Many homeowners discover too late that their air conditioning systems are not performing as expected once summer temperatures hit. The last time you want to deal with cooling issues is when a heat wave rolls in. If you’re struggling with why your house might not be cooling correctly in the summer months, here are some common causes and what you can do to fix them!
Cause #1: Drafts around windows and other problem areas
Even if your air conditioner is working perfectly, your house will not cool if that cold air is escaping through numerous holes around your home.
Here are some of the biggest culprits:
• Frames around doors and windows
• Foundation or siding cracks
• Utility entrances and exits (dryer vent, cable line, electrical services, etc.)
• Attic floor bypasses (recessed lighting, plumbing, electrical, etc.)
Solution: Seal these areas with material like foam or caulking. This will prevent any extra air from escaping and keep your home’s temperature the same as your thermostat setting.
Cause #2: Your house has no protection from natural heating elements
The sun is especially strong in summer, and if your house isn’t designed to combat its natural heating tendencies, your air conditioning will not make a significant impact. Lack of insulation in the walls and attic can let the sun’s ray’s infiltrate your home and warm it significantly.
Solution: Make sure you have sufficient insulation in your walls and attic for your specific climate. Draw your blinds in rooms that receive the most light. Plant natural shrubbery and trees to provide shade from direct sunlight on your home.
Cause #3: Your air conditioning unit is not functioning properly
With the amount of dust and particles that flow through the air, it’s no wonder that HVAC systems get a build up of mold, rust, or just plain dirt in their ductwork, coils, and filters. This dirt can cause the system to not run as efficiently or effectively, making it difficult to cool your home in summer.
Solution: Have your A/C unit serviced at least once a year to make sure that there are no leakages, faulty equipment, or build-ups of grime. An added plus to keeping up with this maintenance means that you’ll find out before summer if there’s any issues, and regular cleaning will help your expensive HVAC system last longer without replacements or repairs.
New developments in energy efficiency are constantly improving the HVAC systems we routinely work on. However, most homeowners will still have to deal with one or all of these common issues that prevent your house from cooling in the summer. So if you’re frustrated with your air conditioning’s performance, make sure to evaluate if any of these issues may be the culprit.
