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Why Does Your AC System Take a Long Time to Cool Your Home?

Summertime in Louisville is notoriously hot. If you’re like most homeowners, you keep the central AC system on as soon as the sun comes out and hope for the best. Unfortunately, sometimes it seems like it takes forever to cool your house. You may have tried turning up the air conditioning and running fans, but nothing seems to work.

Why is it that the AC takes too long to cool down the house? Jarboe’s Plumbing, Heating & Cooling explains why your central air conditioner may not be performing an efficient cooling process this season. Learn about the causes, such as a dirty air filter, refrigerant leak, leaky ducts, dirty condenser coils, and other issues that can require air conditioner repair or a new air conditioner to improve your home’s air temperature.

Your Air Conditioning System Is Running on a Dirty Air Filter

A dirty air filter can cause an air conditioning system to take a long time to cool a home for a few reasons. First, the system has to work harder when it’s clogged with dirt and debris. Second, the air that does make it through the filter is full of contaminants, which can reduce the efficiency of the system. Third, a dirty filter can block airflow, making it difficult for cool air to circulate throughout the home. Ultimately, all of these factors can add up to longer cooling times and higher energy bills. That’s why it’s important to keep your air filters clean – not only will it help your AC system run more efficiently, but it will also help improve your indoor air quality.

Set Thermostat Temperature Isn’t Correct

Many people think that they can cool a home faster by setting their thermostats to a lower temperature. However, this often leads to increased frustration, as the air conditioning system takes a long time to cool the home. The reason for this is that the system works by removing heat from the air and then circulating it back into the room. If the temperature is set too low, the system will have to work harder to remove all of the heat, which can take a significant amount of time.

In addition, setting the temperature too high can cause the system to cycle on and off more frequently, which can also lead to increased energy costs. As a result, it is important to be mindful of the thermostat setting in order to avoid these problems.

Dirty Coils Within Indoor and Outdoor Units

When your evaporator coil gets dirty, it doesn’t transfer heat as efficiently and isn’t able to remove heat from warm indoor air as well. As a result, your air conditioner has to work harder and run for a longer period of time in order to reach the desired temperature. This can put a strain on the system, leading to increased energy costs and decreased efficiency. In extreme cases, a dirty evaporator coil can even cause the air conditioner to freeze or fail entirely. That’s why it’s so important to keep the evaporator coil clean and free of debris. By doing so, you can help ensure that your air conditioner runs smoothly and efficiently all summer long.

A condenser coil is a key part of an air conditioning system, and it helps to transfer heat from the inside of a home to the outside. The coil is made up of a series of fins that help to increase the surface area, which makes it more efficient at heat transfer. However, if the coil becomes dirty, it can significantly reduce its ability to transfer heat. As a result, the air conditioning system will take longer to cool the home, and the unit will have to run for longer periods of time in order to reach the desired temperature. In extreme cases, a dirty condenser coil can cause the air conditioner to fail entirely. To avoid this problem, it is important to regularly clean the condenser coil and other parts of the air conditioner.

Outdoor Unit Obstructions

However, there are a few things you can do to ensure that your AC is running efficiently, and one of those is to make sure that the outdoor unit is not obstructed. The outdoor unit is where the compressor and condenser coils are located, and if these components are covered by leaves or other debris, the AC system will have to work harder to cool your home. As a result, you may find that your energy bills are higher than usual, and your home may take longer to cool down. So whenever you notice your AC system takes a long time to cool down your home, take a few minutes to clear away any debris from the outdoor unit. You’ll be glad you did when the temperature starts to rise!

Refrigerant Leaks

The refrigerant in your air conditioning system is what allows it to cool your home. This refrigerant circulates through your system and refrigerant lines, absorbing heat from inside your home and then releasing it outside. However, if there is a leak in your system, the refrigerant can escape.

This can cause your air conditioning system to take a long time to cool your home because there is less refrigerant available to absorb heat. In addition, the compressor in your air conditioning system may have to work harder to circulate the reduced amount of refrigerant, which can also lead to longer cooling times. If you suspect that your air conditioning system has a refrigerant leak, it is important to call an HVAC professional to fix the problem. Otherwise, you may not be able to cool your home effectively.

Leaky Ductwork

Ductwork is one of the most important parts of a central air conditioning system, as it is responsible for delivering conditioned air to each room in a home. When ductwork is properly sealed and insulated, it helps to ensure that cooled air is not lost as it travels through the system.

However, if ductwork is poorly maintained or has developed leaks, it can cause cool air to escape, making it harder for a system to keep a home cool. In addition, leaky ductwork can allow hot air from the attic or crawlspace to enter the system, making it work even harder to achieve the desired temperature. By ensuring that ductwork is properly sealed and insulated, homeowners can help their AC systems operate more efficiently and keep their homes cool and comfortable.

Blocked Air Vents

If your air vents are blocked, it will take your air conditioning system longer to cool your home. That’s because the vents help to circulate the air, and if they’re blocked, the air can’t circulate as well. The vents also help to regulate the temperature, so if they’re blocked, the temperature in your home will be harder to control.

There are a few different things that can cause your vents to become blocked, such as dust and dirt buildup, furniture or curtains blocking the vents, or even pet hair. If you notice that it’s taking your air conditioning system longer to cool your home, check your vents to see if they’re blocked. Clearing the vents and removing obstructions will help improve airflow and make your system more efficient.

Wrong Size Air Conditioner

When an air conditioning system is too small for a home, it has to work overtime to cool the space, and this can lead to a number of problems. First of all, the unit will wear out more quickly because it’s working harder than it was designed to. Additionally, the unit will struggle to reach the desired temperature, and it will run longer cooling cycles. This not only makes the space less comfortable, but it also drives up energy costs. Finally, the unit will also likely produce more noise as it struggles to keep up with demand. So if you’re wondering why it takes a long time to cool your home, it could be because your AC unit is too small.

Time to Replace the Air Conditioner

Air conditioners are one of the most essential pieces of summertime equipment, and if yours is on its last legs, you may be dreading the thought of another hot season. If your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, it may be time to start shopping for a replacement.

A newer model will be more energy efficient, which can save you money on your utility bills. It will also cool your home more efficiently, so you won’t have to wait as long for the house to reach the desired temperature. In addition, a new air conditioner will be less likely to break down, and if it does, parts will be easier to find and replace. So if your current air conditioner is on its last legs, it may be time to invest in a new one. You’ll be glad you did!

AC System Repair and Replacement

The next time your AC unit takes forever to cool your home, don’t panic. It might be a simple fix like changing the air filter or cleaning the coils. If it’s something more serious, our team is here to help. Contact us today for air conditioner repair or replacement services for a new air conditioner and we’ll have you cooled off in no time!

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