Perhaps the most common cause of AC issues is clogged filters. Dirt, pet hair, pollen and dust can clog your filters. When filters get clogged, they begin to restrict the flow of air through your AC. The result is that the AC doesn't cool your indoor air effectively.
One common reason is a dirty or clogged air filter, which restricts airflow and reduces the system's efficiency. Low refrigerant levels can also cause the AC to struggle in reaching the desired temperature, as it affects the cooling process.
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.
If your AC takes too long to cool down the house, there are a few things you can do to help speed up the process. Replacing dirty air filter equipment, cleaning dirty condenser coils, and opening air vents are a few things you can do to fix this air conditioner problem.
Turning off your AC when it's not cooling is more than a precaution; it's a necessary first step in troubleshooting and protecting your system from further damage. By understanding when to perform simple checks and when to call in the experts, you ensure your air conditioner remains a reliable refuge from the heat.
There are a number of reasons why your air conditioner might be running but not cooling. It could be an issue with the thermostat, the compressor, or the evaporator coils. Or, it could simply be clogged with dust and debris, which is preventing it from working properly.
Check these issues when the unit won't kick on: Check the thermostat and adjust the settings if it isn't set to Cool and an appropriate temperature setting to call for cooling. Examine the house circuit breakers for the AC unit and reset any tripped breakers. Check the air filter and replace the filter if it's dirty.
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.
Your AC might not cool properly due to thermostat issues, an undersized unit, or extremely high outdoor temps—so check those first. Keep an eye on airflow—replace clogged filters every 3 months, and make sure vents and ducts aren't blocked for efficient cooling.
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.
On average, an air conditioner running in good condition should take about 15-20 minutes to drop the temperature by 1 degree in a standard-sized room. However, factors like outside temperature, unit size, and insulation quality can affect this timing.
Every season has an ideal thermostat temperature and for summer the U.S. Department of Energy suggests that when home, 78 degrees is the sweet spot between staying cool and keeping your energy bill low. Give your air conditioner and energy bill a break by setting your thermostat to 88 degrees when away.
Dirt, dust mites, pet dander, debris, and other buildup can get trapped in your AC filter. Once this buildup reaches a certain point, it reduces your air conditioner's efficiency. This makes the unit work harder to cool down your home, which is why it takes longer to reach the desired temperature.
It's about an hour per degree, but size, insulation, and outdoor heat all play huge roles. Just like shoes that fit right to make your day better, the right-sized AC makes for quicker comfort.
In general, wall and window air conditioning units with smaller capacities can typically run for up to eight hours at a time before they need to rest. Larger wall and window units have a longer running time of around 10 to 12 hours, depending on their cooling power.
One possible reason your AC is not reaching the set temperature is that the thermostat could be dirty. If dirt, dust, or other debris has accumulated within the thermostat box, it can cause the wires to heat up or other issues. Thermostats are cleaned during routine HVAC maintenance to help prevent this from happening.
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.
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.
Key Takeaways. It's more energy-efficient to keep your AC on but set a few degrees higher when you're away from home for the day. Completely turning it off doesn't necessarily save energy as the unit will have to run longer to cool down a hot house upon your return.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends setting your thermostat no lower than 64 degrees (F) in the Winter months while people are in the home. If there are infants or elderly individuals, they recommend keeping the temperature at 70 degrees at a minimum.
First, check your filters and coils for dirt and debris that may be impeding airflow. Once you've cleaned the filters and coils, run the air conditioner with just the fan so that the ice accumulation can melt off. If the AC still doesn't blow cold air, it could be that refrigerant levels are too low.
To unclog an AC drain line, turn off the power to the unit. Locate the drain line and use a wet/dry vacuum to suck out the clog. Flush the line with water using a garden hose or cup of water. Check and clean the drain pan under the indoor unit.