The dog days of summer are upon us, and air conditioners across the area will be working overtime to keep our homes cool and comfortable. However, there is nothing quite so disconcerting as an air conditioner that won’t cool or a system that stops working altogether. While a certified repair specialist will always be able to keep your AC running, there are a few DIY repairs that may be able to save you the service call.
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1. Change your air filter
If your AC is not keeping your home as cool as it should, you may simply need to change your air filter. Filters range in price according to the amount of filtration they offer and how often they should be replaced. Replace your air filters every one to three months for optimum function of your entire HVAC system. Not only will you be able to cool better, but you will also keep dust and allergens from circulating through your room air.
MAKE SURE TO CHECK YOUR AIR FILTER EVERY MONTH
2. Clean off the condenser coils
If you are getting little to no cool air from your unit, you may need to clean off the condenser coils. Shut off power to the air conditioner at the breaker and turn off the switch on the unit itself. Next, remove the disconnect block and clean the condenser coils on the exterior unit. Even if you think they are clean, clean them again. Dust, dirt, debris, grass, and bugs can all dirty the coils affecting how well the unit works. If the coils are clogged, they will run for a while until the motor overheats and then shut off. What you get are periods of cooling followed by intermittent times without any cooling at all. Once the coils are clean, replace the disconnect block, turn the switch back on and restore power to the unit. Since it takes some time to cool a room, allow the AC to run for a minimum of 30 minutes before testing how cold the outflow is. If it runs successfully for 12 hours, you have fixed the problem.
3. Check the breaker
After a long day, there is nothing quite as disheartening as coming home to a 90-degree house and an air conditioner that will not turn on. First, check the breaker that powers your air conditioner. If it is tripped, turn it completely off and then turn it back on again. If your air conditioner continues to trip the breaker, you likely have a short in the system that will need to be fixed by a licensed electrician or certified air conditioner repair technician.
IF YOUR CIRCUIT BREAKER BOX LOOKS OLD LIKE THIS, IT MAY JEOPARDIZE YOUR AC
4. Replace your thermostat
If your AC seems to be unresponsive to your thermostat, it may not be communicating effectively with your AC anymore. It is likely time not only for a new model but also for an upgrade. New Wi-Fi enabled thermostats are not only programmable but can be controlled with your smartphone. Do you want your house to be a cool 68 degrees when you come home? Turn it on with your phone before leaving work.
WITH A PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT, LIKE THIS NEST, YOU CAN CONTROL YOUR AIR CONDITIONING WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE!
If, after you have attempted these simple DIY fixes, your AC unit is still not working, call Farnen and Dermer for a repair estimate. Our certified technicians will have you cool and comfortable in no time.