When it’s a hot summer day in Tucson, nothing feels worse than realizing your air conditioner isn’t working the way it is meant to. The last thing you should have to do is schedule air conditioner service. But your AC is a pretty complicated system, so it can be almost impossible to determine what’s creating the problem on your own.

That’s why Ambient Air made this guide to help you figure out what might be happening with your cooling system. Below, you’ll learn a couple typical explanations for why your home is feeling too warm. And even though a couple of these are easy] DIY tasks, you might still need to call in a skilled technician for cooling system repair.

And if you need us, Ambient Air is prepared to take care of your home. Here are five reasons why your air conditioner may not be cooling your residence in Tucson.

1. Your System Settings Could Be Incorrect

Every home uses their thermostat a little differently to suit their personal requirements. Yet, many families make the mistake of setting their system to “On” as opposed to “Auto.” Under this setting, the fan in your AC will continue to blow even when you’ve attained your desired temperature.

This can appear like your ducts are pushing out warmish air, when really it’s simply utilizing the fan on a more regular basis than necessary. Trying changing this setting and find out if things cool off.

2. Your Cooling System Needs a Good Cleaning

There are two main places to look for dirt or dust buildup when your air conditioner doesn’t appear to be operating well.

First, examine your system’s filter. If you don’t change your filter often enough, buildup can make it more labor intensive for air to flow through and lower the temperature your home. If your filter is noticeably dirty or dusty, it’s probably time to replace it. (And for best operation, you have to replace it about once every three months at least.)

If your filter seems fine, go to your outdoor unit. Make sure there’s adequate space around the unit and clean up plants or debris close by. This section of your cooling system releases the heat from inside your house. If the coils outside are blocked, you won’t be comfortable indoors.

We advise booking professional air conditioner maintenance each year to keep your system working like it should and to keep your warranty valid.

3. Your AC is Leaking Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the substance that chills the air in your home. It moves between your inside and external units to absorb and discharge heat, to help your home stay the right temperature. If there is a leak along that path, you won’t be feeling comfortable again until you book professional air conditioning repair.

Indications of a refrigerant leak include a decline in conditioned air, more expensive utility charges, frozen evaporator coils and unusual hissing noises arising from your AC.

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

4. One or More Parts Have to Be Replaced

Your AC includes a few essential pieces. These include the blower, evaporator coils, compressor, fan, condenser coils and expansion valve. If one part is not working as it should, your home comfort suffers.

Our Ambient Air pros are trained and skilled in all areas of HVAC. They can help you locate and fix any problem.

5. Your System Needs to Be Upgraded

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

If your air conditioner is more current but still isn’t cutting it, it might be the wrong size for your home. AC units are not all the same size. A system that’s not powerful enough simply can’t cool a home the way a correctly sized system can.

Find a More Comfortable Space with Ambient Air

You won’t have to waste time this summer in an unpleasant house. When your air conditioner isn’t operating how it should, rely on Ambient Air. We’re skilled in air conditioner repair. Contact us at 520-357-4912 now.