Although it’s not officially summer here in the Stateline, the summertime temps have certainly arrived. Last week, we saw temperatures in the high 80’s and the forecast is calling for similar weather this weekend.
It’s times like these that we’re eternally grateful for modern amenities like air conditioning! Most of us likely had our air conditioners on full blast this past weekend to beat the heat. But what happens when one day, your A/C unit seems like it’s underperforming and isn’t cooling your home as it should? There are a number of common issues that could be causing the problem.
Dirty filters – Depending on the type of air conditioner in your home, your unit will either have reusable or disposable filters. It’s a good idea to clean or replace the filter in your unit once every month to ensure air is flowing properly and your unit is working efficiently. Dirty filters can restrict airflow and hinder your unit’s ability to evenly cool your home.
Crowded compressors – Air conditioning compressors (the square unit that sits outside and kicks on when the A/C begins to work) need three to five feet of space to work properly. Homeowners can sometimes let the plants in their yard grow too close to the compressor or use the surrounding area as a place to keep lawn items. If this sounds like your home, clear the area around your compressor and give it room to operate.
Outside air leaking into your home – Check the insides of your windows around your home. Can you feel any warm air flowing in – even when the window is completely shut? If so, you’ll want to reinforce your windows with weatherstripping or check the caulking around the outside frame and reapply as necessary. The additional warm air can make your unit work harder to cool your home and add to your monthly energy bill.
Registers are blocked or dirty – Make sure not to obstruct the airflow in your home by putting furniture or other objects in front of your registers. Try to keep them clean as well by dusting in between the slats. It’s also helpful to remove the outer covering every month or two and deep clean the reachable duct work with a damp wash cloth. This will help remove dust and other debris that can reduce air flow. If you’d like to see a big improvement in your unit’s airflow, Pearson offers duct cleaning that will remove allergens and also drastically improve the quality of air in your home!
No maintenance – Much like a car, air conditioners are mechanical units that require routine maintenance to make sure everything is in tip-top shape. If you’ve noticed your air conditioning isn’t working like it used to and it’s been over a year since your last inspection, give us a call today! Our expert technicians can properly diagnose or fix whatever’s been troubling your A/C – allowing you and your family to stay cool and comfortable all summer long.
