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

When it’s sizzling outside, you count on your AC system to keep things comfortable inside. But is your air conditioner taking too long to cool down the house? This is familiar on sweltering days, which push your cooling harder than normal. However, if it’s not especially hot outside and your air conditioning is still having a tough time, your HVAC system might have a problem. Use these tips to help you troubleshoot the issue.

Dirty Air Filter

A clogged filter is the most frequent reason an air conditioner takes too long to cool down the house. The function of a filter is to trap airborne pollutants that can cause problems for your HVAC equipment. More efficient filters even capture very small airborne contaminants to enhance indoor air quality.

As time passes, the filter becomes clogged with dust, pet hair, and textile fibers, reducing the flow of air. Besides making your AC unit take longer to cool down the house, this situation can also lead to more expensive energy bills, additional wear and tear, and overheating.

Solution: Check your air filter once a month and change it if it looks dirty. Try not to wait more than three months to exchange the filter or follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. If you’re uncertain where an air filter can be found, check with your HVAC technician at your next service visit.

Improper Thermostat Settings

Your thermostat must be compatible with your cooling to work properly. Then, you need to set it correctly to maintain a comfortable temperature. Using a programmable or Wi-Fi thermostat offers the best results.

Solution: If you want to update your thermostat, need help learning about programmable options, or don’t feel comfortable programming a thermostat on your own, contact an HVAC technician at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for help.

Dirty Evaporator Coil

Split-system air conditioners need an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit houses the evaporator coil, which soaks up heat from the air via the refrigerant. It’s challenging for the refrigerant to soak up heat efficiently if the evaporator coil is filthy, making it take longer to lower the temperature of your house.

Solution: Call our HVAC specialists to clean and tune up your air conditioner. An important part of this visit consists of removing dust and grime from the evaporator coil to boost cooling performance.

Dirty or Obstructed Outdoor Unit

Your AC system’s cooling cycle will require transporting heated refrigerant to the outdoor unit, where it exhausts heat to the exterior. However, if the outdoor unit is dirty or surrounded by encroaching plants, the cooling process can be less successful.

Solution: Lightly clean the outdoor unit to remove dust, cobwebs, pine needles and grass clippings. Then, cut back bushes to around 12 inches from the unit to enhance circulation.

Refrigerant Leak

Refrigerant is the key to a cool home. Usually, this substance moves in a closed loop among the indoor and outdoor units. If a leak forms and your AC loses refrigerant, it becomes less capable of absorbing and releasing heat from your home.

Solution: Only a trained technician can correct refrigerant leaks and recharge the system. If you believe your AC is struggling with this problem, call our HVAC specialists for help at once.

Leaky Ductwork

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

Solution: If you notice uneven temperatures and excessive dust in the house, contact Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to take a look at your ventilation. Duct sealing or replacement can take care of the problem.

Dirty or Blocked Air Vents

Cool air can only flow through your home as long as the air vents are open and clear. Shutting too many vents can even disrupt the system’s balance, resulting in increased breakdowns and repair costs.

Solution: Check the vents in each room, making sure they’re open and unobstructed by furniture, carpeting or curtains.

Old or Undersized AC System

Did you put in your air conditioning more than 10 to 15 years ago? As time passes, the unit becomes less effective and may struggle to maintain steady cooling. Additionally, have you recently finished a home add-on or made other alterations? This may leave you with an undersized air conditioner that will struggle to keep up with demand.

Solution: The only solution 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 Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing

If your troubleshooting efforts prove ineffective, it’s time to call in the HVAC experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We provide fast, effective service to get your cooling back up and running right away. Rest assured that our technicians follow the highest standards of support to ensure your long-term comfort. Contact us to request air conditioning repair or any other HVAC services today.