Is Your Thermostat Lying? The Real Reason Your Richmond Home Won’t Cool Down
Our Trusted Partners
EXCELLENT Based on 1287 reviews Maddox JTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our tech, Simon is an absolute professional. Prompt, thorough and extremely knowledgeable. High performance work in a short amount of time, all while educating us on some basic HVAC know how to prevent long term issues. He is an asset to Automatic Climate, HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Owner's reply
Thank you for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear Simon provided such excellent service and valuable HVAC knowledge. We'll be sure to share your feedback with him—it's great to know he's making a difference! Christopher HoctorTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thank you to Antonio Diaz for always being prompt, professional and diligent. He makes sure you understand what’s happening and why with your system. A+ for service!
Owner's reply
Thank you for recognizing Antonio's dedication and professionalism! We're thrilled to hear about your positive experience. Your feedback motivates us to keep delivering top-notch service. Done MackeyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Antonio is a great technician.
Owner's reply
Thank you for recognizing Antonio's effort! We’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to him. Bucky327Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tech was very knowledgeable and professional. Recommended proper maintenance and repairs what was needed to keep our system running smoothly. Highly recommended.
Owner's reply
Thank you for your kind words! We're glad to hear our tech provided knowledgeable and professional service. Regular maintenance is indeed key to keeping systems in top shape. We appreciate your recommendation! Tyerun MarburyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ashante wa great! The experience with her visit was great. She called ahead of time to inform of her arrival time and proceeded to ask if I needed her to pick up a drink or water while she was en route to my house. During her inspection she was very informative and presented the options very clearly and wasnt forceful when presenting the options. Ashante was very pleasant the entire time. I would want her for all of my service visits! AC should are fortunate to have her with their company! Tye
Owner's reply
Thank you for sharing this wonderful feedback about Ashante! We're thrilled she provided such a positive and accommodating experience. We'll make sure to share your kind words with her. Aspa CTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I contacted at least 7 different companies and Automatic Climate was the ONLY one who called me back to set up a time. They were friendly at the office and Tevin did a great job in the field. He explained the process, fees, and showed me videos of the before/after when the work was completed. Since this original posting I have had a few other techs out for various issues (including most recently Najee). All have been pleasant and informative!
Owner's reply
Thank you for sharing your experience! We're thrilled to hear about your positive interactions with our team and the great work they've done. Your feedback motivates us to keep delivering excellent service.Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
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$39 A/C
Tune-Up!
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*Expires 12/30/25. Offer can’t be combined with other offers or promotions. Offer valid for existing and new clients.

$50 OFF Air
Duct Cleaning
Save $50 on your next air duct cleaning service for a limited time!*
*Expires 12/30/25. Offer can’t be combined with other offers or promotions. Offer valid for existing and new clients.

