Four Common Cooling System "Problems"
You rely on your air conditioner to keep your home comfortable during the summer months. With your system running nearly non-stop during hot weather, it’s no surprise that it may have problems with efficiency and/or functionality.
Before you panic and think that your air conditioner has reached the end of its life, check out some common cooling system problems that our experienced technicians come across.
- Obstructions around the outside unit. Be sure to keep two feet of space clear around your outdoor unit. If you have tree limbs or a bush near it, the system will not be able to draw in the air it needs to cool your home. This can cause your unit to work extra hard, leading to wear and tear on vital components.
- Replace your filter regularly. If you aren’t regularly replacing the filter, cool air is trying to get past a surface that is filled with dirt and dust. If this is the problem in your home, you may notice that it feels much warmer than normal. Replace your filter once a month, and use a replacement that is 10 MERV or less. This is especially important if you or any family members suffer from allergies.
- It still feels hot on the warmest days of the season. Your air conditioner is designed to keep the inside of your home twenty degrees cooler than the outside environment. That means if it’s 95 degrees outside, it will feel like 75 degrees inside your home. If you still feel hot, even with the unit running, consider shutting your curtains and blinds to keep sunlight out. It will also help to keep your system’s fan running, helping circulate cooler air throughout your home.
- Certain rooms feel warmer than others. Check to be sure that all vents in the room are clear of obstructions. If you have a vent with furniture or curtains over it, when it’s blowing out cool air, you aren’t going to be able to feel it.