When it’s a warm summer afternoon in Dresden, nothing feels worse than realizing your home comfort system isn’t working the way it was built to. The last thing you want to do is schedule AC repair. But your air conditioner is a quite complicated system, so it can be hard to figure out what’s creating the issue on your own.

That’s why McFadden Heating & Cooling created this handbook to help you see what could be going on with your cooling system. Below, you’ll discover some common reasons your space is feeling a little too warm. And though a few of these are easy] DIY activities, you may still need to bring in an expert for cooling system repair.

And if that’s the case, McFadden Heating & Cooling is prepared to take care of your home. Here are five reasons why your air conditioner may not be cooling your home in Dresden.

1. Your Thermostat Settings Could Be Off

Every person sets their thermostat a little differently to match their personal preferences. Even so, a lot of families make the misstep of setting their thermostat to “On” rather than “Auto.” Because of this setting, the fan in your AC will continue to push out air even when you’ve attained your desired temperature.

This can seem like your system is distributing untreated air, when in reality it’s simply employing the fan more frequently than needed. Change this setting and find out if things seem better.

2. Your Cooling System Needs a Good Cleaning

There are two main areas to look for dirt or dust buildup when your cooling system doesn’t feel like it is working well.

First, take a look at your HVAC filter. If you don’t swap out your filter often enough, accumulated dirt can make it hard for air to flow through and lower the temperature your house. If your filter is obviously dirty or dusty, it’s definitely time for a change. (And for best operation, you have to change it about once every three months at least.)

If your filter seems clean, move to your outside unit. Find out if there’s enough room around the unit and clear any plants or debris stuck there. This piece of your system releases the heat from inside your house. If the coils outside are blocked, you won’t be feeling comfortable indoors.

We advise booking professional air conditioner maintenance yearly to keep your system running properly and to keep your warranty valid.

3. Your Unit is Losing Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the substance that conditions the air in your house. It moves between your inside and outdoor units to soak up and let off heat, to help your house stay comfortable. If there is an opening along the way, you won’t be comfortable again until you book professional air conditioning repair.

Signals of a refrigerant leak include a decline in chilled air, pricier utility bills, frozen evaporator coils and strange hissing noises arising from your HVAC.

If you suspect refrigerant could be leaking, call McFadden Heating & Cooling for system repair as soon as possible. Refrigerant can also be hazardous to your family’s health.

4. One or More Elements Should Be Replaced

Your system contains a a handful of crucial pieces. These include the blower, evaporator coils, compressor, fan, condenser coils and expansion valve. If one of these is broken, your home comfort is hurt.

Our McFadden Heating & Cooling technicians are certified and experienced in HVAC. They can help you locate and repair any issue.

5. Your AC Needs to Be Upgraded

If your system is older than 10 years old, it may be time to look into new air conditioner installation. As your system gets older, it simply won’t run as well as it did in the beginning. And it could be making your space less comfortable.

If your air conditioner is newer but still isn’t keeping you cool, it could be undersized for your home. AC units are not all the same size. A system that’s not big enough simply can’t cool a home the way a correctly sized system can.

Get a More Comfortable House with McFadden Heating & Cooling

You shouldn’t blow any time this summer in a hot home. When your air conditioner isn’t operating the way it should, rely on McFadden Heating & Cooling. We’re skilled in HVAC repair. Contact us at 519-683-2339 today.