Even minor air conditioner (AC) repairs can quickly become expensive. Fortunately, there are some DIY AC maintenance tasks you can do on your own. By performing routine maintenance, you can prevent your system from breaking down and requiring more extensive repairs.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that some air conditioning repair and maintenance tasks need to be left to a professional heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) repair company. With a team like Hooley Heating & Air Conditioning, you can ensure your air conditioner is cared for by a trusted provider.
Understanding the Basics of AC Maintenance
When it comes to AC maintenance, there are a few important things you should do to keep your system running at its best. Your air conditioner is made up of a compressor, evaporator coils, refrigerant lines, condenser coils, ductwork, blower fans, and other components. Each of these components must be properly maintained to function properly.
Check Your Thermostat Settings
One of the easiest things you can do to fix issues with cold air is to check your thermostat. Often, a family member will change the temperature or turn the AC to fan mode. If the air conditioner is in fan mode, it won’t produce cold air.
Other than checking the temperature and mode settings, you may want to clean the sensors. Over time, these can become dusty. If there is a problem, you can use the manufacturer’s guide to reset your thermostat.
Change Air Filters
In order to have an energy-efficient AC, one of the best things you can do is clean or change your air filters. While each brand and product type is different, filters generally have to be cleaned or changed every 30 to 90 days. According to the United States Department of Energy, this simple DIY task can improve your energy efficiency by up to 15%.
Clean Condenser Coils
If you’re mechanically inclined, you can improve your air conditioner’s efficiency by cleaning the condenser coils. This can be done by turning your air conditioning unit off at the breaker.
Then, use your garden hose in the most gentle setting to spray off the coils. Spray in a left-to-right pattern as you move from the top to the bottom of the condenser coils. Once the condenser coils have been thoroughly cleaned and have a chance to dry off, you can turn your AC back on.
Common AC Problems You Can Fix Yourself
While complex or dangerous AC problems should be left to a professional HVAC service, you may be able to handle some common AC issues on your own. Although the following DIY AC tips are quite simple, they can make a major difference in your AC performance.
Before you attempt any major repairs, you must always turn off the power beforehand. In addition, you should leave any complicated repairs to the experts.
Blocked Vents
If you need HVAC troubleshooting help, you can start by looking for blocked or obstructed vents. Sometimes, furniture, curtains, clothes, or other belongings get tossed on top of a vent. By removing the blockage, you can ensure better airflow.
From time to time, you should also clean out your vents. This can be done by removing the vent and washing it with warm, soapy water. As it dries, vacuum out the inside of the duct.
Clogged Filters
One of the most common AC issues is clogged or dirty air filters. When these filters become clogged, it limits the airflow in your home. This makes your AC work harder to cool your home. Fortunately, you can quickly fix this issue by changing out your air filter.
Simple Thermostat Issues
If your thermostat isn’t registering the air temperature properly, get the manufacturer’s guide and try resetting it.
When to Call a Professional for AC Repairs
Even with the best DIY AC tips, your air conditioner still may not work. When this happens, it’s time to call in an expert. You should never take on complex repairs alone because these can be a major safety risk for someone who doesn’t have professional HVAC training.
When you encounter any of the following problems, you need to schedule a professional AC repair service right away.
Refrigerant Leaks
Sweet smells or chemical scents are common signs of refrigerant leaks. You may hear a hissing noise. Alternatively, the AC may have to cycle on and off more frequently. Because refrigerants are incredibly hazardous to breathe in, it’s important to get them professionally repaired.
Faulty Compressors
Compressors are dangerous to repair on your own. Whether you want your compressor repaired or replaced, you should always reach out to expert technicians for help.
Electrical Problems
Electrical issues can lead to fires, so they need to be repaired right away. To avoid an electric shock or damage to your AC, use a professional HVAC service for your repairs.
Anytime you notice your AC making unusual sounds or smells, you should get professional help with troubleshooting. Additionally, reach out to an expert if your AC still isn’t working properly after you’ve attempted basic HVAC troubleshooting.
The Benefits of Regular Professional AC Maintenance
By scheduling regular professional AC maintenance, you can prevent major repairs in the future. Plus, a well-maintained AC is less likely to break down without any warning.
When you get your AC maintained on a regular basis, it improves how efficient your AC is. In turn, this helps to decrease your energy bills.
Plus, getting your AC maintained by a trusted provider like Hooley Heating & Air Conditioning can extend the lifespan of your unit by years. Replacements can be expensive, so you can save money by delaying an AC replacement as long as possible.
To make maintenance a little easier, top providers like Hooley Heating & Air Conditioning offer membership plans that can save you money. These membership plans include annual AC tune-ups and seasonal maintenance, so they take the hassle out of caring for your HVAC unit.
How Hooley Heating & Air Conditioning Can Help
If your HVAC troubleshooting has been unsuccessful, you can turn to Hooley Heating & Air Conditioning for help. A reputable company hires skilled technicians, so you can benefit from their years of experience and extensive knowledge. Thanks to same-day services, you can get your HVAC system promptly repaired so that you don’t have to spend multiple days sweltering in the heat.
One of the top advantages of working with Hooley Heating & Air Conditioning is that they provide a membership plan. As a part of this plan, you can get a thorough inspection and cleaning of all the HVAC components. The HVAC technician will also talk to you about air conditioner repair problems and maintenance recommendations for the future, so you can get professional advice about your system’s long-term needs.
Learn More About When HVAC Problems Require an Expert
HVAC systems are incredibly complex, and a single faulty component can cause the entire system to stop working. While you can handle many AC maintenance tasks on your own, some repair problems are too dangerous to do yourself. Electrical repairs and refrigerant leaks can harm your health, so you need to get expert help for these common AC issues.
By scheduling regular maintenance services, you can avoid expensive repairs and unexpected breakdowns. In between routine maintenance inspections, there are tasks you can do to be proactive. With the help of an AC repair service, you can maintain your AC and increase its lifespan.