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Air Care Heating & Cooling Services, Inc | Shreveport, LA Bossier City, LA

Call (318) 525-7923

Heating • Cooling • Air Quality • Refrigeration

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Why is my AC Not Cooling My Home?

Feb 25, 2025 | AC Repair, AC Replacement, Air Conditioner Repair, HVAC Maintenance

Why is my AC Not Cooling My Home?

Why Is My AC Not Cooling My Home?

If your Split AC System, Heat Pump System or Package AC Unit isn’t cooling properly, several issues could be blocking cool airflow & keeping your AC from running at peak performance.

Read our brief guide that is designed to help homeowners solve their home AC issues.

1. Dirty or Clogged Air Filter

Your AC filter traps dust and debris, but if it gets clogged, it restricts airflow. Changing your AC regularly can help to prevent wear & tear, block airborne allergens & increase efficiency.

Signs that your air filter is dirty:

  • Weak airflow
  • Uneven cooling
  • Warm air from vents
  • Visible dirt & debris on filter
  • Filter has not been replaced in the past 1-3 months

Solution: Check and replace the filter every 1-3 months, especially during summer.

Learn More about our Air Conditioner Repair & AC Maintenance Services:

AC Repair
AC Installation & Replacement
AC Maintenance
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2. Incorrect Thermostat Settings or Malfunction

A faulty thermostat can lead to cooling issues.

Signs:

  • AC doesn’t turn on
  • Cycles on and off frequently
  • Blows warm air when set to cool
  • Blows cool air when set to warm
  • Incorrect or faulty display

Solution:

  • Ensure it’s set to “Cool” mode and a lower temperature.
  • Replace the batteries if needed.
  • If issues persist, consider a thermostat replacement.

3. Low Refrigerant (Freon) Levels or a Leak

Your AC needs refrigerant to absorb heat. A leak reduces cooling efficiency.

Signs:

  • Weak cooling
  • Ice on the evaporator coil
  • Hissing sounds from the indoor/outdoor unit

Solution: Contact Air Care for help from expert technicians who will locate and repair the leak.

4. Dirty or Blocked Outdoor Condenser Unit

The outdoor unit releases heat, but dirt and debris can block it.

Signs:

  • AC struggles to cool
  • Runs longer than usual
  • Overheats

Solution:

  • Contact Air Care to schedule HVAC Maintenance, including AC Coil Cleaning, Duct Cleaning & AC/Heating Maintenance Services.
  • DIY: Turn off the AC and gently clean the condenser coils.
  • Maintain 2-3 feet of clearance around the outdoor unit.
Air Conditioner Maintenance Shreveport

Air Conditioner Financing

Need to upgrade your HVAC, but you're in need of funding? Air Care can provide financing with approved credit through Wells Fargo Home Projects Financing.

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5. Frozen Evaporator Coil

The indoor evaporator coil absorbs heat, but if airflow is restricted, it can freeze.

Signs:

  • Weak airflow
  • Water dripping from the unit
  • Ice on the indoor coil

Solution:

  • Turn off the AC and let the ice thaw.
  • Check for airflow restrictions like a dirty filter.
  • If freezing happens often, call a technician.

6. Ductwork Leaks (For Ducted Split Systems)

Leaking ducts let cool air escape before reaching rooms.

Signs:

  • Some rooms stay hot
  • Higher energy bills

Solution: Schedule a professional duct inspection to seal leaks.

7. AC Unit Is Too Small or Aging

An undersized or old AC won’t cool efficiently.

Signs:

  • AC runs continuously
  • Never reaches set temperature
  • Higher energy bills

Solution: Upgrade to a properly sized, energy-efficient unit.

Need Professional AC Repair?

If you’ve checked these issues and your split AC still isn’t cooling, **Air Care Heating & Cooling** can help!

Air Care Heating & Cooling Services, Inc | Shreveport, LA Bossier City, LA

Schedule Today! 318-525-7923

At Air Care Shreveport, we'd love to earn your business & trust. We offer expert HVAC service, AC repair & HVAC Sales. Our goal is to ensure that you have a comfortable home, year round. Contact Us for all your HVAC needs.

