When it’s a hot summer morning in The Bay Area, nothing feels worse than recognizing your AC isn’t working the way it is meant to. The last thing you need to do is call for AC help. But your air conditioner is a pretty complex system, so it can be hard to find out what’s creating the issue solo.

That’s why Contra Costa Heating & AC wrote this handbook to help you figure out what might be going on with your home comfort system. Below, you’ll see a couple common explanations for why your space is feeling uncomfortable. And even though a couple of these are easy] DIY projects, you may still need to turn to a professional for AC repair.

And if you need us, Contra Costa Heating & AC is prepared to take care of your home. Here are five reasons why your air conditioner may not be cooling your residence in The Bay Area.

1. Your System Settings May Be Off

Everyone uses their thermostat a touch differently to work with their individual requirements. Yet, a number of people make the error of setting their thermostat to “On” instead of “Auto.” With this setting, the fan in your system will continue to push out air even when you’ve attained your preferred temperature.

This can appear like your AC is distributing warm air, when actually it’s only employing the fan more frequently than necessary. Change this setting and work out if things seem better.

2. Your HVAC Needs a Good Cleaning

There are two main areas to look for dirt or dust accumulation when your home comfort system doesn’t seem to be performing as it should.

Firstly, check out your AC system’s filter. If you don’t switch your filter on a regular basis, accumulated dirt can make it hard for air to move through and cool down your space. If your filter is obviously dirty or dusty, it’s likely time to replace it. (And for best operation, you have to switch it about once every three months at a minimum.)

If your filter appears good, go to your outdoor unit. Find out if there’s a reasonable amount of clearing around the unit and clear away plants or debris stuck there. This section of your cooling system discharges the heat from within your space. If the coils outside are congested, you won’t be feeling comfortable inside.

We suggest scheduling professional air conditioner maintenance every year to keep your unit operating smoothly and to keep your warranty valid.

3. Your Unit is Losing Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the chemical that cools the air in your home. It moves between your internal and external units to absorb and let off heat, to help your space remain cool. If there is a leak along the way, you won’t be feeling comfortable again until you schedule professional air conditioning repair.

Signals of a refrigerant leak include a drop in chilled air, more expensive electric bills, frozen evaporator coils and strange hissing noises originating from your HVAC.

If you think refrigerant could be leaking, call Contra Costa Heating & AC for HVAC 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 AC is made up of a couple essential elements. These include the blower, evaporator coils, compressor, fan, condenser coils and expansion valve. If any one of these is broken, your home comfort suffers.

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

5. Your Air Conditioner Should Be Upgraded

If your equipment is older than 10 years old, it is probably a good time to research new air conditioner installation. As your system gets up there in years, it just won’t run as well as it did in the beginning. And it could be making your space less comfortable.

If your system is newer but still isn’t cutting it, it may be the wrong size for your living space. HVAC systems are not one-size-fits-all. A system that’s not powerful enough simply can’t cool a house the way a correctly sized AC can.

Find a More Comfortable Space with Contra Costa Heating & AC

You shouldn’t waste a moment this summer in an unpleasant house. When your air conditioner isn’t working how it should, rely on Contra Costa Heating & AC. We’re experts in HVAC repair. Contact us at 510-343-9841 now.