When it’s a warm summer afternoon in Cedar Rapids, nothing feels worse than recognizing your air conditioner isn’t operating the way it is supposed to. The last thing you should have to do is schedule cooling system help. But your AC is a fairly complex system, so it can be difficult to figure out what’s causing the trouble on your own.

That’s why Ilten's made this informational guide to help you figure out what could be going on with your cooling system. Here, you’ll find a few prevailing situtations that explain why your space is feeling a little too warm. And even though a few of these are straightforward] DIY projects, you may still need to call in an expert for AC repair.

And if you do, Ilten's is prepared to take care of your home. Here are five reasons why your air conditioner may not be cooling your house in Cedar Rapids.

1. Your System Settings Are Off

Everyone adjusts their thermostat a little differently to work with their personal preferences. However, a lot of homeowners make the error of setting their device to “On” rather than “Auto.” Under this setting, the fan in your system will continue to blow even after you’ve achieved your desired temperature.

This can look like your vents are pushing out untreated air, when really it’s simply using the fan more frequently than required. Change this setting and work out if things seem better.

2. Your Home Comfort System Needs Some Cleaning

There are two central spaces to look for dirt or dust accumulation when your air conditioner doesn’t feel like it is performing correctly.

Before anything else, check out your AC system’s filter. If you don’t switch your filter often enough, built-up dust can make it more difficult for air to move through and lower the temperature your house. If your filter is obviously dirty or dusty, it’s probably time for a change. (And as a rule, you need to replace it about once every three months at the very least.)

If your filter appears good, go to your external unit. Find out if there’s enough clearing around your air conditioner and clear any plants or dirt close by. This section of your AC discharges the heat from inside your space. If the coils outside are blocked, you won’t be feeling cool inside.

We suggest setting professional air conditioner maintenance every year to keep your unit operating like it should and to keep your warranty valid.

3. Your Unit is Losing Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the chemical that chills the air in your home. It runs between your indoor and outside system elements to absorb and discharge heat, to help your house stay the right temperature. If there is a leak along that system, you won’t be cool again until you book professional air conditioning repair.

Signs of a refrigerant leak include a decrease in chilled air, higher monthly charges, frozen evaporator coils and odd hissing noises arising from your AC.

If you suspect refrigerant might be leaking, call Ilten's for AC repair as soon as possible. Refrigerant can also be harmful to your family’s health.

4. One or More Parts Need to 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 Ilten's experts are well-trained and knowledged in HVAC. They can help you find and mend any issue.

5. Your Whole System Needs to Be Updated

If your AC is over 10 years old, it is probably a good 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 did in the beginning. And it might be making your space less comfortable.

If your AC is more current but still isn’t keeping you cool, it may be the wrong size for your house. AC units are not all the same. An AC that’s not powerful enough simply can’t chill a space the way a correctly sized air conditioner can.

Create a More Comfortable Home with Ilten's

You can’t blow a moment this summer in an unpleasant home. When your AC isn’t operating the way it should, turn to Ilten's. We’re experts in air conditioner repair. Contact us at 319-208-2351 today.