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3 Causes Of Low Air Conditioner Output
Summer is the time of year when you need to be on the lookout for signs that your air conditioner is in trouble. The system is going to be put under a lot of strain over the next few months, and you may end up paying a lot in repair costs if you aren’t careful. The best way to prevent your air conditioner from developing issues, of course, is to schedule preventive maintenance for it every year. Even so, you need to be careful of signs that the system is in trouble between appointments. One major sign that your air conditioner is experiencing difficulty is low output. Have a look below at some of the causes of low air conditioner output.
- Clogged Air Filter: Many homeowners aren’t even aware that their air conditioner has an air filter in it, much less that they need to change it on a regular basis. While the air conditioner is being used during the summer, the filter needs to be changed every three months or so. Otherwise, it will eventually clog. A clogged air filter will prevent much of the air in the ducts from entering the air conditioner. No air flowing into the air conditioner means no air for the system to cool and circulate throughout the home. You should always change your air filter at least a couple of times during the summer to prevent this from happening.
- Refrigerant Leaks: Refrigerant is the fluid that your air conditioner uses to cool the home. The system evaporates and condenses the same supply of refrigerant throughout its life. You should only need to refill your refrigerant supply in one case: refrigerant leaks. The lower the refrigerant supply in the air conditioner drops due to a leak, the lower the system’s output capacity is going to be. You should always call for repairs as soon as you notice your system leaking refrigerant.
- Short Cycling: Short cycling is when the air conditioner turns itself on and off before completing a full cooling cycle. It’s commonly caused by an electrical issue or a malfunctioning compressor and can cause all sorts of other issues for the air conditioner. The system’s output will decline, of course, since it cannot complete a full cooling cycle. That’s not the worst of it, though.
Short cycling increases the rate at which the air conditioner wears down. The longer the system is allowed to short cycle, the more likely it will be to have other problems come up. Prolonged short cycling will tend to shorten the lifespan of the system by a number of years, so it’s a good idea to call for repairs as soon as you notice the system doing it.
Climate Control Heating and Cooling, Inc. provides comprehensive air conditioning repair services in Kansas City, MO. If you need help with your air conditioner, contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our professional technicians. We will make sure that your air conditioner keeps your home cool and comfortable this summer.
