It’s no secret that air conditioners need regular maintenance to deliver optimal performance. However, most of us forget all about that until the sun is at its hottest, and we are left struggling in the hot weather.

If you want to make sure that you don’t lose your cool at such trying times, learn to identify the most common problems for air conditioners and fix them yourself. This way, you’ll at least be able to keep the AC running until a technician shows up.

We’ve highlighted the most common ways to get your AC up and running in case of an issue.

Common AC DIY Repairs

We’ve seen it happen all too often: an upset homeowner calls us to fix an AC problem – an issue they could have easily remedied by themselves!

Besides, DIY-ing can also help save money and restore some comfort to your home or office.

Try the following troubleshooting tips when your AC starts acting up:

Check The Breaker

If the AC doesn’t switch on, the breaker may have tripped. This is quite a common occurrence that happens when a couple of appliances operate on the same breaker.

The hike in power usage trips the breaker, and the Air Conditioner won’t power up.

So, check the breakers in your house — notice if any switch is off and turn it back on.

Adjust The Thermostat

The central AC may be working fine, but someone may have messed with thermostat settings, putting them on a higher temperature. That’s why your home may not be cooling up appropriately. Check the thermostat, adjust it, and turn it off and on again if the need be.

Please ensure that the thermostat is set at a temperature lesser then what is the room’s actual temperature, and the AC will provide cold air at the right time, every time.

Replace Your Filters

A clogged, dusty filter can keep your AC from performing optimally. Here is how to identify and fix this issue:

• Open the front housing and inspect the filter
• If you see it clogged up with dirt, it’s time to clean or replace it
• If your unit has a permanent filter —wash and dry it before inserting it back
• If your unit requires new filters, and dusting them off won’t work, replace them
• If all else is up to the mark, cold air will start flowing through again

De-Ice The Unit

If you use your AC around the clock, it can start accumulating ice as humidity in the air collects and freezes within. This can compromise the airflow, making it difficult for the AC to cool the air sufficiently.

Shut the unit off and let it thaw out completely – this may take a whole day.

Once the ice has melted, use a dry towel to soak up any condensation that may have pooled around it.

Restart your air conditioner; it should be in perfect working order now.

Cleanup Thoroughly

It is highly likely that the AC is just dirty, and you need to clean off the accumulated dust and debris instead of running repairs.

Start with the outdoor unit, thoroughly but diligently clean the fan blades, and drive away any debris or other contaminates.

The same goes for internal condenser fins; they need to be kept in top shape. To clean them, first remove the filters and wash them, then use brushes purposed for condenser fin cleaning to brush off the grime.

Check For Freon Leak

If your AC is clean and at the right setting, but it doesn’t blow cold air, the refrigerant might be leaking.

This can not only cause you physical discomfort but also result in high power bills.

To diagnose if your AC has a Freon leak, take off the cover and examine the condenser. If the coils are dark or wet, there may be a leak.

But that’s all you can do about a leak. The next step would be to call an expert AC technician who can fix this issue for you.

Still Need Help With Your AC Troubles?

If you’ve tried the tips mentioned above but are still having problems with your air conditioner, it’s essential to get in touch with a qualified AC technician stat.

In fact, it is advisable to call a reputable HVAC service company in your area – they’ll send over a professional who can diagnose and repair your air conditioning system in no time.

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