When it’s a searing summer day in Chelan and Wenatchee, nothing feels worse than realizing your air conditioner isn’t working the way it should. The last thing you should have to do is request AC repair. But your HVAC is a fairly intricate system, so it can be almost impossible to determine what’s causing the trouble on your own.

That’s why Lakeside Heating & Air created this guide to help you figure out what may be going on with your home comfort system. Here, you’ll find some common reasons your house is feeling a little unpleasant. And though a couple of these are straightforward] DIY projects, you could still need to turn to a professional for HVAC repair.

And if you need us, Lakeside Heating & Air is ready to assist. Here are five reasons why your air conditioner may not be cooling your home in Chelan and Wenatchee.

1. Your Device Settings May Be Off

Every family sets their thermostat a touch differently to suit their specific needs. Even so, a lot of people make the mistake of setting their device to “On” instead of “Auto.” Because of this setting, the fan in your air conditioner will continue to produce an air current even once you’ve achieved your set temperature.

This can seem like your ducts are distributing warmish air, when actually it’s simply employing the fan on a more regular basis than needed. Change this setting and see if things cool off.

2. Your HVAC Needs Some Cleaning

There are two main spaces to look for dirt or dust accrual when your AC doesn’t feel like it is working correctly.

Firstly, check out your system’s filter. If you don’t swap out your filter on a regular basis, accumulated dirt can make it more labor intensive for air to flow through and cool down your home. If your filter is visibly dirty or dusty, it’s likely time to replace it. (And in general, you have to switch it about once every three months at the very least.)

If your filter seems clean, move to your outdoor unit. Find out if there’s enough room around the unit and clear away plants or dirt close by. This piece of your cooling system discharges the heat from inside your home. If the coils outside are congested, you won’t be comfortable inside.

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

3. Your AC is Leaking Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the substance that cools the air in your house. It cycles between your indoor and external system pieces to soak up and release heat, to help your space remain comfortable. If there is a crack along that system, you won’t be comfortable again until you set professional air conditioning repair.

Signals of a refrigerant leak include a decline in chilled air, higher monthly charges, frozen evaporator coils and strange hissing noises originating from your system.

If you are worried refrigerant could be leaking, call Lakeside Heating & Air for air conditioner repair as soon as possible. Refrigerant can also be harmful to your family’s health.

4. One or More Parts Should Be Replaced

Your AC is made up of a a handful of important elements. 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 Lakeside Heating & Air technicians are well-trained and knowledged in HVAC. They can help you find and repair any issue.

5. Your AC Should Be Upgraded

If your AC is over 10 years old, it could likely be time to research new air conditioner installation. As your system gets up there in years, it sadly won’t work as well as it did in the beginning. And it may be making your home less comfortable.

If your system is on the younger side but still isn’t cutting it, it may be the wrong size for your house. HVAC systems are not all the same. A cooling system that’s not powerful enough absolutely can’t cool a space the way a properly sized air conditioner can.

Make a More Comfortable Space with Lakeside Heating & Air

You can’t waste time this summer in an uncomfortable house. When your AC isn’t functioning the way it should, bank on Lakeside Heating & Air. We’re experts in air conditioner repair. Contact us at 509-284-4265 now.