There’s nothing more fustrating than turning on your air conditioner on a hot day, only to find that it’s blowing warm or lukewarm air. If your aircon isn’t cooling properly, it could be due to a variety of reasons – some simple, others more complex. In this blog, we’ll explore the most common issues that can cause your aircon to lose its cooling power and provide practical fixes to help you restore comfort to your space.
1. Dirty Air Filters
One of the most common causes of an aircon not cooling effectively is clogged or dirty air filters. Over time, filters can accumulate dust, dirt, and debris, which restricts airflow and reduces the unit’s efficiency. This leads to poor cooling performance, higher energy consumption, and a potential strain on your system.
Fix: Regularly clean or replace your aircon filters. Depending on the type of filter, you can clean it by vacuuming or washing it with water. If it’s too dirty or damaged, it’s time to replace it. A general rule is to clean or replace filters every 1-3 months.
2. Dirty Evaporator or Condenser Coils
The evaporator coils (inside) and condenser coils (outside) are essential for heat exchange. When these coils get dirty, they can’t absorb or release heat efficiently, leading to poor cooling performance.
The Solution:
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For the evaporator coils, clean them with a soft brush or coil cleaner. Be gentle to avoid damaging the fins.
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For the condenser coils, remove debris like leaves or dirt from the outdoor unit and hose it down gently.
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Schedule regular professional maintenance to keep the coils clean and functioning optimally.
3. Aging Aircon System
If your aircon is more than 10-15 years old, it may simply be nearing the end of its lifespan and struggling to keep up with cooling demands.
The Solution:
Consider upgrading to a newer, energy-efficient model. Modern aircon units are designed to cool more effectively and consume less energy, saving you money in the long run.
4. Low Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerant is the substance responsible for absorbing heat from the air and releasing it outside, allowing your aircon to cool the air in your room. If your aircon is low on refrigerant due to a leak, it won’t be able to cool the air efficiently.
The Solution:
Low refrigerant levels require a professional technician to diagnose and refill the refrigerant. It’s important to address this issue as soon as possible, as running your aircon with low refrigerant can cause further damage to the compressor.
5. Lack of Regular Maintenance
Neglecting regular aircon maintenance is one of the main causes of cooling problems. Without routine servicing, components can become worn, dirty, or damaged, leading to poor performance and breakdowns.
The Solution:
Schedule regular aircon maintenance to ensure your system stays in top condition. Routine checks, cleaning, and servicing will extend the life of your unit and improve its efficiency.
