Is Your AC Blowing Warm Air? Don’t Sweat It – Here’s What’s Really Going Wrong This Summer!
Nothing ruins a scorching Sacramento summer day quite like walking into your home and discovering your air conditioner is running but not cooling. The most common culprits include dirty air filters, refrigerant leaks, or issues with the compressor, but understanding exactly what’s happening can help you take the right action to restore your comfort.
1. Thermostat Settings Gone Wrong
An incorrect fan setting is one of the most common culprits. If it’s set to “on” instead of “auto” the fan will keep running without cooling your home. If you set the thermostat to the ‘ON’ position, the blower will run continuously even when the AC is off. The unit could be blowing warm air from the vents. Turn it to the AUTO position so that the fan circulates only the conditioned air. Always double-check that your system is set to “cool” mode rather than “heat” – it’s easier to accidentally switch than you might think!
2. Clogged or Dirty Air Filters
A dirty air filter can cause your air conditioner not to cool effectively. When the airflow is restricted within your unit, your AC system has to work harder to cool the air, which can cause it to strain and ultimately malfunction. In some cases, it may even freeze up, causing it to stop working altogether. During peak cooling season, change your filter at least once every month. In times of lower use, a new filter every three months should do the trick.
3. Refrigerant Leaks
Another common reason for AC failure during summer is low refrigerant levels. Refrigerant is a vital component of an air conditioner, as it absorbs heat from the indoor air and releases it outside. When refrigerant levels are low, the AC unit loses its cooling power and eventually stops working altogether. If your AC is blowing warm air, it might be low on refrigerant due to a leak or improper charging during installation. Signs of low refrigerant include ice buildup on the unit and hissing sounds.
4. Dirty Condenser Coils
These coils are located on the outside of your unit and play a crucial role in the cooling process. They help to release heat from the refrigerant, which is essential for keeping your home cool and comfortable. However, when these coils become dirty, they can restrict airflow and reduce the unit’s efficiency. When condenser coils are dirty, they can’t release heat as effectively, which means your AC unit has to work harder to cool your home. Regular cleaning of outdoor units can prevent this issue from escalating.
5. Compressor Failure
The compressor is the heart of your AC system, pressurizing the refrigerant to make the entire cooling process possible. If the compressor begins to fail, your air conditioner might still run but won’t keep your home cool. If you notice warm air blowing from the vents, strange noises coming from the unit, or constantly tripping circuit breakers, a faulty compressor is likely the cause. Unfortunately, compressor issues typically require professional diagnosis and repair.
6. Inadequately Sized AC Unit
A correctly sized air conditioner is key to keeping your home comfortable. An AC that’s too small for the space struggles to cool, running consistently without ever reaching the desired temperature. Similarly, an oversized air conditioner cycles on and off too frequently, impacting its ability to dehumidify the air and making the space feel less comfortable. This is particularly important in Sacramento County’s varied housing stock, from older homes to new developments.
7. Leaky Ductwork
If your air conditioner was improperly installed from the start, you may have leaky air ducts. This means your AC could be effectively cooling your crawl space – a space you never intended to cool – but not the rest of your home. That will increase energy costs, invite more dust and prevent cooling. Air duct leaks can cause you to lose about a third of your HVAC system’s efficiency. Not only are you losing efficiency, but also the air in your HVAC system is cooling. Your HVAC system has to work harder to keep your house cool, and you’re receiving less cold air through your vents.
When to Call the Professionals
While some issues like changing filters or adjusting thermostat settings are DIY-friendly, others require professional expertise. If you’re experiencing persistent cooling problems in Sacramento County, it’s time to contact a qualified technician for AC repair Sacramento County, CA. Professional HVAC technicians have the tools, knowledge, and licensing required to safely handle refrigerant issues, electrical problems, and complex mechanical repairs.
The best way to avoid most of these problems is to schedule an annual AC tune-up. During your tune-up, a technician will inspect your system for problems that would impair its performance and perform a full system cleaning! Not only will this help prevent cooling issues during the summer, but will also keep your system running efficiently and extend its operating life.
Don’t let another sweltering Sacramento summer catch you off guard. By understanding these seven common reasons why air conditioners fail to cool properly, you can take proactive steps to maintain your system and know when it’s time to call in the experts. Remember, regular maintenance is always more cost-effective than emergency repairs during the peak of summer heat.