If you’re having problems with your air conditioner, there are a few things that you can do on your own to get it working properly again. Some of these repairs will require some expertise, but you can save yourself a lot of money in the long run by doing them yourself.
Clean Filter
The most important part of an air conditioner’s maintenance is cleaning the filter. This can be done by a professional air conditioning company, but it’s also easy enough to do on your own. You’ll want to clean the filter at least twice a year.
Wipe Down Condenser Coils
If your evaporator or condenser coils are frozen over, it’s important to defrost them. You can do this by shutting the unit off or running just the fan to melt ice on the coils.
Check & Replace Coolant Line Insulation
If the insulation on your Air Conditioner Repair system’s lines is damaged, it will reduce the efficiency of the cooling process. This can lead to high energy bills, so it’s important to replace it as soon as possible.
Invest in a Good Contactor (Relay) and Capacitor
The AC contactor (relay) and start/run capacitor are two of the most common components that fail with normal use. They’re cheap, but replacing them can help you avoid a costly AC repair job down the road.
Ensure Your Condenser Is Not Leaking Water
A small amount of leaking water is a normal part of the operation of your air conditioner, but excessive leaking can indicate a bigger problem. If you notice a significant amount of leaking, call your local HVAC technician to have the leak checked out.
Unusual Noises
If your air conditioner makes rattling, squeaking, or clunking sounds, that could be an indicator of a malfunctioning compressor. This is one of the hardest AC problems to diagnose, but it can be fixed by a skilled repair person or company.
You can test to see if there is a problem by turning on and off the unit several times, listening for rattling or clunking noises that sound different from normal. If there is a problem with the compressor, it can cause your unit to run constantly instead of alternating between on and off.
Low Airflow
You should have an experienced HVAC technician check your ductwork for leaks or cracks as this could be the root of your problems. If the ductwork is not properly sealed, it can allow air to escape and cause humidity to build up inside your home.
Another way to determine if your ductwork is causing the problem is by watching the temperature of the air in the room when you turn on your unit. A poorly-insulated duct will heat up faster than a properly-insulated one.
Having your ductwork inspected is another important step in preventing future hiccups with your air conditioner, and it’s an excellent DIY project. You’ll need the right tools to properly inspect your ductwork and to identify any potential issues with it.