When it’s a searing summer morning in Houston, nothing feels worse than registering your AC isn’t operating the way it is meant to. The last thing you need to do is call for AC service. But your AC is a quite complex system, so it can be almost impossible to find out what’s creating the problem without training.

That’s why Air Current AC & Heat made this guide to help you see what may be happening with your AC. Here, you’ll find some common situtations that explain why your home is feeling uncomfortable. And even though some of these are straightforward] DIY projects, you may need to turn to a skilled technician for cooling system repair.

And if you need us, Air Current AC & Heat is prepared to take care of your home. Here are five reasons why your air conditioner may not be cooling your house in Houston.

1. Your Thermostat Settings May Be Off

Every family sets their thermostat a bit differently to suit their individual requirements. Even so, many families make the mistake of setting their device to “On” instead of “Auto.” Under this setting, the fan in your AC will continue to push out air even after you’ve achieved your set temperature.

This can feel like your ducts are distributing untreated air, when really it’s only employing the fan more frequently than necessary. Trying changing this setting and see if things change.

2. Your Home Comfort System Needs Some Cleaning

There are two main spaces to look for dirt or dust buildup when your cooling system doesn’t appear to be performing as it should.

Before anything else, examine your AC system’s filter. If you don’t change your filter often enough, accumulated dirt can make it more labor intensive for air to pass through and cool your house. If your filter is obviously dirty or dusty, it’s definitely time for a change. (And as a rule, you should switch it about once every three months at a minimum.)

If your filter appears good, move to your external unit. Double check there’s enough clearing around the unit and clear away plants or litter stuck there. This part of your system lets off the heat from your space. If the coils outside are blocked, you won’t be feeling comfortable indoors.

We suggest setting professional air conditioner maintenance every year to keep your system operating like it should and to keep your warranty valid.

3. Your Unit is Losing Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the substance that cools the air in your space. It runs between your internal and outside system elements to soak up and let off heat, to help your home keep comfortable. If there is an opening along that system, you won’t be cool again until you set professional air conditioning repair.

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

If you think refrigerant might be leaking, call Air Current AC & Heat for HVAC repair as soon as possible. Refrigerant can also be damaging to your family’s health.

4. One or More Pieces Have to Be Replaced

Your AC is made up of a couple crucial parts. These include the blower, evaporator coils, compressor, fan, condenser coils and expansion valve. If one of these is not working as it should, your home comfort suffers.

Our Air Current AC & Heat pros are certified and skilled in all areas of HVAC. They can help you locate and mend any issue.

5. Your Whole System Should Be Updated

If your AC is older than 10 years old, it could likely be about time to research new air conditioner installation. As your system ages, it unfortunately won’t run as well as it once did. And it could be making your house uncomfortable.

If your AC is on the younger side but still isn’t cooling things off, it might be too small for your home. HVAC systems are not all the same. An AC that’s undersized simply can’t chill a space the way an appropriately sized system can.

Make a More Comfortable Space with Air Current AC & Heat

You shouldn’t waste a moment this summer in an uncomfortable space. When your air conditioner isn’t operating correct, bank on Air Current AC & Heat. We’re professionals in HVAC repair. Contact us at 713-322-4318 today.