When it’s a warm summer afternoon in Manassas, nothing could be worse than realizing your AC isn’t operating the way it should. The last thing you should have to do is schedule cooling system service. But your HVAC is a quite intricate system, so it can be hard to find out what’s creating the trouble on your own.

That’s why Fire & Ice HVAC made this guide to help you understand what could be happening with your AC. Here, you’ll find a few typical explanations for why your space is feeling uncomfortable. And even though some of these are simple] DIY activities, you could have to bring in an expert for cooling system repair.

And if that’s the case, Fire & Ice HVAC is ready to assist. Here are five reasons why your air conditioner may not be cooling your residence in Manassas.

1. Your System Settings Could Be Off

Every family adjusts their thermostat a bit differently to match their distinct preferences. Yet, a lot of people make the mistake of setting their system to “On” rather than “Auto.” Because of this setting, the fan in your AC will continue to blow even when you’ve reached your set temperature.

This can look like your ducts are distributing untreated air, when actually it’s just utilizing the fan more frequently than necessary. Try switching this setting and find out if things seem better.

2. Your Cooling System Needs a Good Cleaning

There are two main spaces to check for dirt or dust accrual when your home comfort system doesn’t feel like it is working correctly.

First, examine your system’s filter. If you don’t switch your filter routinely, buildup can make it more labor intensive for air to flow through and lower the temperature your space. If your filter is visibly dirty or dusty, it’s definitely time to replace it. (And as a rule, you have to change it about once every three months at the very least.)

If your filter seems clean, go to your outdoor unit. Make sure there’s a reasonable amount of room around the unit and clean up plants or dirt stuck there. This section of your system lets off the heat from inside your house. If the coils outside are blocked, you won’t be feeling cool in your home.

We recommend booking professional air conditioner maintenance each year to keep your unit operating like it should and to keep your warranty valid.

3. Your AC is Losing Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the chemical that conditions the air in your house. It moves between your indoor and outdoor system pieces to absorb and let off heat, to help your space stay comfortable. If there is an opening along that system, you won’t be feeling cool again until you schedule professional air conditioning repair.

Signals of a refrigerant leak include a drop in conditioned air, higher utility expenses, frozen evaporator coils and odd hissing noises coming from your HVAC.

If you are worried refrigerant could be leaking, call Fire & Ice HVAC for HVAC repair as soon as possible. Refrigerant can also be hazardous to your family’s health.

4. One or More Parts Should Be Replaced

Your AC is made up of a few essential elements. These include the blower, evaporator coils, compressor, fan, condenser coils and expansion valve. If any one of these is not working as it should, your home comfort is hurt.

Our Fire & Ice HVAC technicians are trained and knowledged in HVAC. They can help you find and repair any problem.

5. Your Air Conditioner Needs to Be Upgraded

If your system is older than 10 years old, it is probably about time to look into new air conditioner installation. As your system gets up there in years, it simply won’t work as well as it has in the past. And it could be making your home uncomfortable.

If your air conditioner is newer but still isn’t cutting it, it could be undersized for your home. Air conditioners are not all the same size. A cooling system that’s undersized absolutely can’t chill a place the way an appropriately sized HVAC can.

Make a More Comfortable Home with Fire & Ice HVAC

You can’t waste time this summer in an uncomfortable house. When your AC isn’t operating how it should, lean on Fire & Ice HVAC. We’re skilled in AC repair. Contact us at 703-595-4157 today.