When you live in North Texas, your home needs to be cool for considerably more of the year than it would in most other states. That’s why you notice fast if it seems like your AC isn’t working well anymore. You can turn off your oven, get blackout curtains, and turn the thermostat down, but sometimes your home just isn’t cool enough for comfort.
If you’re feeling hot or sticky indoors, don’t keep cranking up the AC and wasting more energy. Discover the reason your home is too hot by considering your HVAC system and your home’s insulation. Keep reading to discover common problems that cause your home to be uncomfortably warm.
Dirty air filter: A dirty air filter can restrict airflow, which can make it harder for your air conditioner to cool your home. You should change your air filter every 1-3 months, depending on the level of dust and debris in your home.
Dirty coil outside that needs to be washed: The coils on your air conditioner’s outdoor unit help to remove heat from the air. If these coils are dirty, they can’t work as efficiently, which can make your air conditioner work harder and not keep a steady temperature. You should have your coils cleaned every year by a professional.
Thermostat scheduling with set-points that are too high (house gets too hot to cool down) or too low (unit overworks to reach temp and fails): If your thermostat is set to a temperature that is too high or too low, your air conditioner will have to work harder to reach the desired temperature. This can cause the temperature to fluctuate.
Has maintenance been performed recently: If your air conditioner hasn’t been properly maintained, it may not be working as efficiently as it should. This can cause the temperature to fluctuate.
Mechanical failure: If there is a mechanical problem with your air conditioner, such as a faulty compressor or fan motor, it may not be able to keep a steady temperature.
If you’ve checked all of these things and your air conditioner is still not keeping a steady temperature, you should call a professional HVAC technician to diagnose the problem.
Here are some additional tips to help keep your air conditioner running smoothly:
- Keep the vents in your home clear of furniture and other obstructions.
- Have your air conditioner serviced by a professional once a year.
- Inspect the coils on your outdoor unit regularly and clean them if necessary.
- Change your air filter every 1-3 months.
- Set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature and avoid making frequent changes.
By following these tips, you can help keep your air conditioner running efficiently and prevent temperature fluctuations.
