Summer is just about the worst possible time to have your air conditioner malfunction on you. It’s also when that’s most likely to happen. The added strain placed on air conditioners during the summer is a major cause of all kinds of issues. It’s important that you keep an eye out for signs that your air conditioner is having some sort of problem, so that you can have it repaired as soon as possible. One common sign that indicates an air conditioner malfunction is low output. If your air conditioner isn’t cooling your home as well as it should be, it might be for one of the reasons below.
The Air Filter is Clogged
The simplest explanation, and the easiest to fix. The air filter is what protects your air conditioner from the dust and other debris that commonly collects in residential ductwork. The filter needs to be changed out every few months or so in order to remain clear, especially during months of heavy use. If you don’t clean out the air filter often enough, it will become clogged and block air flowing into the system. No airflow, no air circulation throughout the rest of the house. If you know how to change your filter, we’d suggest that you do so and see if that restores output to your system. If not, you can have a professional do it for you.
Refrigerant Leaks
Air conditioning systems are reliant on refrigerant for cooling the home. They use the same supply of refrigerant from installation all the way to replacement, and shouldn’t ever need a refill unless something goes wrong. Something like a leak forming in the refrigerant line, for example. Refrigerant leaks slowly sap the air conditioner of its refrigerant supply, dropping its cooling ability at the same time. If your air conditioner is blowing air, but it’s not as cold as it should be, it might be for this reason. Eventually, the refrigerant level can drop low enough that it causes the entire system to break down. Make sure that you call for repairs if you notice fluid of any kind dripping from your air conditioner, especially if it’s accompanied by a drop in output.
Short Cycling
If your air conditioner is turning itself on and off every couple of minutes, it’s short cycling. Short cycling is the result of a serious issue in the system, either an electrical problem or a malfunctioning compressor. It prevents the air conditioner from cooling as well as it should, since it can’t complete a full cooling cycle. However, it also increases the rate at which the system wears out. The longer an air conditioner is allowed to short cycle, the more prone to breaking down it’s going to be. Air conditioners that short cycle for long periods of time tend to have their lifespans reduced by a number of years, so you should make sure that you call a professional if you notice your system doing this.
Desert Suns Heating & Cooling offers air conditioning repairs in Albuquerque, NM. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.