When it’s a hot summer afternoon in West Columbia, nothing is worse than realizing your air conditioner isn’t working the way it is supposed to. The last thing you need to do is request cooling system help. But your air conditioner is a pretty complicated system, so it can be difficult to determine what’s triggering the issue solo.

That’s why Tri City Fuel & Heating wrote this informational guide to help you find out what might be going on with your AC. From here, you’ll learn a couple prevailing reasons your home is feeling a little unpleasant. And though a couple of these are easy] DIY activities, you could have to turn to a pro for AC repair.

And if you do, Tri City Fuel & Heating is prepared to take care of your home. Here are five reasons why your air conditioner may not be cooling your residence in West Columbia.

1. Your System Settings Are Incorrect

Every person uses their thermostat a touch differently to suit their personal requirements. However, many families make the misstep of setting their system to “On” rather than “Auto.” Under this setting, the fan in your system will continue to blow even when you’ve achieved your set temperature.

This can feel like your vents are pushing out untreated air, when really it’s just utilizing the fan more often than needed. Change this setting and work out if things cool off.

2. Your AC Needs Some Cleaning

There are two central spaces to investigate for dirt or dust accrual when your home comfort system doesn’t feel like it is performing well.

Firstly, check out your AC system’s filter. If you don’t swap out your filter often enough, accumulated dirt can make it more difficult for air to pass through and cool your house. If your filter is obviously dirty or dusty, it’s probably time for a change. (And as a rule, you need to replace it about once every three months at a minimum.)

If your filter is looking fine, go to your external unit. Find out if there’s adequate room around the unit and clear away plants or litter stuck there. This part of your cooling system discharges the heat from your house. If the coils outside are blocked, you won’t be feeling comfortable indoors.

We suggest setting professional air conditioner maintenance yearly to keep your unit working smoothly and to keep your warranty valid.

3. Your AC is Leaking Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the substance that chills the air in your space. It moves between your internal and outside system pieces to soak up and let off heat, to help your home remain comfortable. If there is a crack 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, higher monthly bills, frozen evaporator coils and strange hissing noises arising from your AC.

If you are worried refrigerant might be leaking, call Tri City Fuel & Heating for system 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 AC is made up of a couple crucial parts. These include the blower, evaporator coils, compressor, fan, condenser coils and expansion valve. If any one of these is failing, your home comfort suffers.

Our Tri City Fuel & Heating technicians are well-trained and experienced in HVAC. They can help you find and mend any issue.

5. Your Air Conditioner Has to Be Updated

If your system is older than 10 years old, it could likely be a good time to think about new air conditioner installation. As your system gets up there in years, it sadly won’t function as well as it once did. And it could be making your space less comfortable.

If your HVAC unit is on the younger side but still isn’t cutting it, it may be the wrong size for your house. AC units are not one-size-fits-all. A system that’s undersized simply can’t help a home the way a properly sized HVAC can.

Get a More Comfortable Space with Tri City Fuel & Heating

You can’t blow time this summer in an unpleasant house. When your air conditioner isn’t functioning the way it should, bank on Tri City Fuel & Heating. We’re skilled in HVAC repair. Contact us at 803-265-4208 today.