Imagine yourself driving home from work on a hot, humid day in Scarborough, anticipating a cooling wave of cold air from your AC to cool you off, but instead finding that it blows only warm air. That’s frustrating, isn’t it? Not just because it leaves you sweating, but also because it can be a sign that something is wrong with your air conditioning system.
When your AC isn’t cooling properly, there could be several reasons behind it. Some are easy to fix, like a dirty filter, while others may require professional attention. In this article, we’re going to dive into the most common reasons why your AC might not be working as it should. Whether you’re battling with poor airflow, unusual noises, or rising energy bills, understanding the root cause is step one to getting your home back to a comfortable temperature.
Let’s get into those issues so that you can have your AC running smoothly again—and enjoy this summer lounging in the cool air, not worrying about breakdowns.
1. Clogged Air Filter
One of the easiest things to overlook is a filthy air filter. As your AC filter gets too dirty, it restricts airflow, causing it to be harder for your system to efficiently cool the air. Essentially, your AC has to work that much harder, preventing it from being as efficient as it otherwise could be. The result? Hot air is coming through your vents instead of the cool air you need.
The good news is that this problem is easy to fix. If you haven’t changed your filter in a while, now is the time to change it. Depending on the type of filter you have, you should change it every 1-3 months. A clean filter not only helps your AC cool more effectively, but it also purifies the air and extends the life of your system.
2. Low Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerant is the liquid that allows your AC to draw heat from inside your house and discharge it outside. If you have low refrigerant, your air conditioner simply can’t do its job. Low refrigerant is usually a sign that there is a leak in the system somewhere. You can’t easily fix that yourself, so it’s best to hire a technician to diagnose and fix the leak.
If your AC is dispensing warm air or seems to be taking a longer time to run without, in fact, cooling the place, low refrigerant might be the issue. Getting this situation fixed at once will prevent further damage to the system and ensure your home stays cool throughout the summer season.
3. Thermostat Issues
Believe it or not, your thermostat could be the reason why your AC is not cooling in the way that it should. Thermostat issues are surprisingly prevalent and vary from easy to solve, like an incorrect setting, to more technical such as a faulty sensor or wiring issue.
First, ensure that your thermostat is in “cool” mode and the temperature is low enough to engage the AC. At times, the thermostat could be faulty in reading the temperature, thus not sending a signal to the AC to initiate cooling. A basic recalibration or even replacement of the thermostat may fix it.
If your thermostat is working but your AC still isn’t cooling, it may be time to get a professional to come and take a look and check that everything is connected correctly.
4. Blocked Condenser Coils
Your AC condenser coils have the responsibility of dissipating heat outside your home. If your coils are full of dirt, leaves, or other debris, they will be unable to do their job well. Your system would then not be able to dissipate heat, and your home would not cool properly.
Cleaning condenser coils is an important step in maintenance that can improve the performance of your AC. You can simply switch off the power to your system, remove any loose debris, and spray coil cleaner on it to help dislodge the dirt. However, if you have no idea how to clean them correctly, a technician can do this for you.
5. Faulty Ductwork
Ductwork plays a crucial role in the distribution of cooled air throughout your home. If your ducts are blocked, damaged, or leaking, the cool air may not be reaching the rooms you need it most. This can lead to uneven cooling, with some parts of your house feeling colder than others, or, in some cases, your AC may be working overtime and still not keeping the entire home cool.
If you suspect your ductwork is the issue, it’s worth having a professional inspect and seal any leaks. A well-maintained duct system ensures that cooled air is distributed evenly, allowing your AC to perform at its best.
6. Improper AC Sizing
You might be surprised to discover that your AC could be the wrong size for your house. If it is too small, it will not cool your place adequately. If it is too large, it will cool your place in a few minutes without taking out sufficient humidity from the air, so that your home will be damp.
Proper sizing is critical to the optimal operation of AC, and this is a job that should be left to the experts. An HVAC professional can take your home’s square footage, insulation, and other factors into account to determine the appropriately sized unit for your application.
7. Electrical Issues
Electrical problems, such as a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker, will prevent your AC from working properly. If your AC will not turn on at all, or if it keeps shutting off unexpectedly, there’s a good chance the issue involves the electrical unit.
If you’ve already checked your thermostat and filter, and your AC is still acting up, it might be time to have an electrician inspect the electrical components. This is one area where it’s important to leave things to the experts, as electrical issues can be dangerous if not handled properly.
Wrapping Up
No one wants an AC that isn’t cooling their home, especially during the heat of the Scarborough summer. The good news is that most of these common issues are simple fixes. Whether it’s a clogged air filter or low on refrigerant, catching the issue early can help you avoid having to make larger, more costly repairs.
If you’ve tried fixing the issue yourself and still find that your AC isn’t cooling properly, it might be time to call in a professional. For reliable AC repair in Scarborough, don’t hesitate to reach out to the experts at Infiniti Home Comfort. Keeping your AC in tip-top shape ensures your home stays cool and comfortable all season long.
Cary Grant