Five Reasons Why Your Air Conditioner Isn’t Cooling Your House

When it’s a hot summer day in Portland, nothing feels worse than registering your air conditioner isn’t working the way it should. The last thing you want to do is request cooling system repair. But your AC is a fairly complicated system, so it can be almost impossible to determine what’s triggering the issue on your own.

That’s why Three Rivers Heating and Cooling created this guide to help you see what might be taking place with your home comfort system. From here, you’ll discover some common reasons your home is feeling too warm. And even though some of these are easy] DIY tasks, you might have to turn to a pro for AC repair.

And if that’s the case, Three Rivers Heating and Cooling is ready to assist. Here are five reasons why your air conditioner may not be cooling your residence in Portland.

1. Your Thermostat Settings May Be Wrong

Everyone sets their thermostat a little differently to suit their distinct requirements. Even so, a number of families make the mistake of setting their system to “On” as opposed to “Auto.” With this setting, the fan in your AC will continue to blow even once you’ve achieved your set temperature.

This can feel like your system is pushing out warm air, when really it’s simply employing the fan on a more regular basis than required. Change this setting and work out if things change.

2. Your System Needs to Be Cleaned

There are two main areas to investigate for dirt or dust accrual when your home comfort system doesn’t seem to be working correctly.

Firstly, take a look at your system’s filter. If you don’t change your filter often enough, accumulated dirt can make it more difficult for air to move through and lower the temperature your house. If your filter is visibly dirty or dusty, it’s likely time for a change. (And in general, you have to change it about once every three months at a minimum.)

If your filter seems good, move to your external unit. Find out if there’s enough clearing around your air conditioner and clear away plants or debris close by. This piece of your system lets off the heat from inside your house. If the coils outside are blocked, you won’t be comfortable inside.

We suggest setting professional air conditioner maintenance each year to keep your unit operating properly and to keep your warranty valid.

3. Your System is Leaking Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the material that conditions the air in your house. It cycles between your internal and external system elements to grab and discharge heat, to help your house keep the right temperature. If there is an opening along the way, you won’t be comfortable again until you book professional air conditioning repair.

Signs of a refrigerant leak include a lack of chilled air, higher monthly charges, frozen evaporator coils and strange hissing noises arising from your system.

If you are worried refrigerant could be leaking, call Three Rivers Heating and 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 AC is made up of a few important parts. 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 Three Rivers Heating and Cooling technicians are certified and knowledged in HVAC. They can help you diagnose and fix any trouble.

5. Your System Needs to Be Upgraded

If your AC is over 10 years old, it is probably about time to research new air conditioner installation. As your system gets older, it sadly won’t function as well as it did in the beginning. And it may be making your house too warm.

If your system is newer but still isn’t cutting it, it could be the wrong size for your living space. HVAC systems are not all the same size. A system that’s undersized simply can’t cool a home the way an appropriately sized HVAC can.

Get a More Comfortable Home with Three Rivers Heating and Cooling

You can’t blow a moment this summer in an uncomfortable space. When your air conditioner isn’t operating the way it should, bank on Three Rivers Heating and Cooling. We’re professionals in HVAC repair. Contact us at (503) 739-5400 right away.