Why Does the AC Take So Long to Cool Down the House?

When it’s scorching outside, you rely on your AC system to keep things comfortable inside. But is your AC taking forever to cool down the house? This is typical on sweltering days, which push your AC system harder than usual. However, if it’s not particularly hot outside and your AC is still having a hard time, your cooling equipment could have a problem. Follow these tips to help you troubleshoot the problem. 

Dirty Air Filter 

A clogged filter is the most frequent reason an air conditioner takes too long to cool down the house. The function of a filter is to trap airborne debris that could damage delicate HVAC equipment. More effective filters even catch tiny airborne allergens to improve indoor air quality. 

Eventually, the filter becomes clogged with dust, pet hair, and textile fibers, restricting airflow. Besides making your air conditioner take longer to cool down the house, this problem can also lead to higher energy bills, increased wear and tear, and overheating. 

Solution: Check your air filter every month and change it if it appears dirty. Don’t wait longer than three months to exchange the filter or follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. If you’re unsure where your air filter is located, ask your HVAC technician at your next service visit. 

Improper Thermostat Settings 

Your thermostat must be compatible with your AC system to run properly. Then, you have to set it correctly to maintain a comfortable temperature. Using a programmable or Wi-Fi thermostat provides the best results. 

Solution: If you want to replace your thermostat, want help learning about programmable features, or don’t feel comfortable programming a thermostat yourself, call an HVAC technician at Midway Services for assistance. 

Dirty Evaporator Coil 

Split-system air conditioners have an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit contains the evaporator coil, which absorbs heat from the air via the refrigerant. It’s hard for the refrigerant to absorb heat efficiently if the evaporator coil is grimy, making it take longer to cool down the house. 

Solution: Contact our HVAC specialists to clean and tune up your air conditioner. An element of this visit consists of removing dirt and grime from the evaporator coil to improve cooling performance. 

Dirty or Obstructed Outdoor Unit 

The cooling cycle will require transporting hot refrigerant to the outdoor unit, where it exhausts heat into the outdoor air. However, if the outdoor unit is dirty or surrounded by encroaching plants, the cooling process may be less effective. 

Solution: Gently hose down the outdoor unit to remove dust, cobwebs, pine needles and grass clippings. Then, trim back bushes to a minimum of 12 inches from the unit to improve ventilation. 

Refrigerant Leak 

Refrigerant is the key to effective cooling. Normally, this substance flows in a closed loop between the indoor and outdoor units. If a leak develops and your cooling loses refrigerant, it becomes less capable of absorbing and expelling heat from your home. 

Solution: Only a licensed technician can repair refrigerant leaks and replenish the system. If you suspect this problem, call our HVAC pros for help right away. 

Leaky Ductwork 

Air ducts are the arteries and veins of your HVAC system. A leak in either the return or supply side might make your air conditioner work harder and longer to cool your home. 

Solution: If you notice irregular temperatures and excessive dust throughout the house, contact Midway Services to inspect your air ducts. Duct sealing or replacement can fix the problem. 

Dirty or Blocked Air Vents 

Cooled air can only flow through your home if the air vents are open and unobstructed. Closing too many vents can even mess with the system’s balance, leading to additional breakdowns and repair costs. 

Solution: Inspect the vents all through the house, making sure they’re open and unblocked by furniture, rugs or curtains. 

Aging or Poorly Sized Air Conditioning System 

Did you install your air conditioner more than 10 to 15 years ago? As time passes, the unit becomes less efficient and may fail to maintain comfortable temperatures. Likewise, have you recently finished a home addition or made other modifications? This could result in an undersized air conditioner that can’t keep up with demand. 

Solution: The only fix for an aging or undersized air conditioner is to replace it. Depend on our licensed HVAC technicians to size and install your new unit for comfort and efficiency. 

Schedule AC Repair with Midway Services 

If your troubleshooting efforts prove ineffective, it’s time to call in the HVAC pros at Midway Services. We deliver fast, efficient services to get your AC back up and running as quickly as possible. Rest assured that our technicians follow the highest standards of customer service to ensure your long-term satisfaction. Contact us to schedule air conditioning repair or other HVAC services today.