Why your air conditioner may not be working (or working well)

Few things are more frustrating than buying something new that doesn’t work. A significant financial investment like an air conditioner definitely shouldn’t be. There are key points to consider when purchasing an air conditioner, and yes, you must maintain it too. So if you have a fairly new air conditioner (less than a couple of years old), read on for reasons why it may not be working too well.

• Too big. Too large a unit will not remove moisture well.

• Too small. A unit that is too small will not cool your home enough on the hottest days.

• Incorrect installation. Customers should pay attention to the installation of the ducts, the location of the unit and the amount of insulation.

• Low energy efficiency ratio. A model of air conditioning with high efficiency is important. At a minimum, air conditioners must have a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) of 13. Higher SEER ratings equate to greater savings. Look for an Energy Star decal that indicates the energy efficiency rating, or calculate the rating yourself by dividing the rating from watts to BTUs.

• Dirty filter. Don’t forget to clean or replace your air conditioner filter. Dirty filters block air flow and will greatly reduce the efficiency of your air conditioning system. The passing air can carry dirt to the evaporator coil and limit the heat absorption capacity of the coil. Some filters are reusable while others must be replaced. Filters should be cleaned or replaced every 1-2 months, when the air conditioner is used frequently. Filters may need to be checked more frequently if the air conditioner is constantly on, the house is dusty, or there are pets in the house.

• Dirty evaporator coil. Even with a clean filter, the evaporator coil will still collect dirt, but not as fast. The evaporator coil should be checked annually and cleaned as needed.

For those with old air conditioners (from the 1970s and earlier), save energy by purchasing a new air conditioner, as today’s most efficient air conditioners use 30% to 50% less energy to produce the same amount of refrigeration as the air conditioners of the 1970s.