When it’s a warm summer afternoon in Rapid City, nothing could be worse than recognizing your AC isn’t operating the way it is supposed to. The last thing you should have to do is schedule cooling system help. But your air conditioner is a pretty complicated system, so it can be hard to determine what’s triggering the issue solo.

That’s why Precision Mechanical wrote this handbook to help you find out what may be happening with your cooling system. Below, you’ll see a few prevailing explanations for why your home is feeling a little unpleasant. And even though a few of these are easy] DIY tasks, you may still need to call in a skilled technician for AC repair.

And if that’s the case, Precision Mechanical is here for you. Here are five reasons why your air conditioner may not be cooling your house in Rapid City.

1. Your System Settings Could Be Off

Every person uses their thermostat a bit differently to match their specific requirements. However, many families make the misstep of setting their thermostat to “On” instead of “Auto.” Under this setting, the fan in your air conditioner will continue to push out air even after you’ve attained your preferred temperature.

This can feel like your AC is distributing warm air, when actually it’s only utilizing the fan more frequently than required. Trying changing this setting and see if things change.

2. Your Cooling System Needs Some Cleaning

There are two primary spaces to look for dirt or dust buildup when your AC doesn’t seem to be working as it should.

First, take a look at your HVAC filter. If you don’t swap out your filter often enough, accumulated dirt can make it more labor intensive for air to move through and cool down your home. If your filter is visibly dirty or dusty, it’s likely time for a change. (And for best operation, you need to switch it about once every three months at a minimum.)

If your filter seems good, go to your external unit. Find out if there’s a reasonable amount of room around it and clear away plants or debris stuck there. This piece of your system releases the heat from your space. If the coils outside are clogged, you won’t be comfortable in your home.

We recommend booking professional air conditioner maintenance every year to keep your equipment operating like it should and to keep your warranty valid.

3. Your System is Releasing Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the substance that cools the air in your space. It runs between your inside and external system pieces to grab and discharge heat, to help your home stay comfortable. If there is a leak along that path, you won’t be cool again until you set professional air conditioning repair.

Indications of a refrigerant leak include a drop in conditioned air, more expensive utility charges, frozen evaporator coils and odd hissing noises coming from your system.

If you think refrigerant may be leaking, call Precision Mechanical for AC repair as soon as possible. Refrigerant can also be damaging to your family’s health.

4. One or More Elements Need to Be Replaced

Your system includes a a handful of crucial pieces. These include the blower, evaporator coils, compressor, fan, condenser coils and expansion valve. If any one of these is failing, your home comfort is hurt.

Our Precision Mechanical technicians are trained and knowledged in HVAC. They can help you find and mend any trouble.

5. Your AC Has to Be Replaced

If your AC is older than 10 years old, it could likely be about time to think about new air conditioner installation. As your system gets up there in years, it unfortunately won’t work as well as it did in the beginning. And it might be making your space too warm.

If your HVAC unit is on the younger side but still isn’t keeping you cool, it may be the wrong size for your living space. HVAC systems are not one-size-fits-all. A cooling system that’s not big enough simply can’t cool a house the way an appropriately sized AC can.

Create a More Comfortable Space with Precision Mechanical

You won’t have to lose time this summer in an unpleasant space. When your AC isn’t working the way it should, rely on Precision Mechanical. We’re experts in AC repair. Contact us at 605-206-3766 now.