When it’s a hot summer morning in Manassas, nothing is worse than realizing your home comfort system isn’t working the way it is meant to. The last thing you want to do is request air conditioner repair. But your AC is a quite complex system, so it can be almost impossible to determine what’s triggering the issue without training.

That’s why Woody's Sudden Service made this handbook to help you see what could be going on with your home comfort system. From here, you’ll see some typical reasons your home is feeling a little too warm. And while a few of these are easy] DIY tasks, you might need to call in an expert for cooling system repair.

And if that’s the case, Woody's Sudden Service is prepared to take care of your home. Here are five reasons why your air conditioner may not be cooling your residence in Manassas.

1. Your Device Settings Are Incorrect

Every person adjusts their thermostat a bit differently to suit their personal preferences. Yet, a number of people make the misstep of setting their thermostat to “On” as opposed to “Auto.” With this setting, the fan in your system will continue to push out air even once you’ve achieved your preferred temperature.

This can feel like your system is pushing out warm air, when actually it’s just using the fan more often than needed. Try switching this setting and work out if things cool off.

2. Your Cooling System Needs Some Cleaning

There are two main spaces to look for dirt or dust buildup when your AC doesn’t feel like it is working correctly.

Firstly, check out your HVAC filter. If you don’t change your filter on a regular basis, buildup can make it hard for air to pass through and cool down your house. If your filter is visibly dirty or dusty, it’s definitely time to replace it. (And as a rule, you have to switch it about once every three months at least.)

If your filter is looking fine, move to your outside unit. Find out if there’s adequate room around the unit and clear any plants or debris stuck there. This section of your system lets off the heat from within your house. If the coils outside are clogged, you won’t be feeling cool inside.

We advise booking professional air conditioner maintenance yearly to keep your unit operating smoothly and to keep your warranty valid.

3. Your AC is Releasing Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the material that chills the air in your home. It moves between your inside and outside system pieces to grab and let off heat, to help your space remain comfortable. If there is a leak along that path, you won’t be comfortable again until you set professional air conditioning repair.

Signs of a refrigerant leak include a decrease in conditioned air, higher monthly bills, frozen evaporator coils and strange hissing noises coming from your air conditioner.

If you think refrigerant might be leaking, call Woody's Sudden Service for system repair as soon as possible. Refrigerant can also be harmful to your family’s health.

4. One or More Parts Should Be Replaced

Your AC is made up of a couple crucial elements. These include the blower, evaporator coils, compressor, fan, condenser coils and expansion valve. If one of these is not working as it should, your home comfort is hurt.

Our Woody's Sudden Service pros are trained and knowledged in HVAC. They can help you diagnose and repair any problem.

5. Your Air Conditioner Needs to Be Replaced

If your AC is over 10 years old, it is probably a good time to look into new air conditioner installation. As your system ages, it just won’t work as well as it once did. And it could be making your house too warm.

If your system is on the younger side but still isn’t cutting it, it might be undersized for your home. AC units are not one-size-fits-all. An AC that’s not big enough just can’t cool a house the way a correctly sized HVAC can.

Make a More Comfortable House with Woody's Sudden Service

You shouldn’t lose any time this summer in an uncomfortable home. When your cooling system isn’t operating the way it should, bank on Woody's Sudden Service. We’re professionals in air conditioner repair. Contact us at 703-278-2036 right away.