Monday 22 August 2016

4 Common AC Problems And Their DIY Repair Tips


AC Repair


After a long and cold winter comes summer, and hence the need to use an air conditioner. The air conditioner is simply a device that lowers the air temperature by removing heat from the air, in a confined space, thus making the air comfortable according to your desire. Now, air conditioners aren't meant to last forever. The average lifespan of an AC is 10-12 years, but can run into trouble anytime, if not operated correctly.

Usually, an air conditioner repair doesn't burn a hole in your pocket because the faults are very minute. But if you can fix those errors by yourself, why spend even a small amount on the repair? So, we are going to tell you about some very common AC problems and how you can fix them with the help of these DIY air conditioner repair techniques.

Central AC Not Working
Check the main and secondary electrical panels. If there is any blown fuse, replace it. Also, check for any tripped breakers and correct them. If the breaker keeps on tripping, call the electrician and check for a short in the system. Switch on the power and set the thermostat to ‘cool’.

If your thermostat runs on batteries, remove the cover and replace the batteries. Also, check if all the wire connections are in place.

Check if capacitor in the compressor is working fine as it starts both the condenser and the fan. To check it, use a digital multi-meter with one lead on the common terminal and second lead on any other terminal, and it should show a number.

AC Is Working, But Not Cooling Well
Turn off the power, remove the front door and check the filter. If the filter is dirty, clean it properly or replace it, if necessary.

If you see ice around the coils, melt it down by again turning the AC on and working the fan. The main reason for ice build-up around the coils is the reduced air flow, because of dirty filters. Check the condensate drain and clear it if it's clogged. As AC removes moisture from the air, so they create a lot of water. If that water doesn't drain out properly or backs up, the air conditioner won't run properly.

If your compressor is located outdoors, turn off the power first and then clean the compressor properly. Check if the compressor is working properly. Its fan should be running smoothly without and disturbance. If it's not, get it checked.

Lastly, if all the above points are checked and AC is still not cooling, it's time to change the coolant. You cannot do it by yourself, so you would need to call your air condition repair service.

AC Not Blowing Air
If the handler isn't blowing air properly, check and clean the evaporator coil. It may be dirty or frozen up.

If the handler is working but the blower isn't moving air, the connecting belt could be broken. Get the belt replacement of exact size and change it. Lubricate the blower afterward.

If the blower motor is humming but it's not running, its time to replace the motor. If the air handler isn't working at all, it could be because it’s not getting any power. In that case, check all the connections, circuit breakers, and thermostat.

AC Leaks Water
Make sure that the electric condensate pump is connected to a working electrical outlet. Clean the outlet tube if there is some clogging due to algae.

If the pump is not working properly, disconnect it from the power source and clean it properly. If it is damaged beyond repair or very old, consider replacing it.

If ice is blocking the tube, clean the filters and refill the refrigerant if necessary. These were four very common AC problems that you can fix yourself easily, but that’s not always the right way.

We suggest to stay safe and contact SameDayPros for any and all your troubles regarding air conditioner repair. Our professionals provide same day service in and around your area and what’s better than an expert doing the job for you, right?

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