DIY AC Repairs: What You Need to Know?
A faulty AC can quickly turn your cool house into a sauna in the summer. While the first thing that comes to your mind is to call a professional, the solution isn’t always so.
An AC unit has some simple and some complex parts. When the problem lies with the complex parts, it is advised to call a professional for AC repair in Orange County.
However, it is recommended that you fix the problems first because you can most often DIY repair them.
This blog discusses some common problems with AC and how to repair them on your own. So, check it out.
Understanding Your AC System
Before we start, you must learn the basics of your AC system. Multiple systems work together, making your house cool and cozy in the summer.
Here are the essential elements of an AC unit:
Thermostat: It helps regulate the temperature.
Air Filter: Traps dust and debris and ensures pure air circulation in your house.
Evaporator Coil: An evaporator coil absorbs the heat inside your home.
Condenser Coil: This coil releases the hot air outside your home.
Refrigerant: It converts the liquid refrigerant into gas and cools the air.
Fan and Motor: These parts help circulate the air into your house.
DIY Tips for AC Repair in Orange County
Here are some tips to avoid costly AC repair expenses:
Check Your Thermostat
Sometimes, the problem isn’t with your AC. It’s simply the thermostat, which has run out of battery, or the kids turned off the system from cool to heat or off. So, before you call up, check your thermostat.
Check the AC Filter
The AC filter is responsible for trapping dust, debris, pollen, and other allergens not only on the inside but also in outdoor units. Over time, the dust and debris accumulate to the point that it does not allow air to pass.
The remedy here is to change the air filter, which is easy. Turn off the AC, locate the air filter, and once done, pull out the covers.
You will see the old air filter. Remove it and then replace it with the new one. Close the covers and turn on the AC. Check the direction of the airflow, and if it still isn’t working properly, call an expert for AC repair in Orange County.
Check the Circuit Breaker
A circuit breaker is a safety device that trips itself off when the power load is more than the equipment can carry. Check if the circuit breaker has tripped. It happens due to power overload.
Generally, it is recommended that you don’t rely on one circuit breaker for multiple appliances, but if you do, it is possible that some other appliance tripped the circuit off.
Trip it on again, and you will have cool air in your home again.
Frozen Pipes
When it's cold at night, the pipes are more likely to freeze, preventing the AC from working properly.
In such cases, they need to be thawed.
Turn the thermostat off and turn on the fan. It might take a couple of hours for the pipes to be fully thawed.
When the nights aren’t extremely cold and the pipes are frozen, it is advised to call a professional to check the equipment.
Check Your Air Vents
Despite your cleaning efforts, dust and debris can get into the AC vents, restraining the air flow. Furniture and fixtures around the house can also restrict airflow.
Check the vents for any such restriction, such as if furniture is stacked against the vent or clothes buckets are restricting the flow of air.
Strange Noises
If the AC unit is not cooling enough and making strange noises, it might be because of two reasons- loose screws and parts or a stuck fan motor struggling to move.
In both cases, you must open up the AC and fix the problem.
Safety Tips
DIY AC repair might seem easy, but safety hazards can quickly become a nightmare if you aren’t careful. Here are the safety tips that you should be careful about:
Always turn off the power before checking the AC unit.
Wear gloves and rubber slippers in case the cause of the problem is an electrical fault.
Use proper tools so as not to damage your AC unit and protect yourself from injury.
Conclusion
While DIY AC repairs can save you time and money, it is advised that you call a professional if the problem persists and you are not a DIY person. If you have never repaired your AC unit before, do not attempt it now; know your limits and contact a professional.
Also, schedule maintenance regularly to keep your AC running efficiently and extend its lifespan, providing comfort for years to come.
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