A/C Problem?

[gottimd]

Obviously it has been very hot over the past few weeks, but my Condo A/C doesn't seem to be working, at least not to its full potential or is it? I have it set to 70 degrees, and I have all the cieling fans on, but yet the thermostat still says 80-85? I do live on the top floor of the complex, and the sun beats in here all day, but at night, I would expect the temperature to drop since there is no sun. I can hear the A/C when it comes on, and all the vents are open, but some rooms are hotter than others.

Is there an explanation for this or is my A/C broken?

[Pyser]

how old is the unit?

sometimes the a/c needs to be "recharged", for lack of a better term.

when the a/c is on, does it feel cold when its blowing out the vent?

[miami_fan]

Let's start with the simple stuff. Have you checked your filter?

[gottimd]

how old is the unit?

sometimes the a/c needs to be "recharged", for lack of a better term.

when the a/c is on, does it feel cold when its blowing out the vent?

I bought the place in August 2005 and had the unit inspected and all was fine. I think the units filter was replaced then and it is a fairly new unit.

How do I check the filter?

[gottimd]

Dola,

Just to point out, went it comes to home repair and building, I'm about as useless as headphones for a deaf guy.

[sachmo71]

Just so you know...the temp difference will usually be about 20 degrees, so if it's 100 outside, the best you will get is around 78-80.

go buy a digital thermometer and put it next to the vent to see if cold air is coming out.

[Eaglesfan27]

I bought the place in August 2005 and had the unit inspected and all was fine. I think the units filter was replaced then and it is a fairly new unit.

How do I check the filter?

There should be a filter somewhere within your place, perhaps by a vent, that ideally should be changed monthly. Monthly changing of filters (or every 2-3 months if you buy some of the better filters) can significantly improve the efficacy of your A/C.

[Eaglesfan27]

Just so you know...the temp difference will usually be about 20 degrees, so if it's 100 outside, the best you will get is around 78-80.

go buy a digital thermometer and put it next to the vent to see if cold air is coming out.


Never mind, missed the word usually :)

[Rizon]

I think filters need to be replaced every 6 months. (EDIT: or more often like Eaglesfan says. I change mine twice every decade and I only get sick 5 times a year from sore throats.)

Also, the upstairs will pick up heat since it is rising from the lower level. I live in a 2-story townhouse and the upstairs is always about 10 degrees hotter than downstairs.

Plus you could have shitty windows that are allowing heat in and the cold air to escape. Same with big gaps around doors. Buying drapes that cover the whole window area can help a little.

Getting a 28" fan doesn't hurt either. We use that at night instead of the AC and it keeps us cooler.

PS: The room getting the most sun will always be hotter, especially if it's poor windows or no drapes.

[jbmagic]

Check the Air duct