When it’s a searing summer afternoon in Cedar Rapids, nothing could be worse than registering your AC isn’t working the way it is meant to. The last thing you should have to do is request cooling system help. But your HVAC is a quite complex system, so it can be almost impossible to find out what’s creating the issue on your own.

That’s why Ilten's wrote this guide to help you understand what may be happening with your home comfort system. From here, you’ll see a few typical explanations for why your home is feeling a little too warm. And while a couple of these are simple] DIY projects, you might have to turn to a professional for cooling system 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 home in Cedar Rapids.

1. Your Device Settings Could Be Incorrect

Every person adjusts their thermostat a bit differently to suit their personal requirements. However, a lot of families make the error of setting their system to “On” rather than “Auto.” Because of this setting, the fan in your AC will continue to produce an air current even after you’ve reached your set temperature.

This can appear like your AC is pushing out warmish air, when really it’s simply using the fan more often than needed. Try switching this setting and see if things change.

2. Your Cooling System Needs to Be Cleaned

There are two primary spaces to look for dirt or dust accrual when your AC doesn’t appear to be operating as it should.

Firstly, check out your AC system’s filter. If you don’t swap out your filter often enough, accumulated dirt can make it more labor intensive for air to pass through and cool down your space. If your filter is noticeably dirty or dusty, it’s probably time for a change. (And in general, you need to change it about once every three months at the very least.)

If your filter appears fine, move to your outside unit. Find out if there’s enough room around your air conditioner and clear away plants or litter close by. This section of your cooling system releases the heat from your home. If the coils outside are congested, you won’t be feeling cool in your home.

We advise scheduling professional air conditioner maintenance each year to keep your unit running smoothly and to keep your warranty valid.

3. Your System is Losing Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the chemical that chills the air in your home. It moves between your inside and outside system pieces to absorb and release heat, to help your space remain comfortable. If there is a leak along that system, you won’t be feeling comfortable again until you set professional air conditioning repair.

Signals of a refrigerant leak include a decline in chilled air, more expensive monthly bills, frozen evaporator coils and unusual hissing noises arising from your AC.

If you are worried refrigerant may 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 Elements Should Be Replaced

Your AC includes a a handful of essential parts. These include the blower, evaporator coils, compressor, fan, condenser coils and expansion valve. If one part is failing, your home comfort suffers.

Our Ilten's experts are well-trained and experienced in HVAC. They can help you find and fix any issue.

5. Your Whole System Has to Be Replaced

If your system is more than 10 years old, it is probably about time to look into new air conditioner installation. As your system gets up there in years, it just won’t work as well as it has in the past. And it may be making your space too warm.

If your air conditioner is on the younger side but still isn’t keeping you cool, it may be the wrong size for your house. AC units are not all the same. A cooling system that’s not big enough just can’t cool a home the way a properly sized HVAC can.

Find a More Comfortable House with Ilten's

You can’t blow a moment this summer in an unpleasant space. When your air conditioner isn’t working correct, turn to Ilten's. We’re experts in HVAC repair. Contact us at 319-208-2351 today.