If that doesn't work, you are better off consulting with a professional home services company like Estes Services that handles HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services.
10. Aging Unit
The average lifespan of an AC unit is 10 to 15 years. As an air-conditioner gets older, its efficiency will slowly decline over time until it no longer generates cool air for your home. You can make the necessary repairs to extend the life as long as possible, but you will eventually need to replace the AC unit once your energy bills rise and less cool air is circulating in your home.
Modern ENERGY STAR certified air-conditioners can significantly help improve efficiency. Selecting a new system and having a new AC installed can prove to have many benefits, including greater comfort, fewer repairs, warranty coverage, and more.
Schedule AC Repair Today
Well, that concludes our list of the 10 reasons why your AC isn't cooling your house. If you notice one or more of these signs happening with your unit, it's time to schedule service today.
At Estes Services, we have proudly served the greater Atlanta area since 1949. Whether you need an AC repair, AC installation, or AC tune-up, we are here to help. Our licensed and NATE-ceritified technicians can handle any make or model of air-conditioning equipment.
Schedule service online today, or give us a call. It's that Easy; It's Estes!
Frequently Asked Questions: AC Not Cooling
How frequently should I replace my air filter?
It is recommended to replace your air filter monthly; however, this timing can depend upon your specific needs. It is a best practice to check your filter monthly. A maintenance membership can help you stay on top of filter changeout requirements; the monthly check will include filter changes.
What do I do if warm air is coming out of the air vents?
If warm air is coming out of your air vents, you can start by inspecting the condenser unit for debris and blockage. You can also try to replace the air filter to see if that helps. You may also want to check your thermostat settings and ensure that it is set to the "cool" mode. Additionally, you can look at your circuit breaker and see if both indoor and outdoor units have power. Last but not least, you can determine if there's ice buildup on refrigerant lines, which can indicate a refrigerant leak.
If you can't quickly come to a solution and restore cool air, it's best to consult a licensed HVAC contractor immediately. You don't want to be in the middle of summer's hottest days with warm air blowing from your vents.
How will I know if my AC unit is too small to cool my home's living space?
An undersized air-conditioner shows several telltale signs. The most obvious is when indoor temperature never reaches the temperature set on the thermostat. You might also notice your air-conditioner runs continuously without cycling off, which puts excessive strain on the system. Rooms further from the air handler will typically feel significantly warmer than other areas of your home. Additionally, your utility bills may be unusually high. Furthermore, humidity levels often remain high inside your home.
When do I need to replace my AC system?
In general, you will need to replace your air-conditioner every 10 to 15 years, but it ultimately depends on your unique situation. Check out our Air-Conditioning Replacement Guide that covers when you need to replace your system and the benefits associated with it.
How can I improve my air-conditioner efficiency between professional maintenance visits?
It is important to keep the area around your unit clear of debris and vegetation. You should also regularly check, clean, and replace your air filters, especially during the summer months when your unit is working the hardest. In addition to maintenance practices, you can also make simple lifestyle changes or technology upgrades to improve efficiency.
For one, using ceiling fans in conjunction with your air-conditioner can improve air circulation and make your rooms feel cooler without lowering your thermostat. Second, a smart thermostat can help you better manage usage. Lastly, closing blinds and curtains can prevent additional heat gain through windows.
