When it’s a searing summer afternoon in Auburn, nothing is worse than registering your air conditioner isn’t operating the way it is supposed to. The last thing you should have to do is schedule AC repair. But your AC is a quite intricate system, so it can be difficult to determine what’s triggering the issue solo.

That’s why Forster Heating created this guide to help you find out what could be happening with your cooling system. Below, you’ll see some typical explanations for why your space is feeling too warm. And while a couple of these are simple] DIY tasks, you may need to turn to a skilled technician for AC repair.

And if that’s the case, Forster Heating is prepared to take care of your home. Here are five reasons why your air conditioner may not be cooling your residence in Auburn.

1. Your System Settings Are Off

Every family adjusts their thermostat a little differently to match their personal preferences. However, a number of homeowners make the mistake of setting their device to “On” instead of “Auto.” Under this setting, the fan in your air conditioner will continue to push out air even after you’ve reached your desired temperature.

This can feel like your vents are pushing out warm air, when really it’s only employing the fan more often than required. Try switching this setting and find out if things seem better.

2. Your Home Comfort System Needs a Good Cleaning

There are two central areas to investigate for dirt or dust buildup when your air conditioner doesn’t seem to be working well.

First, examine your AC system’s filter. If you don’t switch your filter often enough, buildup can make it more labor intensive for air to move through and cool down your home. If your filter is noticeably dirty or dusty, it’s likely time for a change. (And in general, you need to change it about once every three months at the very least.)

If your filter is looking clean, move to your outdoor unit. Find out if there’s enough space around it and clear any plants or debris stuck there. This section of your system lets off the heat from your space. If the coils outside are clogged, you won’t be comfortable indoors.

We suggest scheduling professional air conditioner maintenance every year to keep your unit running like it should and to keep your warranty valid.

3. Your Unit is Losing Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the substance that chills the air in your house. It moves between your indoor and outside units to absorb and release heat, to help your space stay comfortable. If there is a crack along the way, you won’t be cool again until you schedule professional air conditioning repair.

Indications of a refrigerant leak include a lack of chilled air, more expensive monthly expenses, frozen evaporator coils and odd hissing noises coming from your air conditioner.

If you are worried refrigerant may be leaking, call Forster Heating for air conditioner repair as soon as possible. Refrigerant can also be hazardous to your family’s health.

4. One or More Elements Should Be Replaced

Your AC contains a a handful of essential elements. 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 will suffer.

Our Forster Heating technicians are well-trained and knowledged in HVAC. They can help you locate and fix any problem.

5. Your System Needs to Be Updated

If your equipment is over 10 years old, it could likely be a good time to think about new air conditioner installation. As your system ages, it just won’t run as well as it did in the beginning. And it could be making your house uncomfortable.

If your HVAC unit is more current but still isn’t cooling things off, it may be the wrong size for your home. Air conditioners are not all the same. A cooling system that’s not powerful enough just can’t cool a space the way a properly sized AC can.

Create a More Comfortable Space with Forster Heating

You won’t have to waste any time this summer in an uncomfortable home. When your cooling system isn’t operating how it should, rely on Forster Heating. We’re professionals in AC repair. Contact us at 530-885-8081 today.