When your air conditioner keeps running but your home still feels warm, something is not working right. This problem can be very frustrating during a hot New Orleans summer. Your AC may stay on for a long time while the rooms never reach the temperature on the thermostat. This can also cause your energy bill to rise. There are several reasons this can happen. Some problems are simple, while others may need professional AC repair.
Your Air Filter May Be Dirty
A dirty air filter is one of the most common reasons an AC has trouble cooling a home. The filter catches dust, dirt, pet hair, and other small particles before they move through your system. Over time, the filter can become packed with dirt. When this happens, air cannot move through the system as easily. Your AC must run longer to try to cool your home. You may also notice weak airflow coming from your vents. Changing the filter may help if it is very dirty. If the problem continues after installing a clean filter, another part of the cooling system may need to be checked.
Your AC Could Be Low on Refrigerant
Your AC uses refrigerant to remove heat from the air inside your home. If the refrigerant level is too low, the system may keep running without making your home cool enough. Low refrigerant often means there is a leak somewhere in the system. You may notice that the air coming from your vents feels warmer than normal. Ice may also form around parts of the AC unit. Adding refrigerant without fixing the leak will not solve the problem for long. An HVAC technician can find the leak, repair it, and check the refrigerant level.
The Outdoor Unit May Be Dirty
Your outdoor AC unit releases heat from your home into the outside air. Leaves, grass, dirt, and other debris can collect around the unit and block airflow. The coils inside the outdoor unit can also become dirty. When the condenser coils cannot release heat well, your AC may run much longer than normal. Keeping the area around the outdoor unit clean can help. The coils may also need professional cleaning as part of regular AC maintenance. Never open or take apart the outdoor unit unless you have the right training.
Your Thermostat May Be Causing the Problem
Sometimes the problem is not the AC itself. It may be the thermostat. Start by checking that the thermostat is set to “cool.” The fan should usually be set to “auto.” If the fan is set to “on,” it may continue blowing even when the AC is not cooling the air. A thermostat that is old, damaged, or placed in a very warm part of the house can also give the system the wrong reading. If your home feels much warmer than the temperature shown on the thermostat, an AC technician can check the thermostat and the rest of the system.
Your Evaporator Coil Could Be Frozen
The evaporator coil helps pull heat from the air inside your home. When something blocks airflow or the system has another problem, this coil can freeze. A frozen coil cannot cool the air well. Your AC may continue running while the temperature inside your home stays high. You may see ice around the indoor unit or refrigerant lines. If you notice ice, turning the system off can allow it to thaw. The cause still needs to be found. Dirty filters, airflow problems, and low refrigerant can all lead to a frozen AC coil.
Your AC May Be Too Old or Too Small
An older air conditioning system may lose some of its ability to cool your home. Parts wear down with years of use, especially when an AC works hard through Louisiana heat and humidity. Your system may also run constantly if it is too small for your home. A unit that does not have enough cooling power can struggle to reach the temperature you want. In some cases, repairs can improve its performance. In others, replacing an old or poorly sized HVAC system may make more sense.
Get Your AC Cooling Again
An AC that runs all day without cooling your house wastes energy and puts more stress on the system. Waiting too long can also allow a small problem to become a larger repair. If changing the filter and checking your thermostat do not help, it may be time for professional ac repair in New Orleans.
Authentic Air can inspect your AC system, find what is keeping it from cooling properly, and recommend the right repair for your home. Contact Authentic Air today to schedule service and get comfortable air flowing through your home again.