From time to time we panic when our air conditioners break down, especially when summer’s heat is at its peak. Without a second thought we simply call AC repair companies and pay for the services. However, this is not the first thing we should do. Although air conditioners need some professional maintenance, there are some minor problems you can easily fix yourself when there are problems with your AC unit but not completely sure about them.
The following are top 10 things you can check before calling an expert.
Video Source: airtechnology
Check The Air Filter
If the air filter is clogged your air conditioning unit can fail and require costly repairs. You should never run your air conditioner without an air filter in place. Ensure that it is clean and have it replaced if it is dirty. This could solve your problems without having to call in a repairman.
Check The Power Cord, The Circuit Breaker And The Fuse
If your AC unit won’t come on at all, examine whether the power cord is plugged in and check for any damage such as tears or cuts and replace it. Check whether a fuse has blown, the circuit breaker has been tripped. If the problem continues, you will now call a repairman to determine reason.
Check The Thermostat
Thermostats are among the most reliable parts in an AC that can be incredibly annoying when they run into problems. You can first check the settings of a thermostat, change its batteries when the screen is blank or flickering and check if it is set too cool or if the fan is set into auto position. The settings should be at least 5 degrees lower than the normal setting in summer season.
It therefore depends on your season. For instance the desired temperatures should be lower than the room temperature during the heating season and higher during the cooling season. If you move the fan switch on and check if it is running, it may indicate a fault in the thermostat.
Check The Safety Switch
Sometimes the safety switch could be unexpectedly switched off by a family member. It is either attached on the indoor unit or on a nearby wall, depending on the location of the unit. Check and turn it on.
Check The Outside
The outdoor section must be free of any blockage. It is very common for debris to build up around the condensing unit when it sits outside. You can also check the condenser coils; clean them off because the condensing section needs free flowing air in order to function properly.
Check The Compressor
You can check the compressor when your AC unit stops working because faulty compressors can cause the whole system to fail. If it makes irregular noises and the appearance of wear and tear around it indicates serious problems. Then this is the time to call an expert. Compressors can fail due to improper installation, improper practices, poor airflow and lack of routine maintenance. Replacing a compressor is the most costly repair for an AC unit.
Check the level of refrigerant
Too low refrigerant deteriorates the performance of an air conditioner unit. If you are familiar with checking refrigerant level, you can do it yourself. But you can consider calling an expert for help because checking this needs experience.
Check The Controller
The controllers are handled most often and checking them for any damage may help a great deal in understanding the AC unit problems. If they still continue, you can call an air conditioning repair in Tampa that offers complete AC services, maintenance and repairs.
Examine Your Ducts
While the AC unit is running you can examine your ducts by feeling along them for the air movement. A breeze indicates a leakage in the ductwork. You can use a duct tape to wrap around it covering several inches in both sides of the leakage.
The Owner’s Manual
With some basic home improvement skills and the owner’s manual. You can manage to troubleshoot your air conditioning unit by following some simple rules. Use the owner’s manual to check whether your AC has a reset switch since some AC brands have switches on that must be reset before the system will turn on again.
You can identify and fix some minor AC problems yourself; save time and money you can spend in calling a repairman. Some problems can be fixed by just cleaning, setting adjustment or proper maintenance. You can contact certified professionals for major problems main unit installation, ducts and more.
Piter Sons got into electronic engineering right after high school helping out in his father’s business. He has since become an expert on his own and specializes in Heating System for Home.