When it’s a warm summer morning in Mission Viejo, nothing feels worse than recognizing your AC isn’t working the way it is supposed to. The last thing you want to do is schedule AC repair. But your HVAC is a pretty complicated system, so it can be hard to find out what’s creating the trouble solo.

That’s why 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning made this guide to help you see what may be happening with your AC. From here, you’ll learn some typical explanations for why your house is feeling a little too warm. And while a few of these are easy] DIY tasks, you might need to turn to an expert for air conditioner repair.

And if you do, 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning is here for you. Here are five reasons why your air conditioner may not be cooling your residence in Mission Viejo.

1. Your Device Settings Could Be Off

Every person adjusts their thermostat a little differently to suit their distinct preferences. However, a number of families make the mistake of setting their device to “On” rather than “Auto.” With this setting, the fan in your AC will continue to produce an air current even after you’ve achieved your set temperature.

This can look like your vents are pushing out warmish air, when actually it’s simply using the fan more frequently than required. Change this setting and find out if things change.

2. Your System Needs a Good Cleaning

There are two central places to look for dirt or dust accrual when your AC doesn’t appear to be operating well.

Firstly, check out your system’s filter. If you don’t change your filter routinely, accumulated dirt can make it more labor intensive for air to move through and lower the temperature your home. If your filter is obviously dirty or dusty, it’s probably time for a change. (And for best operation, you need to replace it about once every three months at a minimum.)

If your filter seems fine, move to your external unit. Double check there’s enough space around the unit and clean up plants or dirt close by. This part of your AC releases the heat from inside your house. If the coils outside are blocked, you won’t be comfortable in your home.

We suggest scheduling professional air conditioner maintenance every year to keep your system running like it should and to keep your warranty valid.

3. Your System is Leaking Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the chemical that conditions the air in your home. It runs between your internal and outside system elements to soak up and release heat, to help your space remain the right temperature. If there is a leak along the way, you won’t be feeling cool again until you schedule professional air conditioning repair.

Signals of a refrigerant leak include a decline in chilled air, pricier utility expenses, frozen evaporator coils and unusual hissing noises coming from your HVAC.

If you suspect refrigerant may be leaking, call 1st Choice 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 system contains a few 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 will suffer.

Our 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning pros are certified and experienced in HVAC. They can help you diagnose and mend any issue.

5. Your Air Conditioner Should Be Updated

If your system is over 10 years old, it could likely be a good 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 has in the past. And it could be making your home uncomfortable.

If your system is on the younger side but still isn’t cooling things off, it might be too small for your home. Air conditioners are not all the same size. A system that’s not powerful enough absolutely can’t chill a house the way an appropriately sized HVAC can.

Create a More Comfortable House with 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning

You can’t blow a moment this summer in an uncomfortable house. When your cooling system isn’t functioning the way it should, lean on 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning. We’re experts in air conditioner repair. Contact us at 949-204-0859 today.