It can be worrisome when your Farmington Hills home is not being effectively cooled by your air conditioner. The following information can help you understand why your AC is not working as it should and the steps our HVAC technician from AJ Danboise Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical may take to get your air conditioner cooling properly once more.
Your Air Conditioner Runs but Is Not Cooling
Air conditioners are designed to be optimized for the specific temperature ranges of given locations. In Farmington Hills, during the summer months of June to August, the average high temperatures range from 79 degrees to 83 degrees Fahrenheit, occasionally peaking at 90 degrees. This means that most air conditioners in the region are calibrated to cool homes effectively, even when temperatures are in the low 90s.
However, if the outside temperature surpasses the optimal tuning of your air conditioner, it may struggle to keep your home as cool as desired. While this can be frustrating on the rare days when the temperature soars into the high 90s, properly calibrating your air conditioner ensures energy-efficient and comfortable cooling for most of the year. An issue arises when your air conditioner fails to provide adequate cooling even when the outside temperature falls within its specified range for optimal performance.
A Problem With Your Thermostat
Your HVAC system, including your air conditioner, relies on your thermostat as its control center. When your thermostat malfunctions, it can disrupt your air conditioner’s ability to cool your home effectively.
For instance, a malfunctioning thermostat can cause your air conditioner to short cycle. This is a situation in which the AC compressor shuts off prematurely before its cooling cycle is complete, only to turn on again shortly afterward. It often occurs due to a faulty thermostat sensor that signals the air conditioner to stop cooling too soon. Aside from impacting the comfort of your home, short cycling puts strain on the compressor, increases your energy bills, and reduces the lifespan of your AC unit.
Uneven cooling can also be a symptom of a misaligned or defective thermostat. If your thermostat is not properly connected to your air conditioner, the AC may not run for a sufficient duration to distribute cooling evenly throughout your home. This can result in hotspots, especially in areas farther away from the AC unit.
A malfunctioning thermostat can also cause issues with your blower fan, either causing it not to run at all or to run continuously. Additionally, an inadequate connection with the thermostat may cause the air conditioner fan to operate while the compressor remains inactive, resulting in no cool air being delivered from the vents.
A Dirty Air Filter
A potential cause for inadequate cooling from your air conditioner could be a dirty air filter. When the air filter in your HVAC system becomes dirty or clogged, it can cause the air conditioner to overheat. A blocked filter forces the air conditioner to work harder, putting additional strain on the unit.
One of the most noticeable consequences of a dirty air filter is that indoor air may not get cooled to the desired temperature. If you observe that your home feels unusually warm and is not reaching the desired cooling level, it may be time to schedule HVAC maintenance and have one of our professional technicians inspect the unit to ensure that the filters are clean and properly installed.
Clogged Coils
Regular maintenance of the indoor air handler and outdoor condenser is essential for home air conditioning systems. Both units contain coils that play a crucial role in cooling your home.
The outdoor condenser unit is equipped with coils that facilitate the release of heat from your air conditioner. However, these coils can easily become clogged with dirt and debris, which act as insulation and prevents efficient heat release. This can result in warm air remaining trapped in your home. During maintenance, an HVAC technician will visually inspect the condenser coils, ensure that the area around the coils is clear of debris, and verify that the coils are clean and functioning properly.
The indoor air handler is responsible for extracting heat from the air inside your home. Over time, these coils can become dirty and clogged, especially if the air conditioner’s air filter is not regularly replaced. Cleaning evaporator coils requires delicate handling, and it is not recommended for homeowners to attempt it themselves. If you suspect that dirty evaporator coils are causing your air conditioner to malfunction, it is best to contact the professionals at AJ Danboise Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical and let them perform maintenance on these coils.
Frozen Evaporator Coil
If your air conditioner is not cooling your home and you notice condensation or ice buildup, it could be due to a frozen evaporator coil. The evaporator coil is responsible for vaporizing the liquid refrigerant to produce cool air, and it should never freeze. Under normal operation, the refrigerant vapor is around 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If the coils get colder than that, they can freeze and accumulate ice.
There are several common reasons why the evaporator coil may freeze, such as inadequate airflow caused by drain clogs, dirty air filters, dirty coils, or low fan speed. Refrigerant leaks and issues with the AC’s defrost cycle can also lead to low refrigerant levels and frozen coils.
Attempting to chip away the ice from the evaporator coil is not recommended as a DIY solution. It can be dangerous and may cause permanent damage to the coils, resulting in costly repairs or replacements. If you notice that the evaporator coils on your air conditioner are frozen, it is best to contact our technicians for a proper evaluation and assistance in resolving the issue.
Leaking Ductwork
If your home’s ductwork is old, there may be a possibility of developing leaks. Even a small leak can significantly impact your air conditioner’s ability to effectively distribute cool air throughout your home. When there is a leak in the ductwork, you may notice hotspots in rooms that are farthest from your air conditioner.
Minor leaks can sometimes be repaired. But major leaks, especially those resulting in conditioned air leaking into the attic space, may require ductwork replacement.
Replacing an Aging or Underpowered System
Ensuring that the air conditioner is the right size for your home is a key part of the installation process. If an undersized unit is installed, you will likely experience regular issues with your AC unit running but not effectively cooling your residence. The only solution to this issue is to replace the undersized unit with one that is the appropriate size for your home.
On the other hand, if your air conditioner is the right size for your home but cannot cool your home effectively due to age or lack of maintenance, a new air conditioner of the proper size should resolve the issue.
Quality Plumbing, HVAC, and Electrical Services in Farmington Hills
At AJ Danboise Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical, we have been our community’s number-one HVAC, electrical, and plumbing team since 1925. We are a certified and award-winning company proud to offer our clients a wide range of services.
Our services include HVAC installation, repair, and maintenance. We install boilers and offer indoor air quality inspections and alternatives. We clean drains and install water heaters, sump pumps, and garbage disposals. Our electrical options include whole home surge protection, generators, ceiling fans, and electrical repair. Contact us at AJ Danboise Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical today to learn more about our products and services in Farmington Hills.
