It’s the middle of summer, and your air conditioner is broken. What do you do?
Call a repairer? Well, they can be expensive. You’ll often pay through the nose for their service call plus an hourly rate on top of that. Not to mention how inconvenient it is if your AC isn’t working in the middle of summer.
So what do you do instead? You can handle this problem yourself by learning how to repair an air conditioner.
You won’t need any expensive tools, either. We’re going to show you how easy it is for homeowners like you and me to troubleshoot AC units. Let’s get started!
Turn Off the Power
First, you need to turn off your home’s circuit breaker so that no electricity runs through it. Otherwise, there is a chance of getting shocked by live wires or other serious injuries.
If you are unsure how to fix an air conditioner safely, call an electrician before continuing with AC repair.
Check the Thermostat
Next, check the thermostat. Make sure it is set to “cool,” not heat or fan only.
If you are using a digital thermostat, make sure that the clock is also displaying how much time until your home reaches its desired temperature so that it can shut off automatically when the AC kicks in.
If this isn’t working correctly either, contact an HVAC technician for help. The AC may be broken beyond repair at this point and need AC replacement.
Look for Leaks
Inspect the outside unit for any obvious leaks. If you see a puddle, turn off your AC and call a repairer right away before there is more damage to the electrical wiring.
Any other types of liquid leaking should also be handled by an HVAC professional as soon as possible. They can cause severe problems if left unattended.
Check the Filter
Check your home’s air filter. If it is dirty, clean or replace it with a new one. You’ll improve airflow into your AC unit and get rid of any excess humidity that may be causing damage inside.
If you are not sure how to do this, consult an HVAC technician before proceeding. They’ll help you get the right size replacement filter for your particular model of AC system.
They can even help you in finding the best AC system.
Check the Ducts
Finally, inspect the ducts. Look for any holes or rips that may be letting hot air out. You will need a professional’s help with this step because you could cause severe damage if you try patching it yourself and don’t do it correctly.
At the very least, cover up all vents before turning on your AC again.
Defrost the AC Compressor
While you’re checking the ducts, make sure to check on your AC compressor as well. Look for ice buildup and defrost it if necessary before flipping the circuit breaker back on.
You’ll need a hairdryer or other small appliance with hot air to melt all that frost away from your unit’s coils.
How to Repair an Air Conditioner
There are several steps you can take to fix your broken air conditioner without calling a repairer. You’ll save yourself time, money, and energy by doing it yourself!
However, it’s best to leave the more challenging tasks — such as working with electrical wiring and patching up ducts — to the pros. You might cause even more damage if you don’t know what you’re doing.
We hope this guide has helped you get started on how to repair an air conditioner. For more informative posts, keep exploring our website.
