122 N 2nd St, Rockford, IL 61107 
There’s never a convenient time for your air conditioner to break down, especially during the hottest days of the summer. As the temperatures begin to rise, your A/C is put to the test, working hard to keep your home comfortable.
If your system struggles to keep up with the demand, you may notice your home feels warmer than usual. While some cooling issues may have a simple explanation, others may require professional repairs. In this blog, we’re covering three common air conditioning problems you may run into this summer.
Weak or restricted airflow
One of the most common air conditioning issues homeowners experience in the summer is weak or restricted airflow. There are several reasons why you may notice your A/C isn’t effectively circulating cool air, including:
- Dirty air filters
- Leaks in your ductwork
- Blocked vents
- Worn internal components
One of the most common reasons is a dirty air filter. When dust, dirt, and other debris accumulate, your air filter can become clogged, making it more difficult for air to pass through. Over time, it causes your air conditioner to struggle to keep up, which can lead to longer run times.
Leaky ductwork can also affect your home’s airflow. Gaps and cracks can cause weakened airflow, because conditioned air can escape. When conditioned air escapes through gaps and cracks in your ductwork, less cool air reaches your spaces. As a result, you may notice uneven temperatures in certain areas of your home.
Sometimes, there’s a simpler explanation for weakened or restricted airflow, like closed or blocked supply vents. If you have furniture, rugs, or even curtains blocking the vent, it may reduce your airflow. If you notice your air conditioner isn’t cooling your home effectively, it may be time to have your system inspected by Allen Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing.
An air conditioner that runs continously
Another common issue is an air conditioner that runs constantly. It’s normal for your A/C to run more often during the hottest months of the year, but it should also cool your home effectively. If your system never seems to stop running or struggles to reach your desired temperature, it could be a sign you need a professional HVAC inspection.
There are several reasons this could happen, including that your air conditioner isn’t big enough for your space. When your air conditioner is too small for your space, it will keep running because it doesn’t have enough cooling capacity to reach the temperature you set on your thermostat.
Your air conditioner’s internal components could also be a culprit. For example, dirty evaporator or condenser coils can make it harder for your system to cool your home effectively. Your evaporator coil is part of your indoor A/C unit and absorbs heat, while the condenser coil, located outside, releases that heat.
When either coil is covered in dirt or debris, it causes your A/C unit to work harder to cool your home, which can lead to longer run times.
Low refrigerant levels may also be a common reason your system runs continuously. Refrigerant is responsible for removing heat from the air. As a result, your air conditioner system may struggle because low levels make it harder to cool your entire home effectively.
Don’t be alarmed if you notice your system running more often during the hottest days of the year. However, even during extreme heat waves, your system should still be able to keep your home comfortable. If you notice your HVAC is struggling to keep you cool, it’s worth having it inspected by Allen Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing.
A damaged outdoor condenser unit
Another common issue many homeowners have is with their outdoor condenser unit. Since it’s outdoors, it may not be the first thing you think of when you start having A/C problems.
It’s always a good idea to go outside and take a look at your unit to see if you can spot any issues affecting its performance. Be on the lookout for any leaves, twigs, branches, grass clippings, and other debris that can accumulate around your unit. Obstructions can restrict airflow, making it more difficult for your air conditioner to release heat outdoors. This can force your HVAC system to work harder than necessary.
Damage to internal parts of your condenser unit can also contribute to A/C issues. Severe weather, falling branches, or flying debris can damage the outdoor unit or its components, leading to cooling problems. Looking for any obvious signs after a severe thunderstorm can help you spot any damage.
Having an annual cleaning and inspection of your HVAC system can help identify internal issues and clean the unit to prevent blockages and other problems.
Contact Allen Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing today for all of your heating, cooling, and plumbing needs
If you’re looking for an honest and fair local HVAC and plumbing company, we’re Rockford’s trusted HVAC and plumbing experts for AC repair, maintenance, replacement, and more. We carry top-of-the-line products from the industry’s best brands, including Honeywell, American Standard, Mitsubishi, and more. Our technicians can make expert recommendations tailored to your home’s needs at a fair, affordable price.
With over 29 years of service under our belt, we’re well-equipped to handle all of your heating, cooling, ventilation, and plumbing needs in Northern Illinois. So call our office today at 815-298-8020 to schedule your next service appointment.
