When it’s a warm summer morning in New Castle, nothing feels worse than recognizing your cooling system isn’t performing the way it should. The last thing you need to do is call for AC service. But your HVAC is a quite complicated system, so it can be hard to figure out what’s driving the issue all alone.
That’s why Central Heating & Plumbing wrote this handbook to help you find out what may be taking place with your AC. Below, you’ll find a couple usual explanations for why your space is feeling a little unpleasant. And while a few of these are fairly painless DIY projects, you might have to find a professional for HVAC repair.
And if you do, Central Heating & Plumbing is prepared to take care of your home. Here are five reasons why your air conditioner may not be cooling your residence in New Castle.
1. Your Thermostat Settings May Be Wrong
Every household adjusts their thermostat a little differently to match their individual preferences. Still, many homeowners make the error of setting their thermostat to “On” rather than “Auto.” Under this setting, the fan in your system will continue to produce an air current even once you’ve attained your preferred temperature.
This can appear like your system is blowing out warm air, when in fact it’s simply using the fan more often than required. Adjust this setting and find out if things are different.
2. Your System Needs to Be Cleaned
There are two main areas to investigate for dirt or dust buildup when your cooling system doesn’t feel like it is operating correctly.
First, inspect your AC system’s filter. If you don’t change your filter on a regular basis, built-up dust can make it hard for air to flow through and cool your home. If your filter is noticeably dirty or dusty, it’s more than likely time for a substitute. (And as a rule, you need to change it about once every three months or more frequently.)
If your filter seems clean, move to your outside unit. See if there’s a reasonable amount of clearing around your air conditioner and clear away plants or debris around it. This element of your cooling system lets out the heat from within your home. If the coils outside are closed off, you won’t be feeling cool indoors.
We recommend booking professional air conditioner maintenance yearly to keep your unit operating like it should and to keep your warranty valid.
3. Your AC is Releasing Refrigerant
Refrigerant is the component that cools the air in your house. It moves between your internal and external system elements to grab and discharge heat, to help your house remain the right temperature. If there is a crack somewhere, you won’t be feeling comfortable again until you set professional air conditioning repair.
Signs of a refrigerant leak include a lack of treated air, higher power charges, frozen evaporator coils and strange hissing noises arising from your AC.
If you suspect refrigerant may be leaking, call Central Heating & Plumbing for system repair as soon as possible. Refrigerant can also be hazardous to your family’s health.
4. One or More Elements Need to Be Replaced
Your air conditioner contains a couple key parts. These include the blower, evaporator coils, compressor, fan, condenser coils and expansion valve. If any one of these is failing, your home comfort declines.
Our Central Heating & Plumbing technicians are certified and experienced in HVAC. They can help you diagnose and fix any issue.
5. Your AC Has to Be Updated
If your air conditioner is upward of 10 years old, it might be a good time to look into new air conditioner installation. As your system gets older, it unfortunately won’t work as well as it has in the past. And it may be making your place too warm.
If your AC is on the younger side but still isn’t properly cooling your home, it might be undersized for your home. HVAC systems are made in different sizes. An AC that’s not powerful enough simply can’t cool a space the way a properly sized AC can.
Make a More Comfortable Home with Central Heating & Plumbing
You won’t have to use any time this summer in an uncomfortable home. When your AC isn’t functioning how it should, rely on Central Heating & Plumbing. We’re pros in air conditioner repair. Contact us at 724-401-1843 right away.