HVAC Tips: The Perfect HVAC Maintenance Checklist for Homeowners!

Sep 26, 2023 | Air Conditioner Repair, HVAC Maintenance

HVAC Tips: The Perfect HVAC Maintenance Checklist for Homeowners!

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At Air Care in Shreveport, we’re here to genuinely assist you with your HVAC concerns. Whether it’s an urgent issue demanding immediate attention or a battle with your thermostat settings, we’ve got your back throughout your HVAC journey.

We’ve organized HVAC tips for you to make to find precise solutions for your air conditioning or heating inquiries. The initial part of our HVAC maintenance checklist caters to your level of familiarity (beginner, homeowner, renter). The subsequent section provides seasonal HVAC recommendations to help you determine the ideal moments for preventive maintenance.

HVAC Maintenance Tips for Beginners

Let’s begin with the basics for HVAC beginners:

1. What does HVAC stand for?

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.

2. What are the components that make up an HVAC system?

A complete central air and heat system comprise nine essential components: the furnace, heat exchanger, evaporator coil, condensing unit, refrigerant tubes, thermostat, ductwork, vents, and heat pump. We’ll delve into these parts in detail shortly.

3. What is a Furnace?

Your furnace, whether powered by electricity or natural gas, is your heating unit, typically located in your basement, garage, or utility closet. Its primary function is to warm up air and distribute it through your ducts to heat your home. (Fun fact: Furnaces are sometimes confused with boilers, but they are distinct appliances.)

4. What is a Heat Exchanger?

Though located inside your furnace, the heat exchanger is responsible for converting cold air into hot air, a vital step in the heating process.

5. What is an Evaporator Coil

Another component within your indoor unit, the evaporator coil absorbs heat from the passing air, enabling the circulation of cool air through your vents into your home. Evaporator Coil Cleaning Shreveport

6. What is a Condensing Unit?

Unlike the evaporator coil, you’ll find the condensing unit outdoors, often on the side of your house. While the evaporator coil absorbs heat, the condensing unit expels it, functioning as the exhaust for your home’s cooling process.

7. What’s a Line Set?

A Line Set is refrigerant tubes, typically made of metal, connect your evaporator coil to the condensing coil. They serve to contain refrigerant and link the indoor and outdoor units.

8. What is a Thermostat?

Your thermostat, mounted somewhere inside your house, enables you to control your home’s temperature. Smart Wi-Fi-connected thermostats offer convenient remote programming from your phone.

9. What is Ductwork?

Ductwork in Shreveport homes, often found overhead, facilitates the distribution of conditioned air from your furnace or AC unit throughout your house.

10. What are Vents?

Air vents permit the heated or cooled air to enter your living spaces from the ductwork.

11. What is a Heat Pump?

A heat pump functions for both heating and cooling purposes. In summer, it expels hot air from your home, while in winter, it operates in reverse, pumping warm air in.

 

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HVAC Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

This section is primarily aimed at new homeowners seeking HVAC guidance, but it applies to all homeowners in Shreveport.

12. You Should Know What Type of HVAC System You Have.

For new homeowners, understanding your HVAC system is crucial. It might be a central air conditioning system, a ductless mini-split system, or even a window-attached wall unit. You should also be aware of whether your furnace runs on electricity, natural gas, or if your home uses a heat pump or boiler system.

13. Change Your Air Filters Regularly.

After moving into your new home, it’s advisable to replace the air filter. Even if the air conditioner wasn’t running often before your purchase, a fresh, clean air filter is a good starting point.

14. Make Sure Your Condenser Unit is Clear of Debris.

Located in your side yard, the condenser unit is easily overlooked. Over time, shrubs and debris can accumulate around it, hindering airflow and causing it to work harder to cool your home.

15. Don’t Close Your Vents.

Avoid the common mistake of closing vents in unused rooms to save energy. Doing so can reduce your HVAC system’s efficiency. Open vents allow for even temperature distribution throughout your home, maintaining efficiency while preventing allergies and blockages.

