When it’s a hot summer day in Michigan City, nothing is worse than registering your AC isn’t performing the way it was built to. The last thing you need to do is request AC help. But your HVAC is a pretty complex system, so it can be difficult to determine what’s causing the issue on your own.

That’s why Paniccia Heating & Cooling wrote this handbook to help you figure out what may be going on with your home comfort system. Here, you’ll learn a few common reasons your home is feeling too warm. And even though some of these are simple] DIY projects, you could still need to turn to a skilled technician for air conditioner repair.

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

1. Your Thermostat Settings May Be Incorrect

Everyone uses their thermostat a touch differently to suit their specific needs. Even so, a lot of people make the mistake of setting their system to “On” rather than “Auto.” Under this setting, the fan in your air conditioner will continue to push out air even when you’ve achieved your desired temperature.

This can feel like your AC is distributing untreated air, when really it’s just employing the fan more often than required. Trying changing this setting and work out if things change.

2. Your AC Needs a Good Cleaning

There are two central spaces to check for dirt or dust buildup when your home comfort system doesn’t feel like it is working well.

Firstly, take a look at your HVAC filter. If you don’t swap out your filter routinely, buildup can make it more difficult for air to pass through and cool down your house. If your filter is noticeably dirty or dusty, it’s definitely time for a change. (And for best operation, you need to switch it about once every three months at a minimum.)

If your filter is looking clean, head to your outdoor unit. Find out if there’s enough room around the unit and clear any plants or dirt close by. This piece of your AC releases the heat from your home. If the coils outside are congested, you won’t be comfortable inside.

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

3. Your Unit is Losing Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the material that cools the air in your house. It cycles between your indoor and outside system elements to soak up and let off heat, to help your home stay cool. If there is a crack along that system, you won’t be feeling cool again until you schedule professional air conditioning repair.

Indications of a refrigerant leak include a decrease in conditioned air, more expensive monthly charges, frozen evaporator coils and odd hissing noises arising from your HVAC.

If you think refrigerant may be leaking, call Paniccia Heating & Cooling for AC repair as soon as possible. Refrigerant can also be damaging to your family’s health.

4. One or More Elements Should Be Replaced

Your air conditioner is made up of a a handful of important elements. These include the blower, evaporator coils, compressor, fan, condenser coils and expansion valve. If any one of these is broken, your home comfort suffers.

Our Paniccia Heating & Cooling pros are well-trained and skilled in all areas of HVAC. They can help you locate and repair any problem.

5. Your System Has to Be Upgraded

If your equipment is more than 10 years old, it is probably about time to look into new air conditioner installation. As your system gets older, it simply won’t run as well as it has in the past. And it might be making your home less comfortable.

If your HVAC unit is on the younger side but still isn’t cooling things off, it might be too small for your home. AC units are not one-size-fits-all. An AC that’s not powerful enough absolutely can’t cool a home the way an appropriately sized AC can.

Find a More Comfortable House with Paniccia Heating & Cooling

You won’t have to waste time this summer in an unpleasant home. When your cooling system isn’t working how it should, rely on Paniccia Heating & Cooling. We’re skilled in HVAC repair. Contact us at 219-872-2198 right away.