Low Air Conditioner Output? This Might Be Why

Low air conditioner output is not a good sign, especially in the middle of a hot summer. There are a number of different problems that could contribute to low air conditioner output, none of which are good for the system. Have a look at some of the possible factors that could be contributing to your air conditioner having low output, and what you can do about them.

Refrigerant Leaks

Your air conditioner cools your home using refrigerant. The system evaporates refrigerant to absorb thermal energy from the air in the ducts. After this, it condenses the refrigerant gas in the outside unit to vent the collected heat out of the home. The air conditioner doesn’t consume refrigerant during this process; it simply recycles the refrigerant back and forth.

If a leak develops in your air conditioner’s refrigerant line, it will slowly deprive the system of output capacity. Eventually, the level of the refrigerant will drop low enough that the system will not be able to continue operating. Make sure you call for repairs if you notice fluid dripping from your system along with the falling output.

Issues with the Air Handler

The air conditioner circulates air through the home using an air handler, which is basically a motor with a fan attached to it. The air handler wears down over time, just like the rest of the system. As the efficiency of the air handler declines, the amount of air the air conditioner will be able to circulate will decline as well. If your air conditioner is making grinding noises during operation, it’s a good idea to have a professional check out the system. That sound could mean that the bearings in the air handler are about to fail, which is not good for the AC.

Short Cycling

If your air conditioner output is low because it keeps turning itself off a couple of minutes into each cooling cycle, then you might have a short cycling problem. Short cycling can be caused by an electrical issue, or by a problem with the air conditioner’s compressor. Regardless of the cause, though, it’s something that you need to deal with as soon as possible.

Short cycling prevents the air conditioner from completing a full cooling cycle. But it also substantially increases the amount of wear and tear the system accumulates. Over time, prolonged short cycling will cause parts of the system to wear down and eventually fail. Your repair costs will rise significantly, and the lifespan of the system will shorten by several years. If your air conditioner is short cycling, it’s a good idea to shut it down and call for professional repairs as soon as possible. The faster you can get your system repaired, the less damage the short cycling will be able to inflict.

Speedy Air Conditioning Service provides air conditioning repair services of all kinds in Ft. Pierce, FL. If you need air conditioner repair services of any kind, contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experts.