When it’s a hot summer day in Laurel, nothing could be worse than realizing your AC isn’t operating the way it should. The last thing you should have to do is call for cooling system repair. But your AC is a fairly complicated system, so it can be almost impossible to determine what’s causing the problem without training.

That’s why H&C Heating and Cooling created this informational guide to help you find out what could be taking place with your home comfort system. Below, you’ll see some typical situtations that explain why your house is feeling uncomfortable. And while a couple of these are simple] DIY tasks, you could still need to bring in an expert for HVAC repair.

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

1. Your System Settings May Be Wrong

Every family adjusts their thermostat a touch differently to suit their distinct requirements. Yet, many families make the misstep of setting their system to “On” instead of “Auto.” Because of this setting, the fan in your air conditioner will continue to push out air even after you’ve reached your desired temperature.

This can feel like your ducts are distributing untreated air, when in reality it’s only using the fan more frequently than necessary. Trying changing this setting and see if things seem better.

2. Your System Needs a Good Cleaning

There are two main places to check for dirt or dust accrual when your air conditioner doesn’t feel like it is working correctly.

Before anything else, examine your AC system’s filter. If you don’t change your filter routinely, buildup can make it more labor intensive for air to pass through and cool down your house. If your filter is noticeably dirty or dusty, it’s probably time to replace it. (And as a rule, you should replace it about once every three months at a minimum.)

If your filter is looking clean, go to your outside unit. Double check there’s a reasonable amount of clearing around the unit and clear away plants or dirt stuck there. This piece of your AC discharges the heat from within your space. If the coils outside are congested, you won’t be feeling comfortable inside.

We recommend setting professional air conditioner maintenance every year to keep your unit working smoothly and to keep your warranty valid.

3. Your System is Releasing Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the substance that cools the air in your space. It runs between your indoor and outside system pieces to grab and discharge heat, to help your home remain the right temperature. If there is an opening along the way, you won’t be feeling cool again until you book professional air conditioning repair.

Signals of a refrigerant leak include a drop in conditioned air, higher utility bills, frozen evaporator coils and unusual hissing noises arising from your air conditioner.

If you think refrigerant may be leaking, call H&C Heating and Cooling for air conditioner repair as soon as possible. Refrigerant can also be damaging to your family’s health.

4. One or More Pieces Need to Be Replaced

Your system contains a a handful of crucial elements. These include the blower, evaporator coils, compressor, fan, condenser coils and expansion valve. If one of these is broken, your home comfort suffers.

Our H&C Heating and Cooling technicians are trained and experienced in HVAC. They can help you diagnose and fix any trouble.

5. Your System Has to Be Updated

If your equipment is more than 10 years old, it is probably about time to think about new air conditioner installation. As your system gets older, it simply won’t run as well as it once did. And it might be making your house too warm.

If your HVAC unit is on the younger side but still isn’t cooling things off, it may be undersized for your house. Air conditioners are not one-size-fits-all. A system that’s not powerful enough simply can’t cool a house the way a correctly sized HVAC can.

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

You shouldn’t blow any time this summer in an unpleasant home. When your air conditioner isn’t functioning correct, bank on H&C Heating and Cooling. We’re professionals in air conditioner repair. Contact us at 301-960-3247 today.