When it’s a hot summer day in Cedar Rapids, nothing could be worse than registering your air conditioner isn’t operating the way it is supposed to. The last thing you should have to do is call for air conditioner service. But your HVAC is a pretty intricate system, so it can be hard to determine what’s causing the issue on your own.

That’s why Ilten's created this handbook to help you see what might be taking place with your home comfort system. From here, you’ll see a couple prevailing reasons your home is feeling a little unpleasant. And even though a couple of these are easy] DIY activities, you might need to turn to an expert for cooling system repair.

And if you need us, Ilten's is ready to assist. Here are five reasons why your air conditioner may not be cooling your residence in Cedar Rapids.

1. Your Device Settings May Be Wrong

Every family sets their thermostat a bit differently to work with their specific requirements. Yet, many families make the mistake of setting their device to “On” as opposed to “Auto.” Under this setting, the fan in your air conditioner will continue to produce an air current even after you’ve reached your desired temperature.

This can feel like your vents are distributing warmish air, when actually it’s only using the fan more often than necessary. Change this setting and work out if things seem better.

2. Your HVAC Needs a Good Cleaning

There are two main areas to investigate for dirt or dust accumulation when your air conditioner doesn’t seem to be working as it should.

Firstly, check out your system’s filter. If you don’t swap out your filter routinely, buildup can make it more labor intensive for air to pass through and cool down your space. If your filter is visibly dirty or dusty, it’s likely time to replace it. (And as a rule, you need to switch it about once every three months at a minimum.)

If your filter appears clean, go to your outdoor unit. Double check there’s enough space around the unit and clear away plants or litter close by. This section of your AC lets off the heat from within your space. If the coils outside are clogged, you won’t be feeling comfortable inside.

We suggest booking professional air conditioner maintenance yearly to keep your system running properly and to keep your warranty valid.

3. Your Unit is Leaking Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the chemical that cools the air in your home. It runs between your internal and outdoor system pieces to grab and discharge heat, to help your space keep comfortable. If there is a leak along that system, you won’t be feeling cool again until you book professional air conditioning repair.

Signs of a refrigerant leak include a decline in conditioned air, higher utility bills, frozen evaporator coils and odd hissing noises originating from your air conditioner.

If you think 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 Should Be Replaced

Your air conditioner includes a few crucial elements. These include the blower, evaporator coils, compressor, fan, condenser coils and expansion valve. If one of these is not working as it should, your home comfort will suffer.

Our Ilten's pros are trained and experienced in HVAC. They can help you find and mend any issue.

5. Your AC Needs to Be Updated

If your AC is over 10 years old, it is probably about 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 has in the past. And it could be making your home uncomfortable.

If your HVAC unit is on the younger side but still isn’t cooling things off, it could be undersized for your house. HVAC systems are not one-size-fits-all. An AC that’s not big enough just can’t cool a place the way a correctly sized HVAC can.

Create a More Comfortable House with Ilten's

You can’t waste any time this summer in a hot space. When your AC isn’t functioning the way it should, lean on Ilten's. We’re experts in HVAC repair. Contact us at 319-208-2351 today.