Are you finding that your air conditioner can’t keep up in the summertime and sometimes even rises in temperature during the hottest part of the day? It can be hard to tell if your A/C system is cooling properly, if your A/C is broken, or if you have another issue with duct air leaks or poor insulation. Even a newer high efficiency system can struggle when Florida heat and humidity are at their worst.
Undersized system
Not sizing an A/C system properly can cause wasted energy and poor comfort. When a new system is installed, the licensed HVAC contractor should perform a load calculation that considers the factors affecting heat gain and loss in the home. Tonnage refers to cooling capacity and one ton of air conditioning equals 12,000 BTUs of heat removal per hour. A rough rule of thumb may be used as a starting point, but a proper load calculation is the better way to determine what the home actually needs.
Airflow restrictions
Proper airflow is vital. A dirty filter, clogged filter drier, dirty condenser coil or dirty evaporator coil can reduce performance. Change filters when they are dirty rather than waiting for a calendar date. Keep landscaping from crowding the outdoor equipment and leave breathing room around the condenser. Planned maintenance can also help keep the indoor coil and other airflow components in good condition.
Refrigerant leaks and improper charge
A refrigerant leak can hurt both efficiency and cooling performance. Warning signs can include higher utility bills, increased indoor humidity, poor cooling and frozen coils. Simply adding refrigerant without addressing a known leak is not the right repair. A qualified technician should locate the problem, repair it, verify the repair and then charge the system to the proper specifications.
Sun exposure and weatherproofing
Radiant heat and poor insulation can make a home much harder to cool. Window coverings, weather stripping, insulation and ceiling fans can all reduce the load on the A/C system. And yes, keeping exterior doors closed still matters.
Need help?
If you would like an A/C evaluation or planned maintenance, call Done Right at 800-714-3281. Air conditioning service is focused on our Southwest Florida territory.