When Will You Need Professional Air Conditioning Repair
Professional air conditioning repair contractors undergo intensive training to be able to work with the intricacies that the system presents. In most cases, it is wise to leave most problems that crop up with the unit to the experts to prevent the potential for creating further damage, leading to greater costs to fix.
You might initially panic in the heat of summer with extreme temperatures and a non-functioning air conditioner, but in those moments, it is wise to take a step back before reaching out to the experts. Click here for DIY AC repair tips.
Occasionally, some simple issues will crop up, common in the AC industry but readily fixed with a few simple steps that do not require a repair contractor’s service. These are not complex, nor do they involve the intricacies of the components.
Let us explore the simple fixes you can do to resolve common AC problems without the need for a repair contractor’s service.
Tips on DIY Repairs for Your Air Conditioning System
It is possible to repair your air conditioning system in a few simple steps without having to get into the complexities of the unit. As a layperson, it is wise to avoid trying to make major air conditioning repairs without training since this has the potential to create more severe damage and more expensive repairs.
Troubleshooting what is happening with the system only takes a few steps to rule out easy fixes to get to more difficult problems. Once you have tried everything you can think of, it is time to reach out to the repair contractor.
The expert might have another suggestion or two but then will need to inspect the unit to determine the issue. Let us look at some basic problems and how to troubleshoot them.
· The thermostat
One of the primary parts to check when there is an issue with the thermostat malfunctioning is the thermostat. Many times, when service contractors are called to a home, they find the settings are improperly set.
Numerous problems can arise when a thermostat is not working as it should, like having it on “heat” rather than “cool.”
The AC should have “cool” set on the thermometer with a temperature roughly 5 degrees below the outdoor temp. The fan needs to show “auto” instead of “on” to avoid warm air blowing when the system is not cooling.
It is important to remember when the house is hot; it will take some time to cool down in the summer heat, as long as a few hours. Patience is key when making adjustments to the setting.
· The circuit breaker
When the AC will not come on, there is no reason to panic. There can be simple reasons for this, including the possibility of a broken fuse. If you go to the circuit box and find switches turned to “off,” it would mean the circuit tripped. You can try to switch it back to “on” to see if the system starts to work again.
If the switch continues to break or does so as soon as the AC turns on, it is a sign of a broader electrical issue. You need to leave the switch off and reach out to a licensed electrician immediately.
Learn HVAC maintenance tips all homeowners should know.
· Doors and windows left open
Among the most common issues seen with the air conditioning not cooling the home is when doors or windows are left open in the house. When the warm air comes into the home, it will feel like the air conditioning is not cooling properly.
If it is warm in the house, it is wise to walk through to check that no one has a window open, even a crack, or make sure that the doors are all tightly closed. Even a slight opening will let in a lot of heat.
· Check for dirty ducts
The accumulation of dirt, dust, and debris in the air ducts is a frequent problem for poor AC functionality. When you sense an odd smell after turning on the system, or someone is having difficulties with allergens or respiratory issues, the ducts could need professional cleaning.
The air conditioning will be much more efficient with thoroughly cleaned ducts, plus the professionals will inspect for defects or damage while working their way through the ductwork.
Final Thought
After troubleshooting these steps, there are a few more, including changing the air filter and some the repair contractor might suggest. But if nothing is successful, the professional will need to come for an inspection to find the root cause of the problem.
You want to avoid diving deeper into trying to make any major air conditioning repairs, especially without adequate training and proper tools. You could create further damage, leading to more extensive repairs and added costs.
Once you describe the troubleshooting you have done, what you have ruled out, and how the equipment is acting, the specialist will have a general idea of how to fix the system, considering their expertise.
