When an important appliance in your home is on the fritz, the first question you may have is, “How much is this going to cost me?”.
To call in a repairman to switch out an air filter can cost up to $195 on average while a coil leak can cost up to $2,000. But, the great thing is that many times, the issue can be fixed with a little knowledge and some elbow grease. Unless you have a serious AC malfunction on your hands, you should be able to fix the issue yourself and save a lot of money.
Keep reading to discover some DIY alternatives when it comes to residential AC repair.
1. Check the Circuit Breakers
When it comes to simple AC repairs, making sure it has power is the easiest one.
Many times people will assume something horrible is wrong with their AC if it turns off unexpectantly and won’t turn back on. But, the first thing to check is that the circuit breaker connected to the AC is turned on. Often times, this breaker can become switched without a homeowner noticing, leading to a loss of power to the unit.
2. Change the Air Filter
Wondering how to fix your AC? First, you have to diagnose what the issue is.
Is your AC struggling to keep up with the temperature you set the thermostat at? Does your unit run constantly in an attempt to maintain a comfortable temperature? If so, repairing your AC may be as simple as changing out the air filter.
You need to change your filter every two to three months for optimum performance. If not, this puts unnecessary strain on your AC, which can lead to bigger issues down the road.
3. Clean the Outside Unit
Before you start stressing out about how to repair your AC, make sure you check the outside unit. Many people neglect to take care of their exterior unit, which can lead to improper airflow.
Experts recommend that you keep at least a three-foot distance between your exterior unit and any plants or debris. This means that you need to cut away any intruding bushes, weeds, or tree limbs on a regular basis. In addition, make an effort to remove grass clippings, leaves, and general yard debris from the area surrounding the unit.
You can also clean the interior of the unit by taking off the protective cover — just make sure you disconnect power to the AC first. Then, take a hose and wash away any dirt that’s built up on the unit.
If you’ve tried all three of these DIY solutions and your AC is still not working as it should, nows the time to contact a professional HVAC company.
Try DIY Before Turning to Residential AC Repair
Before you give up and call a residential AC repair company, do your research and attempt to DIY the fix yourself.
Start by checking the circuit breakers to see if your HVAC unit is receiving power. From there, change the air filter to help your AC run as efficiently as possible. And while you’re at it, clean the outside unit to make sure the unit has proper airflow to function.
Have none of these tasks fixed the issue but you’re still not ready to call in the professionals? Search the Tips section of this site to see if the answer lies in one of our many other articles.
Leave a Reply