For residents of Mesa, AZ, it’s essential that our AC systems work properly. When temperatures rise, the last thing you want is a unit that sounds like it’s running but doesn’t seem to be actually blowing out any cold air. At Axis Air Conditioning, we’ve learned that, when you’re dealing with a machine that you can hear but can’t feel, there tend to be some common culprits at play.
1. Blocked Vents or Debris Around the Outdoor Unit
For your air conditioner to run efficiently, cool air needs to be able to circulate through your home unimpeded. When the vents in your house are obstructed by dust and debris, it can lead to both the machine being overworked and certain rooms feeling warmer than others. Even if all of your vents are meticulously clean, vents can often be blocked by furniture or rugs, which can also lead to restricted airflow.
However, it’s not just the vents that you need to worry about. If your outdoor unit is covered with lawn waste or debris, this can also lead to inconsistent airflow. Not only can this negatively affect your indoor comfort, but it can also lead to the system breaking down due to having to work overtime to pull in air through the obstruction.
If rooms throughout your home feel warmer than others, it’s a good idea to rearrange furniture or clean up dust and debris around the vents. Furthermore, spend some time cleaning up around the outdoor unit of your AC system, known as the condenser. If the inconsistent airflow persists after you’ve done this, consider calling the professionals.
2. Dirty or Clogged Air Filter
Imagine if you were trying to blow up a balloon, but you were doing it with a piece of fabric over your mouth. A task that’s relatively simple would now require some real effort. This is what it’s like for your cooling system when the filter is dirty or clogged. The system has to work overtime to push through the blockage, which can result in higher energy bills, costly service calls, and an eventual need to replace the unit entirely.
The conventional wisdom is that air filters need to be replaced every three months, but that rule isn’t universal. If you have a lot of pets or a home layout that’s prone to dust, you might want to consider changing the filter more often. When it comes down to it, if the filter is visibly covered in dust and debris, it’s time to get a new one. Changing the filter is a significantly cheaper option than calling for a pricey repair because your machine was forced to work overtime. As a bonus, you and your family will enjoy improved indoor air quality, and anyone in your household with allergies will thank you.
3. Breakdown or Issues With the System Itself
Sometimes, little fixes like cleaning up around vents and changing the filter will solve an inconsistent airflow problem. However, if you’ve done these troubleshooting steps and the problem persists, there might be a technical issue with your system. Some common problems include:
- Leaking or low refrigerant levels
- Frozen or damaged evaporator coils
- Jammed or malfunctioning motors
- Electrical issues
- Problems with the compressor
Often, homeowners assume that, if the unit is running, it must not be due to a problem with the system itself. However, there are scenarios in which any of the above problems may be present and the machine continues to run. While you might hear and feel cold air, the unit is probably working in overdrive, which can lead to inconsistent cooling patterns and higher energy bills at the end of each month.
We don’t recommend that homeowners attempt to fix these technical issues on their own. HVAC systems are complicated. Too often, we’ve seen homeowners try to fix a small problem themselves after watching an online tutorial, only to end up doing even more damage to the equipment. Instead, we always recommend that you reach out to our professionals for AC repair.
If a malfunctioning system is creating inconsistent cooling in your home, don’t let your family spend another day in discomfort. Our team can also help you with AC repair, installation, and maintenance. Call our talented team at Axis Air Conditioning to schedule an appointment in Mesa.
