When it’s a warm summer day in Chelan and Wenatchee, nothing is worse than realizing your air conditioner isn’t operating the way it should. The last thing you need to do is call for air conditioner repair. But your air conditioner is a fairly intricate system, so it can be difficult to determine what’s triggering the problem without training.

That’s why Lakeside Heating & Air created this handbook to help you understand what might be happening with your home comfort system. Below, you’ll see a few typical situtations that explain why your space is feeling a little unpleasant. And even though a couple of these are easy] DIY projects, you could need to turn to a professional for HVAC repair.

And if you do, Lakeside Heating & Air is here for you. Here are five reasons why your air conditioner may not be cooling your house in Chelan and Wenatchee.

1. Your System Settings Are Wrong

Every home uses their thermostat a little differently to suit their specific needs. Yet, a number of homeowners make the misstep of setting their system to “On” instead of “Auto.” Under this setting, the fan in your air conditioner will continue to produce an air current even after you’ve reached your preferred temperature.

This can appear like your AC is pushing out warmish air, when in reality it’s just using the fan on a more regular basis than necessary. Trying changing this setting and work out if things seem better.

2. Your HVAC Needs a Good Cleaning

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

Firstly, take a look at your AC system’s filter. If you don’t change your filter on a regular basis, built-up dust can make it hard for air to pass through and cool down your house. If your filter is noticeably dirty or dusty, it’s probably time for a change. (And as a rule, you need to switch it about once every three months at the very least.)

If your filter appears fine, go to your outside unit. Double check there’s a reasonable amount of space around your air conditioner and clear any plants or debris close by. This part of your AC discharges the heat from within your home. If the coils outside are congested, you won’t be feeling comfortable in your home.

We advise booking professional air conditioner maintenance each year to keep your equipment operating smoothly and to keep your warranty valid.

3. Your Unit is Leaking Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the material that cools the air in your space. It cycles between your internal and external units to grab and let off heat, to help your space stay cool. If there is a leak along the way, you won’t be feeling comfortable again until you set professional air conditioning repair.

Signs of a refrigerant leak include a drop in conditioned air, pricier monthly expenses, frozen evaporator coils and odd 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 Elements Should Be Replaced

Your AC includes a a handful of crucial pieces. These include the blower, evaporator coils, compressor, fan, condenser coils and expansion valve. If one part is failing, your home comfort suffers.

Our Lakeside Heating & Air pros are certified and knowledged in HVAC. They can help you diagnose and repair any issue.

5. Your Whole System Should Be Replaced

If your equipment is over 10 years old, it may be a good time to think about new air conditioner installation. As your system gets up there in years, it sadly won’t function as well as it did in the beginning. And it might be making your house uncomfortable.

If your AC is newer but still isn’t keeping you cool, it may be too small for your living space. Air conditioners are not all the same. An air conditioner that’s too small just can’t chill a space the way a correctly sized system can.

Get a More Comfortable Home with Lakeside Heating & Air

You won’t have to blow time this summer in an uncomfortable house. When your AC isn’t operating the way it should, bank on Lakeside Heating & Air. We’re professionals in air conditioner repair. Contact us at 509-284-4265 now.