How To Make an Air Conditioner Run Colder

The sunny weather is perfect for those who want to visit beaches and get their tan. However, while others think summer is the best time of the year, some people dread this scorching season.

Whether you’re staying outdoors or inside your home, you won’t be able to escape the summer heat. Of course, you can leave your windows open, take cold baths, and turn your electric fans on, but it won’t be enough. During a hot day, you must ensure that your air conditioning unit will run colder. 

Here’s your ultimate guide on how to make your air conditioner colder.

8 Ways to Make Air Conditioners Blow Cold Air

Summer is mostly about taking a break and going on vacations. While the heat may prevent you from having the time of your life, you can still find ways to beat the heat and feel cooler.

To make it just in time for the hot season, here are some ways for you to make your AC colder than ever. 

Clean Your Air Filter

A dirty filter will block airflow from the AC unit, so the air conditioner will attempt to work harder. That said, one of the easiest ways to make your air conditioner colder is to change or clean your air filters.

To check the status of your filter, start by turning off the air conditioner. Remove the filters once you find their location. Check their condition and observe whether you need to clean them or buy a new one. 

A dirty air filter may appear to be dusty, off-colored, or grimy since it collects all the dust particles and pollutants in your home during the cooling process. If you need to clean it, remove dirt and take it for a quick scrub. 

It is also advisable to replace your filters every month or two, depending on how often you use your AC. Buying a new air filter can also increase household comfort and bring about efficient energy gains. 

Clean Your Coils to Make an Air Conditioner Colder

Your air conditioner has two sets of coils: the evaporator coils and the condensation coils. The evaporator unit takes the heat from the warmer air and pulls it outside, while the condenser unit releases it outdoors. 

Make sure that the coils are clean and free from any dust or debris, as any blockage can hamper the function of your AC.  

Spray Down Your Air Conditioner

Another simple yet efficient way to make your air conditioner colder and cleaner is by spraying water on your air conditioning system.

In this process, you just need a water hose that you can use for spraying. Allow your unit to run colder by cleaning off any gunk and debris and clearing your unit’s airways. Spray down your AC unit and keep it clean and free from dirt. After that, you can turn up the temperature of your thermostat or leave it off for a long time.

Turn on Your Fan

Using electric fans alone will not be enough to survive in the summer heat. However, if you use it along with your air conditioner, you can keep yourself cool and your room even colder.

Having your fan and AC unit turned on simultaneously can help circulate air in your surroundings, improve room temperature, and give an extra blast of cooler air.

Fix Air Leaks

Check your air seals and find if there are leaks in your entire house. These can manifest through gaps between movable surfaces of doors and windows, which can be fixed by using adhesive-backed weatherstripping tape.

For those with a central air conditioner unit, it is important to address the cracks on your walls and ceilings and air leaks from plumbing pipes, electrical conduits, or vents with air sealant, caulking, or expandable spray foam.

If you have a window air conditioner, make sure to keep the doors and windows shut and sealed properly.

The gaps and cracks around your house can allow heat to enter your home, so it is important to find and fix any air leaks and ensure that your house is sealed properly. 

Prevent Short Cycling

One of the problems we often face with our AC units is short cycling. As the name implies, a short AC cycle is when your aircon turns on and off multiple times in a very short period, using more energy and making your home hotter. It not only causes discomfort but also causes higher energy bills.

There are a lot of factors that cause short cyclings, such as ice buildup, sleet, harsh winds, ill-fitting air conditioner, or the amount of refrigerant. 

To prevent short cycling, set the thermostat and turn down the temperature at bedtime. You can also set timers for your air conditioner so it won’t come during hours of low use. 

Use the Right Refrigerant

A refrigerant absorbs the heat of indoor air and transforms it from a low-pressure gas into a high-pressure liquid with the help of the AC compressor. The hot air absorbed by the refrigerant coils and the cold air created by the internal set of coils is blown through the air conditioner fans. 

That said, using the right refrigerant is vital to the cooling system of your AC, and it will make your air conditioner colder. A few popular refrigerants, such as R-140A, R-407C, and R-134a, are environmental-friendly and compatible with most air conditioners. 

It is important to take note that using the wrong type of refrigerant for your air conditioning system can create serious damage to your health. You can contact your trusted professional to find out which refrigerant is best suited for your home and can likewise make your AC colder.

Find the Correct Placement 

Air conditioners should be placed in rooms with lower temperatures and receive moderate amounts of sunlight. Ideally, it should have ceiling fans nearby.

Even if placing your air conditioner in the hottest part of your room makes sense, it is still advised to avoid doing so. This placement can cause your unit to work too hard and end up not equally distributing cool air around the room.

For example, rooms that receive lots of direct sunlight or have high temperatures are obviously areas to stay away from.

Another area you may want to avoid is those spaces with indoor obstructions. Placing your aircon behind any furniture can possibly block the airflow channels of your unit. Make sure to always leave enough room for circulation to ensure that cool air can travel around freely.

Always remember to consider the placement of your aircon in your home, as it can largely affect your AC’s airflow and adequately address your cooling desires. 

Final Thoughts

It is important to make the most out of everything, so go out, have fun, and keep yourself cool using your aircon when you get home.  

You don’t need to buy new appliances to find comfort and relief from the hot and dry seasons. Before you replace your unit, figure out the problem and find a way to make your air conditioner run colder.