During the hot summers, we rely on our air conditioning systems to make our homes comfortable no matter what happens outside. In fact, for many people, AC is no longer considered to be a luxury and it seems harder each year to deal with hotter temperatures. But, if you’ve invested in a whole-house AC system and it isn’t performing efficiently it can make your home life miserable. In this article, we will take a closer look at three common AC system problems and some ways to fix these problems.
The Importance of Taking Action
First, it’s important to mention that you cannot expect your AC system problems to clear up by themselves. Like any complex system, there are a lot of things that can go wrong and in many cases, they can affect other components. It’s easy to ignore a problem at first because it may seem trivial such as a small drop in performance. But, in reality, a smaller issue will get progressively worse and it can turn into a major problem later. The truth is that bigger problems need more extensive repairs and that can be expensive.
Another thing to consider is that many AC system problems are accompanied by a drop in efficiency. This can translate to a lack of energy efficiency that will lead to higher energy bills for your home. The longer the situation is ignored the more cash you will waste on inferior performance from your AC system. In extreme cases, ignoring a problem could even lead to a system failure and an earlier than expected replacement. So, if you suspect that you have a problem, contact your local heating and cooling specialist today. Now, let’s take a look at those common AC system problems in more detail:
1. Insufficient Cooling Power
One of the easiest problems to notice is a lack of cool air in the ducts. This will be especially noticeable on hotter days and it’s always a good idea to check the ducts before you adjust the thermostat. There are three main reasons why your AC system may be lacking in cooling power for your home, they are a broken fan, low refrigerant levels, and a clogged air filter. Let’s take a look at each cause in more detail.
A Broken Fan
You may notice a failing or broken fan before you notice a lack of cool air at the vent. After all, this is a moving part, it spins at speed and if it’s failing you may hear banging or rattling noises in your system. The fan is needed to push the treated air through the ducts to reach the various rooms in your home. If the fan breaks, the treated air may still be produced, but there will be no airflow to move it. When the treated air is not distributed, you will notice a lack of cooling power and yet you’re still paying the energy bills to run your AC system. Sadly, a fan cannot be repaired and you need a local HVAC specialist to replace the fan for you. Attempting a DIY fix is not recommended and you can cause additional damage if you have no formal HVAC engineering training or experience.
Low Refrigerant Levels
Many people believe that their AC system cools their home, but this isn’t how the system works. A more accurate description would be that the system removes heat from the home. This may seem like a minor difference but the implications are significant because the refrigerant is the vector for this heat transference to occur. When an AC system is not fully filled or “charged” with refrigerant, it will be less efficient and this can lead to a lack of “cooling” power. A system typically loses refrigerant due to a leak somewhere in the system. Locating and fixing a refrigerant is a job for an HVAC specialist. Attempting to recharge the system with the wrong refrigerant will degrade the efficiency of your AC system and it can even cause damage.
A Clogged Air Filter
One of the most crucial parts of any HVAC system is the humble air filter. This simple component will improve the indoor air quality (IAQ), but that is not its primary function. The air filter traps particulates that can damage sensitive components in your AC system. When the surface of the air filter becomes clogged with dust, debris, hair, and other materials the airflow is restricted. The AC system relies on a steady airflow to work correctly and if the airflow is lowered it causes a lack of performance. But, there is another problem, the equipment will work harder to compensate and this can lead to failures. This is an easy problem to solve and you don’t need any HVAC engineering experience. Your owner’s manual has full instructions on how and when to change your air filter. It’s advisable to change the air filter every 1-3 months, depending on the number of people in your home and the filter type. If you have a larger family or a number of pets you may need to change your air filter more frequently.
2. Low Airflow
Some of the causes that we’ve mentioned above can lower the airflow in your AC system. But, there is another possible cause and that is leaks in your ductwork. It’s estimated that the average home may be losing up to 30% of the treated air through pinhole leaks and larger cracks. Another possible cause is dirty ductwork that can impede the airflow making your home feel warmer and lowering the IAQ. Ductwork is a moist environment that can be an ideal breeding ground for microorganisms and mold. Contact your local heating and cooling specialist and ask them about duct cleaning for your system. After duct cleaning, many people are surprised at the efficiency boost and the fresher air quality in their homes.
3. Higher Energy Bills
Sadly, many people don’t track their energy bills closely and they may not notice a gradual increase in their energy bills. If your summer energy bills are higher this year and you’ve factored in a rise in costs there may be a problem with your AC system. In certain cases, this could be a failing component or it may be a sign that your system needs essential maintenance. If you have an AC system that’s 10-15 years old, it may be time to consider a replacement because the lack of efficiency is costing too much.
If you’re concerned about a lack of performance or efficiency from your AC system, contact your local heating and cooling specialist today.