When it’s a warm summer day in Pella, nothing feels worse than recognizing your AC isn’t working the way it is supposed to. The last thing you should have to do is request AC repair. But your AC is a pretty intricate system, so it can be hard to determine what’s creating the issue solo.

That’s why Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating created this informational guide to help you find out what could be happening with your AC. Below, you’ll see some common situtations that explain why your house is feeling uncomfortable. And while some of these are straightforward] DIY tasks, you could still need to call in a skilled technician for AC repair.

And if you do, Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating is prepared to take care of your home. Here are five reasons why your air conditioner may not be cooling your house in Pella.

1. Your System Settings May Be Off

Every person sets their thermostat a little differently to work with their individual requirements. However, many families make the misstep of setting their system to “On” as opposed to “Auto.” With this setting, the fan in your system will continue to blow even once you’ve reached your set temperature.

This can look like your vents are pushing out warm air, when actually it’s simply employing the fan more frequently than required. Try switching this setting and see if things seem better.

2. Your HVAC Needs a Good Cleaning

There are two main areas to look for dirt or dust buildup when your home comfort system doesn’t feel like it is performing well.

Firstly, examine your AC system’s filter. If you don’t swap out your filter often enough, buildup can make it hard for air to flow through and lower the temperature your house. If your filter is noticeably dirty or dusty, it’s definitely time to replace it. (And as a rule, you need to switch it about once every three months at the very least.)

If your filter appears good, move to your outside unit. Make sure there’s enough space around the unit and clean up plants or debris close by. This piece of your cooling system lets off the heat from within your house. If the coils outside are congested, you won’t be comfortable inside.

We advise scheduling professional air conditioner maintenance yearly to keep your unit running properly and to keep your warranty valid.

3. Your AC is Releasing Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the substance that chills the air in your home. It runs between your indoor and outside system pieces to absorb and discharge heat, to help your house remain the right temperature. If there is an opening along that path, you won’t be comfortable again until you schedule professional air conditioning repair.

Indications of a refrigerant leak include a drop in chilled air, pricier monthly charges, frozen evaporator coils and odd hissing noises coming from your air conditioner.

If you suspect refrigerant could be leaking, call Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating for AC repair as soon as possible. Refrigerant can also be damaging to your family’s health.

4. One or More Pieces Need to Be Replaced

Your system includes a few important pieces. These include the blower, evaporator coils, compressor, fan, condenser coils and expansion valve. If any one of these is broken, your home comfort is hurt.

Our Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating technicians are certified and skilled in all areas of HVAC. They can help you find and fix any problem.

5. Your System Has to Be Updated

If your equipment is more than 10 years old, it may be time to research new air conditioner installation. As your system gets older, it simply won’t run as well as it once did. And it could be making your home uncomfortable.

If your HVAC unit is on the younger side but still isn’t cutting it, it may be undersized for your home. AC units are not all the same. A system that’s not big enough just can’t chill a place the way an appropriately sized HVAC can.

Create a More Comfortable Space with Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating

You shouldn’t blow any time this summer in a hot home. When your cooling system isn’t operating how it should, turn to Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating. We’re professionals in air conditioner repair. Contact us at 641-628-3621 today.