There are many reasons your AC might not be cooling your home properly. The solution could be as easy as flipping a switch on your thermostat, cleaning a dirty air filter, or clearing debris away from your outdoor unit. There are also more complex problems that may need the help of a professional.
If your HVAC system is blocked up or clogged somewhere, your AC won't send enough cool air through the vents when it's running. A fan problem can also cause this issue. Or, you can end up with that problem if you don't address the circulation issues. It's not always easy to realize a circulation problem in the summer.
If your AC is running but not cooling, it could be due to a dirty air filter, incorrect thermostat settings, a malfunctioning thermostat, a refrigerant leak, dirty condenser coils, blocked vents or ducts, a faulty compressor, frozen evaporator coils, or electrical issues.
This means that if the air entering the system is 75°F, the air coming out of the vent should be between 55°F and 61°F.
Air Filter Blockage: A dirty or clogged air filter can restrict airflow. Check and replace the filter if it's dirty. Blocked Vents: Make sure that vents are not obstructed by furniture, dust, or debris. Ductwork Problems: There could be leaks or blockages in the ductwork that prevent air from reaching the vents.
There are several reasons why a blower may stop working, including a clog, a stuck wheel, or a loose fan belt. The good news is that these problems are common and can be fixed. However, you will have to hire a professional to fix them.
For many of us, 70 degrees is the ideal indoor temperature, but when it is close to 100 degrees outside, your AC unit will be working quite hard to meet these expectations. Consider setting your thermostat at 75 degrees to 80 degrees in your home if the outside temperature is approaching triple digits.
Obstructed Vent
One of the most common causes for poor airflow is a blocked vent. To properly heat or cool your home, the air needs to be unobstructed. To see if there are any blocked vents, look by the baseboards or on the ceiling. Furniture, bedding, and the vent damper could all be possible obstacles to the vent.
Temp the Air From the Air Conditioner
Put the thermometer on the vent and let it take the temperature of the air coming out of it for about five minutes. You can use a weather thermometer or a cooking thermometer.
Your AC might be stuck at 75 due to various reasons like clogged filters, refrigerant leaks, or the wrong unit size. It's best to have a professional diagnose and fix the issue.
Blocked, damaged, or disconnected ductwork can significantly reduce airflow, while duct leaks cause cool air to leak, weakening indoor airflow. Regular duct inspections and cleanings are vital to fix these problems and ensure consistent airflow in your home.
There are many reasons your AC might not be cooling your home properly. The solution could be as easy as flipping a switch on your thermostat, cleaning a dirty air filter, or clearing debris away from your outdoor unit. There are also more complex problems that may need the help of a professional.
If you notice a change in the airflow of your HVAC system, then you should look into calling a professional. They can come out and test your equipment to determine how strong the airflow is. How strong should air come out of vents? The recommended airflow for each room is typically 50 cubic feet per minute.
Low or Leaking Refrigerant
If there is a leakage in the coils or refrigerant lines, the refrigerant level in the cooling unit will decrease, resulting in warm air blowing from your vents or even reduced cooling performance. Over time, the refrigerant leaks can lead to low refrigerant levels.
A full HVAC inspection costs between $150 and $500 on average. This comprehensive appointment includes a complete inspection of your heating system, cooling system, and ductwork.
Cooling a house from 80 to 72 degrees is a common goal for many, especially during the peak of summer. On average, this process takes roughly two and a half to three and a half hours.
Just because the outdoor temperature is above 100, the Ideal temperature to set your AC unit to doesn't change — it's 78 degrees. Higher temperatures in the home are to be expected when the weather is hotter than usual, but your thermostat can still be set the same as if it were a lower temperature outside.
Keeping your home warm in the winter is essential for one's comfort and also to keep pipes from freezing. However, you should be mindful of energy consumption as well. According to the Department of Energy, the optimal temperature setting for homes during freezing weather is 68 °F.
The short answer: Definitely not. (Unless you have manually engaged your outside fan to run constantly, but it shouldn't be running for hours on it's own.) If your HVAC is functioning correctly, it should keep your house cool by cycling on for 15-20 minutes at a time—with distinct pauses in between each cycle.
How Often Do I Need to Change Out My Air Filter? Generally, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing your air filter every 90 days, or 3 months. That can change based on where your home is located (ex. dusty, dry climates), if you have any pets, and the age of your system and equipment.