Nothing can be worse than an HVAC not cooling on a sweltering summer day. The problem might arise because of various reasons. For instance, a clogged air filter or a malfunctioning thermostat is one of the most common causes of an HVAC not cooling enough. The issue might also occur because of a faulty compressor or low refrigerant levels. Whatever the reason, it is important to immediately attend to the problem and avoid blowing it up further. While you can easily address issues on your own, such as a dirty air filter or weak thermostat batteries, you must contact an expert of AC repair in Yuma, or nearby areas for more complex issues. In this article, we go further in-depth on some of the main causes of reduced cooling and ways to fix them.
Clogged Air Filter
An air filter helps maintain good indoor air quality by keeping it free from dust, dirt, dander, pollen, and other pollutants. But if not cleaned or replaced regularly, the air filter starts clogging, restricting the airflow into the HVAC. As a result, the evaporator coils do not receive enough warm air to be cooled and sent back into the room, leading to reduced cooling. So if you experience reduced cooling and airflow, clean/replace the air filter to see if that helps.
Note: You must change your air filter regularly. The frequency would depend on the type of air filter installed.
Malfunctioning Thermostat
One of the most common problems people face with their air conditioning and heating systems is thermostat malfunctioning. If your heating and air unit is short cycling or unable to maintain the required room temperature, it might be due to a faulty thermostat. Some reasons for a malfunctioning thermostat include – dead batteries, dust and corrosion buildup, incorrect calibration, and loose screws or wires. Also check if your thermostat is exposed to direct sunlight. If so, then use curtains or drapes made out of thick fabric to block the sun out. Changing the location of your thermostat is also an option, but if you have a thermostat that is fixed to the wall, it can be quite cost-intensive to move the thermostat to a new location.
HVAC Refrigerant Leak
A refrigerant leak reduces an HVAC’s efficiency and is also harmful to the immediate environment. Usually, age-related wear and tear are one of the most common causes of a refrigerant leak. For instance, the joints and connections in an HVAC tend to weaken and erode with time, which causes a refrigerant leak. Besides age-related issues, formic acid (a naturally forming acid) that eats up an HVAC’s copper tubing is also one of the major causes of a refrigerant leak. This is why HVAC manufacturers have switched to aluminum coils that are less prone to such corrosion. If you are facing a refrigerant leak issue, it’s best to leave it to a Yuma heating and air conditioning professional.
Frozen Evaporator Coil
If your HVAC is not cooling enough, it could be due to a frozen evaporator coil. The issue usually occurs when the evaporator coils do not receive enough warm air due to lack of airflow or dust and debris buildup on the coils. And since there’s a lack of warm air reaching the evaporator coils, the refrigerant inside the coil gets too cold, which in turn causes the moisture around the evaporator coils to freeze on it. Turn off your HVAC and wait for the evaporator coils to thaw before you clean them. Turn on your HVAC again and check if the issue is resolved. If the issue persists, call an AC service in Yuma, as there’s a high probability of a refrigerant leak.
Faulty Compressor
A compressor is one of the most critical components of an HVAC. No wonder it’s referred to as the heart of an HVAC. The compressor’s job is to compress the refrigerant in the evaporator coils to facilitate heat exchange between the refrigerant and the warm air around the cooling coils. But the efficiency of a compressor starts deteriorating with age, which leads to reduced cooling. Besides age, lack of maintenance and low refrigerant levels also lead to increased load on the compressor. The increased load leads to reduced cooling due to lower compressor efficiency and reduces the compressor’s service life.
If you have tried all the basic troubleshooting steps, such as cleaning the air filter and resetting the thermostat, and it didn’t work for you, then it’s time to schedule a heating and air conditioning inspection. Feel free to contact us at C & A Master Tech LLC, and we will send a technician to your place immediately. We are one of the most reputable heating and air conditioning service providers in Yuma, Arizona, and nearby areas. We offer various services, from air conditioning and heating installation to maintenance, repairs, and replacement. To schedule an appointment, call us at 928-920-5237.
