When it’s a searing summer day in Lawrence, nothing feels worse than registering your AC isn’t operating the way it was built to. The last thing you need to do is request cooling system repair. But your air conditioner is a quite intricate system, so it can be almost impossible to figure out what’s causing the trouble without training.

That’s why Scott Temperature created this guide to help you figure out what may be happening with your AC. From here, you’ll find some typical explanations for why your space is feeling uncomfortable. And while a few of these are easy] DIY projects, you might have to bring in a skilled technician for AC repair.

And if you need us, Scott Temperature is ready to assist. Here are five reasons why your air conditioner may not be cooling your home in Lawrence.

1. Your Thermostat Settings May Be Off

Every family sets their thermostat a touch differently to suit their individual needs. Yet, many homeowners make the error of setting their device to “On” as opposed to “Auto.” Because of this setting, the fan in your AC will continue to produce an air current even after you’ve reached your set temperature.

This can look like your ducts are pushing out untreated air, when really it’s only employing the fan more often than necessary. Change this setting and find out if things change.

2. Your Home Comfort System Needs Some Cleaning

There are two main areas to check for dirt or dust accrual when your home comfort system doesn’t seem to be operating well.

Before anything else, check out your AC system’s filter. If you don’t swap out your filter on a regular basis, accumulated dirt can make it more labor intensive for air to pass through and lower the temperature your space. If your filter is visibly dirty or dusty, it’s probably time for a change. (And in general, you need to change it about once every three months at least.)

If your filter appears clean, move to your outside unit. Find out if there’s adequate room around the unit and clean up plants or litter stuck there. This section of your system releases the heat from your home. If the coils outside are congested, you won’t be feeling cool indoors.

We recommend scheduling professional air conditioner maintenance yearly 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 conditions the air in your home. It runs between your internal and outdoor system pieces to soak up and discharge heat, to help your space remain the right temperature. If there is an opening along that path, you won’t be comfortable again until you book professional air conditioning repair.

Signals of a refrigerant leak include a lack of chilled air, pricier monthly bills, frozen evaporator coils and unusual hissing noises coming from your AC.

If you are worried refrigerant might be leaking, call Scott Temperature for HVAC repair as soon as possible. Refrigerant can also be damaging to your family’s health.

4. One or More Parts Need to Be Replaced

Your system includes a few important elements. 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 suffers.

Our Scott Temperature technicians are well-trained and experienced in HVAC. They can help you find and repair any problem.

5. Your AC Has to Be Updated

If your AC is older than 10 years old, it could likely be time to research new air conditioner installation. As your system gets up there in years, it just won’t function as well as it did in the beginning. And it may be making your home too warm.

If your system is newer but still isn’t properly cooling your home, it could be the wrong size for your living space. Air conditioners are not all the same size. A cooling system that’s not big enough simply can’t chill a place the way an appropriately sized AC can.

Find a More Comfortable Space with Scott Temperature

You won’t have to waste any time this summer in a hot house. When your air conditioner isn’t working correct, turn to Scott Temperature. We’re professionals in AC repair. Contact us at 785-269-0465 now.