When it’s a hot summer afternoon in Alice, nothing feels worse than recognizing your home comfort system isn’t operating the way it was built to. The last thing you want to do is request cooling system service. But your AC is a pretty intricate system, so it can be almost impossible to determine what’s triggering the issue on your own.

That’s why Rescue Heating & Air made this handbook to help you figure out what may be going on with your cooling system. Here, you’ll see a few typical explanations for why your space is feeling a little too warm. And while a couple of these are straightforward] DIY tasks, you may still need to turn to a professional for HVAC repair.

And if that’s the case, Rescue Heating & Air is here for you. Here are five reasons why your air conditioner may not be cooling your residence in Alice.

1. Your System Settings Are Incorrect

Every home sets their thermostat a bit differently to suit their distinct preferences. However, a number of homeowners make the error of setting their thermostat to “On” rather than “Auto.” With this setting, the fan in your air conditioner will continue to produce an air current even when you’ve attained your preferred temperature.

This can look like your ducts are pushing out warm air, when actually it’s simply using the fan on a more regular basis than required. Change this setting and work out if things seem better.

2. Your HVAC Needs to Be Cleaned

There are two central places to look for dirt or dust accumulation when your AC doesn’t feel like it is operating as it should.

First, check out your AC system’s filter. If you don’t switch your filter often enough, accumulated dirt can make it more difficult for air to move through and cool your home. If your filter is noticeably dirty or dusty, it’s probably time to replace it. (And in general, you should switch it about once every three months at a minimum.)

If your filter appears fine, go to your outside unit. Make sure there’s a reasonable amount of room around your air conditioner and clear any plants or debris close by. This section of your cooling system discharges the heat from within your space. If the coils outside are clogged, you won’t be feeling cool indoors.

We suggest scheduling professional air conditioner maintenance every year to keep your equipment operating properly and to keep your warranty valid.

3. Your Unit is Losing Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the substance that cools the air in your space. It runs between your internal and outdoor units to absorb and discharge heat, to help your house stay comfortable. If there is a crack along that system, you won’t be cool again until you set professional air conditioning repair.

Signals of a refrigerant leak include a decrease in chilled air, more expensive monthly charges, frozen evaporator coils and unusual hissing noises coming from your AC.

If you suspect refrigerant could be leaking, call Rescue Heating & Air for HVAC repair as soon as possible. Refrigerant can also be damaging to your family’s health.

4. One or More Parts Should Be Replaced

Your AC is made up of a few essential elements. These include the blower, evaporator coils, compressor, fan, condenser coils and expansion valve. If any one of these is failing, your home comfort will suffer.

Our Rescue Heating & Air pros are certified and skilled in all areas of HVAC. They can help you locate and repair any issue.

5. Your System Has to Be Replaced

If your system is more than 10 years old, it may be about time to look into new air conditioner installation. As your system gets up there in years, it simply won’t function as well as it did in the beginning. And it could be making your home too warm.

If your air conditioner is newer but still isn’t cutting it, it may be the wrong size for your house. HVAC systems are not one-size-fits-all. An air conditioner that’s not big enough simply can’t cool a place the way a correctly sized system can.

Find a More Comfortable House with Rescue Heating & Air

You won’t have to waste any time this summer in an unpleasant house. When your air conditioner isn’t operating the way it should, lean on Rescue Heating & Air. We’re professionals in AC repair. Contact us at 361-265-4371 now.