When it’s a warm summer day in Manassas, nothing could be worse than realizing your AC isn’t working the way it should. The last thing you need to do is call for AC repair. But your air conditioner is a fairly intricate system, so it can be almost impossible to figure out what’s causing the trouble without training.

That’s why Air-Right Energy Design made this informational guide to help you find out what may be going on with your cooling system. Here, you’ll discover some common reasons your home is feeling a little unpleasant. And while some of these are easy] DIY tasks, you might still need to bring in a pro for air conditioner repair.

And if that’s the case, Air-Right Energy Design is prepared to take care of your home. Here are five reasons why your air conditioner may not be cooling your home in Manassas.

1. Your System Settings Could Be Incorrect

Every family sets their thermostat a touch differently to match their personal requirements. However, many families make the error of setting their system to “On” as opposed to “Auto.” Under this setting, the fan in your AC will continue to produce an air current even when you’ve attained your set temperature.

This can appear like your system is pushing out untreated air, when really it’s only using the fan more frequently than required. Change this setting and work out if things seem better.

2. Your HVAC Needs a Good Cleaning

There are two primary areas to check for dirt or dust buildup when your AC doesn’t feel like it is operating well.

First, examine your system’s filter. If you don’t change your filter often enough, buildup can make it hard for air to flow through and cool your home. If your filter is noticeably dirty or dusty, it’s probably time for a change. (And as a rule, you need to change it about once every three months at least.)

If your filter is looking fine, head to your external unit. Double check there’s adequate space around your air conditioner and clear away plants or litter stuck there. This section of your cooling system discharges the heat from within your home. If the coils outside are blocked, you won’t be feeling cool indoors.

We recommend setting professional air conditioner maintenance every year to keep your equipment running properly and to keep your warranty valid.

3. Your System is Releasing Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the chemical that chills the air in your space. It cycles between your indoor and outdoor system elements to absorb and let off heat, to help your house stay the right temperature. If there is a crack along that path, you won’t be comfortable again until you book professional air conditioning repair.

Indications of a refrigerant leak include a decline in cooled air, pricier electric expenses, frozen evaporator coils and strange hissing noises arising from your system.

If you suspect refrigerant might be leaking, call Air-Right Energy Design for AC repair as soon as possible. Refrigerant can also be hazardous to your family’s health.

4. One or More Parts Have to Be Replaced

Your AC contains a a handful of crucial parts. These include the blower, evaporator coils, compressor, fan, condenser coils and expansion valve. If any one of these is not working as it should, your home comfort will suffer.

Our Air-Right Energy Design pros are well-trained and experienced in HVAC. They can help you find and repair any problem.

5. Your AC Should Be Updated

If your system is more than 10 years old, it is probably about time to think about new air conditioner installation. As your system gets older, it unfortunately won’t function as well as it once did. And it could be making your house uncomfortable.

If your HVAC unit is newer but still isn’t cooling things off, it may be undersized for your house. HVAC systems are not all the same size. An air conditioner that’s too small just can’t help a house the way a properly sized AC can.

Find a More Comfortable House with Air-Right Energy Design

You can’t lose time this summer in an unpleasant space. When your AC isn’t functioning the way it should, rely on Air-Right Energy Design. We’re skilled in AC repair. Contact us at 703-260-1148 today.