When it’s a hot summer afternoon in Lodi, nothing could be worse than realizing your AC isn’t working the way it is meant to. The last thing you want to do is schedule cooling system repair. But your air conditioner is a pretty complex system, so it can be hard to figure out what’s causing the trouble on your own.

That’s why Tokay wrote this informational guide to help you find out what could be taking place with your AC. From here, you’ll see some common reasons your house is feeling uncomfortable. And while some of these are straightforward] DIY activities, you could still need to call in a professional for AC repair.

And if you need us, Tokay is prepared to take care of your home. Here are five reasons why your air conditioner may not be cooling your house in Lodi.

1. Your Device Settings Could Be Incorrect

Every family uses their thermostat a little differently to suit their specific requirements. Even so, a number of homeowners make the misstep of setting their thermostat to “On” instead of “Auto.” Because of this setting, the fan in your system will continue to blow even after you’ve reached your preferred temperature.

This can look like your ducts are distributing untreated air, when really it’s only using the fan more often than required. Try switching this setting and work out if things seem better.

2. Your Cooling System Needs a Good Cleaning

There are two main spaces to investigate for dirt or dust accrual when your AC doesn’t feel like it is operating as it should.

First, check out your system’s filter. If you don’t swap out your filter routinely, accumulated dirt can make it more difficult for air to pass through and cool your space. If your filter is obviously dirty or dusty, it’s likely time to replace it. (And as a rule, you should change it about once every three months at least.)

If your filter is looking fine, head to your outside unit. Find out if there’s enough clearing around it and clean up plants or litter stuck there. This section of your system lets off the heat from inside your house. If the coils outside are congested, you won’t be feeling cool indoors.

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

3. Your Unit is Releasing Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the material that cools the air in your space. It moves between your inside and outside units to soak up and let off heat, to help your space stay cool. If there is a crack along the way, you won’t be feeling comfortable again until you set professional air conditioning repair.

Signals of a refrigerant leak include a decrease in chilled air, more expensive utility expenses, frozen evaporator coils and unusual hissing noises coming from your system.

If you are worried refrigerant could be leaking, call Tokay for HVAC repair as soon as possible. Refrigerant can also be damaging to your family’s health.

4. One or More Elements Should Be Replaced

Your air conditioner includes a few important pieces. These include the blower, evaporator coils, compressor, fan, condenser coils and expansion valve. If one part is broken, your home comfort suffers.

Our Tokay experts are well-trained and skilled in all areas of HVAC. They can help you locate and mend any issue.

5. Your System Needs to Be Upgraded

If your AC is more than 10 years old, it could likely be time to look into new air conditioner installation. As your system gets older, it unfortunately won’t run as well as it has in the past. And it may be making your space too warm.

If your HVAC unit is newer but still isn’t cutting it, it could be the wrong size for your home. HVAC systems are not one-size-fits-all. An AC that’s too small just can’t chill a place the way a properly sized air conditioner can.

Get a More Comfortable Home with Tokay

You shouldn’t lose a moment this summer in an uncomfortable space. When your air conditioner isn’t operating the way it should, bank on Tokay. We’re skilled in AC repair. Contact us at 209-257-3156 now.