When it’s a searing summer morning in the Bay Area, nothing feels worse than registering your air conditioner isn’t operating the way it is meant to. The last thing you should have to do is request air conditioner service. But your AC is a pretty complex system, so it can be difficult to deduce what’s creating the issue by yourself.
That’s why Contra Costa Heating & AC created this informational guide to help you understand what may be taking place with your home comfort system. From here, you’ll see a couple prevailing explanations for why your space is feeling too warm. And while a couple of these are easy DIY projects, you could want to bring in an expert for HVAC repair.
And if that’s the case, Contra Costa Heating & AC is prepared to take care of your home. Here are five reasons why your air conditioner may not be cooling your residence in the Bay Area.
1. Your Device Settings Are Incorrect
Every family adjusts their thermostat a bit differently to fit their distinct requirements. Even so, many families make the misstep of setting their system to “On” as opposed to “Auto.” Because of this setting, the fan in your air conditioner will continue to produce an air current even after you’ve gotten to your desired temperature.
This can appear like your ducts are pushing out untreated air, when really it’s just utilizing the fan on a more regular basis than required. Swap this setting and determine if things change.
2. Your Air Conditioner Needs a Good Cleaning
There are two primary spaces to inspect for dirt or dust accumulation when your home comfort system doesn’t seem to be working well.
Before anything else, examine your AC system’s filter. If you don’t switch out your filter often enough, built-up dust can make it more labor intensive for air to move through and cool down your space. If your filter is noticeably dirty or dusty, it’s likely time to replace it. (And in general, you have to switch it about once every three months at least.)
If your filter seems clean, head to your external unit. Double check there’s adequate space around your air conditioner and clear any plants or debris around it. This part of your AC discharges the heat from inside your home. If the coils outside are blocked, you won’t be feeling comfortable indoors.
We suggest booking professional air conditioner maintenance every year to keep your equipment working like it should and to keep your warranty valid.
3. Your Unit is Releasing Refrigerant
Refrigerant is the component that cools down the air in your space. It goes between your indoor and outdoor units to grab and let out heat, to help your home get comfortable. If there is a leak along that path, you won’t be comfortable again until you set professional air conditioning repair.
Indicators of a refrigerant leak include a drop in chilled air, climbing power expenses, frozen evaporator coils and strange hissing noises originating from your HVAC.
If you feel refrigerant may be leaking, call Contra Costa Heating & AC for system 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 air conditioner is made up of a few essential 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 declines.
Our Contra Costa Heating & AC technicians are well-trained and experienced in HVAC. They can help you figure out and mend any problem.
5. Your AC Needs to Be Upgraded
If your AC is upward of 10 years old, it is probably a good time to look into new air conditioner installation. As your system gets older, it simply won’t work as well as it did in the beginning. And it might be making your space too warm.
If your system is newer but still isn’t properly cooling your home, it could be too small for your living space. HVAC systems are not all the same. A cooling system that’s not big enough just can’t help a home the way a properly sized HVAC can.
Make a More Comfortable Space with Contra Costa Heating & AC
You can’t waste time this summer in a hot home. When your cooling system isn’t operating correct, rely on Contra Costa Heating & AC. We’re pros in HVAC repair. Contact us at 510-343-9841 today.