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

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

Dirty Air Filter

A clogged filter is the most frequent reason an AC system needs too much time to lower the temperature of the house. The purpose of a filter is to capture airborne contaminants that may cause problems for your HVAC equipment. More effective filters even capture microscopic airborne contaminants to enhance indoor air quality.

Over time, the filter becomes blocked up with dust, pet hair, and textile fibers, reducing circulation. Besides making your air conditioning system take longer to cool down the house, this problem can also result in larger energy bills, higher wear and tear, and overheating.

Solution: Check your air filter once a month and replace it if it looks dirty. Don't wait over three months to exchange the filter or follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. If you’re unsure where your air filter can be found, ask an HVAC technician at your next service visit.

Improper Thermostat Settings

Your thermostat has to be compatible with your air conditioner to function correctly. Then, you have to set it correctly to reach a cozy temperature. Installing a programmable or Wi-Fi thermostat provides the best results.

Solution: If you want to update your thermostat, need help learning about programmable features, or aren't comfortable programming a thermostat on your own, get in touch with an HVAC technician at TML Service Experts for support.

Dirty Evaporator Coil

Split-system air conditioners need an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit includes the evaporator coil, which collects heat from the air using refrigerant. It’s more difficult for the refrigerant to soak up heat efficiently 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. Part of this call includes clearing away dirt and grime from the evaporator coil to boost cooling efficiency.

Dirty or Obstructed Outdoor Unit

Your AC system's cooling cycle requires sending hot refrigerant to the outdoor unit, where it expels heat into the outdoor air. Unfortunately, if the outdoor unit is dirty or overgrown with encroaching vegetation, the cooling cycle can be less successful.

Solution: Lightly clean the outdoor unit to eliminate dust, cobwebs, pine needles and grass clippings. Then, trim back bushes to at least 12 inches from the unit to enhance ventilation.

Refrigerant Leak

Refrigerant is the key to effective cooling. Typically, this substance travels in a closed loop among the indoor and outdoor units. If a leak develops and your air conditioner loses refrigerant, it becomes less capable of absorbing and releasing heat from your home.

Solution: Only a qualified technician can repair refrigerant leaks and recharge the system. If you think you're dealing with this problem, call up our HVAC pros for help at once.

Leaky Ductwork

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

Solution: If you are dealing with uneven temperatures and excessive dust inside the house, get in touch with TML Service Experts to inspect your ventilation. Duct sealing or replacement can fix the problem.

Dirty or Blocked Air Vents

Conditioned air can only circulate through your home if the supply and return vents are open and free from any obstructions. Shutting too many vents can even disrupt the system’s balance, contributing to additional breakdowns and repair costs.

Solution: Check the vents all through the house, ensuring they’re open and unblocked by furniture, carpets or window treatments.

Aging or Inadequately Sized Air Conditioning System

Did you install your cooling more than 10 to 15 years ago? As it ages, the unit becomes less effective and can fail to maintain steady cooling. Additionally, have you recently built a home addition or made other alterations? This can lead to an undersized air conditioner that may be unable to keep up with demand.

Solution: The only fix for an outdated or undersized air conditioner is to replace it. Trust our qualified HVAC technicians to size and install your new unit for comfort and efficiency.

Schedule AC Repair with TML Service Experts

If your troubleshooting attempts prove ineffective, it’s time to contact the HVAC pros at TML Service Experts. We deliver fast, reliable support to get your cooling back up and running as quickly as possible. You can rest easy knowing our technicians follow the highest standards of care to ensure your long-term comfort. Contact us to arrange air conditioning repair or any other HVAC services today.