Here is why; Dirty filter: A dirty filter limits airflow through the system, eventually straining your AC and making it blow warm air. Clogged/dirty outside AC unit: Both the outdoor and indoor AC units work together to supply cool air during summer.
If your air conditioner is blowing out warm air, your unit's refrigerant levels might be low. This usually indicates a refrigerant leak in your system!
If your air conditioner is running, but not lowering temperatures inside, one issue could be a blocked or clogged condenser coil. When operating correctly, the condenser fan draws air into the outdoor unit through the condenser coil to pull heat energy out of your home.
If your air conditioner isn't keeping up with the heat, your air filter may be to blame. A dirty air filter can obstruct the airflow path through the unit. Using a dirty air filter can also cause less energy efficiency and more costly utility bills.
Ideally, your AC should run for 15 minutes on nice, warm days. Only on those rare triple-digit temperature days should your air conditioner be running almost all the time. If your AC isn't following this pattern, you could have a problem.
Malfunctioning thermostats, dirty filters or compressors, and low refrigerant levels are just a few of the culprits for an AC not blowing cold air. HVAC systems last for about 15 to 25 years before the compressor wears out, but if the unit isn't that old, then a few common solutions might just get it working again.
A dirty air filter
Your air filter is designed to trap contaminants in the air before it gets pulled into the AC system. But over time that means that your filter gets dirty and clogged. And if a dirty filter isn't replaced, it can seriously limit your AC's cooling power.
Change your filter – Dirty filters are often the culprit of poor AC performance. It adds resistance and reduces airflow. Make sure outside condenser coil is clean – clear of cottonwood and other debris. Clean out condensate drain lines – make sure they are clear of debris.
Your AC is blowing warm air because while the fan is operating, something is shutting down the cooling mechanism. Causes include simple things like thermostat settings and poor air flow, but also could be issues that can spell big trouble, like electrical problems and refrigerant leaks.
A jammed or clogged condenser coil could be the cause of your air conditioner running but not dropping temperatures inside. The condenser fan pulls air into the outside device through the condenser coil to extract heat energy from your home while it's working properly.
Replacing an AC compressor costs between $900 and $2,900, with an average price of $1,900, including parts and labor. Prices can surpass $3,000 for the unit alone in large homes requiring a more powerful compressor while replacing an AC compressor in a window unit can cost as little as $100.
Perhaps the easiest way to identify an issue with your air conditioner is if your vehicle is blowing warm or hot air. If your vehicle is too low on refrigerant, the evaporator core will not reach the optimal temperature for cooling. The air may start out cold, then blow warm. Or, it may never cool down at all.
Your AC System May Be Overdue for Maintenance
Have you checked to make sure your registers and return air vents are clear of obstructions and that your outdoor unit hasn't accumulated a buildup of debris over time? If your unit hasn't received a professional tune-up in a while, consider scheduling one.
Refrigerant issues, including low refrigerant or a leak. The general condition of your air conditioning system. If it's been more than one year since your last air conditioner tune-up, your air conditioner might be putting out a call for help by failing to cool your home as you want it to.
A good rule of thumb is during the hottest days when the dial reaches 100 degrees it is best to set your AC to somewhere between 75 and 80 degrees.
It usually takes around two and a half to three and a half hours to cool your house from 80 to 72 degrees. However, a variety of different factors can affect the time it takes to reach the desired temperature, including the thermostat setting, the size of the house, and the efficiency of the air filters.
Blocked Air Conditioner Condenser Unit
Blades of grass, dirt and other forms of debris may get stuck between the fins and interfere with this process. A dirty air conditioner coil will have poor energy efficiency. It can also lead to a lack of cool air from the registers. Clean the coil with a brush and vacuum.
If the temperatures outside are approaching triple digits, you should set your thermostat at about 78°. A higher setting helps to: Reduce stress on your AC system. Avoid wasted energy costs.
In short, yes, it is normal for air conditioners to run continuously during extremely hot days. This is because the system is working hard to maintain the desired indoor temperature by removing heat from the home and releasing it outdoors.
Modern air conditioning units are designed to run 24 hours a day. There is no harm in having it run to keep your home cool all day long. If you wanted to, you could have your AC unit running 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If your thermostat is set on “auto”, your AC compressor does not run 24 hours a day.
Unless there is an actual hole or crack within the compressor holding the freon, the freon level remains the same. Therefore, an AC will never require a recharge of freon unless without the presence of a leak.