When your air conditioner isn’t keeping up with summertime heat, it can be extremely frustrating. When temperatures reach 90 degrees, it’s common to notice some performance loss.
Before you call for air conditioning repair, several common issues could be preventing your AC system from properly cooling your home.
Is Your Thermostat Set Correctly?
Incorrect thermostat settings could be one of the biggest reasons that your AC isn’t cooling your house correctly. If you accidentally set your thermostat to heat or fan-only, your system may not cool your home as you wish.
Dead batteries can cause communication issues and prevent your thermostat from operating properly.
Calibration problems can cause inaccurate temperature readings, leading to uneven cooling. Sometimes a programmed schedule may be accidentally changed, causing your thermostat to adjust temperatures at unexpected times throughout the day.
In Minnesota, many homeowners find that setting their thermostat between 74 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit strikes an optimal balance between cooling performance and energy efficiency.
If your thermostat display is blank, your temperatures seem inaccurate, or your air conditioner isn’t responding, you’ll need professional air conditioner repair service.
Our HVAC technicians will thoroughly inspect your thermostat, verify its calibration, check its electrical wiring, and ensure it communicates properly with your AC unit.
When Was the Last Time You Changed Your Air Filter?
One of the biggest culprits behind your air conditioner not keeping up with the heat is a dirty air filter. When your air filter gets clogged with debris, it reduces your system’s cooling efficiency.
You’ll notice a rise in indoor temperatures, and your system will have to run longer to try to reach your desired temperature setting. This adds strain on your system, which can lead to higher energy bills and premature wear on key components like your compressor and blower motor.
An important part of summer AC maintenance is keeping up with regular air filter changes. We recommend checking your filter monthly and replacing it as needed.
Most homeowners find they need to replace their filter every one to three months. If you have multiple pets or severe allergies, you may want to change your filter more frequently.
Are Your Vents and Registers Blocked?
If your AC isn’t cooling your house effectively, it could be due to something as simple as blocked airflow. Items like rugs, curtains, and furniture can easily block air vents. This can force your system to work much harder and struggle to maintain even temperatures throughout your entire home.
It’s best to keep all your vents clear and unobstructed to ensure balanced airflow throughout your system to provide efficient cooling. As soon as you notice any signs of airflow issues, it’s important to address them to improve system efficiency and performance and enhance your comfort.
- Uneven temperatures between rooms
- Weak airflow coming from vents
- Noticeable hot spots in certain areas
- Rooms that never seem to cool down, even when the system is running
Is a Dirty Outdoor Unit Reducing Performance?
If your air conditioner isn’t keeping up with the heat, the underlying issue could be debris at your outdoor condenser unit.
If you skip AC maintenance, items like dirt, leaves, and grass clippings can build up around your outdoor condenser unit. This causes your unit to trap heat and restrict proper airflow.
When airflow is blocked, your system can’t release heat from your home efficiently, significantly reducing its cooling capacity. This leads to higher energy bills, increased system wear and tear, and the potential for a major system breakdown.
As a homeowner, it’s important to keep the area around your condenser unit clean by regularly removing debris.
You should trim back any vegetation or shrubbery to ensure there is at least 2 to 3 feet of open space on all sides of your unit. Be sure to turn off the power to your condenser unit before cleaning for optimal safety.
Is Your AC Running Constantly Because of Minnesota’s Extreme Heat?
If your air conditioner is not keeping up with the heat, the main problem may be that outdoor temperatures are extremely high.
On days that are over 90 degrees, it’s fairly normal for air conditioners to run longer cycles because there’s a larger difference between your indoor temperature and the outside temperature. Extended runtime during these high-temperature days doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem with your unit.
However, if your system is running constantly without reaching your set temperature, struggling to maintain consistent cooling, or short-cycling repeatedly, it may be time to call for AC repair.
Your air conditioner is designed to keep your indoor temperature 15 to 20 degrees cooler than the outside air. If your system isn’t doing this, it’s time to call a professional air conditioner repair service.
Could a Frozen Evaporator Coil Be the Problem?
When your air conditioner has frozen coils, it will be unable to adequately cool your home. Frozen coils can be caused by a few different issues, such as dirty air filters, blocked vents, restricted airflow, and even low refrigerant levels.
When air can’t move properly across the coil, moisture on the surface can freeze, forming ice buildup. You may notice visible ice on your indoor or outdoor lines, weak airflow, longer cooling cycles, and warm air coming from your supply vents.
It’s best to turn your system off and let the ice gradually melt. If you’ve completed all the other AC checks, a refrigerant leak is the likely culprit. In that case, you need a trained HVAC technician to recharge the refrigerant.
Are You Overdue for Professional Air Conditioning Maintenance?
Annual air conditioner maintenance is one of the best ways to prevent many common cooling issues. Summer AC maintenance:
- Extends equipment lifespan
- Identifies small problems early so they can be repaired
- Improves system efficiency
- Maintains warranty coverage
- Reduces the risk of needing air conditioner repair over the summer
Our technicians will thoroughly inspect your unit, clean coils, check refrigerant levels, test electrical connections, and perform safety evaluations to ensure optimal system performance.
Schedule AC Repair or Maintenance with Haley Comfort Systems in Rochester, MN
In some cases, your AC not cooling your house during periods of high heat is fairly normal. However, knowing when to call for AC repair ensures you get the help you need when real issues occur.
Beyond basic troubleshooting, like changing air filters, persistent cooling problems should always be evaluated by a professional.
Our experienced HVAC company is more than happy to service customers throughout the Rochester area with reliable air conditioning repair and maintenance services.
Contact Haley Comfort Systems today to schedule air conditioning services for your Rochester home!
