Having a malfunctioning air conditioner (AC) during the hot season can be quite frustrating. One of the major problems you might experience with an AC is the system not cooling your home or business space sufficiently. If this is the situation in your work area or house, you need to identify what’s causing the issue and fix your cooling unit immediately.
Running a problematic AC makes the machine work harder. This could cause further system damage that may be more costly to repair.
There could be several reasons your cooling unit might not be functioning as it should. Some of them are:
1, Undersized Air Conditioner
Your AC may be in perfect condition. However, it might not be sufficiently working because it’s too small for your house or working area. Usually, ACs make a space comfortable by absorbing the warm air in it and then cooling it to the temperature one sets on their thermostat.
A well-sized AC should shut off after attaining the preset temperature level. This way, it even saves you power. However, if it’s too small, it works harder to achieve the required temperature but might not manage to reach it eventually. This could cause the machine not to complete a cycle time. Instead, it might keep running continuously but doesn’t cool your space sufficiently, raising your energy bill.
If you notice that your house or business area is uncomfortably warm, or some rooms are cooler than others in spite of the AC running, the machine may be too small for your space. In this case, you need to replace it with one that’s sufficiently sized for your property. An AC installation technician could help you choose the right system.
2, Dirty Or Clogged Air Filters
Dirty air filters might also be the reason your cooling unit isn’t working sufficiently. These components help to trap dust, pollen, pet dander, mold, and other pollutants from the air passing through the AC. This way, the cool air produced by your system is clean and free from the contaminants mentioned.
If air filters aren’t cleaned regularly, pollutants can build up. If air filters become clogged, proper airflow in and out of your cooling unit is disrupted. If you notice that this is the issue with your AC, fixing this problem may be easy. First, identify the type of filters you have. Some machines have disposable ones. If this is the case with your system, replacing these components may be the best option to consider.
You might have the cleanable ones. If so, you can cleanse the air filters yourself. Simply use a vacuum to remove the unwanted materials, and then rinse the filters under tap water. However, if these AC parts are too old or worn-out, it’s best to replace them with new ones.
3, Clogged Condenser Coil
A clogged condenser coil could also be making your AC malfunction. This part helps to remove the absorbed heat from the cooling system and take it outside your space. These coils are found in a condenser unit, usually placed outside a building. As this AC part isn’t stored indoors, dirt and debris can easily get inside.
If the unwanted substances aren’t eliminated regularly, they can build up, making it hard for the condenser coil to dispel heat. As a result, your AC won’t cool your space sufficiently.
Besides that, you might also notice loud noises coming from your system. The solution is to clean your condenser coil. If you have the expertise, you can do the job yourself. However, if this is your first time, it might be best to hire an AC firm to perform this task.
4, Faulty Thermostat
You should also check if your thermostat is faulty if your AC isn’t working as it should. This component senses the temperature in your business or living area. After that, it then signals the AC compressor to begin a cooling cycle until the temperature level you’ve set is achieved.
If your thermostat is faulty, it might not perform as expected. If you suspect that this is the issue causing your AC to malfunction, it’s best to have a technician check it out.
5, Leaking Refrigerant
Your cooling unit might also not be working if its refrigerant is leaking. This chemical compound is found inside copper coils in the condenser and evaporator. The AC uses this fluid to absorb heat from your space and expel it outdoors.
If the refrigerant is leaking, then there won’t be enough for the AC to perform as it should. Therefore, the machine might cool insufficiently and continue doing so until the problem is resolved. If you take longer to fix the problem, you could make your AC’s motor and compressor work harder. This could harm the components or cause your cooling system to stop functioning eventually.
Your refrigerant might be leaking because of cracks or holes in the copper coils caused by rust. Also, this issue could result from loose connections and joints within your cooling unit. Besides that, your AC might have been improperly installed or had depreciated naturally.
It may be advisable to let experts handle refrigerant leakage. They’ll quickly identify the reason behind the issue and resolve it more effectively.
Conclusion
The hot weather could make your house feel uncomfortable. In this case, you need your air conditioner to remove the excess heat from your business or living space. If this cooling unit fails at such a time, it can be frustrating.
As you’ve learned from this article, several things could cause your system to fail. For instance, you might have an undersized cooling unit or a faulty thermostat. Also, your AC’s air filters may be dirty or clogged, or the condenser coil could be blocked. Besides that, the refrigerant may be leaking. If you suspect that your cooling unit has any of these issues, it’s vital to fix it as quickly as possible. This way, you’ll ensure that your AC doesn’t develop secondary problems or shut down completely.