My Air Conditioner is Not Cooling Enough After Being Filled With 8 lbs. of Freon

How AC Units Work

• A central air conditioning system is a closed loop that reuses the same refrigerant for the lifetime of the unit. The process begins in the condenser outside the home. Gaseous refrigerant is placed under pressure and becomes liquid. The transformation results in rapid cooling of the liquid, which then pumps into the coils of the evaporator inside the home. Warm air blows across the metal coil, chills and is sent around the house. The coolant absorbs the heat from the air and turns back to a gas. The hot gas goes back to the compressor where the heat vents and the process starts again.

Air Filter Problems

• The first thing to check when performing maintenance on your AC unit is the filter. Replace the filter, located in a wall or ceiling, every month. Hold the filter to the sun. If you cannot see light through the filter, it is full. You can purchase filters at varying levels of quality, however using the least expensive and changing them often is both economical and effective.

Check Your Coil

• The coil is a series of metal (usually copper) pipes found inside the evaporator. For most homes, this unit will be on top of the furnace, as both units share the air handler (blower). Open the shroud and examine the coils for dirt and grime. Dirty coils can become blocked with ice, which not only reduces its cooling power, but also can lead to a water leak. Under normal operations, these pipes sweat profusely as they help dehumidify the air. Over time, dust and dirt that make it past the filter will stick to the wet coils, reducing their capabilities. Cleaning the coils is easy using a spray coil cleaner available on-line or purchased in a building supply store.

Faulty Compressor

• While there are several components of a central air conditioning system, the compressor, located outside the home, is usually the problem when it comes to AC malfunctions. Check the unit for damage from children playing on it as well as pet and lawnmower damage. The compressor is housed in the center of the outdoor unit and will, over time, wear out. Due to strict new EPA rules, replacement of older compressors may not be possible and you may need a completely new system.