A pleasant temperature is one of the most important parts of home comfort. When running normally, your air conditioner should easily provide enough cooling to maintain your desired temperature. But over time, you may notice your air conditioner isn’t as cold as it used to be.
Lack of performance could lead to several other problems even though your air conditioner is still running. You could face higher energy costs and greater wear and tear on key parts and components. It’s a problem that deserves prompt attention and would benefit from professional support.
So Why Doesn’t Your AC blow cold air like it used to?
Here are 5 reasons your air conditioner may not be as cold as you remember it. Do you simply want a professional opinion on the root cause? Call Diamond Blue Air today at 469-200-3100 for quality air conditioning repair in Carrollton, TX, and the surrounding DFW area.
1. A clogged air filter
A clogged air filter is one of the most common issues you’ll face. Thankfully it can be easily resolved by replacing or cleaning the dirty air filter and possibly central ac vents to improve airflow. If the filter is too old or dirty, cold air will not circulate as easily. Think about this as exercising with a facemask on, trying to cool down. Just like your body, your AC system “needs to breathe.”
This will result in the air not feeling as cold as it used to be. Air conditioners run inefficiently when they have blocked ventilation. For instance, your fan motor will have to work harder to push air through a dirty air filter.
If the filter is clogged entirely, it can result in your air conditioner blowing hot air. The blowing of warm air wastes energy, while the excess heat can strain components, causing your system to freeze.
2. A refrigerant leak
Without coolant, your air conditioner can’t actually trap heat and transfer it away from your home while producing cool air. This makes refrigerant leaks a particularly common problem in ac systems.
A refrigerant leak will not only affect how cold your air conditioner is. If left alone, it could eventually prevent your air conditioner from working at all. A faulty compressor may also be to blame for insufficient refrigerant distribution in your outdoor unit.
For older AC models prior to 2010, a leak can be more serious. Your air conditioner may actually still use Freon instead of the now mandated R410A. In these cases, the cost to replenish the freon will be much more expensive.
There are times it makes more sense to skip ac repair and consider purchasing a new unit. Depending upon the leak and repair needed, we’ll discuss your options and help you weigh the pros and cons.
3. A faulty thermostat
Your thermostat could also be misdirecting your air conditioner to produce warmer temperatures than desired. While the problem may be easily resolved by adjusting the settings, your thermostat could also be suffering from an electrical error.
If you want to determine why your thermostat isn’t communicating correctly with your HVAC system, our Irving AC repair techs can run diagnostics to identify it. Our team of technicians is known for fast and effective solutions.
4. Lack of maintenance
Is your air conditioner dirty, or covered in grime? Are moving parts grinding against one another? Your air conditioner works best if given routine maintenance that can address these and other small problems. Otherwise, it can result in your air conditioner producing hotter air than normal.
Quality maintenance can make a large impact on how efficiently your HVAC system performs over time, adding longevity. Your unit might be struggling to produce cold air due to the compound effects of neglect and routine maintenance.
5. Poor Airflow
Efficient ductwork helps an ac unit provide cooling evenly throughout your home by distributing air flow evenly. Most air ducts are designed well enough, but leaks or obstructions can reduce how much cooling makes it through your ventilation. If there are no duct issues, the problem is likely with the air conditioner itself.
Our experienced repair technicians will examine your ductwork for signs of reduced airflow. It’s good to double-check air vent cleanliness as well. Another relevant factor is the clearance of your outside unit, which is your condenser.
The condenser will be distributing heat during the summer so it needs enough space to expend the warmth outdoors. This process prevents the condenser coil from overheating. However, poor airflow can also lead to a seized evaporator coil.
Sealing the leaks will help, as well as other services such as professional duct cleaning, which will also contribute to indoor air quality.
The Age of Your Air Conditioner Also Plays a Role
The older your air conditioner is, the less efficiently it will run. While routine maintenance can extend its life span, even the best AC units will eventually show their age.
This is a primary concern when thinking about whether to repair vs. replace your air conditioner. For systems older than 15 years, it’s likely a better option to replace your air conditioner with a new one.
Improved design can offer greater efficiency and reliability, while expenses like replacing an air compressor can be nearly as expensive as buying a new unit altogether. Meanwhile, replacing a capacitor is much more affordable. This is why it’s important to get an honest assessment on the real problem, which is what we pride ourselves on at Diamond Blue.
If you notice little change in temperature after a cooling cycle or two has passed, you may want to have one of our hvac technicians troubleshoot the system to identify the issues.
Call Diamond Blue Air for Professional Support
An experienced technician from Diamond Blue Air can quickly determine why your air conditioner isn’t as cold as it used to be. Whether you need repairs or installation services, we’ll get the job done right.
Give us a call at 469-200-3100 today to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment.
Our Promise to You
Diamond Blue Air will only send a certified professional to your home or business. All of our friendly technicians are bonded and insured. When you need service, you need an honest expert who understands your complex HVAC system.
Our Assurance*
- Our 100% Assurance* means that if you are not satisfied with the installation or repair service provided, for a period of one (1) year following the initial date of the installation or repair service in question, we will come back at our own expense until it is completed to your satisfaction. This assurance does not apply to any defects arising from the use of the system or product for a purpose other than its intended purpose, misuse, alteration, accident, abuse, or failure to maintain the product serviced or installed.
HVAC License Number: TACLA26509E