Why Does the AC Take So Long to Cool Down the House?

When it’s hot outside, you rely on your air conditioner to keep things comfortable inside. But is your AC taking forever to cool down the house? This is typical on sweltering days, which push your air conditioner harder than usual. However, if it’s not particularly hot outside and your AC is still having a hard time, your cooling equipment could have a problem. Use these tips to help you troubleshoot the issue. 

Dirty Air Filter 

A clogged filter is the most common reason an air conditioner takes too long to lower the temperature of the house. The purpose of a filter is to trap airborne debris that could damage sensitive HVAC equipment. More effective filters even catch tiny airborne contaminants to improve indoor air quality. 

As time passes, the filter becomes stuffed with dust, pet hair, and textile fibers, restricting airflow. Besides making your air conditioner take longer to cool down the house, this problem can also lead to higher energy bills, increased wear and tear, and overheating. 

Solution: Check your air filter every month and change it if it appears dirty. Don’t wait longer than three months to exchange the filter or follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. If you’re uncertain where your air filter is located, ask your HVAC technician at your next service visit. 

Improper Thermostat Settings 

Your thermostat must be compatible with your air conditioner to function effectively. Then, you have to set it correctly to maintain a comfortable temperature. Using a programmable or Wi-Fi thermostat provides the best results. 

Solution: If you want to upgrade your thermostat, need help learning about programmable features, or don’t feel comfortable programming a thermostat yourself, call an HVAC technician at Calverley Service Experts for assistance. 

Dirty Evaporator Coil 

Split-system air conditioners have an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit contains the evaporator coil, which absorbs heat from the air using refrigerant. It’s hard for the refrigerant to absorb heat effectively if the evaporator coil is dirty, making it take longer to lower the temperature of your house. 

Solution: Contact our HVAC specialists to clean and tune up your air conditioner. An element of this visit includes removing dust and grime from the evaporator coil to improve cooling performance. 

Dirty or Obstructed Outdoor Unit 

The cooling cycle involves sending hot refrigerant to the outdoor unit, where it exhausts heat away from your home. That said, if the outdoor unit is dirty or surrounded by encroaching vegetation, the cooling process may be less effective. 

Solution: Gently hose off the outdoor unit to remove dust, cobwebs, pine needles and grass clippings. Then, trim back bushes to around 12 inches from the unit to improve airflow. 

Refrigerant Leak 

Refrigerant is the key to effective cooling. Normally, this substance flows in a closed loop between the indoor and outdoor units. If a leak develops and your AC loses refrigerant, it becomes less capable of absorbing and expelling heat from your home. 

Solution: Only a licensed technician can repair refrigerant leaks and recharge the system. If you suspect this problem, call our HVAC pros for help right away. 

Leaky Ductwork 

Air ducts are the highways of your HVAC system. A leak on either the return or supply side can make your air conditioner work harder and longer to cool your home. 

Solution: If you notice irregular temperatures and excessive dust throughout the house, contact Calverley Service Experts to inspect your ventilation. Duct sealing or replacement can fix the problem. 

Dirty or Blocked Air Vents 

Cooled air can only move around your home if the vents are open and unobstructed. Closing too many vents can even disrupt the system’s balance, leading to more breakdowns and repair costs. 

Solution: Take a look at the vents in each room, seeing to it that they’re open and unblocked by furniture, rugs or curtains. 

Aging or Undersized Air Conditioner 

Did you install your air conditioning more than 10 to 15 years ago? As it ages, the unit becomes less efficient and may fail to maintain steady cooling. Additionally, have you recently finished a home addition or made other modifications? This could result in an undersized air conditioner that can’t keep up with demand. 

Solution: The only fix for an aging or undersized air conditioner is to replace it. Count on our licensed HVAC technicians to size and install your new unit for comfort and efficiency. 

Schedule AC Repair with Calverley Service Experts 

If your troubleshooting efforts prove ineffective, it’s time to call in the HVAC pros at Calverley Service Experts. We supply fast, efficient services to get your AC back up and running as quickly as possible. Rest assured that our technicians follow the highest standards of customer service to ensure your long-term satisfaction. Contact us to schedule air conditioning repair or other HVAC services today.