When it’s a searing summer day in The Bay Area, nothing feels worse than realizing your home comfort system isn’t working the way it was built to. The last thing you need to do is request air conditioner help. But your AC is a fairly intricate system, so it can be almost impossible to figure out what’s causing the trouble solo.

That’s why Contra Costa Heating & AC made this handbook to help you understand what might be taking place with your home comfort system. Here, you’ll learn a few common explanations for why your home is feeling a little unpleasant. And even though some of these are simple] DIY tasks, you could need to call in a pro for HVAC repair.

And if that’s the case, Contra Costa Heating & AC is here for you. Here are five reasons why your air conditioner may not be cooling your home in The Bay Area.

1. Your Thermostat Settings Are Incorrect

Every family sets their thermostat a bit differently to match their distinct preferences. Even so, many homeowners make the misstep of setting their system to “On” as opposed to “Auto.” With this setting, the fan in your AC will continue to produce an air current even when you’ve achieved your preferred temperature.

This can feel like your ducts are pushing out warm air, when in reality it’s only utilizing the fan more often than necessary. Try switching this setting and see if things change.

2. Your AC Needs to Be Cleaned

There are two main areas to investigate for dirt or dust accrual when your cooling system doesn’t feel like it is working as it should.

Before anything else, examine your AC system’s filter. If you don’t switch your filter often enough, built-up dust can make it more labor intensive for air to move through and cool down your home. If your filter is obviously dirty or dusty, it’s definitely time for a change. (And in general, you need to replace it about once every three months at least.)

If your filter seems good, move to your outside unit. Find out if there’s enough room around your air conditioner and clear away plants or litter close by. This part of your system lets off the heat from inside your space. If the coils outside are clogged, you won’t be feeling cool in your home.

We suggest scheduling professional air conditioner maintenance each year to keep your unit running smoothly and to keep your warranty valid.

3. Your Unit is Releasing Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the chemical that chills the air in your house. It cycles between your indoor and outside units to absorb and discharge heat, to help your house remain cool. If there is an opening along that path, you won’t be feeling comfortable again until you book professional air conditioning repair.

Indications of a refrigerant leak include a decline in conditioned air, more expensive monthly bills, frozen evaporator coils and unusual hissing noises originating from your air conditioner.

If you are worried refrigerant might be leaking, call Contra Costa Heating & AC for HVAC repair as soon as possible. Refrigerant can also be hazardous to your family’s health.

4. One or More Parts Need to Be Replaced

Your AC contains a few crucial parts. These include the blower, evaporator coils, compressor, fan, condenser coils and expansion valve. If any one of these is failing, your home comfort is hurt.

Our Contra Costa Heating & AC experts are certified and knowledged in HVAC. They can help you diagnose and repair any trouble.

5. Your System Needs to Be Upgraded

If your system is more than 10 years old, it could likely be about time to research new air conditioner installation. As your system gets older, it simply won’t work as well as it did in the beginning. And it may be making your space uncomfortable.

If your system is on the younger side but still isn’t cutting it, it could be too small for your house. HVAC systems are not all the same. An AC that’s not big enough simply can’t cool a space the way a properly sized system can.

Make a More Comfortable Home with Contra Costa Heating & AC

You won’t have to blow any time this summer in an uncomfortable home. When your cooling system isn’t functioning correct, rely on Contra Costa Heating & AC. We’re experts in AC repair. Contact us at 510-343-9841 today.