Below are some of the possible causes for an AC that can’t keep up: Damaged ductwork: The problem may not be an issue within the cooling system, but the ventilation system. If your ducts have air leaks in them, it will raise the temperature of the air inside, and that means less cool air around your home.

Is it normal for my AC not be able to keep up?

The AC Needs Maintenance





You might be low on refrigerant or have a worn out motor or a dirty evaporator coil. Not all AC problems demonstrate themselves with loud sounds or funny odors coming from your system. Some of them simply reduce the AC’s ability to run, and all you notice is less cool air in the house.

Why is my AC not keeping up with thermostat?

If the temperature sensors are miscalibrated, the thermostat may be shutting the compressor off prematurely—and that means you won’t get the cooling you need. There are many other possibilities, however, including issues with the compressor, the evaporator coil, the blower fan, or even the ductwork.

How do I get my AC to keep up?

Tips for keeping heat out

  1. Keep the sun out. Windows can be the largest contributors to your heat gain. …
  2. Seal the strange air leaks. …
  3. Reduce the surface temperatures. …
  4. Change your filter. …
  5. Improve air flow. …
  6. Look for disconnected ducts. …
  7. Use fans. …
  8. Use a window air conditioner or a portable AC.

How do you deal with a struggling air conditioner?

Air Conditioner Struggling to Keep You Cool? Try These 9 Simple Solutions

  1. Keep windows and doors shut. When you’re leaving, quickly walk through the door and shut it behind you. …
  2. Block out the sun. A lot of heat makes its way into your home through your windows. …
  3. Seal air leaks. …
  4. Try some no-cook meals.




Is it normal for air conditioner to run all day?

If you are noticing your air conditioner is constantly running, it isn’t keeping your house as cool as it should, and your monthly energy bills are through the roof, then you have a serious problem on your hands. Long story short, it’s not normal for your air conditioner to run all day.

Why is my house always hotter than outside?

When your room is hotter than the outside, it’s possible that the room has poor ventilation. Proper ventilation allows hot air to exit while cool and fresh air enters the room. South-facing rooms also heat up from more sunlight, while upstairs rooms will experience the Stack Effect as heat rises through the building.

How long should it take AC to drop 5 degrees?

For an average sized three to four bedroom house, it should take approximately 3 hours. If it’s been longer than that and your home is nowhere near the temperature you set on the thermostat, you may have other issues to deal with, such as dirty coils, issues with the condenser unit, or a refrigerant leak.

Why does it take so long to cool my house?



One of the most common reasons why an AC takes longer to cool your home is because of a dirty air filter. You see, when a filter becomes clogged with dirt and debris, it restricts the amount of air the AC can bring into the indoor unit to be cooled.

Why is my AC not cooling my house down?

Perhaps the most common cause of AC issues is clogged filters. Dirt, pet hair, pollen and dust can clog your filters. When filters get clogged, they begin to restrict the flow of air through your AC. The result is that the AC doesn’t cool your indoor air effectively.

How do you increase AC flow in a room?

5 Ways to Improve Airflow in Your Home

  1. Check Vents and Registers. One of the simplest things you can do to increase airflow in your home is to check the vents and registers in each room. …
  2. Turn on Ceiling Fans. …
  3. Schedule HVAC Maintenance. …
  4. Consider Duct Cleaning. …
  5. Invest in a Ventilator.


Does spraying your AC unit with water help?

Spraying water on your air conditioner can help it run more efficiently if you remove enough dust, dirt and debris to help improve airflow and prevent it from overheating. It’s certainly not going to damage your AC unit to do so. It’s a good idea to spray off the condenser coils in particular a couple times a year.

Can I use vinegar to clean AC coils?

Yes, vinegar mixed with water is often used to clean AC coils at home. However, vinegar is usually effective only against lighter dirt build-ups. Nevertheless, you can keep your coils in good shape by mixing white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spraying the mixture onto the coils.

How do I clean my outside AC unit without a hose?

Simply pull the plug out or flip the switch to the “off” position. Use gloved hands to remove any large pieces of debris. Delicately vacuum the condenser fins with a soft-brush attachment. Be careful not to bend any fins.

How do you clean the outside AC coils?



Here’s the right way to clean an outdoor coil

  1. Turn off power to the unit. …
  2. Check the refrigerant pressure. …
  3. Remove the outer casing. …
  4. Rinse the coil down with water. …
  5. Spray the coil with cleaning chemicals. …
  6. Re-rinse the coil with water. …
  7. Remove all debris from inside the outdoor unit. …
  8. Check the refrigerant pressure again.

How much does it cost to have your AC coils cleaned?

$100 to $400

It’ll cost anywhere from $100 to $400 to clean your AC coils as a standalone service. For highest system efficiency, get this done every year and up to once per month. Condenser coil cleaning, the one located outside your home, happens during your annual AC tuneup for $75 to $200.

How often should you clean your air conditioning coils?



once a year

Keep your system working efficiently by cleaning the air conditioner coils at least once a year and following preventative measures to keep them clean during use.