Why Your Air Conditioner Can't Keep Up and How to Fix It: A Comprehensive Guide

Air conditioning is a necessary comfort for many people, especially during the hot summer months. However, some homeowners may find that their air conditioner is not keeping up with the demands of their home, leaving them feeling hot and uncomfortable. If this is the case, there are several reasons why your air conditioner may not be performing at its best, and there are solutions to help improve its performance.

1. Incorrectly sized air conditioner: One of the most common reasons for an air conditioner not keeping up with the demands of a home is that it is not the correct size for the space. An air conditioner that is too small will have to work harder to cool the space, which can lead to decreased performance and increased energy costs. On the other hand, an air conditioner that is too large will cycle on and off frequently, leading to uneven cooling and higher energy bills. To ensure that your air conditioner is the correct size for your home, it is best to consult with a professional HVAC contractor who can perform a load calculation, or you can calculate this yourself using our Sizing Calculator to check if your system is the right size for the area.

2. Lack of maintenance: Regular maintenance is essential to keep your air conditioner running at peak performance. Failure to perform regular maintenance can lead to reduced efficiency, increased energy costs, and shortened equipment life. Regular maintenance should include cleaning or replacing air filters, checking refrigerant levels, inspecting and cleaning evaporator and condenser coils, and checking and tightening electrical connections.

3. Dirty air filters: Dirty air filters can cause an air conditioner to work harder than it needs to. When the air filter becomes clogged with dust and debris, it restricts airflow, which makes the air conditioner work harder to cool your home. This can lead to decreased performance and increased energy costs. To ensure that your air conditioner is running at peak performance, it is important to check and replace the air filter at least once a month during the cooling season.

4. Leaky ducts: Leaky ducts can cause an air conditioner to work harder than it needs to. When air ducts are leaking, conditioned air is lost, which means that the air conditioner has to work harder to cool the space. This can lead to decreased performance and increased energy costs. To ensure that your air conditioner is running at peak performance, it is important to have your ducts inspected and sealed by a professional HVAC contractor.

5. Incorrect thermostat settings: Incorrect thermostat settings can also cause an air conditioner to work harder than it needs to. When the thermostat is set too low, the air conditioner will run longer, which can lead to decreased performance and increased energy costs. To ensure that your air conditioner is running at peak performance, it is important to set the thermostat to the highest comfortable setting.

6. Obstructions around the outdoor unit: Outdoor units of air conditioners should be placed in a well-ventilated and clear area, to allow the unit to function properly and to have enough airflow. Obstructions around the outdoor unit, such as debris, plants, or other objects can restrict airflow and cause the air conditioner to work harder than it needs to.

Solutions:

• To ensure that your air conditioner is the correct size for your home, it is best to consult with a professional HVAC contractor who can perform a load calculation.
• Regular maintenance is essential to keep your air conditioner running at peak performance.
• To ensure that your air conditioner is running at peak performance, it is important to check and replace the air filter at least once a month during the cooling season.
• To ensure that your air conditioner is running at peak performance, it is important to have your ducts inspected and sealed by a professional HVAC contractor.

• To ensure that your air conditioner is running at peak performance, it is important to set the thermostat to the highest comfortable setting.
• Keep the outdoor unit in a well-ventilated and clear area, free from obstructions such as debris, plants, or other objects to allow enough airflow.
• Consider upgrading your air conditioning system if it's old and inefficient. Newer systems are more energy efficient and can help you save on energy costs.

In conclusion, there are several reasons why your air conditioner may not be keeping up with the demands of your home. From incorrect sizing to lack of maintenance, there are solutions to help improve its performance. It's important to consult with a professional HVAC contractor to diagnose the issue and recommend the best course of action. Regular maintenance and attention to details like air filters, thermostat settings, and outdoor unit's location can go a long way in ensuring that your air conditioner runs at peak performance and keeps you cool and comfortable throughout the summer.