When it’s a hot summer afternoon in Columbia, nothing could be worse than realizing your AC isn’t operating the way it is supposed to. The last thing you need to do is call for AC help. But your HVAC is a quite complicated system, so it can be almost impossible to figure out what’s triggering the trouble without training.

That’s why Watts Electric & AC made this informational guide to help you understand what could be happening with your home comfort system. From here, you’ll discover a few prevailing situtations that explain why your space is feeling a little unpleasant. And while a couple of these are simple] DIY projects, you could need to turn to a pro for cooling system repair.

And if you need us, Watts Electric & AC is here for you. Here are five reasons why your air conditioner may not be cooling your house in Columbia.

1. Your Device Settings Are Wrong

Everyone sets their thermostat a little differently to suit their personal preferences. However, many families make the mistake of setting their system to “On” rather than “Auto.” Under this setting, the fan in your air conditioner will continue to push out air even once you’ve achieved your preferred temperature.

This can look like your system is distributing warmish air, when actually it’s simply employing the fan on a more regular basis than required. Change this setting and find out if things change.

2. Your Cooling System Needs Some Cleaning

There are two primary areas to check for dirt or dust accrual when your AC doesn’t appear to be performing well.

Before anything else, examine your system’s filter. If you don’t change your filter on a regular basis, built-up dust can make it more difficult for air to flow through and cool down your space. If your filter is visibly dirty or dusty, it’s probably time to replace it. (And for best operation, you should change it about once every three months at the very least.)

If your filter appears clean, head to your external unit. Make sure there’s adequate space around it and clean up plants or dirt close by. This piece of your AC releases the heat from your space. If the coils outside are congested, you won’t be comfortable in your home.

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

3. Your System is Releasing Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the chemical that conditions the air in your space. It moves between your internal and outside units to grab and let off heat, to help your space stay cool. If there is a crack along that path, you won’t be cool again until you book professional air conditioning repair.

Indications of a refrigerant leak include a decline in cooled air, higher electric expenses, frozen evaporator coils and strange hissing noises originating from your HVAC.

If you are worried refrigerant might be leaking, call Watts Electric & AC for air conditioner repair as soon as possible. Refrigerant can also be damaging to your family’s health.

4. One or More Pieces Have to Be Replaced

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

Our Watts Electric & AC pros are well-trained and skilled in all areas of HVAC. They can help you diagnose and fix any trouble.

5. Your AC Has to Be Replaced

If your system is more than 10 years old, it may be time to research new air conditioner installation. As your system ages, it unfortunately won’t function as well as it has in the past. And it could be making your space too warm.

If your HVAC unit is on the younger side but still isn’t properly cooling your home, it might be the wrong size for your living space. Air conditioners are not all the same. An AC that’s not powerful enough just can’t help a place the way a correctly sized AC can.

Create a More Comfortable House with Watts Electric & AC

You can’t lose time this summer in an uncomfortable house. When your AC isn’t functioning how it should, rely on Watts Electric & AC. We’re experts in air conditioner repair. Contact us at 601-736-7362 right away.