Relief from the Texas heat doesn’t come often, and it can still be intense during the fall. All the work your home’s air conditioner has already gone through this year can take its toll and result in a home that isn’t as cool as you want it.
If you’re currently experiencing an AC that’s in an uphill battle to provide household comfort, it might be time for AC repairs in New Braunfels, TX. There are many different reasons for an AC to begin losing its cooling capacity after a long summer. We’re going to look at a few of them below to help you understand what you’re up against and what can be done.
But first, a word of caution …
Don’t attempt to compensate for a struggling air conditioner by turning the thermostat down lower. This will put extra strain on the compressor as it forces the air conditioner to run for longer periods. It also probably won’t help cool down the house. Seek proactive solutions, such as calling for HVAC technicians.
The clogged air filter
Whenever you notice a drop in airflow from the vents or a decline in cooling levels from the AC, check on the HVAC air filter to see if it’s clogged. If it is, change it for a new one. This makes it easier for the HVAC blower to draw in enough air to send it around the house. This may resolve the decline in comfort levels.
Low refrigerant charge
A common problem central air conditioners run into after five years in service is refrigerant line leaks. The refrigerant charge of an AC is supposed to be at a fixed amount, no more or less. When the refrigerant charge is low because of leaks, it affects cooling ability—and it will eventually inflict catastrophic damage on the compressor. You must have experts to patch the leaks and recharge the refrigerant.
Short-cycling
This is when the compressor turns on and off rapidly without completing a cooling cycle. There are many causes of this—but no matter what, you need to have it repaired because it wastes energy and places immense amounts of wear on components. If the AC shuts off after 10 minutes or less, it’s short-cycling.
Blower fan problems
The blower fan is responsible for sending warm air from the return vents through the evaporator coil and then into the ventilation system. When the fan starts to malfunction, it often causes a significant drop in comfort.
AC that’s ready for the scrapheap
The problem may be a straightforward case of system age. An air conditioner that’s more than 15 years old will start to lose cooling capacity as cumulative wear and tear catch up to it. Repairs may get it back in shape for a short time, but repair costs will start to stack up to a point where it’s no longer cost-effective to keep the air conditioner. Ask our technicians when they come to your house to inspect the air conditioner if you should arrange for a new installation.
At Thayer Air Conditioning, your comfort is our #1 priority! Call us for any AC repairs you need.
