Sacramento can experience triple-digit heat throughout the summer, and these temperatures can cause a well-maintained air conditioning system to fail. Understanding some of the most common causes of poor AC performance can help you avoid costly breakdowns and achieve optimal system performance. Below, we’ll look at the top 10 reasons that your home cooling system may struggle to keep your home comfortable.
Reason #1: Your AC Wasn’t Designed for Extreme Temperatures
Most residential air conditioning systems can handle typical summer temperatures. However, during heat waves, your air conditioner will run continuously to meet your cooling demands. As temperatures climb, it’s common for your indoor temperature to rise a few degrees above your thermostat setting, even when your system is operating properly.
Reason #2: Dirty Air Filters Restrict Airflow
As your air filter collects unwanted debris from your indoor air, its fibers will clog with that debris. This reduces airflow throughout your ducting, which can lead to longer cooling cycles. AC system strain will decrease efficiency and your comfort. Routinely checking your air filter every month and replacing it whenever necessary can help to avoid this issue.
Reason #3: Dirty Condenser Coils Can’t Release Heat Effectively
The condenser coils in your outdoor unit transfer heat from your home to the outdoors. As the surface of the coils gets dirty, that dirt creates a barrier that makes it harder for heat to move. With reduced heat transfer from your refrigerant, your air conditioning system will experience poor cooling performance and enhanced energy consumption. Routine AC maintenance is one of the best ways to ensure your coils always remain clean.
Reason #4: Low Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerant is the lifeblood of your air conditioning system and removes heat. When your system is low on refrigerant, it can’t remove enough heat from your home. This leads to reduced system performance, higher indoor temperatures, and an increased risk of your coils freezing up.
Reason #5: Poor Attic Insulation
One reason your AC is struggling to keep your home comfortable could be poor attic insulation. Heat can easily enter your home through your attic, increasing the cooling demand on your air conditioning system. This can lead to uneven temperatures and higher utility bills. It’s always best to ensure you have insulation that either meets or exceeds the recommended R-value for your area.
Reason #6: Air Leaks Around Doors and Windows
Simple air leaks that develop around your exterior doors and windows can have a big impact on your indoor comfort. Anywhere there’s a leak, conditioned air can easily escape to the outdoors, and hot air can enter your home. This increases your home’s interior temperature and causes your HVAC system to work much harder. Sealing up those leaks with things like weather stripping and caulking can minimize their effect on your indoor air.
Reason #7: Blocked or Leaky Ductwork
The ductwork throughout your home delivers conditioned air to each room. If you notice reduced airflow or uneven cooling, it could be a sign that there’s a blockage or leak in your ducting. Anywhere there’s a leak, conditioned air can escape into wall and floor cavities, increasing the energy waste of your air conditioning system. Routine ductwork sealing and cleaning can help to remedy these issues.
Reason #8: An Aging Air Conditioner
Another reason your AC may struggle is that it’s simply getting old. As your system gets older, its components wear out, and its efficiency decreases. A struggling AC can’t meet your temperature demands and is at a greater risk of breaking down.
Reason #9: Your AC System Is the Wrong Size
If your air conditioning system is oversized for your home, it won’t run long enough to remove excess humidity. This will leave your home feeling hot and sticky. If your system is undersized, it will continually run without reaching your desired home comfort level. Getting a professional installation with proper load calculations is the best way to avoid this issue.
Reason #10: Lack of Preventative Maintenance
Preventative maintenance catches small issues with your AC unit before they turn into a major system breakdown. Without maintenance, your system could have a shorter lifespan, lower efficiency, and a higher risk of failure. We recommend maintenance every spring to prevent AC issues.
What You Can Do When Your AC Can’t Keep Up
If your air conditioning system isn’t keeping up, the first thing you want to do is check your thermostat settings and replace your air filter. Next, close your blinds and curtains throughout the day and use ceiling fans. Finally, schedule professional HVAC service to see if it needs repairs.
Signs It’s Time to Call an HVAC Professional
If you’re unable to get your air conditioning system to keep your home comfortable, it warrants a professional evaluation. Issues like a sudden increase in your energy bill, your AC running constantly, and warm air coming from your vents all signal a problem. A professional can determine the reason for uneven cooling, frequent cycling, and unusual noises and offer next steps to resolve the issue.
Keep Your Home Comfortable With CABS Heating & Air Conditioning
Whether you need AC maintenance, repair diagnostics, or new installation, we’re more than happy to assist you. We handle all air conditioner issues, ranging from minor to major, to ensure you get the help you need.
Contact CABS Heating & Air Conditioning today to get professional AC services in Sacramento, CA.