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Take advantage of this $49 water heater flush and make sure your water is heating properly!*
*Expires 12/30/25. Offer can’t be combined with other offers or promotions. Offer valid for existing and new clients.
Common AC Cooling Roadblocks: Quick Visual Guide
Blocked Airflow
Thermostat Issues
Refrigerant Levels
Dirty Coils
Incorrect Unit Size
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Is Your Thermostat Really the Culprit? Diving Deeper into Thermostat Troubleshooting
The Placement Predicament: Location, Location, Location!
- Direct Sunlight: A thermostat basking in the sun will think the room is much hotter than it actually is, causing your AC to run excessively and potentially short-cycle, or shut off prematurely if it reaches a high limit. Proper AC troubleshooting always checks for sun exposure.
- Near Heat Sources: Placing it near lamps, televisions, kitchen appliances, or even directly above a heat-generating electronic device can skew readings upwards.
- Drafty Areas: Locations near doors, windows, or supply vents can make the thermostat think the room is cooler than it is, preventing the AC from running when needed. Effective AC troubleshooting involves checking for drafts.
- Blocked Airflow: Furniture or curtains obstructing airflow around the thermostat can create a microclimate, leading to inaccurate readings.
Calibration Chaos: Is Your Thermostat Telling the Truth?
Ghost Readings & Sensor Faults: Internal Gremlins
Battery Blues & Power Problems: The Simple Stuff
Proactive Cooling Care: Essential Maintenance Checklist
Change Air Filters Regularly
Check & Clean Coils
Clear Condensate Drain Line
Inspect Ductwork
Schedule Professional Tune-Ups
When the Problem Runs Deeper: Exploring AC System Faults
The Airflow Obstacle Course: Filters, Vents, and Ducts
- Dirty Air Filters: A clogged filter acts like a chokehold on your system, forcing it to work harder, reducing cooling capacity, potentially causing coils to freeze, and increasing energy bills. Replacing the filter is the simplest, yet most impactful, piece of air conditioner maintenance and basic AC troubleshooting.
- Blocked Vents and Registers: Ensure furniture, rugs, or curtains aren’t blocking the supply or return air vents. Your system needs clear pathways to circulate air effectively. Checking vents is easy AC troubleshooting.
- Leaky or Collapsed Ductwork: Holes, gaps, or disconnected sections in your ducts mean cooled air escapes into attics, crawlspaces, or walls instead of reaching your living areas. This is a major efficiency killer and requires professional duct inspection, often part of advanced AC troubleshooting. Automatic Climate offers duct sealing and repair services.
Refrigerant Riddles: The Lifeblood of Cooling
- Air blowing cool, but not cold.
- Ice formation on refrigerant lines or coils.
- Hissing or bubbling noises near AC components.
- Increased energy consumption as the system struggles.
Condenser Coils Caked in Grime: The Outdoor Unit’s Burden
Evaporator Coils Freezing Over? A Symptom, Not the Disease
Stop Sweating, Start Cooling!
Case Study: The Mystery of the Warm West End Home
Our AC troubleshooting Process: An Automatic Climate technician performed a comprehensive system evaluation.
- Thermostat check: Confirmed proper thermostat placement and basic function.
- Filter inspection: Found a severely clogged air filter, significantly restricting airflow.
- System diagnostics: Pressure readings indicated the refrigerant level was slightly low.
- Leak detection: A small leak was identified at a service valve connection.
The Solution:
- Replaced the dirty air filter immediately.
- Repaired the refrigerant leak at the valve.
- Recharged the system to the manufacturer’s specified refrigerant level.
- Performed a final check of airflow and temperature differentials.
Optimizing Your Richmond Home for Cool Comfort: Beyond Basic Repairs
Is Your AC Unit the Right Size? The Goldilocks Principle
The Undeniable Importance of Regular Air Conditioner Maintenance
- Cleaning condenser and evaporator coils thoroughly.
- Checking refrigerant levels and pressures (identifying potential leaks early).
- Inspecting electrical connections and tightening them.
- Lubricating moving parts like motors.
- Checking thermostat calibration and function.
- Inspecting the condensate drain to prevent clogs and water damage.
- Testing system controls and safety switches.
Sealing the Envelope: How Air Leaks and Insulation Impact Cooling
- **Air Leaks:** Check for drafts around windows, doors, electrical outlets, plumbing penetrations, and attic access points. Use caulk and weatherstripping to seal gaps.
- **Insulation:** Ensure adequate insulation levels, particularly in the attic, which bears the brunt of summer heat gain. Proper insulation significantly reduces the cooling load on your AC.
Considering an Upgrade? When AC Troubleshooting Isn’t Enough
Frequently Asked Questions About Richmond AC Troubles & AC Troubleshooting
1. Why is my AC running but not cooling my Richmond home?
2. How often should I change my air filter in Richmond?
3. How can I tell if my thermostat is inaccurate?
4. What are signs of low refrigerant in my AC?
5. My outdoor unit isn’t running, what should I check?
6. Why is regular AC maintenance so important?
