When it’s a searing summer morning in Smyrna, nothing is worse than realizing your home comfort system isn’t operating the way it is meant to. The last thing you should have to do is request AC repair. But your air conditioner is a fairly intricate system, so it can be difficult to determine what’s creating the problem on your own.

That’s why Fletcher Plumbing, Heating & AC made this handbook to help you see what could be happening with your cooling system. From here, you’ll find a couple typical situtations that explain why your space is feeling a little too warm. And even though some of these are easy] DIY tasks, you may need to call in a skilled technician for HVAC repair.

And if you need us, Fletcher Plumbing, Heating & AC is prepared to take care of your home. Here are five reasons why your air conditioner may not be cooling your home in Smyrna.

1. Your System Settings May Be Wrong

Every family adjusts their thermostat a bit differently to suit their specific requirements. Even so, a lot of people make the misstep of setting their device to “On” instead of “Auto.” With this setting, the fan in your AC will continue to push out air even after you’ve reached your desired temperature.

This can seem like your ducts are pushing out warm air, when really it’s just utilizing the fan more frequently than required. Try switching this setting and find out if things change.

2. Your Air Conditioner Needs a Good Cleaning

There are two main spaces to look for dirt or dust accrual when your air conditioner doesn’t seem to be working as it should.

First, check out your AC system’s filter. If you don’t change your filter often enough, accumulated dirt can make it more difficult for air to flow through and lower the temperature your house. If your filter is obviously dirty or dusty, it’s likely time to replace it. (And as a rule, you should switch it about once every three months at a minimum.)

If your filter seems fine, head to your external unit. Double check there’s enough room around your air conditioner and clear any plants or litter stuck there. This piece of your system lets off the heat from your house. If the coils outside are blocked, you won’t be comfortable in your home.

We suggest setting professional air conditioner maintenance every year to keep your system running properly and to keep your warranty valid.

3. Your Unit is Leaking Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the substance that conditions the air in your home. It cycles between your inside and external system elements to grab and discharge heat, to help your space keep the right temperature. If there is a crack along the way, you won’t be feeling comfortable again until you set professional air conditioning repair.

Indications of a refrigerant leak include a decrease in conditioned air, pricier electric bills, frozen evaporator coils and unusual hissing noises originating from your system.

If you suspect refrigerant could be leaking, call Fletcher Plumbing, Heating & AC for system repair as soon as possible. Refrigerant can also be harmful to your family’s health.

4. One or More Elements Need to Be Replaced

Your air conditioner is made up of a few crucial pieces. These include the blower, evaporator coils, compressor, fan, condenser coils and expansion valve. If one of these is broken, your home comfort will suffer.

Our Fletcher Plumbing, Heating & AC technicians are certified and knowledged in HVAC. They can help you diagnose and mend any problem.

5. Your Whole System Has to Be Updated

If your system is older than 10 years old, it may be about time to think about new air conditioner installation. As your system gets older, it sadly won’t run as well as it did in the beginning. And it might be making your house uncomfortable.

If your HVAC unit is more current but still isn’t keeping you cool, it could be too small for your home. AC units are not all the same. An air conditioner that’s not big enough simply can’t chill a place the way an appropriately sized system can.

Get a More Comfortable Space with Fletcher Plumbing, Heating & AC

You can’t waste time this summer in a hot home. When your air conditioner isn’t working how it should, bank on Fletcher Plumbing, Heating & AC. We’re professionals in AC repair. Contact us at 302-653-0503 right away.