It’s summer here in Fresno, CA, and that means air conditioning systems all across the city are working to keep homes pleasantly cooled down. But have you noticed that your house no longer feels as cool as it should? Have you discovered hot spots in some of the rooms? Do you need to keep the AC running longer and longer in order to reach the right comfort level during a hot day? Then there is probably a malfunction in your HVAC system that is impairing your air conditioner’s ability to work properly. The best course is to call an experienced HVAC technician to come to your home, discover what is wrong with the air conditioner, and repair it.
Below are 3 of the common causes for an AC to start to see a decline in cooling power:
1. Refrigerant loss through leaks
The refrigerant that circulates through an air conditioning system is essential for heat exchange, the process that removes heat from the inside of a home and then exhausts it outside. The amount of refrigerant does not decrease during heat exchange, and an air conditioner should use the same refrigerant for its entire service life. But leaks can occur along the refrigerant line, and the subsequent loss of refrigerant will make it harder for the air conditioner to cool down a home. It will also threaten the AC with catastrophic damage, so arrange for repairs as soon as possible.
2. Thermostat issues
The trouble with an underperforming air conditioning system sometimes lies in a malfunctioning thermostat. If the thermostat starts to read incorrect temperatures, it may tell the air conditioner’s compressor to shut off too early, before it can lower the temperature to your desired setting. Technicians can trace problems to the thermostat and either repair the unit or replace it.
3. Leaking air ducts
If cold air begins to escape out of gaps and holes along the ductwork, it will result in a noticeable drop in cooling. The leaks can also cause a decline in air quality and an increase in humidity. Technicians familiar with ventilation systems can seal and repair these leaks to restore the ductwork’s integrity and airtightness.
Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning offers comprehensive air conditioning services, as well as duct sealing. You can reach us 7 days a week.