Reasons Your Air Conditioner May Be Underperforming

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When heatwaves are projected to be frequent in the summer, an AC comes in handy for your indoor comfort. However, it can be disgruntling if you turn on the AC on a sweltering sunny day, only for it to start acting up. Not only will you experience displeasure and discomfort but you will also experience high energy bills when your unit underperforms. Therefore, it is advisable to hire an AC repair specialist to inspect your system and fix it for peak functionality. Below are the reasons your air conditioning may be underperforming.

Dirty Air Filters

Although filters will trap airborne particulates, they may clog if you fail to clean them properly and frequently. This debris build-up restricts airflow in the AC, causing a ripple effect of other components malfunctioning. For example, the coils will freeze as the cold refrigerant circulates through insufficient air, while the compressor may overheat and burn out. Since dirty filters impede airflow, the AC will strain to draw sufficient air for cooling, consuming more energy. Thus, you should contact an AC technician to clean the air filters periodically for proper airflow.

AC Not Blowing Cold Air

If you notice the AC is not blowing cold air, your system may not be suitable your home. This is because your AC is too big for your home, so it frequently short cycles before reaching the programmed temperature. Furthermore, if the thermostat's batteries are dead, it may fail to detect the ambient temperatures and consequently not blow cold air. Therefore, it is wise to employ the services of an AC expert to downsize your unit for your home and replace the thermostat's batteries for maximum cooling output.

AC Blowing Fuses

Power surges can overload and short out the AC's circuitry, blowing fuses. Additionally, extreme temperatures may cause overheating, especially when the outdoor unit is obstructed. Finally, if the wires wear out and become exposed, they may cause a short-circuit that blows the fuses. Thus, you should call an AC repair contractor to replace the fuses with those of the right rating and install a surge protector to prevent excess voltage through the AC.

AC Smelling Bad

Since your AC lacks an engine, it should not produce any smoke-like smell. Thus, if you notice a burning smell, the electrical components could be malfunctioning. For instance, a short-circuit may fray wires, burning their insulation—which produces a burning smell. Moreover, your unit will produce a musty smell when mold grows in the vents, registers, or the system's drainage. Hiring an AC repairer is crucial to ascertain the cause of the smell and fix it promptly.

A well-serviced air conditioning unit will cool your home effectively and efficiently. Therefore, you should schedule regular maintenance with an AC repair professional to ensure your unit performs optimally.


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