When it’s a searing summer day in Fredericksburg, nothing feels worse than recognizing your home comfort system isn’t working the way it was built to. The last thing you need to do is schedule AC repair. But your AC is a pretty complicated system, so it can be difficult to find out what’s triggering the issue solo.

That’s why Childress Heating & AC made this guide to help you figure out what could be going on with your AC. Below, you’ll find some common explanations for why your home is feeling uncomfortable. And even though a couple of these are straightforward] DIY tasks, you may still need to turn to an expert for air conditioner repair.

And if you do, Childress Heating & AC is ready to assist. Here are five reasons why your air conditioner may not be cooling your residence in Fredericksburg.

1. Your Device Settings Are Wrong

Every home adjusts their thermostat a little differently to work with their specific preferences. Even so, many people make the misstep of setting their thermostat to “On” rather than “Auto.” Because of this setting, the fan in your system will continue to push out air even when you’ve reached your desired temperature.

This can look like your ducts are pushing out untreated air, when really it’s simply using the fan on a more regular basis than needed. Try switching this setting and see if things change.

2. Your Home Comfort System Needs Some Cleaning

There are two primary spaces to investigate for dirt or dust accumulation when your home comfort system doesn’t appear to be working correctly.

Before anything else, examine your system’s filter. If you don’t switch your filter often enough, buildup can make it more labor intensive for air to move through and lower the temperature your space. If your filter is visibly dirty or dusty, it’s likely time for a change. (And for best operation, you have to switch it about once every three months at the very least.)

If your filter seems clean, head to your outside unit. Find out if there’s a reasonable amount of clearing around your air conditioner and clear away plants or litter stuck there. This section of your system discharges the heat from your house. If the coils outside are blocked, you won’t be feeling comfortable indoors.

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

3. Your System is Losing Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the material that chills the air in your home. It moves between your internal and external units to absorb and discharge heat, to help your home keep the right temperature. If there is an opening along that path, you won’t be feeling comfortable again until you set professional air conditioning repair.

Indications of a refrigerant leak include a decline in chilled air, pricier utility charges, frozen evaporator coils and unusual hissing noises arising from your system.

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

4. One or More Parts Have to Be Replaced

Your air conditioner is made up of 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 Childress Heating & AC pros are certified and experienced in HVAC. They can help you diagnose and repair any issue.

5. Your Whole System Has to Be Updated

If your system is more than 10 years old, it may be about time to think about new air conditioner installation. As your system gets older, it just won’t work as well as it has in the past. And it may be making your space uncomfortable.

If your system is more current but still isn’t cutting it, it could be the wrong size for your living space. AC units are not one-size-fits-all. An air conditioner that’s undersized absolutely can’t chill a place the way a correctly sized HVAC can.

Get a More Comfortable House with Childress Heating & AC

You won’t have to blow any time this summer in an uncomfortable home. When your air conditioner isn’t functioning how it should, bank on Childress Heating & AC. We’re professionals in air conditioner repair. Contact us at 540-675-4306 right away.