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Why Is Your AC Unit Taking so Long to Cool Your Home?


If your AC takes too long to cool down the house, there are a few things you can do to help speed up the process. Replacing dirty air filter equipment, cleaning dirty condenser coils, and opening air vents are a few things you can do to fix this air conditioner problem. However, some issues require air conditioner repair or perhaps a new air conditioner altogether Thomas & Galbraith Heating, Cooling & Plumbing shares the common causes that are to blame when your AC system doesn’t remove as much heat as it should. We have the solutions you need to improve the cooling process in your home. 

1. The AC System Has a Dirty Air Filter

A dirty air filter is one of the most common reasons why an air conditioning system takes a long time to cool a home. The filter is responsible for removing dust, pollen, and other airborne contaminants from the air. When it becomes clogged, it can restrict airflow and cause the system to work harder to circulate the air. 

As a result, the system may take longer to cool the home and the unit may run for a longer period of time, which will increase your energy bills. To avoid this problem, it’s important to regularly clean or replace your air filter. By doing so, you’ll ensure that your air conditioning system runs efficiently and cooling your home won’t be a problem. 

2. You Set Thermostat Temperature Too Low

Have you ever noticed that your air conditioner seems to take forever to cool down your home, despite being on full blast? There are a few reasons why this might be the case, but one of the most likely culprits is an improper thermostat setting. If your thermostat is set too low, it will cause your air conditioner to work harder than necessary in order to achieve the desired temperature. Not only will this put unnecessary strain on your AC unit, but it will also cause your energy bills to skyrocket. 

On the other hand, if your thermostat is set too high, it can cause your AC unit to cycle off before your home has reached the desired temperature. This not only wastes energy, but it also means that your home will take longer to cool down. The next time you find yourself wondering why your AC unit isn’t cooling your home as quickly as you’d like, be sure to check the thermostat settings. Chances are they’re not as ideal as they could be. 

3. There Are Dirty Coils in the Indoor and Outdoor Units

Dirty evaporator coils are one of the most common causes of air conditioning systems taking a long time to cool a home. The evaporator coil is responsible for removing heat from the air inside your home. When the coil becomes dirty, it doesn’t work as efficiently and it takes longer for the air to become cooled. In some cases, the coils can become so dirty that they actually cause the air conditioner to freeze up. Not only does this prevent the unit from cooling your home, but it can also lead to costly repairs. To avoid this problem, be sure to have your evaporator coils cleaned on a regular basis. 

When your air conditioning system is working properly, the condenser coils release heat outside. However, if the condenser coil becomes dirty, it can’t give off heat as effectively. As a result, your air conditioner has to work harder to cool your home, which can cause the system to take a long time to cool a room. In addition, a dirty condenser coil can also cause your energy bills to increase. To keep your air conditioner running efficiently, be sure to clean the condenser coil on a regular basis. 

4. There Are Obstructions of the Outdoor Unit

One of the most important things to remember when it comes to your air conditioning system is that the outdoor unit must have plenty of clearance. If it’s blocked by shrubs, fences, or other obstacles, the system can take a long time to cool your home. The reason for this is that the unit relies on airflow to function properly. When the airflow is restricted, the unit has to work harder to cool the air, which means it takes longer to do its job. So if you want your AC to work efficiently, make sure the outdoor unit has plenty of space to breathe. 

5. A Refrigerant Leak Is Present

Refrigerant is what helps your AC unit actually transfer heat and cool the air, so if there’s a leak, the unit won’t be able to do its job properly. In addition, a refrigerant leak can also damage other parts of your AC unit, making it less efficient and causing it to work harder (and use more energy) to try to cool your home. So if you suspect a refrigerant leak, it’s best to call an HVAC professional right away to have them take a look at your refrigerant lines and fix the problem. Otherwise, you’ll just be wasting money on higher energy bills and your home will never really be comfortable. 

6. Leaky Ductwork in the Home

If you’ve ever noticed that your air conditioning system takes a long time to cool your home, it could be due to leaky ductwork. Ducts are the air passages that carry cool air from your AC unit into your home. If these ducts have holes or cracks, the cool air can escape before it ever reaches its destination. As a result, your AC unit has to work harder and run for longer periods of time in order to achieve the desired temperature. In addition, leaky ducts can cause your energy bills to skyrocket as you’re effectively paying to cool other parts of your home besides your living areas! Fortunately, repairing ductwork is a relatively simple professional fix that can make a big difference in the efficiency of your AC unit. 

7. Air Vents Are Covered or Blocked

In order for an air conditioning system to cool a home, it needs to be able to circulate air freely throughout the house. If the vents in the house are blocked, this can impede the flow of air and cause the system to take a long time to cool the home. Things like furniture, drapes, and even pet beds can block vents and cause this problem. In addition, if there is a buildup of dust and debris in the vents, this can also cause the system to work less efficiently and have a hard time moving cool air into your living areas. As a result, it is important to make sure that all vents are clear and free of obstructions in order to help the air conditioning system work properly. 

8. Air Conditioner Isn’t Large Enough

If you’ve ever been in a home with an air conditioning system that’s too small, you know how frustrating it can be. The house just never seems to get cool enough, no matter how long the AC is running. So why does this happen? 

It all has to do with the basic laws of thermodynamics. In order to cool a space, the air conditioning unit must be able to move more heat out of the space than the heat that’s being generated inside. But if the AC unit isn’t big enough, it can’t move enough heat out fast enough to keep up with the heat being generated. As a result, the temperature in the space continues to rise, making it feel stuffy and muggy. Plus, a small air conditioner just doesn’t have the right capacity and power to properly cool the space. 

So if you want your home to stay cool and comfortable, make sure you choose an AC unit that’s the right size for the space. Otherwise, you’ll just be wasting time and money. 

9. Air Conditioner Is Too Old

If your air conditioner is more than a few years old, you may be wondering if it’s time for an upgrade. While older air conditioners can still do the job, they may not be as efficient as newer models. As a result, they can end up costing you more in energy bills and may take longer to cool your home. 

If you’re thinking about replacing your old air conditioner, it’s important to choose the right size for your space. An oversized unit will cool your home quickly but will use more energy, while an undersized unit will struggle to keep up on hot days. You should also look for an AC unit with features like variable speed fans, which can help to improve efficiency and save you money in the long run. 

Air Conditioner Repair and Replacement Services

Though it may be frustrating when your air conditioner takes a long time to cool your home, there are several reasons why this might be the case. By understanding these reasons, you can take steps to address them and improve the performance of your AC unit. If you’re having trouble cooling your home or would like help diagnosing and repairing an air conditioner that is taking too long to cool down your space, contact our team of experts at Thomas & Galbraith Heating, Cooling & Plumbing today to learn more about our air conditioning repair and central air conditioner replacement services. 

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