Easy DIY Air Conditioner Repairs
– By #Action Mechanical
The dog days of summer are upon us, making adequate air conditioning at home and work crucial in maintaining a comfortable, healthy environment. With your air conditioner working overtime to keep you nice and cool, and accumulating wear and tear in the process, it is normal that it might experience issues here and there. However, there are some easy air conditioner repairs you can make that will fix those little problems so you can escape the heat.
Here are some common A/C problems, as well as possible solutions:
Air conditioner won’t turn on.
There are numerous reasons why this may be happening. First, check your thermostat batteries and replace them if they’re dead. If the batteries are still working, check your thermostat’s settings to ensure it is set to the desired temperature. Also check your circuit breaker, and if it has been tripped, reset it by flipping the switch off and then back on.
Air conditioner is freezing up.
Many things can cause your air conditioner to freeze up and not operate. One reason is insufficient airflow, which can be caused by a dirty air filter, blocked vents and ducts or a faulty fan, and can lead to a frozen condenser unit. Low outside temperatures also can cause freezing, which is an important fact to consider if you have your air conditioner settings programmed and may be away from home for an extended period of time. Low coolant levels and blower motor problems can also cause your air conditioner to freeze.
Air conditioner is not blowing cold air.
Dirty air filters are most often the cause of lack of cold air from your A/C. Make sure you change your air filter at the very least every 90 days, and more often if you have pets and/or people with allergies living in the home.
Refrigerant leaks also cause your air conditioner to not produce cold air, as well as leads to high power consumption, coil freezing and damaged compressors. Worst of all, refrigerant leaks are harmful for your health and the environment. When the chemicals enter the air, they can enter your respiratory system and result in refrigerant poisoning, which can lead to seizures if left untreated. Often, leaks also produce a hissing sound, which can help you identify a leak so that you can get it repaired.
Air conditioner is making strange noises.
As mentioned above, a hissing sound can indicate a refrigerant leak, but there are many other noises that are made when there is a problem with your A/C unit. Rattling and banging noises usually mean there is an issue with the blower or motor. Clicking sounds might be due to a relay problem. Screeching noises are produced by issues with the fan or compressor. And buzzing indicates faulty electrical components.
Air conditioner is leaking water.
Some water leaking out of your A/C unit on a hot day is normal; however, excess water dripping from your air conditioner can be caused by improper installation, dirty air filters, low coolant levels or blocked drains. Again, something as simple as changing your air filter can go far in preventing a myriad of issues.
For help keeping your home or facility cool all summer long, call the air conditioner experts at Action Mechanical at 605-348-5212!
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