AC Repair - When to DIY and When to Call the Pros

There's nothing worse than having your air conditioner shut down in the middle of the summer. Some problems can be troubleshooting by an amateur such as changing the filter, while others will require the assistance of a professional AC repair company. To avoid breakdowns, regular maintenance is vital and can greatly decrease expensive repairs in the future as well as ensure your air conditioner lasts for several years. Here are some typical problems and potential solutions to get your home cooled off once again.

If you notice water pooling at the bottom of an air conditioning unit, it could point to a number of problems. One is that the unit has been installed at an improper angle. An indoor wall unit requires a bit of leverage in order to allow the liquid to drip towards the back, so the front end should be set slightly higher. If you recently had the unit installed, your warranty may cover the AC repair. Warm air invading the space around the air conditioner can also cause moisture droplets to form and drip on the floor. Once the warm air collides with the cool, it will create the excess dampness that results in leaks. Clogged drains are another common problem that can produce unwanted wetness around the air conditioner. There are interior and exterior drainage pipes that can become blocked over time due to dirt or debris. Once the blockage is cleared, the moisture will disappear.

An air conditioner that is blowing hot air can be a more complicated problem. Again, there can be several causes for this. The first thing you can do is check the air filter. A dirty one will prevent air from flowing properly, resulting in the subsequent warm air. Simply replace the filter and give it a try again. If it worked, you should notice fairly quickly. For maintenance reasons, it is best to check the filter every 30 days of so (during periods of use) and replace when necessary. If the filter isn't the issue, you should check the air conditioner compressor. If it sounds as if it is not running or appears to be overheating, you'll need to contact professionals for AC repair. Lastly, another reason for air conditioner malfunction is a refrigerant leak. If this is the case, you'll need to have it recharged and any leaks repaired.

Sometimes AC repair can be more basic than you realize. Is your air conditioner not running at all? Check the circuit breaker. It may have tripped and will start up again once you switch it back on. If your air conditioner is blowing hot air, make sure the thermostat is set to cool. You or someone else may have accidentally brushed against it and turned it in the wrong direction on accident. Check for other obvious damage such as chewed through electrical wires (which could mean rats or other rodents are present in your home). If you try several methods and still have problems, it is better to leave it to the AC repair professionals than risk harming the unit.