When you are trying to troubleshoot your AC unit, you might have some questions about how to manage the system. Use these DIY AC repair tips to care for your AC unit, keep it running, and save money every year on service. If you ever feel like you are out of your element, you should call a professional HVAC technician for assistance.
What Type of Unit is It?
You might have a split or packaged unit. A split unit has a condenser outside that runs when you turn on the AC. A packaged unit has a condenser built into the furnace which is typically in your attic.
You simply need to know what you are checking when you have problems with your AC.
The Air Will Not Turn On
When your air will not turn on, you may have a problem with the thermostat, the switch or circuit breaker, the drain pan, or the air filter. You can easily remove and/or replace your air filter to allow air to flow through the system. You can turn the circuit breaker on and off to reset the AC unit, and you can empty the drain pain if it is full. These simple steps ensure that the unit can run normally again.
If these DIY AC repair tips do not work, you may have issues with your refrigerant, the circuit board, or the wiring. You should check each part of the system carefully, but you should ensure the circuit breaker is turned off first. You might also check the front panel of the unit. A flashing light may be a code that tells you what is wrong.
In extreme cases, your blower motor may have failed. This is the most sensitive part of the unit, but it is easy to replace. (continue below)
Why Choose DOC Heating & Cooling?
The AC Short Cycles for No Reason
You might have a wiring problem that requires replacement wiring or a re-wiring of the device. You may have frozen refrigerant in the coils, or there may be too much humidity in the house. If the unit is too big, it may short cycle, and you simply need to get a smaller unit.
You must assess the situation, inspect the coils, and reset the circuit breaker to ensure you have covered all possible issues. If your unit is oversized, you will need an expert to replace it.
There Is No Cold Air
You need cool air in Clarksville if you want to be comfortable during the spring and summer. If cold air is not coming through your vents, you should read these DIY AC repair tips:
- Refrigerant. If you have no refrigerant, your AC will not work.
- Check the condenser wiring.
- Check the drain pan.
- Check for frozen water around the coils.
- Check for clogged air filters.
One of the biggest problems is a leak inside the condenser. The coils may have frozen, but they cracked when the temperature jumped at the beginning of the spring season. You can see water or coolant running out of the condenser, and you can even smell the refrigerant.
My Utility Bills Are Far Too High
You may have made some small mistakes in your home like:
- Leaving your windows open
- Allowing the weatherstripping around your windows to deteriorate.
- Never replaced your air filters.
- Stopped using shades or drapes to keep sunlight out of the house.
When you have too much sunlight, the windows will radiate heat. The house will get so hot that your AC needs to run more, and you will spend a lot of money cooling the house. If you have not changed the air filters, the unit needs to work harder to cool the house. If the weatherstripping around the windows is deteriorating, you will lose all the cool air that is blown through the vents.
Also, you may leave your windows open too much. Turn the AC off when you leave your windows open. If you do not do this, you will waste a lot of money on cooling bills.
Does Your Unit Have A Good SEER Rating?
If your unit has a poor SEER rating, you will spend far too much money to cool the house. A more efficient AC unit is better for any home, and you may consider replacing your unit so that you can save money. If you save money on utility bills for a few years, you will pay off the unit with savings.
Are You Having Regular Service Done?
You should have a technician in the Clarksville area check your unit once a year. Devices that have been serviced regularly last up to 40% longer.
Check The Thermostat
When you check the thermostat during your DIY AC repair, you should check:
- The wires inside the wall
- The wires into the thermostat
- The batteries in the thermostat
If the device does not work after these simple checks, you should replace it.
Conclusion; Use these tips to ensure that you can keep your AC unit running. If you have gone through tips and do not know what to do, you should contact a professional for assistance.
Call an Experienced Professional if Your System is Malfunctioning
Do you have an extremely old system? Are you seeing or hearing things that weren’t there before? If you suspect that the system is not working properly, you should call a professional as soon as possible.
A few signs that the system is in trouble include abnormal noises or smells, an extremely cold home, expensive bills, and frequent shutoffs. Regardless of the concern, an experienced professional can solve the problem and perform the necessary repairs before an emergency occurs.
Prevention and maintenance costs are much more reasonable than having a costly repair later. Whether you live in Clarksville, TN or somewhere close by, the professionals at DOC Heating and Cooling are ready to help. The highly-trained technicians are available 24/7 for emergency calls and for regular maintenance to help keep your heating & cooling system running smoothly.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
Whether you live in Clarksville, TN or somewhere close by we are ready to help. Our highly trained technicians are available 24/7 to keep your heating & cooling system running smoothly.