When summer temperatures spike in Ormond Beach, a properly functioning AC system isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity. But when your unit starts to blow warm air or struggles to keep up with the heat, frustration sets in quickly. Homeowners often expect their AC systems to kick into high gear during the hottest days, but poor performance can leave you sweating indoors. There’s no single reason why an AC might stop cooling effectively. Several underlying issues could be causing the problem.
From low refrigerant to faulty thermostats, each issue affects system performance in different ways. Understanding what’s behind your AC’s struggle is key to restoring comfort. This breakdown of common causes can help homeowners spot the signs early and know when to call in our technicians for help. Here’s what to look out for when your AC isn’t cooling as it should during the peak of summer.
Insufficient Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerant plays a critical role in your AC’s ability to cool air. It absorbs heat from inside your home and releases it outdoors. When refrigerant levels drop too low due to leaks or long-term use, the AC can’t absorb enough indoor heat, making the air feel warm instead of cool.
You might notice these signs when refrigerant is running low:
1. Your AC runs longer than usual but never reaches the set temperature.
2. Air coming from the vents is lukewarm.
3. Ice buildup on the refrigerant lines or evaporator coil.
4. Hissing or bubbling sounds, which may indicate a leak.
Low refrigerant leads to more than just comfort problems. It can strain the system and create long-term damage if not addressed quickly. One of the most effective ways to avoid this issue is by scheduling a regular AC tune-up in Ormond Beach. During a tune-up, our technicians check refrigerant levels, inspect for possible leaks, and make sure everything is running as it should. Early detection helps extend the system’s life while improving indoor comfort.
Dirty or Blocked Filters
Clogged filters are one of the most common reasons why residential air conditioners underperform. Your AC relies on clean airflow to cycle air throughout the house. Filters that are full of dust, pet hair, or debris restrict this airflow, forcing the system to work harder and reducing its cooling capacity.
A blocked filter can lead to:
1. Decreased cooling power throughout the home.
2. Uneven temperatures between rooms.
3. A noticeable increase in indoor allergens and dust.
4. More frequent system cycling and higher utility bills.
Homeowners often overlook air filters because they seem like a small part of a larger system. But when neglected, they create big problems. As a general rule, filters should be checked every month during peak usage and replaced every 1 to 3 months, depending on household conditions. If you have pets or live in a dusty environment, monthly changes are best. Regular AC maintenance visits typically include filter checks and replacements, helping prevent performance issues before they grow into major repairs.
Issues With the Thermostat
The thermostat acts as the command center for your entire cooling system. When it’s not working like it should, your AC unit won’t deliver the comfort you expect. A miscalibrated, aging, or faulty thermostat can misread the temperature in your home and cause your system to short cycle or run continuously without cooling effectively.
Here are a few signs that your thermostat may be the problem:
1. The AC doesn’t turn on when the temperature rises above your set point.
2. The system starts and stops often without cooling the space.
3. Room temperature and thermostat setting never seem to match.
4. Display is blank or unresponsive.
Battery-powered thermostats can lose power faster in warmer months from constant system use. Other times, the internal sensor becomes inaccurate, causing inconsistent temperatures even if the screen appears fine. Sometimes homeowners may bump or move the thermostat during cleaning or remodeling, which can cause it to act up.
If you’re still using a manual or older digital unit, it may be time to upgrade. But diagnosing the issue goes beyond checking buttons or settings. Our technicians measure system response time and performance to determine whether the thermostat is sending clear signals to your AC. A functioning system won’t do much good if the command center is sending mixed messages.
Dirty or Frozen Coils
Evaporator and condenser coils handle the transfer of heat from inside your home to the outdoors. When those coils get dirty or freeze up, the entire cycle breaks down. That can leave your system running endlessly without actually cooling the air.
Dirty coils act like a barrier between your AC and the heat it’s trying to remove. Ice buildup makes it worse by blocking airflow altogether. When this happens, your AC might blow little to no air, or the temperature can spike quickly even when the unit is on.
Here’s what frozen or dirty coils can cause:
1. Limited airflow or no air at all from the vents.
2. Warm air blowing despite the unit running.
3. Frost or ice visible on indoor components.
4. Increased energy use without a comfort boost.
Frozen coils often point to bigger airflow problems, like blocked filters or duct issues. Cleaning coils is detailed work and needs to be handled carefully to avoid damage. This is another key reason regular AC tune-ups in Ormond Beach are important. Our professionals clean and inspect both evaporator and condenser coils, making sure air can move freely and the system performs at full strength.
Conclusion: Keep Your Home Cool This Summer With Professional Help
When your AC system isn’t doing its job during the summer heat in Ormond Beach, there’s usually a clear reason behind it. Low refrigerant levels, dirty filters, faulty thermostats, and coil problems are often the source. Ignoring these issues can raise electric bills, reduce your system’s lifespan, and leave your home feeling uncomfortable when you need cooling most.
Regular maintenance helps keep small problems from turning into expensive emergencies. With the intense summer conditions in Ormond Beach, a seasonal AC tune-up gives your system the best chance to run efficiently without disruption. Our technicians know how to find the issue fast and make the fix that gets your home feeling cool again. Whether your unit has been acting up for a while or you’ve just noticed the change, it’s a good time to have your system checked.
If your cooling system is underperforming during the hot summer days in Ormond Beach and you’re noticing signs like low refrigerant, dirty filters, thermostat issues, or coil blockages, scheduling an AC tune-up in Ormond Beach can help restore its efficiency and keep your home comfortable. Accu-Temp Heating & Air Conditioning understands how quickly minor issues can escalate, which is why our experts are ready to provide thorough and timely service. For a quick estimate or to book a service visit, please contact us today.
