When it gets hot in Annapolis, Maryland, you expect your air conditioner to keep you cool. Unfortunately, some things can sometimes prevent your air conditioning from beating the heat. Here are six reasons your air conditioner isn’t keeping up this summer:
You Need More Insulation
Insulation is what helps to keep the hot air out and cold air in during the summer. If you don’t have enough insulation in your home, you’re likely to experience excessive leaking. As a result, it’ll make it hard for your air conditioner to cool your home thoroughly. Insulation is especially vital in attics, added rooms and the shared walls of the garage where air tends to leak the most.
You Have An Aging Air Conditioner
As your system ages, it’ll have a harder time cooling your home. Don’t wait until your air conditioner completely breaks down to replace it. The money you save on your monthly utility bills can offset the initial investment of a new AC system. By starting your search early, you’ll also be able to find the best deal. Rushing into a purchase decision because your unit broke down on the hottest day of summer is never fun.
Your Air Filter is Dirty
A clogged air filter prevents air from flowing freely into your home. Check your air filter once a month during the summer to make sure it’s not dirty or clogged. A clogged air filter will cause a spike in your utilities, poor indoor air quality and prevent your AC from sufficiently cooling your home. Consider investing in preventive maintenance to make sure your system gets checked before the cooling season starts.
You Need Better Landscaping
If you have sun hitting your house directly, it can cause it to heat fast. Outdoor landscaping, like shaded trees, can prevent the sun from hitting your home. Your air conditioner won’t have to strain itself to cool your home, and those rooms won’t get hotter than the rest of the house. If outside landscaping isn’t an option, consider installing blackout blinds on your windows to close during the hottest times of the day.
Your Air Vents are Closed
Pets and children are both culprits of closing your air vents. Walk through your house and locate the air vents in every room. Make sure they’re open. If you can’t find the air vent in one of the rooms, it’s likely covered by furniture, which can also restrict airflow. Having your air vents all open will help to circulate the air and allow your HVAC system to work correctly.
Your Air Conditioner Isn’t Sized Properly
If your air conditioner is too big or too small, you’ll feel hot spots throughout your home. It might also feel like it’s never properly cooled. Have a contractor perform a load calculation to make sure your system is the correct size for your home. If it’s not, you might need to replace it to get the comfort and efficiency you desire. Otherwise, you’ll continue overspending on energy bills and risk major AC breakdowns.
You Have Leaky Doors and Windows
Your air conditioner can’t adequately cool your home if that cooled air is escaping through doors and windows. Consider upgrading your doors and windows if they’re leaking. At the very least, you should seal them to prevent the air from coming in and out. If you’re unsure whether you have air leaks, consider getting your home efficiency tested, which will tell you where it’s losing energy.
If your air conditioner isn’t properly cooling your home, we’re the people to call. Contact Coastal Heating & Air Conditioning at 410-919-0110 to speak with an experienced professional today. We’re here to help you save and stay comfortable all summer long.
Image provided by Thinkstock