An AC breaking down in the middle of summer can be an uncomfortable experience at best, having to deal with the scorching heat without hope for respite till a technician comes around. Well, luckily, you have this article to help! While we always recommend you refer any repairs to a HVAC qualified technician, there can be some repairs or maintenance tasks that you may be able to do from home should you be experienced or knowledgeable enough to carry them out.
If you’re in the Safety Harbor, Florida area, you could alternatively contact us at EasyBreezy AC, Tampa Bay’s most trusted HVAC company. Our experienced technicians are experienced in the repair and servicing of a range of different HVAC units and should you be in need of emergency repairs, we can work to expediting the service time.
Before get to the tips, let’s understand whether it’s OK to carry out DIY repairs on your AC unit.
Is DIYing a Good Idea When It Comes to Your Air Conditioner?
Many people consider DIYing a cost-effective solution when it comes to air conditioning repair. However, it is not always a good idea to handle the job on your own. Attempting to repair the air conditioner without proper knowledge and experience can cause more damage to the unit or even result in injuries.
Hiring a professional technician to diagnose and fix the issue is always better. They have the necessary expertise and tools to identify the problem and replace any faulty parts, such as refrigerant. Moreover, if a new part is required, the technician can help install it seamlessly.
While home DIY projects can be fun and rewarding, air conditioning repair is not something to attempt solo. So, consider hiring a professional technician for efficient and safe air conditioning repair.
Remember: tampering with your AC unit may violate the terms of your manufacturer’s warranty so always ensure that the repairs you attempt to undertake are permissible under said terms.
With that important disclaimer out of the way, let’s get into the six AC repairs you can attend to by yourself. These are usually safe to be done at home; however, if you feel unsure or lack the knowledge or skill to carry these out, it’s best to leave it to the technicians.
Check the thermostat
This seemingly simple solution can often be overlooked during a busy day or while in a rush. Check the thermostat or AC remote to ensure the temperature is below the ambient room temperature and the batteries are working.
Melt any ice
At times ice can build up on your AC unit is too large for the space or in colder weather. All you need to do is run the fan by itself or leave the AC off for a little while, and the ice will melt off by itself.
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Cleaning the dust filters
This is commonly a straightforward DIY maintenance task you can do, which usually doesn’t void your warranty. An overly clogged dust filter can impact the cooling efficiency of the AC unit or lead to a breakdown over the long term, as your AC runs at a higher capacity than is required.
Make sure you shut off the AC and unplug it.
Then locate the filter (usually in the front or the side of the AC unit) and extract it. Rinse it under water to remove dust and any other debris. Inspect the rest of the filter for any signs of damage. Should your AC come with a disposable filter, consider replacing it. If there is no other damage, thoroughly dry the filter and reinstall it into your AC. Switch it back on.
Check your circuit breaker
Sometimes, your AC may be causing your circuit breaker to trip. You’ll want to check to see if your circuit breaker has indeed tripped and reset it if it has. Try switching on the AC, and if it continues to trip the breaker, you’ll want to speak to a technician to help diagnose the issue.
Clear the condensate drain
The condensate drain removes excess moisture in the AC from the condensation generated from warm weather. If the drain is blocked, this could cause the water to back up into the unit amd may damage the AC parts it comes into contact with.
Check the outdoor unit
If your AC has an outdoor unit, check to ensure that it is corrosion free and not blocked with debris. Clear the surroundings of loose leaves and plants and wash out the unit to make sure it is operating at its peak performance.
Summary
While the above maintenance and repair activities do not require specialist knowledge or skills, it is important to note that DIY repairs can be dangerous to the AC unit or yourself. A professional repair technician has the expertise and tools to diagnose and repair any issues with your AC system. They can also provide preventative maintenance to ensure that your a/c is running efficiently and prolong its lifespan.
Ultimately, hiring a professional technician for AC repair is the safer and more reliable option for the long-term health of your air conditioner. And if you are ready to work with a leading, dependable HVAC company and are in the Safety Harbor area, contact us at EasyBreezy AC today. With almost 4000 residential and commercial active customers, we are the most trusted AC installation, repair, and maintenance company in Florida.
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As an air conditioning technician, I am responsible for the maintenance and repair of HVAC systems. I work with various tools and equipment to troubleshoot and repair issues with AC units. My work can sometimes be challenging, but it is gratifying to help keep people comfortable in their homes and businesses!