When it’s a warm summer afternoon in Laurel, nothing could be worse than registering your air conditioner isn’t operating the way it is meant to. The last thing you want to do is request cooling system help. But your air conditioner is a pretty complicated system, so it can be almost impossible to find out what’s causing the issue without training.

That’s why H&C Heating and Cooling wrote this informational guide to help you understand what might be taking place with your home comfort system. From here, you’ll discover a couple prevailing explanations for why your home is feeling a little unpleasant. And though a couple of these are straightforward] DIY activities, you may still need to turn to a skilled technician for cooling system repair.

And if you need us, H&C Heating and Cooling is ready to assist. Here are five reasons why your air conditioner may not be cooling your residence in Laurel.

1. Your Thermostat Settings May Be Incorrect

Every home adjusts their thermostat a bit differently to match their specific preferences. Yet, a lot of people make the error of setting their device to “On” rather than “Auto.” Under this setting, the fan in your AC will continue to blow even when you’ve achieved your set temperature.

This can feel like your vents are pushing out untreated air, when actually it’s only using the fan more often than necessary. Trying changing this setting and work out if things seem better.

2. Your Cooling System Needs a Good Cleaning

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

Before anything else, take a look at your system’s filter. If you don’t switch your filter routinely, built-up dust can make it more labor intensive for air to flow through and cool your home. If your filter is visibly dirty or dusty, it’s likely time for a change. (And as a rule, you should switch it about once every three months at least.)

If your filter seems good, go to your outdoor unit. Make sure there’s a reasonable amount of clearing around your air conditioner and clear any plants or litter stuck there. This section of your cooling system releases the heat from inside your house. If the coils outside are clogged, you won’t be feeling cool inside.

We advise setting professional air conditioner maintenance each year to keep your system running smoothly and to keep your warranty valid.

3. Your Unit is Losing Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the material that cools the air in your house. It moves between your internal and outside system elements to soak up and discharge heat, to help your space keep comfortable. If there is a leak along that path, you won’t be cool again until you set professional air conditioning repair.

Indications of a refrigerant leak include a drop in conditioned air, pricier utility expenses, frozen evaporator coils and strange hissing noises originating from your HVAC.

If you are worried refrigerant may be leaking, call H&C Heating and Cooling for AC repair as soon as possible. Refrigerant can also be hazardous to your family’s health.

4. One or More Pieces Have to Be Replaced

Your system contains a couple crucial elements. These include the blower, evaporator coils, compressor, fan, condenser coils and expansion valve. If one part is failing, your home comfort will suffer.

Our H&C Heating and Cooling experts are well-trained and knowledged in HVAC. They can help you locate and mend any issue.

5. Your Whole System Needs to Be Updated

If your AC is more than 10 years old, it may be time to research new air conditioner installation. As your system ages, it just won’t work as well as it once did. And it may be making your house uncomfortable.

If your HVAC unit is newer but still isn’t properly cooling your home, it may be undersized for your home. AC units are not all the same size. A cooling system that’s too small just can’t chill a home the way an appropriately sized AC can.

Make a More Comfortable Space with H&C Heating and Cooling

You shouldn’t lose time this summer in an uncomfortable house. When your AC isn’t working the way it should, rely on H&C Heating and Cooling. We’re professionals in AC repair. Contact us at 301-960-3247 now.