Why Your AC Takes Longer Than Normal To Start And How To Fix It?

Sometimes it seems tough to figure out exactly what’s wrong with an HVAC system. Have you discovered that your air conditioner starts off slowly and are unsure what to do?

The thermostat that is attached to it is having a power outage, which is the most frequent reason for a delayed air conditioner. Given how heavily the AC depends on its thermostat, this may have an impact on both how effectively and frequently it turns on.

Having said that, you should check your thermostat and have it fixed if necessary, usually by installing a C-wire.

As we get started, we’ll talk about everything air conditioner-related including how to fix yours. Whether you’ve been having this issue for a while or it just begun, we can give some assistance.

Why Is My Air Conditioner Running Slowly?

As we said, a thermostat problem is the main cause of an AC unit’s delayed start. This typically occurs if your thermostat isn’t receiving enough power, delaying the air conditioning’s start-up.

Additionally, according to some professionals, an outdated capacitor may be the cause of a delayed AC. The thermostat in your air conditioner’s circuitry will eventually wear down, which could lead to issues.

There is no need to fear because, fortunately, you can generally remedy this simply calling an electrician to add a C-wire. However, you might have to replace your thermostat entirely if it has sustained more severe damage from fire or dampness.

How Soon Should The Air Conditioning Start To Work?

After adjusting the thermostat, an AC unit ought to begin cooling right away. However, you can anticipate your system to shut down if you turn up the air.

Expect to wait closer to 30 minutes because air conditioners often take a minute to restart after a power loss or reset.

Once more, this should never exceed 30 minutes, so if your air conditioner won’t turn on, there is probably a problem with the thermostat.

How Can A Delayed Air Conditioner Be Fixed?

There are solutions available for folks who are having trouble with a delayed AC. You should typically either install a C-wire or an adaptor. These will aid in restoring power in the event of a start-up power outage, as was previously described.

You should also examine the lithium-ion battery of your more recent thermostat, such as the Nest. Systems like Google Nest, despite being more technologically advanced, might degrade and need a new battery.

Additionally, it’s advisable to have an electrician examine your system to make sure there isn’t a more serious underlying issue. Older systems have a tendency to deteriorate, which affects other parts of your air conditioner.

Can I Change The Thermostat On My AC By Myself?

It is undoubtedly possible to fix a thermostat yourself if you are familiar with the replacement procedure. We only advise doing this if you are familiar with electrical components and wiring; if you are unsure of your ability, use an expert.

Saving money on the installation or replacement procedure may sound appealing, but if you’re not careful, you might cause a lot of harm.

Most importantly, incorrect wiring of your thermostat can cause a significant fire. Paying an electrician may be worthwhile because you run the risk of damaging your AC system.

How Much Does An AC Thermostat Repair Cost?

Despite variations, you may often anticipate paying between $110 and $304 to fix a thermostat. Again, these are just averages, so depending on the size of your home, you may pay considerably more.

This can be a reasonably inexpensive task since actual thermostat repair rates range from $50 to $500, according to Home Advisor. However, if your system is older and the wiring needs to be repaired, it will take longer and cost more to do so.

In addition, contemporary thermostat systems with digital displays claim to be less expensive and simpler to install, so it might be something to take into account.

How Can I Tell If My AC Thermostat Is Malfunctioning?

Identifying the issue is the first step in fixing or replacing an AC thermostat. Fortunately, a few cautionary indications will let you know if your thermostat needs to be repaired. These consist of:

• Your thermostat isn’t working or isn’t responding.
• Your air conditioner doesn’t shut off and runs nonstop.
• Your room’s temperature is different from what the thermostat is set to.

Of course, these are only a few simple issues, so if you suspect an issue, it’s best to have a professional examine your system.

You should be able to detect the problem and make the necessary repairs before it’s too late because AC thermostats frequently break over time.

How Long Does A Typical AC Thermostat Last?

A thermostat for an air conditioner should typically last ten years. Every thermostat is distinct and will have a varying lifespan depending on the brand, model, and kind that you own.

As we previously stated, it is normal to experience issues with your air conditioner as your thermostat ages. This may involve a sluggish start, continuous operation, or even a total shutdown.

The three most typical indicators of thermostat aging are dust accumulation, wiring problems, and rusting. So, even if you take excellent care of your AC system, your thermostat will ultimately break down.

On the other hand, if you have a guarantee, as many air conditioning systems do, you should be protected.

How Frequently Should Your AC Thermostat Be Changed?

A thermostat for an air conditioner shouldn’t need to be replaced more frequently than every 8 to 10 years. The usual lifespan of an AC thermostat is about ten years, as we discussed above, so this is a suitable replacement timeline to follow.

However, if you catch issues with your air conditioner early on, there can be a thermostat flaw that needs to be fixed. A few of the most typical manufacturer flaws are malfunctioning sensors, digital screens, and even poor wiring.

Due to the potential for increased energy use, higher electricity bills, and damage to your AC unit, you should make sure that these problems are resolved as soon as possible.

How Quickly Should An Air Conditioner Cool A Home?

An average four-bedroom home should be cooled down by 10 degrees Fahrenheit using an air conditioner in three hours. Of course, depending on the climate outside, the design of your home, and the age of your AC system, this may differ slightly.

An air conditioner’s speed is also influenced by its size. For instance, if your home is 2,000 square feet and you have a modestly sized unit, the room should be able to chill down within a few hours.

On the other hand, if you have a sizable house and a medium-sized air conditioner, you might have to wait a lot longer. Fortunately, HVAC experts will provide size recommendations for your home’s AC system when you buy or build it, so you are not completely alone.

When Cooling A House From 80 To 75 Degrees, How Long Should It Take?

If it’s hot outdoors and you need to cool off quickly, your air conditioner should be able to reduce the temperature from 80 to 75 degrees in 4–6 hours. As we mentioned, the size, age, and model of your AC unit can affect how cool it is throughout the day.

In general, it’s preferable to maintain a steady temperature in your home as opposed to waiting until it becomes unbearably hot. Try to avoid waiting until your home reaches 80 degrees because doing so will put extra strain on your air conditioner.

What Causes My Air Conditioner To Remain On?

Several factors could be at fault if your air conditioner won’t shut off. You should inspect your system’s evaporator coils first. This will explain why your AC won’t turn off if they are frozen.

Next, a dirty or clogged air filter can keep an AC system running. Make sure to swap out your current filter with a fresh, clean one to remedy this. This ought to make the issue go away.

An electrical relay switch that is broken is another reason for continuous running. To solve this, you will need to contact an expert, so bear that in mind. There could be various causes for this, including a broken thermostat.

To Sum It Up

Knowing how your air conditioning system operates is crucial, whether you just bought a new one or have an older one. According to what we discovered, a delayed system may indicate that the thermostat is malfunctioning.

Make sure your thermostat is wired properly and that all of the components are in good operating order in order to resolve this. Take a close check at your unit because a delayed air conditioner could indicate that it is clogged or unclean.

Nevertheless, if you think there might be a problem with your air conditioner, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with an HVAC expert. Once more, avoid repairing your thermostat unless you are very certain about the wiring.