6 Air Conditioner Repair Tips You Can Do Yourself

Most DIY enthusiasts the world over enjoy challenging projects. If air conditioner repair is the kind of thing you would like to dabble in, then this post is right up your alley. You also don’t need expert knowledge to try something new. Sometimes, just the right tools, parts, and some interest might be all you require. Being adept at making some simple fixes can help forestall costly professional repairs. Sterling Services offers you some suggestions to help keep your AC in tip-top shape by troubleshooting or addressing common problems. Let’s get right to it.

• Check for Duct Blockage or Dirt

Air ducts are essential conduits for any AC system. The implication is that keeping the passages clear helps promote air circulation in the home. Conversely, if dirt and debris clog up the air ducts, chances are it will affect the proper functioning of the AC. Dirty air ducts may only require cleaning, which may not require a technician’s involvement.

Besides, vermin such as rats have the uncanny ability to infest the crawl space in our homes, and air ducts are no exception. Rodents may chew through electrical work, posing a hazard that extends beyond the AC unit. Given the rate at which such rodents populate,you may need to call in the experts before the issue gets out of hand if you notice a potential rodent problem. 

• Test the Fuses

Did your AC disconnect switch go off randomly, resulting in a power cut to the unit? Start by examining the disconnect block fuses. Usually, when a fuse blows, it indicates that a part in a given unit is failing or has failed. 

How do you determine which part in the AC unit has failed? Replacing the fuse could be hit-or-miss; it may just be an issue with the fuse, or the fuse could blow again. In the former case, fuse replacement could do the trick, while in the latter, you may have to order for new parts, but only if you can determine the failed parts in the first place. 

Now, how do you test a fuse? Here’s how:

• Set the lowest reading on your multimeter’s Ohms scale, and touch opposite ends of the fuse with the meter’s leads.
• A numerical reading indicates your fuse is okay.
• A negative, zero, or infinity symbol shows that your fuse is faulty.

• Clean the Air Conditioner

Sometimes, dirt in the AC may impede its proper or optimal function. Switch off the unit before checking the fan blades for dirt or gum and cleaning them. Get rid of any debris lodged on condenser fins while taking care not to break them, which could lead to a hefty repair bill. 

The humble garden hose, connected to a water source, is an ideal tool for hosing off your AC. Aim the hose’s nozzle into the condenser coil to spruce up the lid before flushing dirt and debris down and out. 

A gentle stream will get the job done, but avoid using a pressure washer as it can easily bend the fins. If you are a bit wary about cleaning a packaged wall-mounted unit, then you can consider leaving the task to a knowledgeable professional.

• Help Your Unit Breathe Better

An AC filter replacement can eliminate the need for repairs. A dirty filter disrupts airflow, making your unit less efficient. Regular inspection or filter changes do not require special know-how.  

Can you see light streaming through the filter upon inspection? If not, then a replacement is in the offing. Consider three months as a bare minimum for swapping out the filter. In addition, consider the direction in which air flows into the AC unit as you install a filter. 

1. Replace Broken Wires

Over time, vibrations from the AC unit can cause wire breakage. Normal wear and tear may also break terminal connectors. If you notice any broken connectors or cables while troubleshooting your unit, simply snip off the broken wires and replace the connector, and voila! You might also need to replace brittle wires, as these could be on the way out. 

Broken wires do not mean your unit has outlived its purpose, and such a simple fix could get your AC running in no time. By being attentive to detail and having the right parts, you can get the job done without having to call in a technician.

• Inspect the Thermostat

Is your thermostat’s display unresponsive or failing to turn on? Is your unit shutting off when you need it most? Are the thermostat’s settings out of kilter? In all likelihood, your thermostat needs a quick reset, or you could be dealing with a case of dead batteries. 

If your AC system fails to function as it initially did, there is a likelihood that the thermostat could be the culprit. Before dialing an expert’s number, consider resetting or replacing batteries to see if anything changes. 

In the long run, AC repair and maintenance go hand in hand, and some of these fixes could help keep your system running optimally for years. Before scheduling an expensive professional tune-up or repair, you could try out some of these solutions.