A broken air conditioning (AC) unit is costly to fix, and every homeowner should avoid getting to this point. Before anything goes wrong with your unit, you must know how you can fix some common problems with it even before they happen. Simple do-it-yourself (DIY) procedures can fix some common problems and get your AC running smoothly again.

Significantly, the key thing is to know the problem before you take any action. After an inspection has been completed, you can decide whether you want to have it repaired or if this would be a good time to invest in a new unit. 

By taking into account these tips, you can be sure that you’re getting the maximum amount of cooling and savings that your unit is capable of.

• Hire A Professional Contractor

While it’s possible to fix some minor problems yourself, like cleaning the coils or changing out dirty filters, most people will find it’s best to hire a professional contractor for AC repair. This aspect is true if your system is more than 10 years old or has been in heavy use. 

An experienced technician will be able to assess your cooling needs and make sure your system is working as efficiently as possible. If they decide that it can be repaired, then they’ll be able to get the work done quickly so that you can enjoy cool temperatures once again. Also, the technician can advise you to change the whole unit instead of repairing it. 

• Service Your System Regularly

You should ensure that your air conditioning unit is serviced correctly. The annual maintenance of the cooling system will help prevent damage and extend the life of your equipment. 

If you rent an apartment or condo, check with your landlord to see if they offer this service. If they don’t, contact a professional AC contractor in your area that specializes in residential air conditioning systems and ask them about their maintenance plans.

On the other hand, servicing your unit can be done annually or every six months, depending on how often you use it. This will ensure that all components are working correctly and there are no leaks or other problems that could lead to major issues down the road.

• Check The Thermostat Settings

Another thing to do when your air conditioner isn’t working is to check your thermostat settings. If you’ve accidentally turned the temperature up too high, it’ll cause your AC unit to run more often than usual. This can lead to costly repairs later on if your AC unit is running too often and not cooling properly. 

It’s also possible that you’ve accidentally turned off the power switch or set it improperly. To avoid this problem, consult with a professional technician before changing your thermostat settings.

By checking the thermostat settings, you can prevent your AC from running longer than necessary, which will increase its lifespan. If you’re away and the temperature fluctuates, adjust the temperature accordingly once you return so that it won’t have to work as hard when you return home.

• Give Your AC A Good Cleaning

If you notice hot air is coming from your AC, it might simply need a good cleaning. The coils in the unit can become clogged with dust and other debris over time, which decreases its efficiency and causes the system to work harder than it should be. 

To clean out these coils, remove the front panel of your unit and use a vacuum hose to suck out any loose material from inside the unit. This will help ensure that your system runs efficiently and reduce the risk of mold or mildew growth inside the ducts.

• Replace Your Filters

Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system filter does more than trap dirt and debris. It also keeps your system running smoothly by removing impurities from the air before it enters your home. If your filter isn’t doing its job, there could be a buildup of dust and debris inside. This could cause poor airflow, which leads to inefficient cooling.

If your filters are dirty and clogged with dust, it’s best to clean them. If they’re broken, replace them immediately. Dirty filters can also increase the chances of fire because dust particles can become combustible when heated by burners.

However, if you don’t know how often to replace your filters or where to find them, check with your manufacturer’s manual or call a local HVAC company for advice.

Conclusion

If you’re maintaining your home, you’ll probably want to learn a thing or two about AC repair. Learning some routine maintenance tips can help keep your AC running optimally. And any homeowner will tell you that there’s nothing better than a well-maintained AC unit.

Therefore, practice the tips discussed above, and your AC will be good to go. If you can’t repair the unit, always call a trained technician.