Summer can be brutal here in Yuba City, but properly installed and well-maintained AC systems shouldn’t have a problem handling the heat. If your air conditioner keeps on running without cooling your home, there are a few common culprits to keep in mind.
Troublesome Thermostat Settings
When your air conditioning system is malfunctioning, it’s always best to start with the basics. Take a look at your thermostat and verify that the system is set to cooling mode. Next, make sure the temperature setpoint is low enough to keep you comfortable. Finally, check the fan setting. In most cases, this should be set to “Auto,” ensuring the fan only operates during cooling cycles. Otherwise, the fan will keep running even when no cold air is being produced.
Annoying Airflow Obstructions
As air moves through your HVAC system, it inevitably brings in small amounts of dust and debris. This can lead to soiled filters, dirty coils, and clogged-up vents. These prevent cool air from circulating effectively through your living space. To promote healthy airflow, check your filter monthly and clean or replace it as necessary. You should also periodically check around your outdoor condenser for potential obstructions. These could be things like tall grass or bushes. Most importantly, be sure to have your air conditioner professionally serviced before each summer season.
Insidious Refrigerant Leaks
To cool your home effectively, your air conditioner requires a specific amount of refrigerant. If the refrigerant level is too low, the system may continue running constantly. When this happens, it may never reach your desired setpoint temperature. This is a common problem that may be caused by a refrigerant leak or insufficient charging during installation. Typical signs of a leak include unusually long cooling cycles or frozen evaporator coils. You may also hear hissing or bubbling sounds coming from the outdoor unit.
Of course, these are just a few of the reasons your air conditioning system may be struggling to keep you cool. To ensure the problem is fixed correctly, call Town & Country Heating & Air Conditioning for timely diagnostics and emergency AC repairs.