Why Your AC Takes a Long Time to Cool Down

If you’ve ever spent a summer in Nashville, you know how hot and humid it can get. You also know how important it is to have a properly functioning air conditioning unit. Have you noticed that your AC takes a long time to cool down your home? Are you dealing with high energy bills because your unit always seems to be running?

There are several reasons why your air conditioner might not be keeping you as cool as you’d like.

It’s Very Hot Outside

When it’s extra hot outside, your air conditioner will naturally take longer to cool your home effectively.

Remember that your air conditioner was designed to keep up with the range of temperatures in your area. Throughout the year, the temperature in Tennessee typically ranges from 31 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. When temperatures climb above 90 degrees, you might notice your air conditioner working harder to keep your house cooler.

You can’t really do anything when temperatures are very high. However, you can maintain your AC unit to work correctly and cool your home quickly for the rest of the year.

Dirty Air Filter

A dirty air filter is one of the most common issues that can impact your air conditioner’s performance and prevent it from cooling down your home. A dirty air filter reduces the amount of air being pulled into the system for cooling. It essentially suffocates the air conditioner and causes it to work harder than it was meant to.

The good news is that a dirty air filter is an easy issue to fix. Simply clean it or replace it with a new one.

AC System is Small or Old

If your air conditioning unit is too small or old, it won’t work as well as you’d like. A too-small air conditioner will run more frequently without cooling your home, and it will run up your energy bills. An old air conditioner is also less efficient and will take longer to do its job.

If you suspect your unit is too small or old (or both), contact an air conditioning repair professional. They will assess your system and tell you which solutions will provide the best result.

Outdoor Unit is Obstructed

If your outdoor unit is dirty or obstructed, your air conditioner will not work as effectively.

The outside unit disperses heat from the refrigerant to the outside air. A dirty external unit (especially one with dirty condenser coils) will hinder the AC’s ability to dissipate heat. As a result, it will take longer to cool your home.

Clearing dust and debris from your outside unit may affect your AC’s efficiency. If you have dirty condenser coils, you’ll need to contact an air conditioner repair expert. They will handle the cleaning process for you (and identify other issues that might interfere with your unit).

Quick Fixes

Cleaning and simple replacements are some of the easiest ways to help your air conditioner cool down your home faster. Replacing the air filter or cleaning the outside unit, for example, can eliminate obstructions and ensure the unit is working.

Call an AC Professional

If quick fixes don’t work, it’s time to reach out to an air conditioning repair expert. Working with a professional will help you identify the specific issues that are affecting your unit. They can also perform maintenance to ensure your air conditioner lasts as long as possible and continues to run efficiently.

Do you want to work with an air conditioning professional in the Nashville area? If so, we’re here to help at C&M Heating and Cooling. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.