When it’s a searing summer afternoon in Fredericksburg, nothing could be worse than realizing your home comfort system isn’t working the way it should. The last thing you need to do is schedule cooling system repair. But your AC is a pretty complex system, so it can be difficult to determine what’s triggering the issue solo.

That’s why Childress Heating & AC wrote this handbook to help you understand what may be going on with your home comfort system. Here, you’ll discover some typical reasons your house is feeling uncomfortable. And while a few of these are simple] DIY projects, you may need to call in a pro for cooling system repair.

And if that’s the case, Childress Heating & AC is ready to assist. Here are five reasons why your air conditioner may not be cooling your home in Fredericksburg.

1. Your Device Settings Are Wrong

Every person uses their thermostat a little differently to suit their specific needs. Yet, a number of families make the misstep of setting their system to “On” as opposed to “Auto.” Because of this setting, the fan in your AC will continue to blow even when you’ve achieved your set temperature.

This can look like your system is distributing warm air, when in reality it’s simply employing the fan more frequently than necessary. Try switching this setting and work out if things change.

2. Your System Needs a Good Cleaning

There are two central places to check for dirt or dust buildup when your air conditioner doesn’t seem to be performing correctly.

Firstly, check out your system’s filter. If you don’t switch your filter routinely, accumulated dirt 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 definitely time for a change. (And as a rule, you need to change it about once every three months at least.)

If your filter is looking fine, head to your outside unit. Find out if there’s enough clearing around it and clean up plants or debris stuck there. This part of your AC discharges the heat from inside your house. If the coils outside are congested, you won’t be comfortable indoors.

We advise setting professional air conditioner maintenance every year to keep your system working properly and to keep your warranty valid.

3. Your System is Releasing Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the material that cools the air in your home. It cycles between your internal and outdoor units to soak up and discharge heat, to help your house keep the right temperature. If there is a leak along the way, you won’t be feeling comfortable again until you book professional air conditioning repair.

Indications of a refrigerant leak include a decrease in conditioned air, higher electric bills, frozen evaporator coils and unusual hissing noises arising from your air conditioner.

If you think refrigerant may be leaking, call Childress Heating & AC for HVAC repair as soon as possible. Refrigerant can also be damaging to your family’s health.

4. One or More Elements Have to Be Replaced

Your AC is made up of a few important elements. These include the blower, evaporator coils, compressor, fan, condenser coils and expansion valve. If one part is not working as it should, your home comfort will suffer.

Our Childress Heating & AC technicians are trained and knowledged in HVAC. They can help you diagnose and mend any problem.

5. Your AC Should Be Upgraded

If your AC is over 10 years old, it may be about time to look into new air conditioner installation. As your system ages, it sadly won’t work as well as it did in the beginning. And it may be making your space uncomfortable.

If your air conditioner is newer but still isn’t cooling things off, it may be too small for your home. Air conditioners are not one-size-fits-all. A cooling system that’s too small just can’t help a house the way an appropriately sized air conditioner can.

Get a More Comfortable Space with Childress Heating & AC

You won’t have to blow any time this summer in an uncomfortable home. When your AC isn’t operating the way it should, lean on Childress Heating & AC. We’re professionals in AC repair. Contact us at 540-675-4306 now.