Common Cooling Issues Faced During Peak Air Conditioning Power Usage

During peak summer season, temperatures are at their highest and your air conditioning power usage peaks as well to keep your house cool. This may cause some issues with the unit and leave you without cool air. That’s why we put together six of the most common cooling issues faced during peak A/C season, and some tips on how to handle them:

#1: Your air conditioner switches on irregularly.

If your thermostat is located directly in the sunlight or in an area that gets too cold, it could trigger your air conditioning system to turn on and off at irregular times. Additionally, avoid placing lamps or TVs near your thermostat, as those appliances put off heat and can cause the air conditioner to run longer and harder than necessary. And finally, make sure your thermostat is located in an area that represents the average temperature of your house.

#2: Your air filters are dirty and not working efficiently.

A clogged filter will restrict airflow throughout your unit and decrease its ability to cool the air in your house. We recommend cleaning or changing your filters at least four times a year (when the seasons change) or, better yet, once a month.

#3: Your window seals are allowing air to leak.

Check your window seals to make sure hot air isn’t getting out and cold air isn’t coming in. This will make your A/C unit have to work harder and less efficiently. Resealing your windows with weatherstripping should solve this problem.

#4: Your registers are blocked.

Regularly clean and vacuum your registers to make sure there isn’t dust build up. Additionally, make sure other objects aren’t blocking the airflow through your registers, like furniture or household items.

#5: Your outdoor unit is blocked or crowded.

We often see that landscaping crowds the outdoor compressor for our customers, which cuts off adequate airflow. There should be at least 2 to 3 feet of space between your A/C unit and landscaping. Similarly, there should be at least five feet of clearance between the top of your unit and any trees in your yard.

#6: Your air conditioning unit isn’t running at all.

Worst case scenario, your A/C isn’t working at all and it’s the hottest day of the summer. If replacing air filters, resealing windows and cleaning your registers isn’t working, it may be time to call in a professional. At Homesense, we believe an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Staying up-to-date on A/C maintenance is the best way to avoid your A/C breaking down.

Give us a call anytime at 317-203-8149 if you have more questions about air conditioning power usage. We’re happy to help!