When it’s a hot summer morning in Rockford, nothing feels worse than realizing your air conditioner isn’t performing the way it was built to. The last thing you want to do is call for AC help. But your AC is a pretty complex system, so it can be almost impossible to determine what’s creating the issue on your own.

That’s why Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling made this handbook to help you see what might be taking place with your AC. Below, you’ll discover some typical situtations that explain why your house is feeling a little too warm. And though a couple of these are easy] DIY tasks, you could still need to turn to a professional for AC repair.

And if you do, Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling is ready to assist. Here are five reasons why your air conditioner may not be cooling your home in Rockford.

1. Your System Settings May Be Wrong

Every person adjusts their thermostat a little differently to work with their individual preferences. Even so, many families make the misstep of setting their system to “On” instead of “Auto.” Because of this setting, the fan in your air conditioner will continue to produce an air current even after you’ve attained your preferred temperature.

This can feel like your vents are pushing out warm air, when actually it’s only utilizing the fan on a more regular basis than required. Change this setting and find out if things seem better.

2. Your AC Needs a Good Cleaning

There are two main spaces to investigate for dirt or dust accumulation when your cooling system doesn’t feel like it is working well.

Before anything else, examine your HVAC filter. If you don’t change your filter on a regular basis, accumulated dirt can make it more difficult for air to move through and cool your house. If your filter is visibly dirty or dusty, it’s definitely time for a change. (And for best operation, you have to replace it about once every three months at a minimum.)

If your filter seems clean, go to your external unit. Make sure there’s adequate room around the unit and clear away plants or debris stuck there. This section of your system releases the heat from your house. If the coils outside are blocked, you won’t be comfortable in your home.

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

3. Your AC is Losing Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the chemical that chills the air in your house. It runs between your indoor and external system pieces to soak up and discharge heat, to help your house stay the right temperature. If there is a crack along the way, you won’t be feeling comfortable again until you schedule professional air conditioning repair.

Signals of a refrigerant leak include a decrease in chilled air, more expensive utility charges, frozen evaporator coils and strange hissing noises coming from your system.

If you think refrigerant might be leaking, call Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling for system repair as soon as possible. Refrigerant can also be damaging to your family’s health.

4. One or More Parts Need to Be Replaced

Your system is made up of a couple crucial pieces. 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 is hurt.

Our Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling pros are certified and skilled in all areas of HVAC. They can help you diagnose and mend any problem.

5. Your Air Conditioner Has to Be Updated

If your AC is more than 10 years old, it may be a good time to research new air conditioner installation. As your system ages, it simply won’t run as well as it once did. And it may be making your house less comfortable.

If your air conditioner is more current but still isn’t keeping you cool, it may be undersized for your home. Air conditioners are not all the same size. A system that’s not powerful enough simply can’t chill a place the way an appropriately sized system can.

Create a More Comfortable Space with Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling

You shouldn’t blow a moment this summer in a hot house. When your air conditioner isn’t working how it should, turn to Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling. We’re skilled in AC repair. Contact us at (815) 914-6197 today.