It’s frustrating to walk inside on a hot summer day only to find your home still warm and stuffy. If your system isn’t cooling properly, you’re not alone. Many homeowners in Puyallup face the same issue during peak summer months. Knowing the causes behind cooling problems can help you avoid unnecessary costs and get things back on track faster. A trusted HVAC company in Puyallup can also help you figure out what’s wrong and recommend the right solution.
Here are some of the most common reasons your air conditioning might not be working the way it should and what you can do about them.
1. Dirty or Clogged Air Filters
A dirty air filter is a common but often missed reason for weak cooling. When it’s packed with dust and debris, airflow is restricted and your HVAC system has to strain to keep up. This can reduce cooling power, increase energy bills, and put extra wear on the system.
What to look for:
- Warm air coming from vents
- Reduced airflow
- Increased dust inside the house
What to do:
Change your air filter every one to three months during the cooling season, based on your filter type and how much dust or pet hair is in your home.
2. Thermostat Problems
Sometimes, the issue isn’t the HVAC system—it’s the thermostat. A thermostat that’s old, miscalibrated, or installed near a heat source—like an oven or sunny window—can send the wrong signal to your AC, making it work inefficiently.
What to look for:
- Inconsistent temperatures between rooms
- AC not turning on or off when expected
- Incorrect temperature displayed on the screen
What to do:
Check your thermostat’s location, settings, and batteries. If you still suspect a problem, have a professional inspect or upgrade it, especially if it’s more than 10 years old.
3. Refrigerant Leaks
The system relies on refrigerant to remove indoor heat and push it outdoors, keeping the air inside comfortable. If there’s a leak in the refrigerant line, your system won’t be able to cool the air effectively—no matter how long it runs.
What to look for:
- Warm air from vents
- Ice collecting along the outside unit or cooling lines
- Hissing sounds or moisture near the system
What to do:
Refrigerant issues require a licensed HVAC technician. Addressing refrigerant issues promptly helps protect the compressor and avoid major repair costs.
4. Leaky or Damaged Ductwork
Even if your HVAC unit is functioning well, cooled air can be lost through gaps, holes, or poorly connected ducts before it ever reaches your rooms. Duct leaks are especially common in older homes and can result in uneven cooling or higher energy bills.
What to look for:
- Some rooms are colder or warmer than others
- Low airflow from certain vents
- Unusually high energy bills
What to do:
A professional from a trusted HVAC company in Puyallup can inspect and seal your ductwork to stop air loss and improve system performance.
5. Dirty Coils
Your AC system relies on two key coils: one inside (the evaporator) and one outside (the condenser). If either gets covered in dirt or grime, it makes it harder for the system to absorb and release heat. This can cause poor cooling and longer run times, especially during high outdoor temperatures.
What to look for:
- Warm or barely cool air from vents
- AC unit running continuously
- Higher-than-usual electric bills
What to do:
Clear away any plants, dirt, or clutter that might block your outdoor HVAC unit. Regular maintenance includes cleaning coils to keep them working efficiently.
6. Undersized or Aging HVAC System
Sometimes, the problem isn’t a malfunction but a mismatch. If your HVAC system is too small for your home or has aged beyond its prime, it may no longer be able to keep up with summer demands.
What to look for:
- System runs constantly but struggles to reach the set temperature
- Frequent repairs
- Unit is over 10-15 years old
What to do:
Have your system evaluated by a qualified technician. They can help you determine whether a replacement is more cost-effective than ongoing repairs.
Don’t Just Guess—Get the Right Diagnosis
While it’s helpful to know what might be going wrong, it’s never a good idea to guess or rely on temporary fixes. Some issues—like refrigerant leaks or wiring problems—can become dangerous if left unaddressed. That’s why it’s important to get a proper assessment from a trained technician who understands HVAC systems inside and out.
Related Articles:
- Puyallup HVAC Issues: Don’t Ignore These Common Problems
- Keep Your HVAC Running: Seasonal Maintenance for Puyallup Homes
Call a Trusted HVAC Company in Puyallup for Fast Summer Service
If your AC isn’t cooling the way it should, it’s time to call a professional. The right HVAC company in Puyallup will troubleshoot the issue, offer honest advice, and make the necessary fixes.
Sound Home Services is your trusted partner for expert HVAC in Puyallup. Whether it’s a clogged filter or a more complex cooling issue, our team will get to the root of the problem and help you stay comfortable all summer long.
Schedule your summer service with a trusted HVAC company in Puyallup—Sound Home Services—and get your cooling system back on track just when you need it most.
