When it’s a warm summer day in Rapid City, nothing feels worse than registering your air conditioner isn’t operating the way it is meant to. The last thing you need to do is call for AC help. But your HVAC is a pretty complicated system, so it can be almost impossible to figure out what’s creating the problem solo.

That’s why Precision Mechanical wrote this informational guide to help you see what may be going on with your home comfort system. Here, you’ll find a couple common explanations for why your house is feeling a little too warm. And while a couple of these are simple] DIY projects, you may need to call in a professional for air conditioner repair.

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

1. Your Device Settings Could Be Incorrect

Every family uses their thermostat a bit differently to match their personal needs. Even so, a lot of homeowners make the misstep of setting their system to “On” as opposed to “Auto.” Under this setting, the fan in your system will continue to blow even when you’ve attained your preferred temperature.

This can appear like your vents are pushing out untreated air, when actually it’s simply using the fan on a more regular basis than required. Try switching this setting and find out if things seem better.

2. Your HVAC Needs a Good Cleaning

There are two central places to look for dirt or dust buildup when your air conditioner doesn’t appear to be operating as it should.

Before anything else, take a look at your system’s filter. If you don’t swap out your filter often enough, buildup can make it more labor intensive for air to move through and cool your home. If your filter is visibly dirty or dusty, it’s definitely time for a change. (And for best operation, you have to replace it about once every three months at least.)

If your filter is looking clean, move to your external unit. Make sure there’s a reasonable amount of space around your air conditioner and clean up plants or dirt stuck there. This section of your system lets off the heat from your house. If the coils outside are clogged, you won’t be feeling comfortable in your home.

We suggest booking professional air conditioner maintenance each year to keep your equipment running smoothly and to keep your warranty valid.

3. Your System is Releasing Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the substance that cools the air in your house. It runs between your indoor and external units to soak up and let off heat, to help your house remain comfortable. If there is an opening along that path, you won’t be feeling comfortable again until you book professional air conditioning repair.

Signs of a refrigerant leak include a decline in chilled air, more expensive monthly charges, frozen evaporator coils and strange hissing noises coming from your HVAC.

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

4. One or More Parts Have to Be Replaced

Your system contains a a handful of essential elements. These include the blower, evaporator coils, compressor, fan, condenser coils and expansion valve. If one part is failing, your home comfort will suffer.

Our Precision Mechanical experts are trained and experienced in HVAC. They can help you find and fix any trouble.

5. Your Whole System Has to Be Upgraded

If your AC is over 10 years old, it is probably time to look into new air conditioner installation. As your system gets older, it sadly won’t run as well as it did in the beginning. And it could be making your house too warm.

If your air conditioner is on the younger side but still isn’t cutting it, it may be undersized for your living space. Air conditioners are not one-size-fits-all. An AC that’s too small absolutely can’t chill a house the way a correctly sized HVAC can.

Make a More Comfortable Home with Precision Mechanical

You shouldn’t waste a moment this summer in an unpleasant space. When your AC isn’t working how it should, bank on Precision Mechanical. We’re professionals in HVAC repair. Contact us at 605-206-3766 right away.