Australian summers are brutal, which makes air conditioning a must-have at home. But on really hot days, many homeowners find their air conditioner can’t keep up, and the indoor spaces are warm. It’s frustrating when you rely on it to provide a cool haven from the heat. There are several reasons why your aircon may not perform to its usual standard in extreme weather. From insufficient capacity to poor maintenance, knowing these common air conditioner problems will help you identify the issue and what to do to improve your system.
Unrealistic Expectations vs. Aircon Capacity
Air conditioners have specific cooling capacities that determine how low they can cool indoor temperatures. If your aircon is undersized for your home or struggles with extreme outdoor heat, it won’t be able to maintain your desired indoor climate. On days when temperatures go well above average, even a well-maintained system at its absolute limit will struggle.
How You Can Tell You Have An Undersized System
Common signs of an undersized system include:
- Uneven cooling across rooms
- The unit runs non-stop without reaching the set temperature
- Higher bills during hot weather.
An undersized air conditioner has to work harder and longer to cool a space which not only reduces its efficiency but can also cause premature wear and tear. This creates a cycle where the system struggles and breaks down more often.
Poor Insulation in the Home
Insulation is key to maintaining indoor temperature, especially during Australian summers. Poor insulation allows cool air to escape and hot air to enter, making your aircon work harder. This reduces its efficiency and increases bills. Insulating walls, ceilings and windows is crucial to keep cool air indoors during extreme heat.
Common Indicators of Poor Insulation
There are numerous signs of inadequate insulation. Among them are:
- Uneven temperatures across rooms
- Walls or ceilings that feel hot to the touch
- Temperature changes when the aircon is off
Inspecting insulation materials in your attic or walls will also tell you if it needs to be upgraded.
Your Air Conditioner Air Filters Are Blocked Or Dirty
Air filters are important in maintaining your aircon’s performance by trapping dust, debris and allergens. Over time these filters can get clogged which restricts airflow and forces the system to work harder to cool your home. This added stress not only reduces the aircon’s efficiency but also increases energy consumption and wear and tear on the system.
Regularly checking and replacing air filters is a must to ensure optimal performance. A clean filter allows proper airflow and your aircon can cool effectively, even on hot days. Neglecting filter maintenance can lead to reduced cooling power, poor indoor air quality and costly repairs. Keeping your filters clean means your system will run smoothly with greater comfort and energy efficiency.
Faulty Thermostat Settings or Placement
The air conditioner thermostat is a major player in how your system performs. Setting the temperature too low on the thermostat during a heatwave will overwork the system, and you’ll still not enjoy the comfort you crave. Setting the thermostat to “on” instead of “auto” will make the fan run continuously,y circulating warm air when the cooling cycle is not active. Adjusting your thermostat to a moderate and realistic temperature will reduce the load on your aircon.
Thermostat placement also affects its performance. If placed near heat sources, in direct sunlight or drafty areas it will misread the actual indoor temperature and make the aircon overcool or undercool your home. Moving the thermostat to a central and shaded area will improve its accuracy and make the system run efficiently.
Poor Maintenance of the Air Conditioning System
Regular maintenance is necessary to keep your aircon running efficiently, especially during peak summer months. Without regular servicing, issues like refrigerant leaks, worn-out components or a clogged condenser can arise and affect performance. Neglecting maintenance can also lead to higher bills and frequent breakdowns, leaving you uncomfortable on the hottest days.
Common indicators that your air conditioner needs professional attention include:
- unusual noises
- reduced airflow
- uneven cooling
- increased energy consumption
If the unit can’t reach the desired temperature, that’s a clear sign that maintenance is overdue.
How Professional Servicing Improves Performance
A service includes tasks like cleaning the coils, checking refrigerant levels and inspecting the system for wear and tear. This will make your aircon run efficiently, extend its life and keep your home cool, even during extreme heat.
Extreme Outdoor Temperatures Overwhelming the System
Air conditioners are designed to operate within a certain temperature range. In above-average outdoor temperatures, even a well-maintained system will struggle to cool. The greater the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, the harder your aircon has to work which can lead to reduced efficiency and higher bills.
To lower the strain on your system, set your thermostat to a realistic temperature, like 24-26°C, instead of drastically trying to cool your home down. This will reduce the load on your system while still keeping your home comfortable. It’s also worth using curtains, blinds, or reflective window films. These block out direct sunlight and help your air conditioner to maintain a consistent temperature without getting overwhelmed.
Leaky Ductwork in Ducted Air Conditioners
Leaky ductwork is a common problem that can greatly reduce the efficiency of a ducted aircon system. When ducts develop gaps or cracks cooled air escapes before it reaches your living areas and that’s uneven cooling and added stress to your system. This affects comfort and increases bills as your aircon works harder to compensate for the loss.
Common signs of leaky ductwork throughout your home are:
- uneven temperatures across rooms
- weaker airflow from vents
- visible dust accumulation near ducts and vents
A sudden increase in energy bills during summer can also be a sign of air loss due to damaged ductwork.
Long-Term Benefits of Professional Duct Sealing
Sealing leaks in your ductwork will improve your system’s overall efficiency and ensure that cooled air is distributed throughout your home. This will not only make you more comfortable but also save you money in the long run.
Keep Your Air-Con Working All Summer Long!
When your aircon can’t keep up on hot days it’s often due to insufficient capacity, poor insulation or lack of maintenance. Knowing these issues will help you identify the problem and take the necessary steps to improve your system’s performance. Fixing common problems like dirty filters, faulty thermostat settings and leaky ductwork can make a big difference.
By insulating your home and keeping your air conditioner in top shape through regular servicing you can make it run efficiently even in extreme heat. With the right care and adjustments, your system will keep your home cool and comfortable all Australian summer.
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