When it’s a searing summer day in Spokane, nothing feels worse than recognizing your home comfort system isn’t working the way it is supposed to. The last thing you need to do is call for AC help. But your air conditioner is a quite complicated system, so it can be difficult to find out what’s causing the problem on your own.

That’s why Bigfoot Mechanical created this guide to help you find out what could be going on with your AC. Below, you’ll see some prevailing explanations for why your house is feeling uncomfortable. And while some of these are simple] DIY activities, you might still need to turn to a pro for HVAC repair.

And if that’s the case, Bigfoot Mechanical is ready to assist. Here are five reasons why your air conditioner may not be cooling your house in Spokane.

1. Your Thermostat Settings May Be Off

Every home sets their thermostat a little differently to work with their specific needs. However, a number of homeowners make the mistake of setting their system to “On” instead of “Auto.” With this setting, the fan in your AC will continue to blow even when you’ve reached your preferred temperature.

This can feel like your ducts are pushing out warmish air, when really it’s simply employing the fan more frequently than required. Trying changing this setting and work out if things cool off.

2. Your AC Needs Some Cleaning

There are two central spaces to check for dirt or dust accrual when your air conditioner doesn’t feel like it is operating as it should.

Before anything else, take a look at your system’s filter. If you don’t switch your filter often enough, accumulated dirt can make it hard for air to move through and cool your home. If your filter is obviously dirty or dusty, it’s probably time to replace it. (And as a rule, you have to replace it about once every three months at least.)

If your filter seems fine, move to your external unit. Double check there’s a reasonable amount of room around the unit and clear any plants or litter stuck there. This section of your cooling system lets off the heat from within your house. If the coils outside are blocked, you won’t be feeling comfortable indoors.

We recommend booking professional air conditioner maintenance yearly to keep your unit operating like it should and to keep your warranty valid.

3. Your System is Losing Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the substance that conditions the air in your space. It moves between your internal and outside units to grab and release heat, to help your home remain the right temperature. If there is a leak along the way, you won’t be cool again until you schedule professional air conditioning repair.

Indications of a refrigerant leak include a decline in chilled air, higher electric bills, frozen evaporator coils and unusual hissing noises originating from your system.

If you suspect refrigerant may be leaking, call Bigfoot Mechanical for system repair as soon as possible. Refrigerant can also be harmful to your family’s health.

4. One or More Elements Need to Be Replaced

Your air conditioner contains a a handful of important parts. These include the blower, evaporator coils, compressor, fan, condenser coils and expansion valve. If one part is broken, your home comfort is hurt.

Our Bigfoot Mechanical experts are certified and skilled in all areas of HVAC. They can help you locate and mend any trouble.

5. Your AC Has to Be Replaced

If your AC is more than 10 years old, it may be about time to research 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 might be making your space less comfortable.

If your HVAC unit is on the younger side but still isn’t cooling things off, it might be the wrong size for your home. HVAC systems are not one-size-fits-all. A cooling system that’s undersized simply can’t cool a house the way an appropriately sized air conditioner can.

Get a More Comfortable Space with Bigfoot Mechanical

You shouldn’t blow time this summer in an unpleasant space. When your air conditioner isn’t functioning correct, lean on Bigfoot Mechanical. We’re experts in HVAC repair. Contact us at 509-392-8770 right away.