When it’s a hot summer day in Manassas, nothing could be worse than registering your home comfort system isn’t operating the way it is meant to. The last thing you want to do is call for air conditioner service. But your AC is a pretty intricate system, so it can be difficult to determine what’s triggering the trouble on your own.

That’s why Fire & Ice HVAC wrote this informational guide to help you figure out what could be going on with your AC. Below, you’ll discover some common explanations for why your home is feeling a little too warm. And while some of these are easy] DIY activities, you could need to bring in a professional for air conditioner 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 home in Manassas.

1. Your Thermostat Settings May Be Wrong

Every person adjusts their thermostat a touch differently to match their distinct requirements. However, many people make the mistake of setting their system to “On” as opposed to “Auto.” Under this setting, the fan in your air conditioner will continue to push out air even after you’ve attained your set temperature.

This can feel like your system is distributing untreated air, when really it’s just utilizing the fan on a more regular basis than needed. Try switching this setting and see if things change.

2. Your Air Conditioner Needs Some Cleaning

There are two main areas to check for dirt or dust accrual when your home comfort system doesn’t appear to be performing well.

Firstly, examine your AC system’s filter. If you don’t change your filter on a regular basis, built-up dust can make it more labor intensive for air to move through and lower the temperature your home. 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 is looking clean, head to your outdoor unit. Find out if there’s adequate space around your air conditioner and clear any plants or debris close by. This part of your AC discharges the heat from within your house. If the coils outside are congested, you won’t be feeling comfortable inside.

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

3. Your Unit is Losing Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the material that cools the air in your house. It moves between your inside and outside units to soak up and release heat, to help your space remain cool. If there is a leak along that path, you won’t be cool again until you schedule professional air conditioning repair.

Signals of a refrigerant leak include a decrease in chilled air, more expensive monthly expenses, frozen evaporator coils and strange hissing noises arising from your HVAC.

If you think refrigerant may be leaking, call Fire & Ice HVAC for air conditioner repair as soon as possible. Refrigerant can also be harmful to your family’s health.

4. One or More Pieces Have to Be Replaced

Your system contains a a handful of crucial pieces. These include the blower, evaporator coils, compressor, fan, condenser coils and expansion valve. If any one of these is failing, your home comfort is hurt.

Our Fire & Ice HVAC experts are certified and skilled in all areas of HVAC. They can help you find and repair any trouble.

5. Your Whole System Needs to Be Replaced

If your system is more than 10 years old, it may be about time to look into new air conditioner installation. As your system gets up there in years, it unfortunately won’t function as well as it did in the beginning. And it might be making your house too warm.

If your air conditioner is more current but still isn’t cutting it, it could be the wrong size for your house. AC units are not all the same. A cooling system that’s undersized simply can’t cool a space the way a properly sized system can.

Get a More Comfortable Space with Fire & Ice HVAC

You can’t blow a moment this summer in an uncomfortable home. When your AC isn’t operating the way it should, lean on Fire & Ice HVAC. We’re experts in air conditioner repair. Contact us at 703-595-4157 now.