There Are Some AC Repairs You Can Do Yourself
You do not have to call an air conditioner repairman for everything that goes wrong with your air conditioner. Some of the repairs are easy and you can do them yourself if you are careful. You will have to watch what you are doing and be careful, but they can be done.
You will have to do a little research and maybe watch some air conditioner repair videos, but you can do these by yourself. If you are at all handy, AC repair can be simple for you. The repairs listed in this article are ones that you can do alone. If there are bigger repairs, you may need to call a professional.
- Check Your Breaker
This is the first thing you need to do when your air conditioner, such as a PTAC Unit, stops working. This is a common problem and is a simple fix. Go to your breaker box to check if any breakers are flipped. If there is one, just flip it back to the on position, and this should fix your issue. If your AC continues to flip your breaker, there is probably a bigger issue, and you might need to call in a professional.
- Examine Your Thermostat
Sometimes you just need to check your thermostat. There have been many times when the thermostat is just set on the wrong setting. If that is the case, it is an easy fix, just slide the controls to the correct setting and you are all set. If that does not fix it, you may need to replace the thermostat, which is another easy fix. You can buy a new thermostat and it has installation directions in the box.
- Change the Filter
If you are not getting the air supply you need, you can check your air filter. Sometimes these filters can be cleaned thoroughly, and you do not need to buy a new one. Other times, they are in bad repair and need to be replaced. A clean filter will improve your airflow and save you money in the long run. You can check here to see which air filter your unit may need: https://www.consumerreports.org/furnace-filters-air-conditioner-filters-air-filters/best-air-filters-for-furnace-and-central-ac-a7407356325/. This site can help you to find the right filter for your unit.
- Melt Any Ice
Sometimes your air conditioner condenser will freeze over, and you will have ice. You can melt the ice in a few different ways, and any of the methods will work. You can turn your unit off and let any ice melt that way. You can use a hair dryer or something similar and blow on the ice to melt it – but be careful and do not let the plug get into any water. You could also just let the ice melt on its own.
- Clean It Well
Before you do anything, make sure your unit is turned off. Then you can use a hose to clean your condenser unit, being careful to spray the fins of the condenser. Make sure you remove all the dirt you can see that has built up. Also, make sure that there is no dirt or debris on the outside of the condenser that may impede the flow of air. You might also take the time to remove any plants in the way of the condenser and the airflow.
- Examine Your Air Ducts
Another thing that you may want to clean is the air ducts. If the air ducts are dirty or full of debris, the air cannot flow as it should. Sometimes children and pets can put things in the air ducts that will impede the airflow and if it is removed, your unit will once again work as it should. Sometimes pet hair will cover the duct vents, and you will have to remove that so air can flow more smoothly. You can call a professional to clean your ducts as well. This site will review some of the best cleaners for you. Then you can choose the one that is right for you.
- Is Your Condenser in Direct Sunlight?
If your condenser is in direct sunlight, you will need to find a way to cover it so that it does not work as hard. You will need to be careful and not block any air flow, but you can put up an umbrella or similar structure to keep it out of the direct heat. This will keep the condenser cooler and working more efficiently.
- Check Your Evaporator Drain
When your air conditioner is working at its best, it takes the humidity out of the air and cools the air, and puts that cooler air into your home. In the process, it releases water into the evaporation drain. You must ensure that this drain is clean and clear of any debris, especially mold and algae, that may grow there.
- Call a Professional
When things get too big for you and you are not sure if you can handle it, call in the professionals. They are there for that very reason and can help you to save money in the long run. If the problem is too big and you try to make the repairs yourself, you may ruin your entire air conditioner unit and need to replace the whole thing. Instead, call in the professionals before it gets to that point.
These are just a few things you can check out for yourself. There may be others, but you want to make sure that you call the professionals in when things get too big for you. You do not want to ruin your air conditioner in the mistaken belief that you can fix it yourself.
