When it’s a searing summer day in Los Angeles, nothing feels worse than registering your AC isn’t performing the way it is meant to. The last thing you want to do is request AC repair. But your HVAC is a pretty complex system, so it can be hard to figure out what’s causing the issue on your own.

That’s why AZ Air Conditioning and Heating created this informational guide to help you understand what might be happening with your home comfort system. Below, you’ll see a few common reasons your house is feeling too warm. And even though a couple of these are simple] DIY tasks, you may still need to call in a pro for air conditioner repair.

And if you need us, AZ Air Conditioning and Heating is prepared to take care of your home. Here are five reasons why your air conditioner may not be cooling your home in Los Angeles.

1. Your Thermostat Settings Are Incorrect

Every home uses their thermostat a little differently to work with their individual requirements. Even so, a lot of people make the error of setting their device to “On” rather than “Auto.” With this setting, the fan in your system will continue to produce an air current even once you’ve attained your set temperature.

This can seem like your system is distributing untreated air, when in reality it’s only employing the fan more often than needed. Change this setting and see if things change.

2. Your Cooling System Needs Some Cleaning

There are two primary places to check for dirt or dust buildup when your air conditioner doesn’t feel like it is operating well.

Firstly, check out your AC system’s filter. If you don’t switch your filter routinely, built-up dust can make it more labor intensive for air to pass through and cool down your house. If your filter is obviously dirty or dusty, it’s definitely time for a change. (And as a rule, you should change it about once every three months at the very least.)

If your filter is looking good, move to your external unit. Make sure there’s a reasonable amount of clearing around the unit and clear away plants or debris stuck there. This section of your AC discharges the heat from your house. If the coils outside are clogged, you won’t be feeling cool inside.

We advise setting professional air conditioner maintenance each year to keep your unit working properly and to keep your warranty valid.

3. Your AC is Leaking Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the substance that chills the air in your house. It cycles between your inside and outside system elements to grab and release heat, to help your house keep comfortable. If there is an opening along the way, you won’t be feeling comfortable again until you schedule professional air conditioning repair.

Indications of a refrigerant leak include a decline in cooled air, pricier utility bills, frozen evaporator coils and unusual hissing noises arising from your air conditioner.

If you think refrigerant might be leaking, call AZ Air Conditioning and Heating for HVAC repair as soon as possible. Refrigerant can also be damaging to your family’s health.

4. One or More Parts Have to Be Replaced

Your system contains a couple important pieces. These include the blower, evaporator coils, compressor, fan, condenser coils and expansion valve. If one of these is broken, your home comfort suffers.

Our AZ Air Conditioning and Heating technicians are trained and experienced in HVAC. They can help you find and fix any issue.

5. Your Air Conditioner Needs to Be Upgraded

If your system is older than 10 years old, it may be time to look into new air conditioner installation. As your system ages, it just won’t function as well as it once did. And it could be making your home less comfortable.

If your AC is more current but still isn’t properly cooling your home, it could be too small for your house. HVAC systems are not all the same. An air conditioner that’s too small absolutely can’t cool a house the way a correctly sized AC can.

Create a More Comfortable Space with AZ Air Conditioning and Heating

You shouldn’t waste a moment this summer in an uncomfortable space. When your cooling system isn’t operating how it should, lean on AZ Air Conditioning and Heating. We’re professionals in AC repair. Contact us at 800-296-5088 today.