Low air conditioner output is not a good sign, especially in the middle of a hot summer day. If your air conditioner output seems lower than it should be, there could be a number of different problems contributing to it. All of these issues are going to require a professional to fix. However, you should at least familiarize yourself with the possible reasons why your air conditioner output might be suffering. Have a look at some common reasons for low output below.
Refrigerant Leaks
The air conditioner relies on refrigerant to cool the home. The system evaporates refrigerant to absorb heat from the home, then condenses it back into liquid to vent the collected thermal energy outside. The system doesn’t consume refrigerant, and relies on the same supply throughout its lifespan. A refrigerant leak will drop the output capacity of the system, as the refrigerant level drops. Eventually, the refrigerant level will drop low enough that the air conditioner will break down entirely. If you notice fluid dripping from your system along with falling output, call for repairs as soon as possible.
Clogged Air Filter
Every air conditioner includes an air filter, which is meant to protect the system from dust and debris commonly found in a home’s ductwork. The filter prevents most things aside from air from entering the system, but it cannot get rid of the debris that is collects. If the filter isn’t changed often enough, it will become clogged. This will prevent air from passing into the air conditioner, lowering its ability to circulate cool air through the home. If your air conditioner is not blowing as much air as it should be, it might be because of a clogged air filter. The good news is that this is perhaps the easiest problem to fix. You just need to replace the air filter, or have a professional replace it for you.
Short Cycling
Short cycling is perhaps the most dangerous problem for your air conditioner to have. It’s characterized by the system turning itself on and off every couple of minutes, either due to an electrical issue or a damaged compressor. Short cycling does a number of things to the air conditioner, none of them good. First, it severely hampers the output capacity of the system. This is because it can’t complete a full cooling cycle. Second, it accelerates how quickly the system wears down over time. If the problem isn’t fixed quickly enough, it could easily shorten the lifespan of the air conditioner by several years.
If you notice that your system is short cycling, it is a good idea to turn it off and call for repairs as soon as possible. Your repair costs are only going to increase the longer you let the system short cycle.
Tuckers Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing offers a full range of air conditioner repair services in Gaithersburg, MD. If you need help with your air conditioner, contact us today to schedule an appointment. We’ll make sure that your air conditioner is restored to proper function.