When it’s a scorching summer morning in Greater Richmond, nothing feels worse than recognizing your home comfort system isn’t working the way it was built to. The last thing you need to do is request AC service. But your air conditioner is an exceptionally complex system, so it can be hard to figure out what’s driving the trouble solo.
That’s why Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling created this guide to help you figure out what might be going on with your cooling system. From here, you’ll see a few typical situtations that explain why your family is feeling a little unpleasant. And while a couple of these are easy DIY activities, you might need to turn to a professional for AC repair.
And if that’s the case, Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is ready to assist. Here are five reasons why your air conditioner may not be cooling your house in Greater Richmond.
1. Your Thermostat Settings Are Wrong
Every person uses their thermostat a bit differently to suit their specific requirements. Yet, a lot of people make the error of setting their system to “On” as opposed to “Auto.” Under this setting, the fan in your air conditioner will continue to produce an air current even when you’ve gotten to your set temperature.
This can come off like your AC is blowing out warmish air, when actually it’s only utilizing the fan on a more regular basis than required. Switch this setting and determine if things change.
2. Your AC Needs a Routine Cleaning
There are two central spaces to examine for dirt or dust accumulation when your home comfort system doesn’t feel like it is working well.
Firstly, inspect your system’s filter. If you don’t change your filter regularly, built-up dust can make it more labor intensive for air to travel through and cool down your rooms. If your filter is noticeably dirty or dusty, it’s more than likely time to replace it. (And in general, you should replace it about once every three months at least.)
If your filter appears good, head to your outdoor unit. Double check there’s adequate room around the unit and clean up plants or litter close by. This piece of your cooling system releases the heat from inside your house. If the coils outside are congested, you won’t be feeling comfortable in your home.
We recommend setting professional air conditioner maintenance yearly to keep your unit working like it should and to keep your warranty valid.
3. Your Unit is Leaking Refrigerant
Refrigerant is the material that conditions the air in your house. It cycles between your indoor and external system elements to grab and discharge heat, to help your home get comfortable. If there is a crack somewhere, you won’t be cool again until you set professional air conditioning repair.
Indicators of a refrigerant leak include a lack of cooled air, climbing power bills, frozen evaporator coils and unusual hissing noises originating from your air conditioner.
If you suspect refrigerant might be leaking, call Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling for HVAC repair as soon as possible. Refrigerant can also be detrimental to your family’s health.
4. One or More Elements Need to Be Replaced
Your air conditioner contains a couple essential elements. These include the blower, evaporator coils, compressor, fan, condenser coils and expansion valve. If one part is not working, your home comfort declines.
Our Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling technicians are trained and knowledged in HVAC. They can help you diagnose and fix any trouble.
5. Your Air Conditioner Needs to Be Updated
If your AC is over 10 years old, it might be time to consider new air conditioner installation. As your system gets up there in years, it unfortunately won’t operate as well as it did in the beginning. And it may be making your house uncomfortable.
If your system is newer but still isn’t properly cooling your home, it might be undersized for your home. AC units are not one-size-fits-all. A system that’s not big enough simply can’t cool a house the way a properly sized HVAC can.
Create a More Comfortable House with Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling
You shouldn’t waste any time this summer in a hot house. When your cooling system isn’t running the way you need it to, rely on Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. We’re professionals in air conditioner repair. Contact us at 804-302-6657 right away.