When it’s a searing summer morning in Richmond, nothing could be worse than recognizing your air conditioner isn’t working the way it is supposed to. The last thing you should have to do is schedule air conditioner repair. But your air conditioner is a fairly complicated system, so it can be hard to find out what’s creating the problem without training.

That’s why Refrigeration Systems Ltd. created this guide to help you understand what may be taking place with your cooling system. From here, you’ll discover some typical reasons your house is feeling too warm. And even though some of these are easy] DIY activities, you could still need to turn to an expert for air conditioner repair.

And if you need us, Refrigeration Systems Ltd. is ready to assist. Here are five reasons why your air conditioner may not be cooling your home in Richmond.

1. Your Thermostat Settings Could Be Off

Every family uses their thermostat a little differently to suit their distinct requirements. Even so, a number of families make the misstep of setting their device 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 achieved your set temperature.

This can look like your system is distributing warmish air, when really it’s only using the fan more often than required. Try switching this setting and find out if things cool off.

2. Your Air Conditioner Needs a Good Cleaning

There are two main spaces to investigate for dirt or dust buildup when your AC doesn’t seem to be performing correctly.

Before anything else, take a look at your AC system’s filter. If you don’t swap out your filter routinely, built-up dust can make it more labor intensive for air to pass through and cool down your house. If your filter is obviously dirty or dusty, it’s probably time to replace it. (And in general, you need to change it about once every three months at the very least.)

If your filter appears clean, go to your outdoor unit. Double check there’s enough clearing around it and clean up plants or debris stuck there. This piece of your AC discharges the heat from inside your space. If the coils outside are clogged, you won’t be comfortable in your home.

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

3. Your System is Releasing Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the substance that chills the air in your space. It cycles between your indoor and outside units to soak up and let off heat, to help your space stay the right temperature. If there is a crack along the way, you won’t be feeling cool again until you set professional air conditioning repair.

Signs of a refrigerant leak include a lack of conditioned air, pricier monthly charges, frozen evaporator coils and odd hissing noises originating from your system.

If you are worried refrigerant may be leaking, call Refrigeration Systems Ltd. for HVAC repair as soon as possible. Refrigerant can also be hazardous to your family’s health.

4. One or More Pieces Need to Be Replaced

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

Our Refrigeration Systems Ltd. experts are trained and knowledged in HVAC. They can help you diagnose and fix any issue.

5. Your System Needs to Be Updated

If your AC is older than 10 years old, it is probably time to think about new air conditioner installation. As your system gets up there in years, it unfortunately won’t function as well as it did in the beginning. And it might be making your space uncomfortable.

If your HVAC unit is newer but still isn’t keeping you cool, it could be too small for your home. AC units are not all the same. A system that’s too small simply can’t cool a home the way a properly sized air conditioner can.

Make a More Comfortable Space with Refrigeration Systems Ltd.

You won’t have to lose a moment this summer in a hot house. When your AC isn’t working the way it should, bank on Refrigeration Systems Ltd.. We’re experts in HVAC repair. Contact us at 778-693-2532 right away.