Your air conditioner is perhaps the most important and valuable appliance in your home when the sweltering temperatures of Southern California summers arrive. But when the heat arrives and your air conditioner isn’t able to produce cold air, it’s easy to get frustrated. There are a number of reasons why your air conditioner isn’t able to produce cold air, particularly with so many important components that all need to work in harmony for normal operation. However, figuring out what’s causing your system to fail to work correctly can be more difficult. Here are a few of the most common reasons why your air conditioner might not work correctly and what needs to be done in order to fix it.
Common Reasons Why Your AC Isn't as Cold as It Used to Be
Broken Compressor
Your compressor is a device which compresses the refrigerant in your system into an extremely hot, high-pressure gas that is then cooled by rapid airflow in your outdoor unit before it’s expanded again, making it extremely cold and capable of cooling your home. As you can see, this compressor is a vital part of your system as it’s the necessary catalyst for heat transfer.
A broken compressor can often be fixed, but is usually expensive and a pretty strong sign that the rest of your system may also be about to experience issues as well. If your system is 15 years old or more and the compressor gives out, you may want to consider replacing your entire setup rather than just the compressor.
Refrigerant Leak
The refrigerant is a special type of fluid that flows in a closed circuit between your indoor unit and your outdoor, usually through a series of thin copper pipes or tubing. In your indoor unit, the refrigerant absorbs heat from inside your home and then carries it to your outdoor unit where the heat is removed through air cooling. Your system requires a certain amount of refrigerant running through the lines in order to maintain an ideal amount of pressure through the lines for smooth operation.
However, even a small leak in your lines can lead to refrigerant escaping, reducing the pressure in the system and preventing refrigerant from flowing optimally. Leaks can be hard to detect and possibly even harder to repair, but a leak in an exposed section can generally be fixed pretty easily and your system recharged to optimal pressure.
Clogged Air Filter
Far too many people don’t pay enough attention to their air filter. This small, inexpensive component in your system is designed to strain the air that comes in through your intake vent, removing dust, debris particles, allergens, and other contaminants that can both cause health problems and damage your system. Generally, depending on things like home size, system use, and the presence of factors like pets or flowers, a filter will last anywhere from two to six months. However, the out-of-sight, out-of-mind nature of this part means far too many people don’t remember to check their filter, let alone change it. This can cause all sorts of issues with your system, notably a reduced amount of intake air that can then be cooled, adding strain to your blower motors and fans.
Set yourself a reminder to check your air filter every month and replace it as necessary. Generally, a new filter doesn’t cost more than a few dollars at your local home improvement store and replacing it takes just a few seconds. However, the clean filter can do wonders for keeping your system running smoothly, ensure cool air is flowing through your home, and maintaining your indoor air quality.
If your air conditioner isn’t creating any cold air, have the problem diagnosed by a Huntington air conditioning professional. Call Trifecta Heating & Air Conditioning today at (714) 465-5525 to schedule an in-home appointment.