Your air conditioner will stop cooling when it stops working. It could be as simple as a blown fuse or a faulty compressor, but it could be more serious. Some air conditioner repairs are best left to the professionals, but others can be done by you.
If you aren’t afraid to get dirty and save money, DIY AC repair is something worth considering. Most repairs are simple and require only basic tools. Some of these tools may be found around your house, such as a water hose or wrench.
You can repair your AC with enough passion and perseverance. You can even learn electrical engineering skills. These are five DIY Air Conditioner Repair Tips that will allow you to unleash your inner tinkerer.
DIY Air Conditioning Repair Ideas
1. Check Your Thermostat.
If your air conditioner stops functioning, the first thing you should do is check the thermostat. The thermostat regulates the temperature. If the screen is blank or turning it on does not seem to work, you can tell that it is not functioning properly. You can replace the batteries or examine for loose or faulty wiring if you experience this problem.
2. Make Sure To Check Your Breaker.
Overcrowding a breaker can cause your AC to not turn on or stop working altogether. Multiple devices attached to one switch can cause fire hazards, so it is best to only use one socket for your unit. To save money and embarrassment, you can take a look at the circuit breaker before calling a repair service.
3. Replace Your Filter
Sometimes, all that is needed to make your AC work again is changing the filter. Every time you turn on your AC, it absorbs dirt and air particles. If left unattended, these particles could clog your AC and render it inoperable.
Replace your air filter every few month as a preventative measure. You can search your AC’s model and brand to find out how often it should be replaced and where you can get the replacement.
4. Keep Your Unit Clean.
Cleaning your filter may be an alternative to replacing it. Dirt blockage in the air ducts is one of the leading causes of an AC going out. It is a good habit to clean your AC at minimum twice per year.
5. You Can Either Defrost Any Ice That Has Built-up Or Switch To Fan Mode.
Your AC converts ambient heat to chilly air. Its coils can become frozen when they do this. If you live in a cold or humid environment, this is a common occurrence.
Airflow is affected by frost buildup in your AC unit. Therefore, it is important to periodically defrost your AC. To reduce ice buildup, you can also turn on fan mode in cold weather.
Tools To Repair An AC
It is crucial that you have the right tools to repair an AC on your own.
- Needle-nose pliers
- -inch nut driver
- Set of sockets
- Voltage testers
- Multi-wrench
- Drills powered by electricity
- Channel locks
- Breakers and fuses
- Compressed air or water hose
These items can be found in most hardware stores. You won’t find better quality or more performance if the price is higher. Read reviews before you make a purchase.
You can check your manual for missing or broken parts or the serial number if you suspect your unit is damaged. These are the most commonly needed parts that need to be replaced:
- Contactors
- Capacitors
- Condenser fan motors
There Are Reasons Your Unit Might Not Be Working
1. A Clogged Air Filter Is A Problem.
You might be new to AC repair. Your air ducts can become clogged from dirt, insects, or dust. Make sure you clean them out at least once a year. If you live in an area with high levels of pollution, it is best to clean your screen at least once per month.
2. Your AC Remote Is Faulty
Sometimes, the problem is not with your remote. Check that your remote works properly, and replace the batteries if necessary.
3. Your Air Conditioner Is Too Small For Your House
If you have multiple rooms or large spaces, size is important. You should choose larger models that have higher temperatures in such situations.
4. The Atmospheric Temperature Is Too High
Ambient heat can affect the performance of any air conditioner, no matter how powerful it is. Your AC won’t be able reduce heat as efficiently if the ambient temperature is higher than its maximum capacity.
5. Your Thermostat Is Defective.
Your thermostat controls the AC’s temperature. Try changing the batteries before calling an HVAC company.
6. Too Much Debris Can Block Your Compressor Coils.
The coils in your condenser remove heat from the atmosphere. The condenser’s coils will not work effectively if they are clogged with dirt. It is best to clean them frequently. Your air conditioner will have a harder time cooling your room if they are more dirty.
7. Your AC Doesn’t Have Enough Coolant
Your unit’s coolant is what makes cold air. Your AC will perform poorly if it has insufficient coolant. Refrigerant can be used in a simple way. To extract heat, pour it into the compressor coils and let cold air flow.
The experts at are the best choice for more complex DIY AC repairs. Our handymen are here to help homeowners with any problem they may have.
We have over 100 years of combined experience and can help you make budget-conscious and practical decisions about repairs, restorations, and building projects.
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