When it’s a hot summer afternoon in Odessa, nothing is worse than realizing your air conditioner isn’t working the way it is supposed to. The last thing you need to do is call for cooling system repair. But your air conditioner is a fairly complex system, so it can be almost impossible to determine what’s triggering the trouble without training.

That’s why Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning wrote this informational guide to help you figure out what might be going on with your AC. Below, you’ll find a couple typical reasons your home is feeling a little too warm. And though a few of these are easy] DIY projects, you might still need to call in a pro for AC repair.

And if that’s the case, Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning is prepared to take care of your home. Here are five reasons why your air conditioner may not be cooling your home in Odessa.

1. Your Thermostat Settings Are Wrong

Every person adjusts their thermostat a touch differently to work with their personal preferences. However, a number of homeowners make the misstep of setting their thermostat to “On” instead of “Auto.” Under this setting, the fan in your AC will continue to push out air even once you’ve reached your desired temperature.

This can seem like your ducts are distributing warm air, when really it’s just employing the fan more frequently than required. Trying changing this setting and find out if things seem better.

2. Your Cooling System Needs Some Cleaning

There are two primary places to look for dirt or dust accumulation when your cooling system doesn’t feel like it is performing as it should.

First, take a look at your AC system’s filter. If you don’t change your filter on a regular basis, accumulated dirt can make it hard 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 for best operation, you have to change it about once every three months at least.)

If your filter is looking clean, move to your outside unit. Double check there’s adequate clearing around your air conditioner and clear any plants or litter close by. This part of your system releases the heat from within your home. If the coils outside are clogged, you won’t be feeling comfortable in your home.

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

3. Your Unit is Releasing Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the chemical that chills the air in your house. It moves between your indoor and external system pieces to grab and discharge heat, to help your space stay comfortable. If there is a leak along the way, you won’t be cool again until you schedule professional air conditioning repair.

Signals of a refrigerant leak include a drop in cooled air, more expensive monthly charges, frozen evaporator coils and unusual hissing noises originating from your air conditioner.

If you think refrigerant might be leaking, call Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning for AC repair as soon as possible. Refrigerant can also be hazardous to your family’s health.

4. One or More Elements Should Be Replaced

Your air conditioner is made up of a couple crucial pieces. These include the blower, evaporator coils, compressor, fan, condenser coils and expansion valve. If one part is not working as it should, your home comfort suffers.

Our Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning pros are well-trained and experienced in HVAC. They can help you find and fix any issue.

5. Your Whole System Has to Be Updated

If your equipment is more than 10 years old, it could likely be about time to think about new air conditioner installation. As your system gets up there in years, it simply won’t function as well as it did in the beginning. And it may be making your house uncomfortable.

If your AC is on the younger side but still isn’t cutting it, it could be the wrong size for your home. AC units are not one-size-fits-all. An air conditioner that’s too small absolutely can’t help a space the way a correctly sized system can.

Create a More Comfortable House with Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning

You shouldn’t lose time this summer in an unpleasant space. When your AC isn’t operating the way it should, turn to Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning. We’re professionals in HVAC repair. Contact us at 432-237-0168 now.