7 factors that could be affecting your air conditioner’s cooling efficiency

It’s peak summer, and the air conditioner has been running non-stop — for hours at a stretch — and yet, your room feels like a sauna. You have probably juggled between the right temperature and settings, and despite this, you find yourself exasperated with a sweat-soaked shirt. Sounds familiar?

If this is a regular occurrence for you, your first thought might jump to shopping for a new AC unit. But before you do, it might just be worth investigating what might be sabotaging your AC’s performance.

Why is my AC not cooling well?

Your AC not cooling well rarely ever has a single cause. In fact, it is usually a combination of several factors working against you simultaneously. While maintenance and upkeep play a big part in this, other surprisingly overlooked factors could just be causing your AC to fight an uphill battle every day.

Pinpointing the culprits behind poor cooling performance is the first step toward creating the comfortable indoor environment you deserve. The good news? Many of these efficiency roadblocks are fixable without scheduling a professional visit or going through the hassle of replacing your entire system.

What are some uncommon factors affecting your AC's cooling efficiency?

From sizing mishaps to hidden heat sources, these seven factors could explain why you’re sweating through your keyboard during summer gaming sessions, why your bedroom never quite reaches that perfect sleeping temperature, or why some rooms in your home feel like refrigerators while others remain stubbornly warm!

1) Unit size
2) Poor airflow
3) Air leaks
4) Age of your AC unit
5) Humidity
6) Heat sources in your space
7) Family size

1) Unit size

Believe it or not, the size of your AC unit can also determine its cooling efficiency. When an air conditioner is too small for a large space, it has to constantly try and match the cooling demands of the room. This not only overworks the unit but also leaves you with a foot-long energy bill at the end of the month. Alternatively, an oversized units cool too quickly without properly dehumidifying the air. This creates a clammy, uncomfortable space and causes the unit to cycle on and off frequently, reducing its lifespan.

It’s always a good idea to choose the right AC based on the tonnage best suited for your house. If you’re visiting a Croma store, you can also seek expert help to determine if the unit you want is best for your needs. Lastly, if you still have questions, you can always refer to our AC Buying Guide for additional details.  

2) Poor airflow

Your AC constantly needs unobstructed airflow to function at its best. Of course, we all tend to swat our AC units every now and then, but it probably takes more than that if your appliance has suddenly stopped cooling well. Investing in an annual maintenance plan is a good way you stay worry-free and also ensures you don’t leave it for the last minute.

ALSO READ: Best AC brands you can trust in India

Pet fur can also be a major contributor in obstructing your AC’s airflow. So, if you have a furry friend at home, it’s always a good idea to perform DIY airflow checks every now and then. Remember, blocked vents, dirty filters, and closed doors can all create airflow issues.

3) Air leaks

Air leakage often goes unnoticed but is a sneaky factor that forces your AC to work overtime. For one, your cooled air might be escaping through the gap and as a result, your room may not be staying cold up to your liking.

It’s best to identify common leak points around windows and doors and seal them to ensure the cooled air is only circulated in your space. You can even rely on DIY methods to detect air leaks and resort to basic sealing techniques using weatherstripping or caulk to nip the problem in the bud. Of course, it’s always a good idea to call a professional, especially if you suspect a serious insulation issue.

4) Age of your AC unit

Like any technology, ageing AC units lose efficiency over time, even with regular maintenance. In fact, different ACs have different lifespans, and the efficiency degradation happens over time. It’s always a good idea to look out for warning signs that indicate replacement over repair.

If you’re looking to repair your old unit, it’s also advisable to weigh in your options of upgrading to a newer, more efficient model. A good thumb rule is to keep a check on your AC’s performance over time for anomalies that can you spot.

5) Humidity

High humidity makes your space feel warmer than it actually is, and if you reside in a humidity-prone zone, you’re likely to face a delay in cooling with your air conditioner. It also plays a crucial but often misunderstood role in your home’s comfort level. When moisture levels rise, your body’s natural cooling mechanism — sweating — becomes less effective because perspiration can’t evaporate as readily.

For areas like these, it is recommended that you get an AC with a built-in dehumidifier setting, such as the Lloyd 5-in-1 Convertible 1 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC, which comes with a strong dehumidifier that balances out the temperature in your room. These air conditioners come with a dry mode that pulls out excess moisture from your space and makes it a more breathable, pleasant environment indoors.

6) Heat sources in your space

More often than not, electronics, appliances, and direct sunlight can create mini heat zones that counteract your AC’s best efforts. In fact, common household gadgets are notoriously responsible for a lot of heat generated indoors. Some of these include heavy gaming computers, laptops, TVs and even kitchen appliances.

To tackle this, you can strategically use blinds and curtains to block the solar heat gain in your room. Apart from that, you can even rearrange electronics and heat-producing items to keep them far away from the room you need to cool. Lastly, you can turn your phone into a hub that will let you switch off heat-producing electronics and items when they’re not in need.

7) Family size

More people equals more body heat — and more doors opening and closing! Your household’s habits end up significantly impacting cooling efficiency. Beyond just body heat, larger families typically create more cooling challenges through their daily activities. Every door opening releases precious cooled air and allows hot outside air to infiltrate. In busy households, this can happen dozens of times per day, creating a constant battle for your air conditioner.

The solution isn’t getting rid of family members, of course! Instead, it is a lot about understanding how their presence and habits affect your cooling system. Smart scheduling of activities (cooking during cooler evening hours, limiting simultaneous electronics use) can dramatically improve AC efficiency. Creating cooling zones allows you to focus on air conditioning where people actually are, rather than cooling empty spaces.

ALSO READ: Advantages and benefits of buying an inverter air conditioner

With some minor adjustments and newfound awareness, you can certainly transform your home from a stuffy sauna to the cool, comfortable oasis you deserve.