It’s a hot summer day in Atlanta, your AC is on, but it’s not working how it should be; what are you missing? There are many factors that could cause your air conditioner to encounter various problems, and sometimes these problems can be a bit hard for a homeowner to troubleshoot, and here at Premier Indoor Comfort Systems, LLC, we can help you solve that.
Your AC’s efficiency is dependent on many factors. Here are some ways you can check the efficiency of your AC.
What Is the Airflow Like?
Poor airflow is probably the first indicator that will point to telling you something’s not working right. A room will quickly fill up with heat and humidity if the airflow is weak.
An air conditioner with poor airflow can be related to a number of reasons. Your air conditioning unit might require a new air filter: out with the old, in with the new! The air filter collects the dust and other particles that generally float around the house, especially if you are a pet owner or have a big family. An air filter change is essential to maintaining the health of the air you breathe and your indoor AC unit.
If a clogged air filter isn’t the issue, the problem might be related to a malfunctioning blower. The blower’s job is to circulate air throughout your entire home, and with a dirty air filter, doing that would make the job harder. The blower might also have a mechanical malfunction, which would require you to contact an HVAC technician to do it.
Another common mistake homeowners can make is not checking to see if their air vents are fully open! After moving into a new house, go into each room and check the air vents. You may also want to check the air vents in your home to see if someone else might’ve adjusted them.
How Long Are the Cooling Cycles?
Another indicator that your AC isn’t as efficient is how long it runs. An efficient AC’s cycles are not too long or too short—they’re “just right” (like Goldilocks and the three bears). If the AC is running for extremely short cycles before shutting off, or if it’s running for long cycles and struggling to bring the temperature down, you know it’s not running efficiently.
If your AC is running for extremely short cycles (short-cycling), this is an indicator that your coils have frozen over. Besides the fact that your air conditioning unit won’t be running efficiently, ice will be visible on the coil. Coils typically freeze due to lack of airflow, so be sure that your system has a new, clean air filter. Coils can also freeze due to refrigerant leaks or dust buildup, which is why it’s critical to get your AC inspected, cleaned, and maintained by a professional yearly.
If your AC is running for longer cycles, it could relate to the size of your air conditioner compared to the size of your home. If your AC is too small for your home, it will run for longer cycles and struggle to keep your home temperature down. Long cycles can also be related to the age and health of your unit, which would result in you having to replace it.
Rising Energy Bills
We all know how the rising costs of living are on a nonstop grind and how we are all trying to avoid any costly situation, especially a home-related one. An efficient AC shouldn’t cost you a fortune in energy bills to run every summer. If your cooling costs are astronomical, your AC probably isn’t running efficiently.
An air conditioner using more electricity can be a result of a lack of yearly maintenance. During a yearly maintenance appointment, a technician cleans and inspects the system while also tightening, adjusting, and lubricating the machinery. This helps the equipment operate as efficiently as possible and also helps you avoid potential system failures.
Air Conditioning Solutions in the Greater Atlanta Area
Here at Premier Indoor Comfort Systems, LLC, we will always prioritize you first. Our team specializes in AC repair and replacement services and can help you get your system up and running again. Contact us today at (770) 268-2422 to schedule your service.