When it’s a hot summer afternoon in Erie, nothing feels worse than registering your AC isn’t operating the way it should. The last thing you need to do is schedule air conditioner repair. But your air conditioner is a quite complicated system, so it can be difficult to find out what’s creating the trouble without training.

That’s why Patterson & Stirling wrote this informational guide to help you figure out what may be taking place with your AC. From here, you’ll see some common situtations that explain why your house is feeling a little too warm. And while some of these are easy] DIY activities, you could have to turn to an expert for HVAC repair.

And if you need us, Patterson & Stirling is here for you. Here are five reasons why your air conditioner may not be cooling your house in Erie.

1. Your Device Settings Are Wrong

Every home uses their thermostat a touch differently to suit their individual needs. Even so, a lot of families make the misstep of setting their system to “On” instead of “Auto.” With this setting, the fan in your air conditioner will continue to blow even after you’ve attained your desired temperature.

This can look like your system is distributing warmish air, when really it’s only using the fan more frequently than needed. Try switching this setting and find out if things seem better.

2. Your Home Comfort System Needs Some Cleaning

There are two central spaces to check for dirt or dust accumulation when your air conditioner doesn’t appear to be performing as it should.

First, check out your system’s filter. If you don’t swap out your filter routinely, buildup can make it hard for air to flow through and lower the temperature your house. If your filter is visibly dirty or dusty, it’s definitely time to replace it. (And as a rule, you should replace it about once every three months at least.)

If your filter appears fine, move to your outdoor unit. Find out if there’s a reasonable amount of space around your air conditioner and clear any plants or debris close by. This section of your AC lets off the heat from within your space. If the coils outside are congested, you won’t be feeling comfortable indoors.

We advise scheduling professional air conditioner maintenance each year to keep your system operating properly and to keep your warranty valid.

3. Your System is Releasing Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the material that cools the air in your home. It cycles between your inside and outside system elements to grab and release heat, to help your home keep cool. If there is a crack along that path, you won’t be feeling comfortable again until you set professional air conditioning repair.

Signals of a refrigerant leak include a decline in conditioned air, more expensive electric bills, frozen evaporator coils and unusual hissing noises originating from your system.

If you are worried refrigerant could be leaking, call Patterson & Stirling for air conditioner repair as soon as possible. Refrigerant can also be harmful to your family’s health.

4. One or More Elements Have 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 any one of these is not working as it should, your home comfort will suffer.

Our Patterson & Stirling technicians are well-trained and experienced in HVAC. They can help you diagnose and repair any problem.

5. Your AC Should Be Upgraded

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

If your system is on the younger side but still isn’t properly cooling your home, it may be the wrong size for your house. Air conditioners are not all the same. An air conditioner that’s too small simply can’t help a place the way an appropriately sized air conditioner can.

Find a More Comfortable Space with Patterson & Stirling

You won’t have to blow a moment this summer in an uncomfortable space. When your air conditioner isn’t working correct, lean on Patterson & Stirling. We’re experts in HVAC repair. Contact us at 814-308-0416 today.