What's going on with my central air? When it's over 90 outside, it just can't keep up. The unit is 4 yrs. old- I've never noticed this behavior before. It usually runs about 5 degrees over what the thermostat is set at. It recovers fine once the sun sets- It cools great, but in the heat of the day, it just seems inefficient. Do I need to get it charged? New construction house, no other problems, and I've always changed the filters. Any ideas on what to ask the technician/repairman?
Thanks!
2007-08-02 08:40:32 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Ask the technician if the unit is sized right for the house. If the unit is working fine other than when it is 90 plus outside it may be too small. Also try to use shades or blinds if you have a lot of windows. Windows let in a lot of heat and whoever desined your home may not have taken the heat load into considerstion.
2007-08-02 11:18:50 · answer #1 · answered by angelo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Turn the power off at the electric panel (pull the fuses or turn off the circuit breaker).
Check the evapour coil usually situated above the furnace.
It may require cleaning even though you change the filters regularly. Use a stiff brush (not any type of metal) to loosen the build-up and vacuum carefuly. Do not bent the fins.
Remove the Condensor unit housing (Outside) and clean the condensor coil(s) with a stiff brush (not any type of metal) to loosen the build-up. Take yoour water hose and spray water form th inside out to remove the loosened build-up. Again, make sure you do not bend any fins. Replace the condensor unit housing,
Have you planted any bushes or built a structure near the condensor unit?
If you have this can reduce the efficienct. You are restricting the air circulation around the condensor unit. This creates a dead air envelope in that area raising the local air temperature. The condensor unit requires good air circulation.to take the heat away from it.
Hope this helps you.
Good luck
2007-08-02 21:05:59 · answer #2 · answered by Comp-Elect 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check to make sure all of the fans are working. Make sure the outside unit is clean from the inside out. Check for frost on the suction line and the compressor.
Might be a leak.
Make sure there is no obstruction to any vent, especially the ones by the windows.
Sometimes on a real hot day they just cannot keep up with the demand for removing heat and humidity.
There might not be nothing wrong with it. Maybe it was just the wrong size???
Don't close any vents in an attempt to control the temp of individual rooms. Let the air flow baby.
2007-08-02 09:11:40 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First you will need to make sure the duct work is sealed up and insulated, and then you may have to check and see which vents are open. Open the ones on the south side of the house all the way and the up stairs too, you may close off the ones on the north side. You walls and attic may need some radiant heat insulation, or Foil-Back to reflect the sun's radiant heat back outside. also check the ventilation in the roof make sure your fiberglass insulation isn't blocking the air flow up there. You Might have to invest in a solar exhaust fan for your roof. It runs off the suns light and doesn't cost a dime there after. Also make sure your condenser outside doesn't have weeds or brush covering it, and you can take a garden hose and clean it out(the fins) don't worry it is water proof. sometimes dust and dirt blocks the air flow and won't let the heat escape.
2007-08-02 08:53:56 · answer #4 · answered by mr.obvious 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
First before you spend the money, do you have the fan continually running to equalize the temperature?, it helps
2007-08-02 08:50:04 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
contact a local HVAC company, have them check it out
2007-08-02 08:51:59 · answer #6 · answered by john t 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