When it’s a searing summer afternoon in Safford, nothing is worse than realizing your air conditioner isn’t operating the way it was built to. The last thing you want to do is schedule cooling system help. But your HVAC is a fairly complicated system, so it can be difficult to determine what’s triggering the trouble without training.

That’s why B&D Air Conditioning created this handbook to help you figure out what could be taking place with your cooling system. Below, you’ll learn a few typical situtations that explain why your house is feeling a little unpleasant. And even though a couple of these are simple] DIY tasks, you might have to call in a professional for HVAC repair.

And if you need us, B&D Air Conditioning is here for you. Here are five reasons why your air conditioner may not be cooling your home in Safford.

1. Your Device Settings Are Off

Everyone uses their thermostat a little differently to suit their specific requirements. However, a lot of people make the misstep of setting their system to “On” as opposed to “Auto.” Because of this setting, the fan in your system will continue to produce an air current even once you’ve attained your preferred temperature.

This can feel like your AC is pushing out untreated air, when really it’s only using the fan on a more regular basis than necessary. Trying changing this setting and see if things change.

2. Your System Needs Some Cleaning

There are two main spaces to look for dirt or dust accumulation when your air conditioner doesn’t appear to be working well.

Before anything else, check out your HVAC filter. If you don’t swap out your filter on a regular basis, 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 in general, you should replace it about once every three months at the very least.)

If your filter is looking fine, head to your external unit. Double check there’s enough clearing around the unit and clear any plants or debris stuck there. This section of your AC discharges the heat from inside your home. If the coils outside are congested, you won’t be feeling cool in your home.

We suggest scheduling professional air conditioner maintenance every year to keep your unit operating like it should and to keep your warranty valid.

3. Your System is Leaking Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the substance that conditions the air in your home. It runs between your internal and external units to absorb and discharge heat, to help your home stay comfortable. If there is a leak along that system, you won’t be comfortable again until you schedule professional air conditioning repair.

Indications of a refrigerant leak include a decrease in conditioned air, pricier monthly bills, frozen evaporator coils and odd hissing noises coming from your AC.

If you suspect refrigerant might be leaking, call B&D Air Conditioning for AC repair as soon as possible. Refrigerant can also be hazardous to your family’s health.

4. One or More Elements Should Be Replaced

Your AC contains a few essential elements. These include the blower, evaporator coils, compressor, fan, condenser coils and expansion valve. If one of these is broken, your home comfort will suffer.

Our B&D Air Conditioning experts are well-trained and experienced in HVAC. They can help you diagnose and mend any issue.

5. Your Air Conditioner Has to Be Replaced

If your equipment is more than 10 years old, it may be time to think about new air conditioner installation. As your system gets up there in years, it sadly won’t function as well as it has in the past. And it could be making your house less comfortable.

If your HVAC unit is more current but still isn’t cutting it, it may be too small for your house. Air conditioners are not one-size-fits-all. A system that’s not big enough absolutely can’t chill a place the way a properly sized system can.

Find a More Comfortable Home with B&D Air Conditioning

You can’t lose any time this summer in a hot space. When your air conditioner isn’t functioning the way it should, bank on B&D Air Conditioning. We’re professionals in HVAC repair. Contact us at 928-432-6018 right away.