When it comes to cooling your home it’s vital to have a system that works as it should. If your AC isn’t providing the cool air you need, it may be time to call an Air Conditioner Repair service. But, before you do that, there are some basic steps you should take to determine if it’s a problem that can be fixed with a simple DIY solution or something more serious.
The thermostat is the heart of your AC unit and if it’s not set correctly, no cold air will come out of the vents. Check that it is turned to “Cool” and that it’s set lower than your house temperature.
If that isn’t the issue, a dirty air filter or other debris may be restricting the flow of cool air. A technician will be able to clean your air filters and ensure all airflow is unobstructed.
While an experienced DIYer can probably tackle cleaning the condenser and evaporator coils, it’s generally recommended that you leave this type of AC maintenance to the professionals. This is because it involves taking apart the unit and working with refrigerant, both of which are potentially dangerous to do without proper training.
An experienced AC technician should also be able to replace the compressor and recharge the refrigerant levels. They will also be able to inspect the unit for any issues such as broken fans or loose electrical connections that could cause a safety hazard.
Over time, capacitors and other components that work with the compressor can wear out or break down. This can affect the system’s ability to turn on and off as it should. An AC repair professional will be able to replace these components with ease, and they’ll typically be able to do it in less than an hour.
If the evaporator coils are dirty, it can lead to low refrigerant levels and a broken system. A technician can fix this by removing the access panel, draining the refrigerant, and replacing the defective capacitors. If the evaporator coils are particularly dirty, they may need to be cleaned with a special brush or by using a wet/dry shop vac.
Another common problem that an AC repair service can help with is a faulty contactor. This is a switch that’s responsible for turning various components on and off within the system. If it fails, no parts will activate and your AC will fail to turn on when it should.
Finally, an experienced AC repair service can check the humidity levels in your home to see if it’s too high and recommend solutions for this. While humidity is generally a good thing, too much can lead to problems such as mold or mildew. An air conditioning repair service will be able to inspect and clean your ductwork, replace the thermostat battery, and replace any damaged or worn out components. In most cases, these repairs will be enough to restore your AC to working order and keep it running efficiently for years to come.