When it’s a searing summer day in Philadelphia, nothing is worse than realizing your air conditioner isn’t performing the way it was built to. The last thing you want to do is schedule cooling system service. But your HVAC is a fairly complicated system, so it can be almost impossible to figure out what’s triggering the trouble without training.

That’s why Retro HVAC Service & Installation made this handbook to help you see what may be taking place with your home comfort system. From here, you’ll learn a couple prevailing situtations that explain why your house is feeling a little unpleasant. And even though some of these are simple] DIY tasks, you could still need to turn to a pro for AC repair.

And if you need us, Retro HVAC Service & Installation is prepared to take care of your home. Here are five reasons why your air conditioner may not be cooling your residence in Philadelphia.

1. Your System Settings May Be Wrong

Everyone sets their thermostat a bit differently to work with their personal needs. Yet, a number of families make the mistake of setting their device to “On” rather than “Auto.” Under this setting, the fan in your system will continue to push out air even after you’ve attained your preferred temperature.

This can seem like your vents are pushing out untreated air, when in reality it’s only using the fan on a more regular basis than required. Try switching this setting and find out if things cool off.

2. Your System Needs Some Cleaning

There are two main areas to investigate for dirt or dust accrual when your air conditioner doesn’t appear to be operating well.

Firstly, examine your system’s filter. If you don’t change your filter routinely, buildup can make it hard for air to flow through and cool your space. If your filter is visibly dirty or dusty, it’s definitely time to replace it. (And as a rule, you have to switch it about once every three months at least.)

If your filter is looking fine, move to your outside unit. Make sure there’s a reasonable amount of space around it and clean up plants or litter close by. This section of your cooling system lets off the heat from within your home. If the coils outside are congested, you won’t be feeling cool inside.

We advise setting professional air conditioner maintenance each year to keep your system operating smoothly and to keep your warranty valid.

3. Your AC is Releasing Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the material that chills the air in your home. It cycles between your internal and outdoor units to grab and release heat, to help your space stay the right temperature. If there is an opening along the way, you won’t be feeling comfortable again until you set professional air conditioning repair.

Signals of a refrigerant leak include a drop in chilled air, pricier electric bills, frozen evaporator coils and strange hissing noises arising from your air conditioner.

If you suspect refrigerant could be leaking, call Retro HVAC Service & Installation for system repair as soon as possible. Refrigerant can also be hazardous to your family’s health.

4. One or More Pieces Need to Be Replaced

Your system is made up of a few important 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 Retro HVAC Service & Installation experts are well-trained and skilled in all areas of HVAC. They can help you diagnose and fix any problem.

5. Your Whole System Needs to Be Replaced

If your equipment is over 10 years old, it could likely be a good time to think about new air conditioner installation. As your system gets older, it sadly won’t work as well as it once did. And it might be making your home less comfortable.

If your system is more current but still isn’t cooling things off, it could be undersized for your house. HVAC systems are not one-size-fits-all. A system that’s undersized simply can’t help a place the way an appropriately sized HVAC can.

Make a More Comfortable Space with Retro HVAC Service & Installation

You shouldn’t waste any time this summer in a hot house. When your cooling system isn’t functioning how it should, rely on Retro HVAC Service & Installation. We’re professionals in HVAC repair. Contact us at 267-277-3851 now.