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HVAC Maintenance Why Your Air Conditioner is Not Cooling Properly

On a hot day, you do not want to find your air conditioner is blowing hot air. You should take the time to consider the many possible reasons. When you know the possible causes of malfunctioning, you can better communicate with contractors. According to furnaceusa.com, common issues could be related to maintenance and cleaning, thermostat, and electrical issues, among others. The following are some of the common reasons why the air conditioner is not cooling the home.

Installation Issues

There could be a basic installation issue with the unit’s positioning or the system’s electrical work. Think back to when the system was installed. Did you do it yourself, did you hire a reputable company or did someone else install it? Similarly, the unit may not be the right size for the home. The best solution is to call an HVAC company to come and inspect the system to see if the installation is the cause and to reinstall the system.

Condenser Maintenance

Air conditioning condensers need room to breathe, even if it is located outside the home. Over time, weeds may have grown, or miscellaneous items like a garbage can, wheelbarrow, or kids’ toys may be blocking it. Check the area around the condenser and clear it if possible. Similarly, the condenser may need to be cleaned of all of the particles it regularly takes in. If you have not cleaned or thought about the condenser in a year or more, talk to HVAC experts, and they can come maintenance the system.

Airflow Issues

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AC units can make all the cool air in the world, but there needs to be enough airflow in the home for you to feel it. If the air coming out of the vents feels weak, check the air filters. They could be old or dirty and in need of changing. If this does not work, you may need a larger scale duct cleaning.

Thermostat Problems

The AC may be in fine condition and still not blowing cool air due to the thermostat malfunctioning. After all, this system communicates the home’s ideal temperature settings to the HVAC system. One of the easiest ways to tell if you have thermostat problems is if the display is blank or flashing. Another common reason for the thermostat failing could be its power source, whether batteries or electrical. Lastly, there could have been some issues with its installation. Talk to a professional contractor if you suspect there are thermostat issues affecting your air conditioning cooling.

Low Levels of Refrigerant

Air conditioning systems use refrigerant to cool the air. If warm air is blowing, it may be because you have low refrigerant levels or might even have a leak. This is difficult for a homeowner or novice to see. Professional HVAC contractors know how to inspect a unit for refrigerant issues. They also have the tools and know-how to repair this quickly.

Frozen Air Handler

Sometimes, a unit or system will experience some intense cooling, and parts of the AC will be frozen. Inspect the area behind the air filter to look for ice. You should be able to spot this issue where the evaporator’s coils are located. The ice will block air from being cooled and affect overall temperature levels. If you see ice, turn the unit or system off for at least 24 hours. It could be overdoing it, especially in extremely hot times of the year. Defrosting the unit and allowing it to dry out can remedy this problem. If the unit is still not producing cool air, you may need to consult with contractors. The air conditioner could be on its last legs and need replacement, or expert repairs may be needed.

Electrical Problems

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HVAC systems cannot operate without power. There may be a basic power outage in the area, or a breaker may have blown in the home. The first step is to go and check the HVAC breakers and flip them on and off to see if this remedies the issue. Over time, homes may need updates with their wiring, or there could be a shortage. This is no place for amateurs. Experts understand how to update wiring or solve electrical issues safely. If someone inexperienced tries to repair this, they could get hurt, or there could be major issues like a fire. Talk to professional HVAC contractors if you suspect electrical problems are affecting your air conditioning system. They understand how to come into the home, inspect the system, and fix it.

A Deep HVAC System Clean Is Needed

Over time, air conditioning systems accumulate a lot of dirt and dust particles. After all, they are taking in air and cooling it for redistribution. Just by inspecting the unit, you may be able to see dirt build-up. Professionals can come in, take the unit apart, and clean it. This not only ensures the air is cooling the home but also protects loved ones from sickness. Dirty air quality can aggravate asthma and cause serious illness. Expert contractors have safe cleaning chemicals for the unit. This ensures harmful chemicals are not released into the air.

An Aged Air Conditioner System

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If your air conditioner is over a decade old, it may be time to replace it. Older systems take longer to cool down a room or home. This is normal wear and tear, especially if you use the unit on a daily basis. Expert HVAC contractors can come in and assess the system and identify if the age of the unit is affecting its efficiency. They know how to do a proper assessment and discuss whether repairs are possible or if you need to consider other options.

If your air conditioning system is blowing warm air, it is important to act quickly. Delaying this process could make a small issue a bigger one. Professional contractors are skilled in how to diagnose HVAC issues. They will check everything from the air conditioner itself to power sources and more. AC unit cleaning, maintenance, and repairs do not have to take long. By investing in expert support, you can protect your investment and avoid stress.

About Suzan Vega