16. Have your Ductwork Cleaned & Inspected.

Most home inspectors don’t assess ductwork. As a new homeowner, if your home seems dusty or if your HVAC system is making unusual noises, it’s a good idea to inspect your ducts. While they might just need cleaning, in case of air leaks, contact an HVAC technician for repair or replacement.

17. Start Building a Relationship With Licensed Contractors.

As a new homeowner, you’re responsible for home appliance issues. Establishing a rapport with contractors is vital, particularly with your HVAC contractor. HVAC systems play a crucial role in your home’s comfort, and having a reliable contractor can save you money over time. They’ll be familiar with your home, HVAC system, and your expectations for service and pricing.

Learn About Right-Sizing HVAC Systems.

In order to to maximize the comfort level, efficiency & indoor air quality, it is essential to have the right-sized HVAC system for your home. When making a decision regarding AC tonnage, bigger is not always better, for example. Having an AC System that is too large can likely result in short cycling. A Short Cycling HVAC System quickly satisfies the thermostat, but too quickly to remove humidity. Increased humidity leads to mold & the air in your home feeling “cold & clammy”.

HVAC Maintenance Tips for Renters

Even as a renter, knowing some HVAC basics is valuable. While HVAC maintenance should be your landlord’s responsibility, unforeseen delays can be frustrating. Don’t wait while your Shreveport rental home becomes unbearably hot.

18. Clean Your HVAC Unit.

Prioritize proper maintenance, even if it’s not your HVAC unit. Clean it upon moving into your rental, ensuring the air filter is clean, and that all moving parts are well-lubricated and functioning smoothly.

19. Renters Should Take Photos of Their HVAC System.

Upon moving in, capture images of your furnace, condenser, vents, and accessible ducts. These photos serve as evidence in case of future HVAC issues.

20. Close Your Gas Valve.

If your furnace runs on natural gas, close the gas valve in the summer when heating isn’t needed. This precautionary measure can prevent potential gas leaks, especially if you’re unsure about the maintenance history of the rental property.

HVAC Maintenance Tips for Summer in Shreveport

Summer in Shreveport can be scorching, and optimizing your HVAC system is crucial. While there’s no one-size-fits-all AC temperature setting, here are some HVAC tips for making the most of your system’s efficiency during the sweltering season.

21. Clean Your Vents.

Shreveport experiences mild winters, which may lead to little AC use. Dust can accumulate in your vents during this period. Before relying on your AC heavily, inspect your vents and vacuum off any accumulated dust.

22. Invest in a Smart Thermostat.

Shreveport’s summers can be sweltering, and Southern California’s electricity costs are known to be high. A smart thermostat can provide peace of mind and save on cooling costs by maximizing your HVAC unit’s efficiency. These Wi-Fi-connected thermostats offer precise control over your home’s climate.

23. Schedule a Tuneup.

Before the summer heat kicks in, have an HVAC technician perform a thorough checkup on your AC unit. This preventive measure can prevent unpleasant surprises on the hottest days of the year.

HVAC Maintenance - Dirty Air Ducts
HVAC Maintenance - Smart Thermostats

HVAC Maintenance Tips for Spring in Shreveport

If you’re into spring cleaning, add HVAC maintenance to your list in Shreveport.

24. Check Your AC’s Drainage Hole.

Most air conditioners have a drainage hole to remove condensed fluid. Ensure this hole is clear to prevent water buildup and potential damage to your AC unit.

25. Don’t Forget About Your Dehumidifier.

In humid climates like Shreveport’s, a dehumidifier is essential. In spring, perform preventive maintenance by allowing your dehumidifier to dry out completely. Vacuum it to ensure it’s dry and free of debris for optimal performance.

26. Keep Your Windows and Doors Closed.

While spring in Shreveport is beautiful, it’s also allergy season. Opening doors and windows can invite allergens into your home. If you must keep them open, consider investing in a high-quality air purifier.

HVAC Maintenance Tips for Winter in Shreveport

Efficient heating is crucial during Shreveport’s chilly winters.

