What if your air conditioner (AC) stops working during the summer? Your once comfortable and cool home will become a sweltering sauna!
Well, perhaps this is a bit of an exaggeration. However, you’ll indeed experience some sort of discomfort if your AC doesn’t work during the hottest days of the year.
Luckily, you can repair your air conditioner to keep cool air flowing throughout your home again.
Do you want to learn how to fix your AC? Below are the best DIY AC Repair tips to solve common problems that often affect properties’ heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Read on!
Prioritize Your Safety
If you’d like to repair your cooling system yourself, you can try some proven strategies and see if you can fix the problem affecting your house’s temperature. However, you must be careful.
When fixing your AC unit, you should follow best practices to avoid accidents. If you’re inexperienced, please avoid repairs that involve accessing high-voltage components or doing electrical work.
Do you feel uncomfortable with the process of DIY AC Repair? Are you having trouble remembering what to do or what to use? It’s always best to contact a knowledgeable and experienced professional to mitigate risks.
Understanding Your Air Conditioning System
Before diving into how to fix common air conditioner problems, take a few minutes to understand the basics of your AC unit. Below are the components of this system:
- Air conditioner unit: Also known as the “indoor unit,” it’s the component you can see inside your home, typically mounted on a wall or ceiling.
- Evaporator coil: It absorbs heat from the indoor air and is housed inside the AC unit.
- Condenser unit: Also called “outdoor unit,” it’s the metal box that remains outside your home after installation.
- Condenser coil: It releases the absorbed heat to the outside environment and is located inside the condenser unit.
- Air ducts: These ducts are insulated tubes that distribute cool air throughout your home.
- Air filter: This filter is designed to trap dust and allergens, preventing these unwanted elements from entering your home’s air conditioning system.
- Thermostat: This device controls your home’s temperature and instructs the AC unit to turn on and off when needed.
Common AC Problems and How to Fix Them
Now that you have a basic understanding of the system, it’s time to explore some common air conditioner problems and a few tips to fix them.
AC is Blowing Hot Air
The first step to solving this problem is to identify the cause. What makes air conditioners blow hot air? These are some potential factors:
- Dirty air filter: In many cases, air conditioners fail to cool because the air filter is dirty and restricts airflow. When this occurs, the AC unit cannot absorb heat.
- Frozen evaporator coil: Did you notice that there’s ice buildup on the evaporator coil after your AC started blowing hot air? That’s the issue! Low refrigerant levels and restricted airflow can cause this problem.
- Low refrigerant levels: Your air conditioning system needs refrigerant to absorb heat and transport it outside. If these levels are low, your AC unit’s cooling capacity will be reduced.
Possible Solutions
Is your air conditioner blowing hot air due to a dirty filter? Try the following DIY AC Repair tips:
- Replace the dirty air filter with a new one
- Turn off the AC unit to let the accumulated ice thaw
- Check refrigerant lines to determine if there are leaks and call an experienced AC technician if more product should be added
AC Won’t Turn On
Are you struggling to get your air conditioner working again? Do you think it’s completely dead? Don’t panic! Use the following tips:
- Check if the thermostat is set to “cool”
- Make sure the thermostat’s temperature is lower than that of the room
- Check if the thermostat’s batteries are working properly or require reprogramming
- Check if your house’s circuit breaker has tripped (only if your air conditioner is connected to this device)
- Reset the circuit breaker if you’re sure it’s the correct breaker
- Ensure there are no loose connections or blown fuses and your air conditioner is properly plugged to receive power
AC Makes Strange Noises
Did you hear strange noises coming from your air conditioner? That may indicate several problems, such as internal damage or loose components.
Potential Solutions
- Turn off the air conditioner
- Inspect the unit for loose objects
- Call a professional
AC Leaks Water
When air conditioners are leaking water, this can be a sign of major problems, including the following:
- Clogged drain line: Condensate drain lines remove excess moisture from the cooling system. If clogged, they can cause water to accumulate and leak from the indoor unit.
- Dirty air filter: As mentioned, a clogged air filter can restrict airflow, and the evaporator coil can freeze as a result. Also, melting ice can overflow the drain pan, leaking water.
- Damaged drain pan: If the drain pan is cracked or damaged, it can also become full of water and leak.
Potential Solutions
- Clear the clogged drain line
- Replace the air filter regularly
- Check the drain pan’s condition
- Call professionals if you need help
When to Call an AC Repair Specialist
The tips shared above can help you fix some of the common problems that can affect your window air conditioner. However, there will be times when it’s best to call a professional.
These are some of the scenarios where you should contact an expert:
- If the problem affecting your home air conditioner is complex, and the previous recommendations don’t work, the best thing you can do is contact someone with experience in AC repair.
- Hiring professionals is also the best idea if AC repairs involve electrical work.
- It’s also advisable to contact an experienced technician with specialized equipment to add refrigerant to your air conditioner if levels are low or you think there’s a leak.
Tips to Keep Your Air Conditioner in Excellent Condition
After making such a significant investment, you don’t want your AC to stop working. How can you prevent these common problems from affecting your AC?
Regular maintenance is key and can increase the lifespan of your HVAC system. Plus, there are some tips that will help you avoid other common issues. Below are some of them:
- Replace the air filter as required
- Schedule yearly checkups with a professional technician
- Keep the unit clean
- Close windows and blinds during the day
- Use ceiling fans to help circulate cool air and create a windchill effect
Final Thoughts
With the tips and recommendations listed above, you can keep your AC running smoothly and ensure your house is cool during the summer. However, as mentioned, you may need help from a professional if the problem is complex.
If you need assistance and are looking for the best air conditioning services in the Greater Los Angeles, CA, area, there’s a company that stands out among the rest.
By working with Pure Eco Inc. in Los Angeles, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that professionals can give you by fixing your air conditioning system with the best techniques, equipment, and materials. Contact this company today!
