Today, nearly 90% of all homes have air conditioners. An AC is crucial to keep you cool and comfortable when the temperatures rise significantly outside.
But at times, the AC can have issues cooling your home. What should you do then? You simply need to learn how to make your AC colder!
Well, there are multiple reasons why this might happen. And the good news is you can take some steps to rectify it and make the air conditioner colder.
Read on and get to know these simple steps on how to make an air conditioner run colder.
How to Make AC Colder in the House in Five Steps
The purpose of an AC is to make your home as comfortable as possible when the temperatures rise outside. As the cool air blows from the air conditioner into your home, you can sit and relax. But what happens when the AC fails to give you relief?
The solution is figuring out how to make an air conditioner run colder. At times it might be a technical issue requiring an HVAC technician to take a look. However, you can take these few steps if you want to learn how to make your AC colder.
- Change the AC Air Filter
Among the first steps to take when you want to make an AC colder is to check the air filter. If you experience less cool air blowing from the air conditioner, the AC likely has lots of dust and debris. Clogging causes less cool air to reach your home, so you won’t feel as comfortable.
When you want to change the AC air filter, it’s important to follow these steps to get it right. This should take place every 30 days when using the AC frequently.
- Locate the Air Filter
One of the easiest things you can do if you want to learn how to make your AC colder is to change the filter regularly.
It’s quite easy to replace an AC air filter, but you must first locate it. AC systems differ when it comes to air filter location. Some have air filters set up in the return air duct so ensure to check all of them if there are multiple.
Other systems that share ductwork with heating systems have air filters in or near the blower. Some air filters need you to open a compartment, while others are easily accessible. Turn off the AC, remove the air filter, check the condition and proceed to order a new one.
- Order a Replacement Air Filter
To make air conditioner colder it’s crucial to replace an air filter with the exact one to ensure proper AC function. Check the size of the air filter printed on the size and place an order. Also, you can bring the same air filter to an HVAC store and purchase the right one for your AC.
Always consult with an HVAC expert to get the right AC air filter. While it’s possible to replace the one in your home, a little help can save you lots of trouble. For instance, consult an HVAC expert to find the best if you want an air filter with a high MERV rating.
- Insert the New Air Filter
Check the frame of the new air filter for an arrow indicating the direction air should flow through it. This arrow should point towards the air handler and away from the return duct. After that, close up any compartment and turn on your AC to check if the house gets cooler.
- Have Regular AC Maintenance
Proper AC maintenance is crucial for the well-being of your AC. If you want to make your AC colder, you have to schedule maintenance, especially before summer.
After changing the air filter, check to see if there are any changes in your home. If not, hire an HVAC technician to take care of AC maintenance. The HVAC expert will come in and carry out several checks to ensure proper AC function.
- Clean condenser unit and evaporator coils
- Pour out moisture in the drain pan and unclog any blockages in the drain lines.
- Replace any worn-out parts like pulleys and belts in the AC.
- Do thorough ductwork inspection to remove dirt, debris, and mold.
- Inspect the refrigerant charge for a drop in its levels because of leaks.
- Inspect the AC thermostat and ensure it’s working properly.
Proper AC maintenance always corrects many faults that can lead to less cool air blowing in your home. After maintenance, you can expect a change in the function of the AC, making your home colder and more comfortable.
- Install Blinds or Heavy Curtains
Once you change the air filter and hire an HVAC expert for AC maintenance, consider installing heavy blinds and curtains.
A good example is installing some blackout curtains and blinds in a home that experiences lots of sun exposure. The more sun rays penetrate your home, the warmer it gets. This means even by changing thermostat settings, you still feel warm.
But, heavy blackout blinds and curtains keep out the sun rays and heat, leaving your home cool. This is another crucial step you can take to help your AC get colder. Since the unit doesn’t have to work hard to cool the spaces, you can enjoy better comfort.
- Set Thermostat to a Constant Lower Temperature
Most people are fond of changing the thermostat settings when leaving the house. Once you return home, they must change the settings to get the space cooler.
However, it’s better to stick to the EPA recommendation of 78°F. A constant low temperature keeps your home cool and lowers your energy bill. This is because it costs more to keep adjusting thermostat settings.
As the AC strives to catch up with the change in temperature and cool our home, it requires more energy. This leads to higher energy bills and a fluctuation in temperature. But, a constant low temperature ensures your AC gets and remains colder throughout.
- Ensure Proper Thermostat Placement in the Home
The last step to make the air conditioner colder is checking the thermostat placement. At times the placement of the thermostat results in ghost readings. This is because of issues like direct sunlight on the thermostat or cold drafts.
When there are ghost readings, this causes your AC to run less or more than you need it to. As this happens, it’s hard to experience comfort in your home. Therefore, the best way to get your AC colder is to place the thermostat in the best location in your home.
Pick a spot in your home away from appliances that generate heat, direct sunlight, cold drafts, furniture and other items that block it, plumbing pipes, hottest or coldest rooms in the house.