During the summer months in Winter Haven, a reliable AC system isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. When your home doesn’t stay at the set temperature despite the air conditioner running, it can signal a deeper issue within the system. Warm spots in rooms, a constant rise in indoor temperature, or a unit that just won’t cool as expected can lead to discomfort and frustration.
If your AC system isn’t maintaining the temperature you set, there are a few places to check before calling in help. Some problems are mechanical, while others could be as simple as an incorrect setting on your thermostat or a blocked air filter. Here's a breakdown of what you can look into right away to help restore consistent cooling performance in your home.
Check the Thermostat Settings
Thermostats are often overlooked, but they’re the control center of your cooling system. If your AC isn’t holding the set temperature, this small device might be creating big issues.
Start by confirming the system is set to Cool mode and not Fan or Off. It's surprisingly common for settings to get switched by mistake, especially if your thermostat has touchscreen controls or is accessed by multiple people at home. Double-check the set temperature as well and make sure it’s lower than the current indoor temperature. If your thermostat runs on batteries, swap them out if it's been a while. Low battery power can affect performance.
Some thermostats include daily and weekly schedules. Make sure those settings align with your routine. If schedules are in place, the unit could be raising or lowering the temperature at times you don’t expect. It’s also worth checking if the thermostat is near a heat source or direct sunlight, which can cause it to misread the actual temperature. That false reading might trick your system into shutting off earlier than it should.
If your thermostat is older or doesn’t seem to reflect changes when you adjust it, it may need to be recalibrated or replaced. A faulty or outdated unit can stall temperature regulation, no matter how well the rest of your AC system is functioning.
Inspect and Replace Air Filters
Air filters play a big part in moving clean, cool air through your home. When they get clogged, airflow is restricted, which can prevent rooms from reaching or holding the right temperature. Proper airflow equals proper cooling, so this is not something to skip over.
Here’s what to do:
1. Turn off the AC and remove the filter.
2. Hold the filter up to the light. If very little or no light passes through, it’s likely clogged.
3. If your filter looks gray or dusty, replace it with a clean one of the same size and rating.
4. If you use reusable filters, rinse them outside and let them dry fully before reinstalling.
Depending on your home’s activity level and if you have pets, filters might need to be changed monthly during summer. A homeowner in Winter Haven with two cats noticed their AC couldn’t keep up with the August heat and found the air filter thick with fur and debris. Simply swapping in a fresh one restored the cooling in less than an hour.
Clean filters help the unit breathe and do its job efficiently. Neglecting it can make your AC work harder than it should, which lowers system performance and increases wear over time.
Examine the Outdoor Unit
Your outdoor unit is exposed to weather, leafy debris, lawn clippings, and even nesting pests. When the condenser coil or the area around the unit is blocked or dirty, the system can’t properly release heat, which puts a major strain on temperature performance inside your home.
To inspect the outdoor unit safely:
1. Shut off the power to the AC unit.
2. Look for leaves, twigs, or visible dirt clogging the fins and grill.
3. Clear any plants, objects, or debris within two feet around the unit to allow airflow.
4. Gently rinse the fins using a garden hose from the outside in, without using high pressure.
Avoid bending the fins or removing any parts unless you're experienced. If you notice ice buildup, strange sounds, or oily spots, these could hint at larger issues like refrigerant leaks or damaged components. Those problems are best addressed by our technicians, but keeping the unit clean is a helpful step you can take in the meantime.
Check for Refrigerant Leaks
If your AC is running but your home is still uncomfortably warm, refrigerant issues might be to blame. Low refrigerant levels can make it nearly impossible for the system to cool properly, as refrigerant is what absorbs the heat from inside your home and releases it outside. Without enough of it, your AC might seem like it’s working, but it won’t lower the temperature as it should.
There are a few warning signs to watch for:
- Warm air blowing from the vents instead of cool air
- Ice forming on the refrigerant lines or evaporator coil
- Hissing or bubbling noises coming from the unit
- A sudden spike in energy usage without any change in your thermostat settings
Leaks can develop over time due to corrosion or worn components. Once this happens, the system gradually loses refrigerant and cooling performance takes a hit. It's tempting to think it's just a dirty filter or a thermostat glitch, especially when the symptoms start small, but over time the issue will get harder to ignore.
Refrigerant handling requires certification. It’s not something to try fixing without proper training and tools. Our professionals are trained to safely diagnose and repair leaks, then recharge the system to restore full performance. Continuing to run the system on low refrigerant can damage the compressor, leading to bigger and more expensive problems later.
Ensure Proper Airflow in the Home
Blocked or restricted airflow can cause uneven cooling across the home or strain the entire system. If rooms feel warmer than others or if it takes far too long for your home to reach the set temperature, airflow issues could be the cause. Over time, dirty vents, blocked ducts, or closed registers can throw off the balance of your system and reduce its ability to cool.
Start by checking vents in each room. They should be fully open and free of any obstructions like furniture, rugs, or curtains. Next, inspect the vent covers. Dust buildup can stick to the grilles and reduce air movement. Vacuum or wipe them regularly to keep air flowing smoothly.
Here’s a quick airflow checklist:
- Make sure return and supply vents are clear in every room
- Avoid closing vents in unused rooms, as this can stress the system
- Look for any buzzing, whistling, or weak airflow sounds that might signal duct problems
- Prevent storage or large items from blocking central air returns
If airflow still seems weak after checking the vents, the problem might lie deeper in the ductwork or inside the air handling unit. Leaky or collapsed ducts can cause cooled air to escape before it reaches the rooms that need it. Our technicians can run airflow diagnostics and recommend the best fix, whether that’s duct sealing or more thorough system cleaning.
Keeping Your Home Cool and Comfortable
If your AC isn’t keeping up with the heat in Winter Haven, try checking these key areas: thermostat settings, air filters, outdoor unit condition, refrigerant levels, and overall airflow. Issues in any one of these spots can throw the system off and cause it to work harder than it should. Over time, that added strain doesn’t just hurt comfort. It can raise your energy bills and shorten the lifespan of your unit.
Regular service visits, consistent filter changes, and keeping vents and coils clean are all part of keeping your system on track. While some maintenance can easily be handled at home, other problems like refrigerant leaks or internal airflow restrictions are best left to our professionals. Ignoring early signs can often lead to bigger, more expensive problems down the line.
If your AC system still isn’t maintaining temperature after these steps, or you notice signs of leaks, noise, or poor airflow, it’s time to reach out for AC service in Winter Haven. A trained eye can often catch what’s hidden below the surface and get your system back to running smoothly before the hottest weeks of the season make it worse.
If your system continues to struggle despite your troubleshooting efforts, consider scheduling professional help from Integrity Refrigeration & A/C to prevent further issues. Our experienced technicians can assess your home’s cooling system and restore consistent performance with reliable AC service in Winter Haven. For a quick estimate or to book a service visit, please contact us today.
