Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Working Properly in the Summer?

In this brief article brought to you by Aire Serv, we explore why your air conditioner is not working properly in the summer. If you'd rather have a professional from a reputable HVAC company investigate, then contact Aire Serv to hire a uniformed HVAC specialist in Irving, TX today.

COMMON CAUSE 1: Low Refrigerant Levels or Leaks

Refrigerant is a lifeblood of your AC system. It’s what actually extracts heat from your home’s air and carries it outside. If your system is low on refrigerant (often due to a leak), then your AC might still run, but it won’t cool effectively. If there's low refrigerant, then you might notice:

• Warm or barely cool air coming from vents.
• AC runs nonstop but can't reach the thermostat setting.
• Ice buildup on the refrigerant line or evaporator coil.
• Hissing or bubbling sounds.

This is one of those issues that won’t fix itself and shouldn’t be handled DIY. An HVAC technician will need to locate and seal the leak before recharging the refrigerant to the manufacturer’s specifications. If you’ve had to “top off” refrigerant before, then it’s time to call Aire Serv for a permanent solution.

COMMON CAUSE 2: Clogged or Dirty Air Filters

Sometimes the culprit is surprisingly simple. A dirty air filter can severely restrict airflow and make it harder for your system to cool your home. In our Texas heat, that little bit of resistance makes a big difference. A dirty air filter can cause:

• Weak airflow from vents
• Uneven cooling between rooms
• A musty smell or more dust than usual
• Higher-than-usual energy bills

This should never be an issue for most homeowners as it's something you can do yourself. Filters should be checked monthly and replaced every 1 to 3 months, depending on usage and your home environment.

COMMON CAUSE 3: Frozen Evaporator Coil

Believe it or not, it’s possible for your air conditioner to get too cold. When that happens, the evaporator coil can freeze over. This prevents it from absorbing heat, thereby effectively shutting down the cooling cycle. ACs with a frozen evaporator coil may lead to:

• Warm air or no air coming from vents
• Ice on the indoor unit
• Water pooling around your system as the ice melts
• A sudden drop in AC performance

Turning off the system to let it thaw is usually the best first move. The longer it stays frozen, the more risk there is of internal damage. It is always advisable to have a technician investigate.

COMMON CAUSE 4: Thermostat Malfunctions

This is perhaps the most common reason why homeowners miss out on a refreshing AC experience. A malfunctioning thermostat can misread the room temperature, fail to communicate with the AC, and/or turn off the system at the wrong time.

Check to make sure your thermostat is on, set to “cool,” and operating correctly. If it runs on batteries, then try replacing them. If the display is blank or unresponsive, or if you’ve noticed erratic behavior, then it might be time for a replacement.

Don't Sweat It - Call Aire Serv

Summertime in Texas is no joke, and your AC system needs to be at its best to keep up. Whether your issue is refrigerant-related, airflow-based, electrical, or something else entirely, the dedicated technicians at Aire Serv are always ready to deliver emergency AC repair in Allen, TX. We are also happy to schedule an appointment for a more convenient time. Call or message us at any time to get in touch!