Ah, summer. After months of fighting a chill every time you opened your front door, the long-awaited warmer weather encourages us to spend as much time as possible out enjoying the sun…but it also means that a well-functioning AC unit is non-negotiable. A faulty air conditioner can quickly turn a blissful summer day into a sweaty nightmare for many homeowners in Armstrong and Butler Counties.
Thankfully, the pros at 1 Stop Heating & Cooling are here to help you troubleshoot and resolve common AC issues, so you can stay cooler and more comfortable all season long.
For all HVAC-related questions and concerns, we’ve got answers and solutions. Get in touch online or give us a call at 724-664-1976.
Why Is My AC Unit Not Cooling Properly?
There are a handful of reasons why your HVAC unit might not be cooling as effectively or efficiently as it should:
- Clogged or Dirty Air Filter. Generally, one of the most frequent offenders of less-than-ideal AC performance is a dirty filter. If your filter hasn’t been cleaned or replaced lately, your appliance will have a much harder time circulating air.
- Low Refrigerant Levels. An air conditioner requires a refrigerant to effectively provide cool (or “conditioned”) air. Without an adequate amount of cooling fluid, the system cannot absorb and remove the heat throughout your home.
- Dirty or Blocked Condenser Coils. Responsible for releasing the heat absorbed from inside your home, if the condenser coils are dirty or blocked by debris, they cannot dissipate heat effectively. This results in your AC overheating and working overtime to do its job properly.
- Leaking Ducts. If your ducts and venting are not airtight, cooled air can escape before ever reaching the rooms where it’s needed most.
- Issues With Fans. Air conditioners feature two fans: one that blows indoor air over the evaporator coils to cool it and another that blows air over the condenser coils to release heat outside. Both are needed for the system to work properly and cool effectively.
…and these are only some of the factors that can greatly affect your AC’s performance.
The truth is, without a professional consultation, there isn’t always an easy way to know what’s going on. When you notice your AC system is not cooling properly, rather than running a bunch of experiments to get to the bottom of the issue, it’s safer and easier to call a professional like 1 Stop Heating & Cooling. Not only can we pinpoint the issue, we’ll also offer solutions to get things back up and running correctly in no time.
What Is the Most Common Problem With an AC Unit?
As much as we’d like to give a steadfast answer, when it comes to issues with HVAC system performance, it’s never that simple or straightforward. However, it’s also important to note that while the result of a malfunctioning air conditioner can present in any of the previously mentioned ways, the initial cause of the issue is usually poor or neglected maintenance.
Just like any other appliance, regular maintenance is vital in keeping your entire system running smoothly, effectively, and efficiently. Neglecting this crucial care can lead to a host of issues such as reduced airflow, lower cooling capacity, and an increased energy consumption. Things like dirty air filters, clogged coils, and dwindling refrigerant levels are all symptoms of poor maintenance that can severely impact AC performance. The good news, though, is that they’re also preventable when regularly serviced.
Next to overlooked maintenance tasks, electrical issues are another common problem that plague air conditioners and their ability to effectively cool. Over time, the electrical components in your AC unit can wear out or become faulty, eventually causing a system-wide failure. If your AC keeps tripping circuit breakers or you’ve started to hear noises coming from inside the appliance, the issue is likely electrical.
How Do I Know When I Should Repair Vs. Replace My HVAC System?
That’s always the question, isn’t it: to spend the money on repairs or cut your losses and invest in an entirely new unit? Though the decision is largely up to you, there are some important things to consider when weighing your options:
- The Age of the Appliance. While there certainly are things that get better with age – wine, cheese, denim, etc. – HVAC systems are, unfortunately, not one of them. If your air conditioner has served you for the past 10-15 years and is starting to give you issues, it might be time to replace it.
- The Frequency and Cost of Repairs. Older AC units are not only less efficient, they’re also more prone to breaking down – resulting in more money spent on energy bills and repair costs. If you find yourself calling for repairs at an increasing rate and you’re watching the associated costs stack up, you’d likely save more money in the long run by having a new unit installed.
- The Type of Refrigerant Required. As of 2020, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned all imports and production of R-22 refrigerant due to its impact on the ozone layer. If your HVAC unit was manufactured in 2009 or years prior, it will be increasingly more difficult to service as maintenance companies’ backstock of R- 22 dwindles.
Time To Call a Professional? Trust 1 Stop Heating & Cooling for All Your HVAC Needs
If you’ve tried troubleshooting your AC unit and are still experiencing issues, it might be time to call in the professionals. At 1 Stop Heating & Cooling, we offer expert HVAC services to homeowners in Armstrong and Butler Counties and the surrounding areas. Whether you need routine maintenance, emergency repairs, or a complete system replacement, our team is here to help you stay cool and comfortable all summer long.
For high-quality, customer-first HVAC services, there’s no one better than us. Schedule an appointment today by filling out this request form through our website, or by giving us a call at 724-664-1976. Trust us to help you enjoy the heat this summer – we’ve got you covered!
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