Even if you’re a DIY veteran, repairing your own air conditioner can be confusing. Major repair jobs are best done by an air conditioning repair contractor, but any homeowner can keep their system running smoothly by following the tips below.
- Check your thermostat. It might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised at how commonly it’s overlooked. Ensure that yours is set to ‘cool’; sometimes, the switch can get stuck in between settings. A few seconds now can save major embarrassment when the repair technician comes out.
- Check the breaker box. You may have tripped a breaker and failed to realize it. They’re usually in the basement or garage, and can easily be tripped by bad weather or running too many appliances at one time. If a breaker has tripped, switch it off and then back on. If your problem is resolved, you can avoid a call to a repair technician.
- Change the AC filter often. Many people overlook their filter until there’s a problem. However, you should clean or replace yours regularly, using the appropriate size for your unit. Grime and dust can collect quickly, decreasing your unit’s efficiency and increasing your monthly utility bill.
- Is your unit iced over? If so, turn the thermostat off but leave the fan on. Depending on the temperature outdoors, the ice should melt quickly. Once it has, turn the unit back on. If it doesn’t work, call a pro.
- Does it have enough coolant? If there’s no ice on the outside of your unit, your coolant level may be low. Don’t try to fix it yourself; you’ll need professional help.
- Keep the outside area around your unit clear. Rake fallen leaves away from the unit, and remove debris from the cooling fins. For stubborn debris, a vacuum attachment may be needed. Prune bushes occasionally, and consider buying a cover for wintertime use.
Air conditioner malfunctions are usually inconvenient and sometimes costly. The steps above can help you keep your unit running at peak efficiency, but things can still go wrong. If you’ve tried everything to repair it yourself, don’t hesitate to call an Air conditioning repair Appleton WI professional.
