When it’s a warm summer morning in Portland, nothing could be worse than registering your home comfort system isn’t operating the way it is meant to. The last thing you should have to do is schedule air conditioner repair. But your air conditioner is a pretty complex system, so it can be difficult to figure out what’s causing the problem on your own.

That’s why All Solutions Heating & Cooling wrote this informational guide to help you see what may be taking place with your AC. From here, you’ll find some typical explanations for why your house is feeling a little unpleasant. And though a couple of these are straightforward] DIY projects, you might still need to turn to a skilled technician for cooling system repair.

And if you need us, All Solutions Heating & Cooling is ready to assist. Here are five reasons why your air conditioner may not be cooling your house in Portland.

1. Your Thermostat Settings May Be Off

Everyone adjusts their thermostat a bit differently to work with their individual requirements. Even so, many families make the mistake of setting their thermostat to “On” as opposed to “Auto.” Because of this setting, the fan in your AC will continue to produce an air current even after you’ve attained your desired temperature.

This can seem like your ducts are pushing out warm air, when in reality it’s just utilizing the fan more frequently than needed. Change this setting and see if things change.

2. Your Air Conditioner Needs to Be Cleaned

There are two central spaces to look for dirt or dust accumulation when your AC doesn’t feel like it is operating correctly.

Before anything else, take a look at your HVAC filter. If you don’t change your filter on a regular basis, accumulated dirt can make it hard 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 should switch it about once every three months at a minimum.)

If your filter appears fine, go to your external unit. Find out if there’s enough clearing around it and clear any plants or litter close by. This section of your cooling system discharges the heat from your house. If the coils outside are clogged, you won’t be comfortable inside.

We recommend setting professional air conditioner maintenance every year to keep your equipment running smoothly and to keep your warranty valid.

3. Your AC is Releasing Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the chemical that chills the air in your home. It moves between your internal and outdoor system pieces to soak up and discharge heat, to help your space stay comfortable. If there is a leak along that system, you