Five Reasons Why Your Air Conditioner Isn't Cooling Your Home

When it’s a warm summer morning in Manassas, nothing feels worse than registering your air conditioner isn’t working the way it is meant to. The last thing you need to do is schedule air conditioner help. But your AC is a fairly complex system, so it can be difficult to determine what’s creating the trouble solo.

That’s why Air-Right Energy Design made this handbook to help you figure out what could be happening with your AC. Below, you’ll discover some common explanations for why your space is feeling uncomfortable. And while a few of these are simple] DIY projects, you might need to turn to a professional for air conditioner repair.

And if you do, 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 residence in Manassas.

1. Your Thermostat Settings May Be Off

Everyone adjusts their thermostat a touch differently to match their personal preferences. Yet, a lot of families make the error of setting their device to “On” instead of “Auto.” Because of this setting, the fan in your system will continue to push out air even once you’ve achieved your preferred temperature.

This can appear like your AC is distributing warm air, when in reality it’s just utilizing the fan on a more regular basis than necessary. Change this setting and work out if things change.

2. Your Home Comfort System Needs a Good Cleaning

There are two primary areas to investigate for dirt or dust buildup when your home comfort system doesn’t appear to be operating well.

Before anything else, take a look at your AC system’s filter. If you don’t swap out your filter often enough, built-up dust can make it more labor intensive for air to pass through and cool down your house. If your filter is noticeably dirty or dusty, it’s definitely time for a change. (And for best operation, you need to switch it about once every three months at a minimum.)

If your filter is looking clean, go to your outside unit. Double check there’s a reasonable amount of space around your air conditioner and clear any plants or debris close by. This section of your system lets off the heat from 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 unit running smoothly and to keep your warranty valid.

3. Your Unit is Leaking Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the substance that conditions the air in your house. It cycles between your inside and external units to soak up and let off heat, to help your home remain cool. If there is a crack along that path, you won’t be feeling comfortable again until you set professional air conditioning repair.

Signs of a refrigerant leak include a drop in chilled air, more expensive monthly expenses, frozen evaporator coils and strange hissing noises arising from your HVAC.

If you think refrigerant might be leaking, call Air-Right Energy Design for HVAC 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 AC is made up of a couple crucial parts. These include the blower, evaporator coils, compressor, fan, condenser coils and expansion valve. If one of these is not working as it should, your home comfort is hurt.

Our Air-Right Energy Design pros are trained and skilled in all areas of HVAC. They can help you find and repair any trouble.

5. Your System Should Be Updated

If your equipment is more than 10 years old, it could likely be time to think about new air conditioner installation. As your system gets older, it sadly won’t run as well as it did in the beginning. And it could be making your house uncomfortable.

If your HVAC unit is more current but still isn’t cutting it, it might be undersized for your house. AC units are not one-size-fits-all. An AC that’s not big enough absolutely can’t help a space the way an appropriately sized system can.

Make a More Comfortable Home with Air-Right Energy Design

You shouldn’t blow a moment this summer in an uncomfortable space. When your cooling system isn’t functioning correct, lean on Air-Right Energy Design. We’re professionals in air conditioner repair. Contact us at 703-260-1148 today.