When it’s a searing summer morning in Columbia, nothing is worse than registering your home comfort system isn’t operating the way it was built to. The last thing you need to do is call for air conditioner service. But your HVAC is a fairly complex system, so it can be almost impossible to figure out what’s triggering the trouble without training.

That’s why Watts Electric & AC wrote this guide to help you understand what could be happening with your home comfort system. From here, you’ll find some prevailing reasons your home is feeling too warm. And while a few of these are straightforward] DIY activities, you might need to bring in a skilled technician for AC repair.

And if you do, Watts Electric & AC is ready to assist. Here are five reasons why your air conditioner may not be cooling your house in Columbia.

1. Your Device Settings May Be Incorrect

Everyone sets their thermostat a bit differently to work with their personal needs. Yet, a lot of families make the error of setting their thermostat to “On” as opposed to “Auto.” Under this setting, the fan in your AC will continue to produce an air current even once you’ve attained your preferred temperature.

This can appear like your system is distributing warmish air, when in reality it’s only employing the fan more frequently than necessary. Trying changing this setting and see if things cool off.

2. Your System Needs to Be Cleaned

There are two central spaces to check for dirt or dust accrual when your AC doesn’t seem to be working as it should.

Before anything else, examine your AC system’s filter. If you don’t change your filter routinely, built-up dust can make it hard for air to pass through and lower the temperature your house. If your filter is obviously dirty or dusty, it’s likely time for a change. (And in general, you have to replace it about once every three months at the very least.)

If your filter seems good, head to your outside unit. Make sure there’s adequate clearing around it and clean up plants or debris stuck there. This piece of your system discharges the heat from inside your space. If the coils outside are congested, you won’t be comfortable in your home.

We recommend scheduling professional air conditioner maintenance each year to keep your equipment running like it should and to keep your warranty valid.

3. Your Unit is Losing Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the material that conditions the air in your home. It runs between your internal and external system pieces to soak up and let off heat, to help your home remain cool. If there is a crack along the way, you won’t be feeling cool again until you schedule professional air conditioning repair.

Signs of a refrigerant leak include a decrease in conditioned air, pricier utility bills, frozen evaporator coils and unusual hissing noises arising from your system.

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

4. One or More Elements Have to Be Replaced

Your system is made up of a a handful of crucial elements. These include the blower, evaporator coils, compressor, fan, condenser coils and expansion valve. If any one of these is broken, your home comfort suffers.

Our Watts Electric & AC technicians are trained and skilled in all areas of HVAC. They can help you locate and repair any issue.

5. Your Air Conditioner Has to Be Upgraded

If your AC is over 10 years old, it could likely be a good time to think about new air conditioner installation. As your system ages, it sadly won’t function as well as it did in the beginning. And it may be making your space too warm.

If your system is on the younger side but still isn’t keeping you cool, it could be too small for your living space. AC units are not all the same size. A system that’s not big enough just can’t help a place the way an appropriately sized system can.

Find a More Comfortable House with Watts Electric & AC

You won’t have to blow time this summer in a hot space. When your AC isn’t working the way it should, turn to Watts Electric & AC. We’re experts in AC repair. Contact us at 601-736-7362 now.