7. What does an AC tune-up involve?
8. How do leaky air ducts affect cooling?
9. When should I consider replacing my air conditioner?
10. Are smart thermostats worth the investment?
11. Can I perform AC troubleshooting myself?
12. Why is my AC freezing up?
13. What’s that noise my AC is making?
14. How does Richmond humidity affect my AC?
15. Does Automatic Climate offer emergency AC service?
16. What areas does Automatic Climate serve around Richmond?
17. Can dirty ducts make my house feel warmer?
18. Is my thermostat compatible with my HVAC system?
19. What is SEER rating and why does it matter?
20. Why should I choose Automatic Climate for AC troubleshooting in Richmond?
Further Reading & Resources
- CNET: What to do when your thermostat is wrong – Discusses common reasons for inaccurate readings.
- Energy.gov: Common Air Conditioner Problems – Official advice on identifying and addressing AC issues.
- HowStuffWorks: 5 Reasons Why Your Air Conditioner Stopped Working – Explains common failure points.
- The Spruce: How to Test and Calibrate a Thermostat – DIY guide for checking thermostat accuracy.
- SaveOnEnergy: Best Placement for Your Thermostat – Details the importance of location.
- Trane: Busting Common Thermostat HVAC Myths – Dispels common misconceptions about thermostats and HVAC operation.
Our Trusted Partners
EXCELLENT Based on 1287 reviews Maddox JTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our tech, Simon is an absolute professional. Prompt, thorough and extremely knowledgeable. High performance work in a short amount of time, all while educating us on some basic HVAC know how to prevent long term issues. He is an asset to Automatic Climate, HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Owner's reply
Thank you for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear Simon provided such excellent service and valuable HVAC knowledge. We'll be sure to share your feedback with him—it's great to know he's making a difference! Christopher HoctorTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thank you to Antonio Diaz for always being prompt, professional and diligent. He makes sure you understand what’s happening and why with your system. A+ for service!
Owner's reply
Thank you for recognizing Antonio's dedication and professionalism! We're thrilled to hear about your positive experience. Your feedback motivates us to keep delivering top-notch service. Done MackeyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Antonio is a great technician.
Owner's reply
Thank you for recognizing Antonio's effort! We’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to him. Bucky327Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tech was very knowledgeable and professional. Recommended proper maintenance and repairs what was needed to keep our system running smoothly. Highly recommended.
Owner's reply
Thank you for your kind words! We're glad to hear our tech provided knowledgeable and professional service. Regular maintenance is indeed key to keeping systems in top shape. We appreciate your recommendation! Tyerun MarburyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ashante wa great! The experience with her visit was great. She called ahead of time to inform of her arrival time and proceeded to ask if I needed her to pick up a drink or water while she was en route to my house. During her inspection she was very informative and presented the options very clearly and wasnt forceful when presenting the options. Ashante was very pleasant the entire time. I would want her for all of my service visits! AC should are fortunate to have her with their company! Tye
Owner's reply
Thank you for sharing this wonderful feedback about Ashante! We're thrilled she provided such a positive and accommodating experience. We'll make sure to share your kind words with her. Aspa CTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I contacted at least 7 different companies and Automatic Climate was the ONLY one who called me back to set up a time. They were friendly at the office and Tevin did a great job in the field. He explained the process, fees, and showed me videos of the before/after when the work was completed. Since this original posting I have had a few other techs out for various issues (including most recently Najee). All have been pleasant and informative!
Owner's reply
Thank you for sharing your experience! We're thrilled to hear about your positive interactions with our team and the great work they've done. Your feedback motivates us to keep delivering excellent service.Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
Exclusive Promotions and Coupons

$39 A/C
Tune-Up!
Take advantage of this limited time offer. Keep your home cool this summer with Automatic Climate!*
*Expires 12/30/25. Offer can’t be combined with other offers or promotions. Offer valid for existing and new clients.

$50 OFF Air
Duct Cleaning
Save $50 on your next air duct cleaning service for a limited time!*
*Expires 12/30/25. Offer can’t be combined with other offers or promotions. Offer valid for existing and new clients.

$49 Water
Heater Flush
Take advantage of this $49 water heater flush and make sure your water is heating properly!*
*Expires 12/30/25. Offer can’t be combined with other offers or promotions. Offer valid for existing and new clients.