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Why Is Your AC Unit Taking so Long to Cool Your Home?


Summertime is when we all start to feel the heat. For many homeowners, that means turning on the AC system and keeping it on throughout the season. But sometimes it feels like the air conditioner takes forever to cool your house. So what’s going on? What’s wrong when my AC takes too long to cool down the house?

If your central AC system can’t remove as much heat as it used to or the cooling process takes longer than it should, it’s not always just a high outdoor temperature that’s to blame. Leaky ducts, dirty air filters, dirty condenser coils, excessive dust on the evaporator coil, low refrigerant, ice buildup, and other issues may be the reason why your AC system isn’t keeping the house cool at the preferred temperature.

Williams Comfort Air is a Central Indiana HVAC specialist who can help you cool your house this season. Learn why your air conditioning system isn’t able to treat warm air effectively and if you may need air conditioning repair or even a new air conditioner.

1. You Have a Dirty Air Filter 

One of the most common reasons for an air conditioning system to take a long time to cool a home is a dirty air filter. The air filter is responsible for trapping dirt, dust, and other airborne particles, and over time it can become clogged with debris. When this happens, the air filter can’t do its job properly and the airflow to the AC unit is restricted. This reduced airflow means that the AC unit has to work harder to cool the home, which can lead to increased energy costs and longer cooling times. In some cases, dirty air filters can also cause the AC unit to freeze up, which can lead to even more serious problems. To avoid these issues, it’s important to regularly check and replace your air filter.

2. You’re Using the Wrong Thermostat Settings

Have you ever gone to turn on your AC only to find that it takes forever for your home to cool down? There are a few reasons why this might be happening, but one of the most common culprits is an improper thermostat setting. When you set thermostat temperature too low, the AC unit will run for longer periods of time in order to achieve the desired temperature. This not only wastes energy, but it also puts unnecessary strain on the system, which can lead to breakdowns and repairs. So, next time you go to adjust your thermostat, make sure you set it to the proper air temperature in order to avoid these problems. Your AC will thank you!

3. The Indoor and Outdoor Units Have Dirty Coils

The evaporator coil is one of the most important parts of an air conditioning system. Its job is to absorb heat from the warm indoor air, causing the air to cool. However, if the evaporator coil becomes dirty, it will have a harder time absorbing heat. As a result, the air conditioner will take longer to cool the home. Additionally, a dirty evaporator coil can cause the air conditioner to short cycle, meaning it will turn on and off more frequently. This can lead to decreased efficiency and higher energy bills. To avoid these problems, it is important to keep the evaporator coil clean. This can be done by regularly changing the filter and scheduling annual maintenance appointments.

A condenser coil is responsible for transferring heat from the air inside your home to the outdoors. The condenser coils are usually located in a metal box on the side of your house, called the outdoor unit, and they rely on a fan to circulate air through them. Over time, the coils can become covered in dust and dirt, which inhibits their ability to transfer heat effectively. As a result, your air conditioning system has to work harder to cool your home, leading to longer cooling times and higher energy bills.

Fortunately, you can help keep your condenser coils clean by trimming back any foliage that is near the unit and making sure that the area around it is free of debris. By taking these simple steps, you can ensure that your air conditioner will be able to cool your home efficiently all summer long.

4. The Outdoor Unit Is Obstructed 

Most people know that it’s important to keep the area around their air conditioning unit clear. But what many don’t realize is that an obstructed outdoor unit can actually make it harder for your system to cool your home. When the unit is blocked, the airflow is restricted, making it difficult for the system to circulate air and release heat from the refrigerant. As a result, your system has to work harder to cool your home, which can lead to increased energy costs and longer cooling times. So if you want your AC to work at its best, make sure to keep the area around your outdoor unit clear.

5. There’s a Refrigerant Leak

If your air conditioning system is taking a long time to cool your home, it could be due to a refrigerant leak. When refrigerant leaks out of the system, from refrigerant lines or other components, it reduces the amount of fluid available to absorb heat. This means that the system has to work harder to cool the air, which can take a long time.

In addition, a low level of refrigerant can damage the compressor, leading to even more problems. If you suspect a refrigerant leak, it’s important to call an HVAC professional to fix your system. Otherwise, you could end up with an even bigger problem on your hands.

6. Your Home Has Leaky Ductwork

Many people don’t realize how important their ductwork is to the efficiency of their air conditioning system. Ductwork that is poorly sealed or has holes can cause a significant amount of cool air to be lost before it ever reaches the intended room. As a result, the air conditioning system has to work harder and run for a longer period of time in order to reach the desired temperature. In addition, leaky ductwork can allow hot air from outside to enter the home, making it even more difficult to keep the environment cool. By ensuring that your ductwork is properly sealed, you can help your air conditioning system to run more efficiently and cool your home more quickly.

7. Air Vents Are Blocked

Blocked vents are one of the most common reasons why an air conditioning system takes a long time to cool a home. The vents are responsible for distributing cool air throughout the house, and if they are blocked, the air has nowhere to go and it won’t go into your living areas. In addition, the air conditioner will have to work harder to cool the house, which can cause it to overheat and break down.

To avoid this problem, make sure that all of the vents in your home are clear and unobstructed. Remove all furniture, rugs, and other items blocking air vents, and ensure all louvers are open on your vent covers. By taking these simple steps, you can help to ensure that your air conditioner will cool your home quickly and efficiently.

8. Air Conditioner Is Too Small

Have you ever wondered why it takes a long time to cool a home when the air conditioning system is too small? The short answer is that it’s because the system has to work harder to remove the same amount of heat from the air. In order to understand how this works, it’s helpful to know a bit about how air conditioners work.

Air conditioners work by removing heat from the air and transferring it to a refrigerant. The refrigerant then transfers the heat to the outdoors, where it dissipates into the air. If the air conditioner is too small, it will take longer to remove the same amount of heat from the air because it has to run for a longer period of time in order to achieve the desired temperature. As a result, it will take longer for the home to cool down.

9. Air Conditioner Is Too Old 

A new air conditioner can make a big difference in how quickly your home cools down. Older units may struggle to reach the desired temperature or may cool the room unevenly. In addition, an old air conditioner is likely to be much less energy efficient than a newer model.

As a result, upgrading to a new air conditioner can help you save money on your energy bills. In addition, a new air conditioner will likely come with a warranty, giving you peace of mind in case of any future problems. If your old air conditioner is no longer cooling your home effectively, it may be time for an upgrade.

Air Conditioner Services 

Williams Comfort Air has outlined some of the reasons why your air conditioner may be taking longer than usual to cool your home. If you experience any of these problems and need central air conditioner repair services, don’t hesitate to contact us. We have years of experience repairing all types of AC units and would be happy to help get your home back to its comfortable temperature as soon as possible.

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