When it’s a searing summer morning in Greater Richmond, nothing feels worse than recognizing your home comfort system isn’t operating the way it is supposed to. The last thing you need to do is schedule air conditioner service. But your AC is a quite complex system, so it can be difficult to find out what’s triggering the problem without training.

That’s why Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling created this informational guide to help you see what might be happening with your cooling system. Here, you’ll find a few prevailing situtations that explain why your home is feeling uncomfortable. And while a couple of these are easy] DIY tasks, you may have to bring in a skilled technician for cooling system repair.

And if you need us, Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is here for you. Here are five reasons why your air conditioner may not be cooling your home in Greater Richmond.

1. Your Thermostat Settings May Be Off

Everyone adjusts their thermostat a little differently to work with their specific requirements. However, a lot of families make the misstep of setting their device to “On” rather than “Auto.” Because of this setting, the fan in your AC will continue to blow even after you’ve reached your desired temperature.

This can look like your vents are distributing untreated air, when actually it’s simply utilizing the fan more often than required. Change this setting and work out if things cool off.

2. Your Cooling System Needs a Good Cleaning

There are two primary places to investigate for dirt or dust accrual when your air conditioner doesn’t feel like it is performing well.

Firstly, check out your AC system’s filter. If you don’t change your filter routinely, built-up dust can make it more difficult for air to pass through and cool your house. If your filter is noticeably dirty or dusty, it’s probably time to replace it. (And for best operation, you have to switch it about once every three months at least.)

If your filter is looking good, move to your outside unit. Find out if there’s enough room around the unit and clean up plants or dirt close by. This piece of your system lets off the heat from within your space. If the coils outside are clogged, you won’t be comfortable indoors.

We suggest booking professional air conditioner maintenance each year to keep your unit working properly and to keep your warranty valid.

3. Your System is Leaking Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the chemical that cools the air in your space. It cycles between your inside and external system elements to soak up and discharge heat, to help your house remain cool. If there is a crack along that path, you won’t be comfortable again until you set professional air conditioning repair.

Indications of a refrigerant leak include a decrease in cooled air, more expensive electric bills, frozen evaporator coils and strange hissing noises arising from your system.

If you are worried refrigerant could be leaking, call Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling for air conditioner repair as soon as possible. Refrigerant can also be hazardous to your family’s health.

4. One or More Pieces Should Be Replaced

Your system includes a a handful of essential parts. These include the blower, evaporator coils, compressor, fan, condenser coils and expansion valve. If one part is broken, your home comfort suffers.

Our Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling technicians are certified and knowledged in HVAC. They can help you find and repair any problem.

5. Your Whole System Needs to Be Replaced

If your system is older than 10 years old, it is probably a good time to research new air conditioner installation. As your system gets up there in years, it simply won’t function as well as it did in the beginning. And it may be making your space uncomfortable.

If your HVAC unit is on the younger side but still isn’t properly cooling your home, it could be the wrong size for your house. AC units are not one-size-fits-all. An AC that’s undersized just can’t chill a home the way an appropriately sized air conditioner can.

Make a More Comfortable Space with Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

You can’t waste time this summer in an uncomfortable space. When your cooling system isn’t functioning how it should, lean on Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. We’re skilled in AC repair. Contact us at 804-302-6657 today.