27. Add Some Insulation to Your Home.

In Shreveport, where winter temperatures can drop, effective insulation is key. Ensure your home is properly insulated to retain the heat generated by your furnace, ensuring efficient heating.

28. Cover Your Outdoor AC Unit.

During winter, you’re unlikely to use your AC unit. Protect it by covering it to prevent potential damage from winter elements.

29. Schedule Furnace Maintenance.

Before keeping your furnace running throughout the winter, arrange for a checkup with your local HVAC technician. Ensuring your furnace is in top condition is essential for a comfortable winter.

HVAC Maintenance - Gas Furnaces
Air Care Heating & Cooling Services, Inc | Shreveport, LA Bossier City, LA

Schedule Today! 318-525-7923

At Air Care Shreveport, we'd love to earn your business & trust. We offer expert HVAC service, AC repair & HVAC Sales. Our goal is to ensure that you have a comfortable home, year round. Contact Us for all your HVAC needs.

Easy Ways to Self-Maintain your Home HVAC System

Jun 10, 2022 | Air Conditioner Repair, HVAC Maintenance

Easy Ways to Self-Maintain your Home HVAC System

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It’s no secret that maintaining mechanical systems is essential, and HVAC Maintenance is no exception. When you take care of complex mechanical HVAC Systems, such as your furnace and air conditioner, these machines will in turn “take care of you” by keeping you comfortable, healthy and stress-free throughout the hottest and coldest seasons of the year. We offer professional HVAC Maintenance Plans, with options for once or twice a year service, but we also recognize that self-maintenance throughout the year can go a long way toward keeping your HVAC system working as it should.

Here are a few easy things you can do to self-maintain your HVAC system and improve its efficiency between professional tune-up services!

Clean Outdoor Compressors

Every central air conditioning system and most ductless split systems these days have two primary components: an indoor unit that distributes the cold air into your home and an outdoor unit that removes the heat extracted from within your home as a part of the cooling process. This outdoor unit is known as your “compressor” and it can become pretty dirty after a while. A dirty compressor is a less-efficient compressor, as it can’t shed the heat nearly as easily. During particularly hot weather, this effect is magnified.

We recommend cleaning the area around your outdoor unit regularly. This means sweeping away any leaves, dirt, or other debris that may have built up around it. Create a radius of at least six feet around your outdoor unit and cut the grass down around it (if necessary) to encourage maximum airflow. Finally, use a hose to spray your outdoor unit to remove dust and debris that may have become lodged in the cooling fins.

Trim Away Foliage

Foliage that surrounds your outdoor unit can be a huge problem for an HVAC system. We recommend cutting and trimming away any bushes, plants, hedges or other plant life that is growing within a six-foot radius of your HVAC system. Trimming will ensure that not only does your system have the airflow that it needs, but also that any debris that your plants accidentally drop, like leaves or sticks, doesn’t get sucked into the air current being pulled into your HVAC system, where it can become lodged in cooling fins or within the system itself. This is something you typically will only need to do once a year or once every other year, but make sure that you get it done—your system will thank you for it.

Change Air Filters

When it comes to indoor maintenance, there may be no more important step than changing your air filter. Your air filter may be a small and inexpensive part compared to the rest of your HVAC system, but the overwhelming majority of air conditioning and heating problems can be connected to a dirty air filter, both directly and indirectly. That’s why we strongly recommend checking your air filter at least once a month and then replacing it as necessary -(which should probably be roughly every three to four months for most houses. This can help you avoid a breakdown including worn-out blower fans, frozen air conditioners, damaged heating elements and so much more. Likewise, it can help to keep your heating and cooling system more reliable and energy efficient!

Air Care Heating & Cooling Services, Inc | Shreveport, LA Bossier City, LA

Schedule Today! 318-525-7923

At Air Care Shreveport, we'd love to earn your business & trust. We offer expert HVAC service, AC repair & HVAC Sales. Our goal is to ensure that you have a comfortable home, year round. Contact Us for all your HVAC needs.

HVAC Maintenance - Filter Change