As a mom, you already worry about attending your child’s sports practices, planning appointments, and preparing dinner.
The last thing you want to add to your plate is managing sweaty, grumpy kids if the air conditioner breaks down!
Fortunately, a good AC repair company can help you fix a broken AC as quickly as possible.
And, the right DIY air conditioner repair tips can also decrease the likelihood of future breakdowns.
Recognizing Common AC Problems
While air conditioners can break down in many different ways, there are a few air conditioner issues that tend to occur more frequently.
Once you learn how to spot these common AC problems, you’ll be better equipped to look into fixing them, or calling your local repair company.
Poor Airflow
Air conditioners can develop poor airflow because of many different issues.
Blocked vents, leaky ducts, and clogged filters are all common causes. These issues prevent air from flowing through your vents, reducing the cooling capacity of your AC.
AC Not Cooling
Sometimes, you may notice that your AC isn’t cooling as well as it should be. If you have low refrigerant or dirty coils, the air will feel warmer when it comes out of your vents.
A tripped breaker can cause this issue as well. Many buildings have one breaker outside and another one inside.
When only the outside breaker gets tripped, you’ll feel air coming out of your vents, but it will be hot air.
Low refrigerant levels typically happen because of a leak in the refrigerant line, so it’s important to get professional help if you think there is a refrigerant issue.
Dirty coils often occur if you have a dirty filter in your AC. The dirt and debris can come off of the filter and land on the coils. This can decrease their efficiency and keep the AC from cooling your home properly.
Unusual Noises
Unusual noises can occur for various reasons. A humming noise may indicate a failing starting capacitor.
Meanwhile, a high-pitched screaming noise often signals a serious problem with your compressor, such as high internal pressure.
You may also hear noises if there are loose parts or debris within the unit.
Simple DIY Fixes for Moms
If you want to solve the issues with your air conditioner immediately, or simply want to save on repair costs, these easy DIY fixes may help.
Keep in mind, though, that while DIY air conditioner repair can save money, you should always call a professional for serious issues.
Sweet scents, burning smells, and mechanical issues are all signs that you need professional help with your AC.
Cleaning or Replacing Filters
Check your filter at least once a month when you’re using your AC more often. Depending on the filter type, you may need to clean or replace it every 30 to 90 days.
Clearing Debris from the Unit
If there are a lot of plants and debris around your unit, your AC may have to work harder to achieve the same cooling capacity.
Other than clogging the machine, excess plants, dirt, and debris can retain water. This can eventually lead to rust and mold, so it’s important to remove any debris within 2 feet of the unit.
Resetting the Thermostat
If you think your thermostat may be causing your cooling issues, turn off your AC and locate the reset button on the circuit board.
You’ll need to hold the button for 5 to 10 seconds for the reset to work.
When to Call a Professional
Air conditioners are complex machines. There are times when it is much smarter to pay for professional AC repair.
If you notice the following issues, you need to call a HVAC company for help:
- Unusual noises
- Burning smells or a sweet scent
- Frequent cycling
- Poor cooling
- A sudden increase in your energy bill
- Leaky refrigerant
- Compressor issues
Preventative Maintenance Tips
Through preventative maintenance, you can avoid future AC repairs and protect your air conditioner.
The following AC maintenance tips can increase the longevity of your machine:
Regular Filter Changes
Changing your filter is one of the most important things you can do for your AC.
Each filter has different requirements, but you will generally need to change your filter every 30 to 90 days.
During peak usage, you should check the filter each month. Write this date on your calendar, so you don’t forget it.
Scheduled Professional Inspections
Your air conditioner should get a professional inspection once a year. Other than looking for potential problems, the technician will clean and lubricate the AC parts.
Regular inspections help you maintain the efficiency of your AC, so you spend less on your power bill.
Keeping the Area Around the Unit Clear
Whenever you mow the lawn, take a look at your AC. You should clear weeds, bushes, and debris away from the machine so that they’re at least 2 feet away.
If weeds aren’t removed, they can end up restricting airflow, bending fins, and damaging the compressor.
Protect Your AC From Repair Issues
Proper AC repair and maintenance can help your air conditioner last as long as possible. And routine maintenance can save you money on future repairs.
But, if something does go wrong, the best air conditioner repair service will be able to help you quickly diagnose and fix the issue.