Can I Fix My Air Conditioner Myself?
November 17, 2022
There are millions of households that run their air conditioning systems year-round. With so much use, it is not surprising that the unit may suddenly stop working after so many days of working hard to keep you and your family cool. However, even when the cool flow of air has stopped, you may be hesitant to call for air conditioner repair in Houston, particularly if there are some fixes you can do on your own.
Let’s see how realistic it is for you to do your own air conditioning repairs. Read on to find out some DIY tips to fix your AC.
Uncovering The Issue with Your AC
These days, modern AC systems are a piece of intricate refrigeration equipment. AC technicians must undergo years of training and learn to use specialized tools before attempting to tackle even the most minor repairs. If your unit requires the motor to be replaced or if you have a refrigerant leak, it is better to call in the professionals. Even getting a correct diagnosis of the problem may only be done by an expert.
However, if you notice that your AC system is not cooling your home as it usually does, there may be some things you can take care of before bringing in the experts. Here are some of them.
Look At Your Thermostat
It may sound silly, but by checking your thermostat, you may discover that it’s not set correctly. Maybe someone moved the settings, and it’s now set to heating. Or maybe the temperature is too high. Whatever may be happening, having a look at the thermostat may fix the problem.
Check Your Filter
One of the most basic steps of keeping an AC unit working efficiently is to change the filter periodically. Filters collect dust all the time until they become completely clogged with it. Get in the habit of changing your filter every three months to avoid dealing with low airflow.
Reset The Circuit Breakers
Whenever your AC’s compressor or fans will not start, look at your electrical panel to see if the circuit breakers have tripped. Reset it and verify if this takes care of the problem. If it keeps tripping, there may be something wrong that will require a professional to come and have a look.
Make Sure All Vents Are Open
Many people believe that it is a good idea to close the vents in rooms that are not being used in the hope that this will save money on their electric bills. The reality is that this action will not only not help save energy but may increase pressure in the AC, forcing it to shut off early or damaging it. Make a full tour of your house and confirm that all vents are open.
Clean The Unit
One of the biggest culprits of an AC unit not working is dirt. In general, debris and dust are not a good combination for electrical appliances. The condenser fan and fan blades may be cleaned if you carefully pull out any visible debris inside or around the equipment. It’s important to stress that this should be done carefully because delicate parts may be damaged. Make sure the power is turned off before attempting any cleaning.
Check The Condenser
The condenser is the equipment that is located outside the home. Even though it’s built to withstand all sorts of weather, even the most extreme, dealing with some heavy storms may have it taking a beating. Check it for obvious signs of damage and clear away any leaves or other vegetation growing around it and restricting airflow.
Check The Evaporator Drain
The role of the evaporator drain is to collect the humidity from the air the AC system takes in. Like any other drain, this one can get clogged, so it’s recommended that you check it from time to time. You may also pour a mixture of equal parts of water and bleach down the drain to eliminate any mold or algae buildup.
Get an Inspection
If you have done all or most of the above and your AC is still not giving you the cool air you are used to, schedule an inspection from your trusted AC professional. Making sure your system is properly maintained and serviced will result in your equipment lasting longer and performing at its peak.