When it’s a hot summer day in Northridge, nothing could be worse than realizing your air conditioner isn’t working the way it was built to. The last thing you need to do is request air conditioner help. But your air conditioner is a fairly complicated system, so it can be almost impossible to find out what’s triggering the trouble without training.

That’s why Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating wrote this handbook to help you see what might be happening with your AC. Below, you’ll see some prevailing reasons your space is feeling uncomfortable. And while a few of these are straightforward] DIY activities, you could still need to call in a professional for AC repair.

And if you need us, Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating is prepared to take care of your home. Here are five reasons why your air conditioner may not be cooling your house in Northridge.

1. Your Thermostat Settings May Be Off

Every family adjusts their thermostat a touch differently to suit their individual preferences. Yet, many homeowners make the mistake of setting their thermostat to “On” instead of “Auto.” Because of this setting, the fan in your system will continue to produce an air current even once you’ve attained your set temperature.

This can seem like your vents are distributing untreated air, when actually it’s just using the fan on a more regular basis than necessary. Trying changing this setting and see if things change.

2. Your Air Conditioner Needs to Be Cleaned

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

Before anything else, take a look at your HVAC filter. If you don’t swap out your filter routinely, built-up dust can make it more difficult for air to pass through and lower the temperature your space. If your filter is visibly dirty or dusty, it’s probably time to replace it. (And as a rule, you need to change it about once every three months at the very least.)

If your filter appears clean, go to your outside unit. Find out if there’s enough room around your air conditioner and clear away plants or dirt stuck there. This part of your AC lets off the heat from inside your home. If the coils outside are congested, you won’t be feeling comfortable indoors.

We advise scheduling professional air conditioner maintenance every year to keep your unit running like it should and to keep your warranty valid.

3. Your AC is Leaking Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the substance that cools the air in your space. It runs between your indoor and external system elements to absorb and release heat, to help your house stay cool. If there is a leak along that path, you won’t be feeling comfortable again until you schedule professional air conditioning repair.

Indications of a refrigerant leak include a drop in chilled air, higher utility charges, frozen evaporator coils and unusual hissing noises originating from your system.

If you are worried refrigerant may be leaking, call Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating for air conditioner repair as soon as possible. Refrigerant can also be hazardous to your family’s health.

4. One or More Elements Have to Be Replaced

Your air conditioner contains a a handful of 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 suffers.

Our Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating pros are certified and skilled in all areas of HVAC. They can help you find and mend any trouble.

5. Your AC Has to Be Updated

If your AC is over 10 years old, it could likely be time to think about new air conditioner installation. As your system gets up there in years, it just won’t run as well as it once did. And it may be making your space uncomfortable.

If your air conditioner is newer but still isn’t cutting it, it could be the wrong size for your living space. AC units are not all the same. A cooling system that’s too small absolutely can’t cool a home the way a correctly sized AC can.

Find a More Comfortable Home with Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating

You shouldn’t blow time this summer in a hot home. When your air conditioner isn’t working how it should, bank on Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating. We’re experts in air conditioner repair. Contact us at (818) 727-9993 right away.