When it’s a searing summer morning in Des Moines, nothing could be worse than realizing your air conditioner isn’t working the way it is meant to. The last thing you want to do is call for AC repair. But your HVAC is a quite complex system, so it can be difficult to figure out what’s triggering the problem on your own.

That’s why Heartland Heating & Cooling wrote this handbook to help you figure out what may be going on with your AC. Below, you’ll see a few common explanations for why your home is feeling too warm. And while a few of these are easy] DIY tasks, you may still need to call in an expert for air conditioner repair.

And if that’s the case, Heartland Heating & Cooling is ready to assist. Here are five reasons why your air conditioner may not be cooling your residence in Des Moines.

1. Your System Settings May Be Off

Everyone sets their thermostat a touch differently to work with their personal requirements. Yet, a number of homeowners make the error of setting their device to “On” instead of “Auto.” With this setting, the fan in your AC will continue to blow even once you’ve reached your desired temperature.

This can seem like your ducts are pushing out warmish air, when really it’s only employing the fan more frequently than needed. Try switching this setting and find out if things cool off.

2. Your Air Conditioner Needs a Good Cleaning

There are two primary areas to look for dirt or dust buildup when your air conditioner doesn’t feel like it is working well.

Firstly, check out your system’s filter. If you don’t switch your filter routinely, buildup can make it more difficult for air to flow through and lower the temperature your home. If your filter is visibly dirty or dusty, it’s likely time for a change. (And in general, you should replace it about once every three months at a minimum.)

If your filter is looking fine, head to your outdoor unit. Double check there’s adequate clearing around it and clear away plants or litter close by. This piece of your system lets off the heat from your house. If the coils outside are blocked, you won’t be comfortable indoors.

We recommend booking professional air conditioner maintenance each year to keep your system working smoothly and to keep your warranty valid.

3. Your Unit is Losing Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the chemical that chills the air in your space. It runs between your indoor and outside units to grab and discharge heat, to help your space keep comfortable. If there is an opening along that system, you won’t be feeling comfortable again until you set professional air conditioning repair.

Signals of a refrigerant leak include a drop in cooled air, higher utility expenses, frozen evaporator coils and strange hissing noises arising from your system.

If you suspect refrigerant could be leaking, call Heartland Heating & Cooling for AC repair as soon as possible. Refrigerant can also be harmful to your family’s health.

4. One or More Parts Have to Be Replaced

Your air conditioner is made up of a couple important parts. These include the blower, evaporator coils, compressor, fan, condenser coils and expansion valve. If one part is failing, your home comfort suffers.

Our Heartland Heating & Cooling pros are well-trained and experienced in HVAC. They can help you find and mend any problem.

5. Your System Should Be Updated

If your system is over 10 years old, it is probably a good time to look into new air conditioner installation. As your system gets older, it just won’t function as well as it has in the past. And it could be making your home too warm.

If your air conditioner is newer but still isn’t properly cooling your home, it might be the wrong size for your home. AC units are not all the same. A cooling system that’s undersized absolutely can’t chill a space the way a properly sized system can.

Find a More Comfortable Space with Heartland Heating & Cooling

You won’t have to blow any time this summer in an uncomfortable house. When your cooling system isn’t functioning the way it should, bank on Heartland Heating & Cooling. We’re skilled in air conditioner repair. Contact us at 515-344-3579 now.