When it’s a searing summer morning in Ballwin and St. Charles, nothing could be worse than realizing your air conditioner isn’t performing the way it should. The last thing you need to do is call for AC help. But your air conditioner is a fairly intricate system, so it can be difficult to figure out what’s triggering the issue on your own.

That’s why Air Alliance Team made this informational guide to help you understand what could be happening with your cooling system. Below, you’ll discover a few prevailing situtations that explain why your home is feeling a little too warm. And even though some of these are straightforward] DIY activities, you may still need to call in a pro for HVAC repair.

And if that’s the case, Air Alliance Team is ready to assist. Here are five reasons why your air conditioner may not be cooling your home in Ballwin and St. Charles.

1. Your Device Settings Could Be Off

Every person adjusts their thermostat a touch differently to suit their specific preferences. Yet, many homeowners make the mistake of setting their thermostat to “On” as opposed to “Auto.” Under this setting, the fan in your system will continue to blow even once you’ve reached your set temperature.

This can look like your AC is pushing out warmish air, when really it’s simply using the fan more often than necessary. Try switching this setting and see if things cool off.

2. Your HVAC Needs to Be Cleaned

There are two primary areas to check for dirt or dust buildup when your home comfort system doesn’t feel like it is working correctly.

First, take a look at your HVAC filter. If you don’t swap out your filter on a regular basis, accumulated dirt can make it more difficult for air to pass through and cool down your space. If your filter is visibly dirty or dusty, it’s likely time for a change. (And in general, you should switch it about once every three months at a minimum.)

If your filter seems fine, go to your outdoor unit. Double check there’s enough clearing around the unit and clean up plants or litter stuck there. This piece of your system lets off the heat from inside your home. If the coils outside are blocked, you won’t be feeling comfortable in your home.

We suggest setting professional air conditioner maintenance each year to keep your equipment working properly and to keep your warranty valid.

3. Your System is Leaking Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the chemical that cools the air in your house. It cycles between your inside and outdoor system elements to grab and let off heat, to help your home stay the right temperature. If there is a leak along that path, you won’t be feeling cool again until you set professional air conditioning repair.

Signals of a refrigerant leak include a drop in cooled air, pricier electric expenses, frozen evaporator coils and strange hissing noises arising from your air conditioner.

If you suspect refrigerant might be leaking, call Air Alliance Team for air conditioner 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 air conditioner contains 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 will suffer.

Our Air Alliance Team experts are certified and experienced in HVAC. They can help you find and fix any problem.

5. Your Air Conditioner Should Be Replaced

If your system is more than 10 years old, it may be a good time to think about new air conditioner installation. As your system gets older, it simply won’t work as well as it did in the beginning. And it may be making your home uncomfortable.

If your system is on the younger side but still isn’t keeping you cool, it might be the wrong size for your home. HVAC systems are not all the same. A cooling system that’s not big enough simply can’t help a house the way an appropriately sized HVAC can.

Create a More Comfortable House with Air Alliance Team

You can’t waste a moment this summer in a hot space. When your cooling system isn’t operating the way it should, lean on Air Alliance Team. We’re professionals in HVAC repair. Contact us at 636-206-4584 now.