Is my AC not as cold as it used to be?
We hear this every summer — and we’ve seen just about every cause you can imagine. At Boulden Brothers, our job is to bring back the chill, plain and simple. No runaround. No duct tape fixes. Just solid answers and cold air. Let’s talk about what could be holding your system back — and how we fix it.
Common Reasons Your AC Isn’t Cooling Properly
1. Dirty Air Filter
It’s easy to forget. But when your filter gets clogged, it slows down airflow. That means less cold air comes through the vents. We always check this first. It’s like trying to breathe through a sock — your system just can’t pull enough air.
2. Low Refrigerant
If your refrigerant is low, your system can’t pull enough heat from the air. You’ll feel lukewarm air, and the unit will run longer just to catch up. That’s often a sign of a leak — not just a “top-off” issue.
3. Blocked or Dirty Condenser Coil
The outdoor unit has one job — to dump the heat it pulled from your house. If it’s covered in leaves, dirt, or grass clippings, it can’t get rid of that heat. So, your house stays warm.
4. Thermostat Issues
Sometimes it’s the little things. A malfunctioning thermostat can cause short cycles, missed settings, or never send the signal to cool in the first place.
5. Frozen Evaporator Coil
You might see ice on the indoor unit. That’s a big red flag. It could be caused by low refrigerant or poor airflow. Either way, frozen coils don’t cool — they just sit there like a block of ice in a sealed box.
6. Leaky Ducts
If the ducts running through your attic or crawlspace are leaking air, your system may be cooling… just not your living space. It’s cooling the attic instead.
7. Aging Equipment
Sometimes your system is just tired. Older units lose efficiency over time. If it’s 12-15 years old, it might not have the horsepower anymore.
Our Process — Step by Step
When we get a call for an AC that’s underperforming, we don’t guess. We get our hands dirty and dig in. Here’s what our team does on a service call:
Step 1: Talk With You
We start with what you’ve noticed. How long it’s been acting up, any sounds or smells, and how your energy bills look.
Step 2: Inspect the Filter and Thermostat
We check the simplest things first. We look at the filter, thermostat settings, and battery life. Sometimes the fix is right in front of us.
Step 3: Test the Refrigerant Levels
We hook up gauges to see if your system’s running at the right pressure. Low levels mean we look for leaks — not just refill and leave.
Step 4: Clean the Coils
Both the indoor and outdoor coils get a look. If they’re gunked up, we clean them with the right tools and solutions.
Step 5: Inspect the Ductwork
We check for airflow problems, disconnected ducts, or leaks pulling cool air out before it reaches your vents.
Step 6: Evaluate the System Age and Efficiency
If your unit is old, we give you a straight-up answer. Sometimes it’s better to replace than repair. But we walk you through the numbers.
Step 7: Final Test
We don’t leave until we measure temperature drop, airflow, and runtime. We want it cooling like it’s brand new — or better. That’s how we get it Fixed right the first time.
When to Call the Pros
If you’re sweating through your shirt waiting for the AC to catch up, that’s your sign. But here are more signals it’s time to give us a ring:
- AC runs constantly but barely cools
- You hear strange noises from the unit
- You see ice on the refrigerant lines
- Airflow is weak even with a clean filter
- Your house feels humid or stuffy
- Energy bills have jumped for no reason
- The outdoor unit won’t turn on at all
You call. We come. It’s fixed. That’s not a slogan — it’s what we do.
FAQs
How cold should my AC be blowing?
Typically, your vents should blow air 15 to 20 degrees cooler than the room temperature.
Can a dirty filter really affect cooling this much?
Yes. It’s one of the top causes of weak cooling. Change your filter every 1–3 months.
What temperature should I set my thermostat?
Most people are comfortable at 72–75°F. If your house doesn’t hit that range, something’s wrong.
Should I hose down my outside unit?
Yes — gently. Spray from the top down to rinse off dirt and debris. But skip the pressure washer.
My AC is running but no air is coming out. What now?
Could be a blower issue, clogged coil, or disconnected duct. We’ll find it and fix it.
Let’s Make Your Home Cold Again
Your home should be your retreat from the heat — not a sauna. If your AC’s lost its cool, don’t wait. Let’s get it back on track. You call. We come. It’s fixed. That’s the Boulden Brothers way. Every single time.
