{"id":1336,"date":"2021-09-13T11:00:43","date_gmt":"2021-09-13T15:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.coolingunlimited.com\/blog\/?p=1336"},"modified":"2025-12-25T12:59:00","modified_gmt":"2025-12-25T17:59:00","slug":"7-reasons-ac-underperforming","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.coolingunlimited.com\/blog\/air-conditioning-service\/7-reasons-ac-underperforming\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Reasons Your AC Is Underperforming"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"air-conditioning-services\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

It\u2019s been a long summer in our area. If you\u2019ve noticed that your air conditioner isn\u2019t quite performing the way you want it to, then you should consider our AC services. The thing that separates us from the rest is that we truly understand <\/span>air conditioning in Stoneham, MA<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re trying to make sure that you\u2019re cool whenever it\u2019s hot in our neck of the woods, then you need to make sure you can pinpoint your air conditioner shortcomings. We\u2019re going to help you figure out what might have gone wrong. We\u2019re experienced experts so we\u2019ve seen a lot in the field. We can apply this knowledge to your home, whether it’s an issue with poor performance or unusual AC noises you shouldn\u2019t ignore<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Why Your Air Conditioner Needs Help<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

These are the reasons why your air conditioner might have been underperforming this summer.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Leaking Refrigerant<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Have you noticed that there\u2019s any type of liquid leaking from your system? If you have, then you probably have a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant leaks are bad news for any homeowner. This is because refrigerant is what\u2019s in charge of actually making your air cold. Without it, you\u2019re not going to be able to get comfortable\u2014and strange sounds like hissing or bubbling might also indicate this issue, as covered in our guide on AC noises that mean trouble<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. An Old Air Conditioning System<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your air conditioning system should last you about 10-15 years. If it\u2019s closer to that 10 to 15-year mark, then the efficiency has likely declined. We\u2019ll help you rectify this problem with an upgrade.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. A Poor or Outdated Thermostat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You should update your thermostat as often as you replace your HVAC systems. If you\u2019re not, then we suggest that you start looking into a smart or Wi-Fi thermostat system. Outdated thermostats are going to drag down your home\u2019s efficiency. We\u2019ll help you find a new unit that can do you justice.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. A Clogged Filter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Any HVAC professional that you speak with will recommend that you change your HVAC system\u2019s filter once a season. We recommend this once a season or once every three months because it allows you to dispel any dirt or grime from your home. Having a clean filter is important. Make sure you\u2019re doing your part. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Your Air Ducts Are Struggling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Have you noticed low airflow in your home? This is never something that you want to notice. Your air ducts might be struggling due to clogs or gaps due to problems with your air ducts. We\u2019ll help you get things together, especially if airflow issues are hurting your AC\u2019s summer performance<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Your Air Conditioner Isn\u2019t Properly Sized<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your problems might have started way back when your air conditioner was installed. If you consistently struggled with cycling and the price of your energy bills, then your air conditioner might have been improperly sized during installation. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Your Fan Speed Isn\u2019t Optimized<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your fan in your air conditioner needs to be optimized just like any other fan that you might have in your home. It has three key settings: low, medium, and high. Although they have different settings, most air conditioning systems use a default factory setting. If you don\u2019t feel like you\u2019re comfortable enough with your AC in this setting, then you can ask one of our technicians to adjust the setting.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Question: What are common reasons an air conditioner is underperforming?<\/strong>
<\/strong>Answer:<\/strong> An AC can underperform due to several issues such as refrigerant leaks, old equipment, thermostat problems, dirty filters, poor duct airflow, incorrect sizing, or fan speed settings. These issues reduce cooling efficiency and comfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Question: How does a refrigerant leak affect AC performance?<\/strong>
<\/strong>Answer:<\/strong> A refrigerant leak limits the cooling capacity of your system, making it harder to remove heat from your home. This usually results in warmer air and longer run times as the unit struggles to cool effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Question: Can thermostat problems cause my AC to underperform?<\/strong>
<\/strong>Answer:<\/strong> Yes. A poor or outdated thermostat may not communicate correctly with your air conditioner, leading to inefficient cooling, incorrect temperature readings, and decreased overall performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Question: Why does a clogged filter reduce AC efficiency?<\/strong>
<\/strong>Answer:<\/strong> A clogged air filter restricts airflow, causing the system to work harder to circulate air. This reduces cooling performance, increases energy use, and can strain internal components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Question: How do duct issues or improper unit sizing affect cooling?<\/strong>
<\/strong>Answer:<\/strong> Poorly functioning ducts with clogs or leaks reduce airflow, while an AC unit that\u2019s too large or too small for your space can lead to short cycling or inadequate cooling performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n