What to Do Before Calling for Air Conditioning Repair
Getting air conditioning repair is important to ensure that your system is running right. Find out what you can do before you call a technician to fix your system.
If you need air conditioning repair,
there may be a few things you can do yourself to improve the circumstances. It is a good idea to have a professional come to the home and inspect the system once a year, especially right before the start of the heavy-use season. But if there's a sudden minor problem, it may be possible to find out what's wrong and make repairs on your own if you are a handy do-it-yourselfer. However, always consult a professional for any major issues.
The Thermostat
The thermostat is one of the most common reasons people call for air conditioning repair. It may be incorrect to assume that there is something wrong with the AC unit when it stops working or fails to produce the right temperature within the home. More often than not, the thermostat itself is telling the motor and system the wrong thing, and that is causing the problem. This is often due to faulty connections. It can be easy to replace the thermostat if you have some skill with electrical components. New systems are affordable and easy to find.
The Filters
If you are getting the system to turn on and run, but it does not seem like the AC system turns off very often, it could be due to clogged filters. Even if the system cannot draw in air from the outdoors or cannot push it into the home, it still keeps trying to run. This can do damage to the system in the long term. Remove the filters that are on the unit and replace them. In addition, find the outdoor vents and intake areas and clean those out as well. Remove any debris from around the outside unit to ensure there is plenty of circulation.
When to Call a Professional
There are some instances in which calling a professional is a better option. If it will not turn on, and you've already checked the circuit breaker, this could indicate a problem with the motor. If the system is producing warm air, this could mean you are out of coolant. In some cases, it can make a loud sound, which may mean a problem with the working components of the system. In these instances, it is often best to call a professional to handle the repairs.
Getting air conditioning repair does not have to take a lot of time or cost you a lot of money. However, it is a good idea to invest in a company that can provide you with service right away. Some may even troubleshoot the problem with you over the phone and tell you what to do about it. Do take action if there is a problem so it does not get worse.