When it’s a searing summer morning in Erie, nothing is worse than realizing your air conditioner isn’t operating the way it is meant to. The last thing you should have to do is request AC service. But your AC is a pretty intricate system, so it can be difficult to find out what’s triggering the trouble without training.

That’s why Patterson & Stirling made this handbook to help you find out what could be taking place with your AC. Here, you’ll discover a couple prevailing situtations that explain why your house is feeling too warm. And even though some of these are easy] DIY projects, you could have to bring in a skilled technician for air conditioner repair.

And if that’s the case, Patterson & Stirling is ready to assist. Here are five reasons why your air conditioner may not be cooling your residence in Erie.

1. Your System Settings Are Incorrect

Every home adjusts their thermostat a little differently to work with their individual preferences. However, a number of families make the error of setting their system to “On” rather than “Auto.” With this setting, the fan in your AC will continue to blow even once you’ve attained your preferred temperature.

This can appear like your vents are pushing out warmish air, when actually it’s just employing the fan on a more regular basis than needed. Try switching this setting and see if things cool off.

2. Your Air Conditioner Needs a Good Cleaning

There are two main places to check for dirt or dust accrual when your AC doesn’t feel like it is working well.

Before anything else, take a look at your AC system’s filter. If you don’t switch your filter on a regular basis, accumulated dirt can make it more difficult for air to pass through and cool your space. If your filter is visibly dirty or dusty, it’s likely time to replace it. (And in general, you have to replace it about once every three months at a minimum.)

If your filter appears clean, move to your external unit. Double check there’s enough space around your air conditioner and clean up plants or debris stuck there. This section of your cooling system lets off the heat from your space. If the coils outside are congested, you won’t be comfortable in your home.

We suggest scheduling professional air conditioner maintenance every 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 conditions the air in your house. It moves between your internal and outside system elements to soak up and let off heat, to help your house keep the right temperature. If there is an opening along that path, you won’t be cool again until you schedule professional air conditioning repair.

Signals of a refrigerant leak include a lack of chilled air, more expensive utility bills, frozen evaporator coils and unusual hissing noises coming from your system.

If you think refrigerant could be leaking, call Patterson & Stirling for system repair as soon as possible. Refrigerant can also be damaging to your family’s health.

4. One or More Elements Should Be Replaced

Your system includes a couple crucial pieces. These include the blower, evaporator coils, compressor, fan, condenser coils and expansion valve. If any one of these is broken, your home comfort will suffer.

Our Patterson & Stirling experts are certified and knowledged in HVAC. They can help you locate and repair any issue.

5. Your Air Conditioner Should Be Upgraded

If your AC is more than 10 years old, it may be about time to think about new air conditioner installation. As your system gets up there in years, it unfortunately won’t function as well as it once did. And it might be making your space less comfortable.

If your system is more current but still isn’t cutting it, it could be the wrong size for your house. HVAC systems are not one-size-fits-all. A system that’s not powerful enough simply can’t cool a house the way a properly sized system can.

Get a More Comfortable Space with Patterson & Stirling

You won’t have to lose any time this summer in an unpleasant home. When your cooling system isn’t functioning correct, bank on Patterson & Stirling. We’re experts in AC repair. Contact us at 814-308-0416 right away.