With temperature never really cooling down in our area, there’s no denying when summer is well on its way. And when we’re right in the middle of it, you’ll be thankful for an air conditioner that functions both effectively and efficiently. So, is yours doing its job?
Summer is undeniably the worst time that an air conditioner can call it quits. Unfortunately, however, it’s typically when issues are most likely to arise. And a drop in cooling output is one of the first and biggest signs that something is actually wrong with your cooling system. Should you notice this, be sure to give us a call for reliable Destin, FL air conditioning repairs. In the meantime, keep reading for reasons this might be happening.
Refrigerant Leak
Many homeowners don’t realize just how important refrigerant is to the functionality of their air conditioning system. Your AC system uses refrigerant to absorb thermal energy from the air in the ducts. The refrigerant gas then travels down the line to the condenser coil outside, where it’s condensed back into liquid, to vent the collected thermal energy outside of the home.
Refrigerant does not deplete like other fuel types do. Therefore, if you’re losing any from your system, it means that there is a leak. As your refrigerant levels drop, so will the cooling output. Eventually, this means the system will shut down if the source of the leak isn’t found and repaired.
Short-Cycling
This is a process that occurs when your air conditioner turns itself on and off every few minutes. The most common reasons this happens is due to the AC being too large for the space it’s installed in, however there are other reasons. For instance, you could have an electrical short between the thermostat and the air conditioner, causing the AC system to receive the wrong signals.
The short-cycling process can also happen because of a problem with the compressor, which is partly responsible for the operating rhythm of your air conditioner. If this occurs for too long, then your cooling system will wear down much quicker than it would otherwise, making operational problems happen more frequently.
Air Handler Issues
If there isn’t enough air circulating from your AC system, the problem is probably located within your air handler. This is the component of your air conditioner responsible for circulating air throughout your entire home. IT’s comprised of a large motor, which has a fan attached. Moving that much air creates strain for the air handler, which can cause problems.
This AC component includes bearings, helping to run more smoothly, but even these need to be replaced occasionally. If you hear a loud grinding noise accompanying the decreased cooling output of your AC system, then you likely need to have your air handler checked. If this AC part is malfunctioning, then it simply won’t be able to circulate air through your home as it should, resulting in lower output.
Contact Kool Breeze of Northwest Florida, Inc. for whatever your air conditioning service needs may be!