5 Common Reasons Your AC Is Underperforming

Most homeowners in New Mexico have experienced issues with their air conditioning at some point. If it seems like your own system isn’t keeping up with your summer cooling needs, you’ll need to have it checked immediately by a professional. After all, you don’t want your AC system to break down right when you need it most. R.A. Biel Plumbing and Heating, the trusted  HVAC repair  and maintenance company in the area, shares what can cause underwhelming AC performance, plus what you can do about them so you remain cool and comfortable all summer long.

1. Airflow Problems

Your air conditioning system distributes cool air throughout your home using a network of ducts and vents. Unfortunately, these components are susceptible to blockages, making it difficult for conditioned air to go where it’s supposed to be. You’ll know there’s a problem almost immediately because the AC isn’t able to cool your rooms evenly. This will leave some areas hot and muggy. Aside from compromising thermal comfort, blockages in the ducts and vents can cause your AC to work overtime and consume more energy. You may notice the change the next time you check your utility bill with the increased energy.

What You Can Do:  Check for dust accumulation in the filters covering the vents. Clean or replace the filters as often as necessary to promote smoother airflow. Our experts recommend changing the air filters at least once a month to stop blockages from becoming a larger and more expensive issue. If cleaning or replacing the filters doesn’t work, the congestion may be within the ductwork itself. You should consider investing in professional  air duct cleaning  for this reason. R.A. Biel Plumbing and Heating is the right company for the job with just a quick phone call away. By getting rid of blockages in the ductwork, our skilled technicians help ensure reliable and consistent cooling performance from your AC while improving your home’s indoor air quality and keeping your energy bills from unnecessary spikes.

2. Duct Leakage

Unfortunately, congestion isn’t the only issue the HVAC ducts are prone to. There are cases where the AC will underperform because of leaks in the ductwork. These openings allow conditioned air to blow in areas that don’t require cooling, such as the crawlspace and attic, instead of being evenly distributed throughout your home. Air duct leaks generally occur because:

What You Can Do:  Just turn to a trusted  HVAC maintenance  company like R.A. Biel Plumbing and Heating for a quality solution. Let our certified technicians accurately determine your ductwork’s condition via a test. We will then locate the source of any leakage, and perform the necessary sealing to the ductwork. This will bring your AC back to optimal efficiency in no time at all.

3. Improper AC Sizing

As with clothing and people, your air conditioning system should be the right fit for your home. If it isn’t properly fitted, it will cause several issues, especially in the long run. If the AC is too small, it won’t be able to bring your home to the desired comfort level. And when the AC is too large, it will cycle on and off repeatedly. This is called short cycling, which leads to poor cooling performance and an increased risk of breakdowns. Cooling cycles usually take anywhere from 10 to 15 minutes, which is when the AC is operating at peak efficiency and has reached the desired amount of cooling you’ve set for your home. If your home has an oversized AC, it isn’t able to complete a cycle at all. It will turn off, then on, and off again. This will happen over and over accelerating wear and tear on the system and creating issues that may eventually lead to AC failure.

What You Can Do:  The bad news is, there’s no helping it. You’ll need to have your current AC replaced with the correct size for your home. R.A. Biel Plumbing and Heating can help you with this. We’re not just your go-to company for quality  HVAC maintenance ; you can also count on us for a smooth and worry-free air conditioning replacement. As a Carrier® Factory Authorized Dealer, we offer a wide selection of cooling systems that can suit any need. We’ll be more than happy to help you explore your options and decide on the one that’s the perfect size for your home. 

4. Refrigerant Leak

Air conditioners need to have the right amount of refrigerant, which is a chemical coolant, in order to operate properly and efficiently. If the AC develops a crack or leak, the refrigerant may end up leaking out. This will significantly reduce the cooling output it provides. A refrigerant leak is a serious issue, not only because it negatively affects AC performance, but also because it can lead to premature system failure. To determine whether your system has a refrigerant leak, look for the following signs: 

What You Can Do:  Going for prompt  HVAC repair  is the way to go – with emphasis on ‘prompt’. A reliable AC technician like R.A. Biel Plumbing and Heating can deal with this issue by recharging the refrigerant in your system to manufacturer specifications. However, this only works when the problem is caught immediately. When overlooked, a refrigerant leak can lead to AC failure, and a complete replacement becomes the sole solution.

5. Poor Maintenance

Without the requisite upkeep, your air conditioner won’t perform well or last very long. This is especially important for the outdoor AC unit, or a condenser unit. We’ve mentioned before how proper airflow can affect the performance of your AC. The system needs to always be clog-free in order to provide efficient cooling for your home. 

What You Can Do:  If shrubs, weeds, or even trees have started to encroach on the condenser unit, trim them back or remove them completely. Leaves and other loose debris that have accumulated on top of the outdoor AC unit should be cleared away regularly. You can wipe down the unit to keep it clean, but if you want something more in-depth, turn to a trusted HVAC technician like R.A. Biel Plumbing and Heating for the task. You may also schedule a comprehensive inspection and tune-up with us so you’re always on top of your AC maintenance.

R.A. Biel Plumbing and Heating has got you covered in all things HVAC-whether they involve  air duct cleaning  or air conditioning maintenance. With our top-tier solutions, we’ll make sure your AC can continue providing the efficient cooling performance you’ve come to expect. Request an HVAC quote by calling us at (505) 327-7755 or filling out this  contact form. Our service areas include Farmington, NM, and the rest of San Juan County.

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