When it’s a warm summer afternoon in Michigan City, nothing is worse than recognizing your air conditioner isn’t performing the way it was built to. The last thing you need to do is request AC repair. But your AC is a pretty complicated system, so it can be almost impossible to figure out what’s causing the issue on your own.

That’s why Paniccia Heating & Cooling wrote this handbook to help you understand what may be going on with your cooling system. Here, you’ll learn a couple prevailing situtations that explain why your house is feeling too warm. And even though a couple of these are easy] DIY projects, you could need to turn to a skilled technician for HVAC repair.

And if you need us, Paniccia Heating & Cooling is here for you. Here are five reasons why your air conditioner may not be cooling your residence in Michigan City.

1. Your Thermostat Settings Are Off

Every family uses their thermostat a bit differently to match their personal requirements. Yet, many families make the error of setting their system to “On” as opposed to “Auto.” Because of this setting, the fan in your air conditioner will continue to blow even when you’ve reached your set temperature.

This can feel like your ducts are pushing out warmish air, when really it’s only using the fan more often than needed. Change this setting and see if things change.

2. Your System Needs a Good Cleaning

There are two central places to check for dirt or dust accrual when your air conditioner doesn’t seem to be operating correctly.

First, check out your HVAC filter. If you don’t swap out your filter routinely, buildup can make it more difficult for air to move through and lower the temperature your home. If your filter is noticeably dirty or dusty, it’s definitely time for a change. (And in general, you should replace it about once every three months at least.)

If your filter seems good, move to your outside unit. Double check there’s enough clearing around it and clean up plants or debris close by. This part of your system releases the heat from your space. If the coils outside are blocked, you won’t be feeling cool indoors.

We recommend scheduling professional air conditioner maintenance each year to keep your system operating like it should and to keep your warranty valid.

3. Your System is Releasing Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the material that chills the air in your house. It runs between your internal and outside units to soak up and discharge heat, to help your home keep cool. If there is a crack along that path, you won’t be feeling comfortable again until you schedule professional air conditioning repair.

Signals of a refrigerant leak include a lack of cooled air, higher utility bills, frozen evaporator coils and strange hissing noises arising from your AC.

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

4. One or More Pieces Have to Be Replaced

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

Our Paniccia Heating & Cooling pros are well-trained and experienced in HVAC. They can help you diagnose and mend any trouble.

5. Your System Needs to Be Replaced

If your system is older than 10 years old, it could likely be about time to look into new air conditioner installation. As your system gets older, it unfortunately won’t run as well as it has in the past. And it could be making your house less comfortable.

If your HVAC unit is more current but still isn’t keeping you cool, it may be too small for your living space. AC units are not all the same. A cooling system that’s undersized simply can’t help a place the way a properly sized air conditioner can.

Make a More Comfortable Space with Paniccia Heating & Cooling

You won’t have to blow a moment this summer in a hot house. When your air conditioner isn’t operating how it should, rely on Paniccia Heating & Cooling. We’re skilled in HVAC repair. Contact us at 219-872-2198 right away.