Five Reasons Why Your Air Conditioner Isn't Cooling Your Home

July 10, 2020

When it’s a searing summer day in Tucson, nothing could be worse than registering your HVAC isn’t functioning the way it is supposed to. The last thing you need to do is request air conditioner service. But your AC is an exceptionally complex system, so it can be almost impossible to find out what’s causing the issue on your own.

That’s why Ambient Air created this informational guide to help you see what may be happening with your cooling system. Below, you’ll uncover some typical explanations for why your family is feeling too warm. And though a couple of these are straightforward DIY activities, you could need to turn to a pro for HVAC repair.

And if that’s the case, Ambient Air is ready to assist. Here are five reasons why your air conditioner may not be cooling your home in Tucson.

1. Your System Settings Are Incorrect

Every household sets their thermostat a bit differently to fit their individual requirements. Despite that, many people make the mistake of setting their thermostat to “On” as opposed to “Auto.” With this setting, the fan in your air conditioner will continue to produce an air current even once you’ve achieved your desired temperature.

This can come off like your system is releasing warm air, when in fact it’s simply utilizing the fan more frequently than required. Trying changing this setting and work out if things are different.

2. Your Air Conditioner Needs a Good Cleaning

There are two principal areas to check for dirt or dust accrual when your home comfort system doesn’t seem to be working as it should.

First off, inspect your system’s filter. If you don’t replace your filter regularly, buildup can make it more labor intensive for air to flow through and lower the temperature your rooms. If your filter is obviously dirty or dusty, it’s probably time for a change. (And in general, you should switch it about once every three months at a minimum.)

If your filter seems fine, go to your outdoor unit. Make sure there’s a reasonable amount of room around the unit and clear any plants or debris around it. This element of your home comfort system lets off the heat from your home. If the coils outside are closed off, you won’t be feeling cool inside.

We recommend booking professional air conditioner maintenance each year to keep your equipment running properly and to keep your warranty valid.

3. Your AC is Leaking Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the chemical that cools the air in your space. It runs between your internal and outdoor system pieces to absorb and discharge heat, to help your space remain the right temperature. If there is a break along that system, you won’t be feeling cool again until you book professional air conditioning repair.

Signs of a refrigerant leak include a drop in cooled air, climbing power charges, frozen evaporator coils and odd hissing noises coming from your AC.

If you suspect refrigerant may be leaking, call Ambient Air for HVAC repair as soon as possible. Refrigerant can also be detrimental to your family’s health.

4. One or More Parts Have to Be Replaced

Your system is made up of a few important parts. These include the blower, evaporator coils, compressor, fan, condenser coils and expansion valve. If one of these is failing, your home comfort suffers.

Our Ambient Air experts are well-trained and skilled in all areas of HVAC. They can help you figure out and mend any problem.

5. Your Whole System Has to Be Updated

If your equipment is more than 10 years old, it could likely be time to research new air conditioner installation. As your system gets up there in years, it sadly won’t function as well as it did in the beginning. And it could be making your house uncomfortable.

If your AC is newer but still isn’t keeping you cool, it may be the wrong size for your living space. HVAC systems are made in different sizes. A cooling system that’s too small absolutely can’t help a space the way an accurately sized HVAC can.

Make a More Comfortable House with Ambient Air

You shouldn’t waste a moment this summer in an unpleasant place. When your cooling system isn’t operating how it should, turn to Ambient Air. We’re pros in AC repair. Contact us at 520-357-4912 now.