When the summer heat arrives, your air conditioner becomes your best friend therefore you need to know these 10 AC Repair Tips to take care of it. Just like any appliance, it can malfunction or become less efficient, and not everyone has the budget for professional repairs at every hiccup. While complex repairs should be left to the professionals, there are several troubleshooting and maintenance tasks you can do yourself to keep your air conditioning unit in top shape.
Here Are the 10 Most Common AC Repair Tips
1. Regularly Replace or Clean Air Filters
One of the easiest and most effective DIY maintenance tasks is replacing or cleaning the air filters. Clogged or dirty filters block normal airflow, significantly reducing a system’s efficiency. Most filters need to be replaced every 1-3 months, though reusable filters can simply be cleaned with a mild detergent and water.
2. Check Your Thermostat
Sometimes the problem is as simple as the settings on your thermostat. Make sure it is set to “cool” and the temperature is set lower than the current room temperature. If you have an older thermostat, consider upgrading to a smart or programmable one for better efficiency.
3. Inspect Circuit Breakers and Fuses
Before you assume the worst, check your circuit breaker. If the air conditioner’s circuit has tripped, resetting it may solve the problem. Blown fuses are also a common issue that can prevent your AC from powering on.
4. Clean the Condenser Coils
The condenser coils, usually located outside, can become clogged with dirt, leaves, and debris, impairing the unit’s ability to expel heat. Gently clean the coils with a garden hose (never a pressure washer, as it can damage the coils), and clear away any debris around the unit.
5. Unclog the Drain Line
The drain line can become clogged with dirt, dust, and lint. This can cause water to back up and damage your system or affect indoor humidity levels. Use a wet/dry vacuum to suction any blockage from the outside drain pipe.
6. Examine the Fins
The aluminum fins on evaporator and condenser coils can be easily bent, which can block airflow through the coil. You can purchase a “fin comb” to comb these fins back into nearly original condition.
7. Ensure Proper Insulation
Check the insulation on the refrigerant lines leading into the house. If it’s missing or damaged, replace it to improve efficiency and prevent condensation issues.
8. Check for Refrigerant Leaks
If your unit is low on refrigerant, it may not cool effectively. While you should not handle refrigerant without proper training and certification, you can check for visible signs of leaks along the refrigerant lines and coils. If you suspect a leak, it’s time to call in a professional, as they will need to fix the leak, test the repair, and charge the system with the correct amount of refrigerant.
9. Listen for Unusual Noises
Strange noises can be indicative of internal issues. A squealing noise may suggest a belt has slipped out of place, or a grinding noise may indicate a problem with the bearings. While some noise-related issues may require a professional, identifying them early can prevent more extensive damage.
10. Give Your AC a Break
If your air conditioner is running continuously without cycling off, it might be due to a too high of a setting, extremely hot days, or a malfunction. To prevent overworking your unit, set the temperature a few degrees higher, use fans to circulate air, and close curtains during the hottest part of the day to help relieve some of the burdens on your AC.
That’s it for 10 AC Repair Tips But Don’t Forget Common Sense
Before you start any work on your air conditioner, always ensure the power to the unit is turned off to prevent any accidents. Also, be aware of your limits; some tasks, like handling refrigerant or electrical repairs, are best left to certified professionals. Regular DIY maintenance can not only save you money but can also extend the life of your air conditioner and improve its performance. However, if you’re ever in doubt, it’s wise to contact a licensed technician to take a look. Your AC is a complex machine, and sometimes a professional touch is what’s needed to keep it running smoothly.
If you feel unsure or unable to execute any of up above-mentioned tips give us a call and we’ll handle it for you.