First, we’ll start with what not to do. Please do not look up an online tutorial on how to fix your air conditioner and attempt repairs on your own. The problem is, an air conditioner that won’t cool may be acting this way for a number of different reasons, and only a trained and experienced professional can accurately diagnose what the problem is (though, we will get into possible causes below).
A lack of cooling coming from your AC is obviously an urgent problem though, particularly as we progress closer to summer. So what should you do if you notice this problem? Give our pros a call! In the meantime, keep reading to learn more about what causes this problem.
Reduced Levels of Refrigerant
There’s a fairly common misconception among homeowners that refrigerant is something that needs to be refilled (recharged) on a regular basis—that it’s just a part of routine air conditioning maintenance. This is not the case, however. The truth is, if your air conditioner is losing refrigerant, it means that your system has a leak.
The problem with this is that it causes ice to form on the coils, which insulates said coils, and makes it impossible for them to absorb heat as they are supposed to. As a result, you’ll see a reduced level of cooling. If you suspect you might have a refrigerant leak, please call our team right away.
An Overheating Component
This could be your fan motor. This part goes through a lot of work over the years, and as a natural part of wear and tear, it can wear down to the point that it requires replacement. If you continue to try running your air conditioner with an overheating component of any kind, the heat it generates can bleed into the air, which is why you’ll feel reduced cooling.
Breached Ductwork
Did you know you can lose up to 30% of the cooled air you’re paying for through damaged ductwork? Even the smallest pinhole leak can cause your cooled air to escape into unoccupied spaces in your home, such as the attic or crawlspace.
It can also suck in hot air from your home. For this reason, you’ll feel lukewarm air coming from your vents—and unfortunately you’ll still be paying the same for your AC use. This is definitely a situation you want to have remedied by a professional right away.
Reduced Cooling Means Reduced Efficiency
With an air conditioning system, efficiency is vital. If your air conditioner isn’t blowing cooled air in the required amounts, it will work harder than it should have to in order to do its job, causing your monthly cooling bills to rise, and increasing the strain on other components within the cooling system.
Ultimately, this reduces efficiency and raises your energy bills, too. The best thing you can do to avoid this is to contact us right away when you suspect you have a problem, and be sure to schedule annual professional maintenance for your cooling system (biannual, if you have a heat pump).
Wall Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. is your trusted resource for HVAC service in Lawrenceville, GA. Whether your air conditioner isn’t cooling or seems to have some other problem, you can reach out to our team. Contact us today!