When it’s a hot summer morning in West Columbia, nothing is worse than recognizing your AC isn’t operating the way it should. The last thing you should have to do is call for AC help. But your AC is a quite intricate system, so it can be almost impossible to determine what’s triggering the trouble on your own.
That’s why Tri City Fuel & Heating wrote this handbook to help you see what might be going on with your AC. Here, you’ll see a couple common explanations for why your home is feeling a little unpleasant. And though some of these are easy] DIY tasks, you may still need to bring in a professional for AC repair.
And if you need us, Tri City Fuel & Heating is ready to assist. Here are five reasons why your air conditioner may not be cooling your house in West Columbia.
1. Your System Settings Could Be Wrong
Everyone adjusts their thermostat a little differently to suit their personal requirements. However, many homeowners make the error of setting their system to “On” rather than “Auto.” Under 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 feel like your system is distributing untreated air, when in reality it’s just utilizing the fan more often than needed. Trying changing this setting and work out if things seem better.
2. Your HVAC Needs to Be Cleaned
There are two main places to check for dirt or dust accrual when your AC doesn’t appear to be operating well.
Firstly, examine your system’s filter. If you don’t change your filter routinely, buildup can make it hard for air to flow through and lower the temperature your house. If your filter is noticeably dirty or dusty, it’s definitely time for a change. (And in general, you need to replace it about once every three months at a minimum.)
If your filter is looking fine, move to your outside unit. Double check there’s enough space around it and clear away plants or debris close by. This part of your system releases the heat from within your home. If the coils outside are congested, you won’t be comfortable in your home.
We recommend booking professional air conditioner maintenance each year to keep your unit running properly and to keep your warranty valid.
3. Your AC is Losing Refrigerant
Refrigerant is the chemical that conditions the air in your house. It cycles between your inside and external units to absorb and release heat, to help your home keep comfortable. If there is an opening along that path, you won’t be feeling comfortable again until you book professional air conditioning repair.
Signals of a refrigerant leak include a decline in chilled air, pricier utility expenses, frozen evaporator coils and unusual hissing noises arising from your system.
If you think refrigerant may be leaking, call Tri City Fuel & Heating for AC repair as soon as possible. Refrigerant can also be harmful to your family’s health.
4. One or More Elements Need to Be Replaced
Your system includes a a handful of crucial parts. These include the blower, evaporator coils, compressor, fan, condenser coils and expansion valve. If one part is broken, your home comfort will suffer.
Our Tri City Fuel & Heating technicians are certified and experienced in HVAC. They can help you locate and fix any problem.
5. Your Air Conditioner Needs to Be Updated
If your system is over 10 years old, it could likely 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 system is on the younger side but still isn’t keeping you cool, it may be the wrong size for your house. HVAC systems are not all the same size. An air conditioner that’s not big enough simply can’t chill a house the way an appropriately sized AC can.
Get a More Comfortable Home with Tri City Fuel & Heating
You can’t lose any time this summer in a hot house. When your air conditioner isn’t operating how it should, turn to Tri City Fuel & Heating. We’re skilled in HVAC repair. Contact us at 803-265-4208 right away.
