DIY AC Repair & Maintenance: Keep Your AC Running Smoothly
Are you facing troubles with you air conditioner? Is your AC underperforming? Then your AC might be in trouble. It is frustrating when your AC isn’t cooling properly, leaving you hot and uncomfortable. You are left sweating and swearing across your house waving a makeshift fan around like you are in a survival challenge. AC repair and AC maintenance are two important terms that you should know in detail if you want to prevent your AC from acting up and underperforming.
This video is sourced from YouTube@Word of Advice TV
While it is recommended that you call professional AC repair services and AC maintenance, understanding basic home AC repair techniques can be incredibly beneficial. You should know that there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to diagnose your AC’s issues and fix them. These are both DIY methods that can save you a lot of money at the same time protect your AC from malfunctioning.
Let us have a look at some of the general troubleshooting and maintenance tips that can help regardless of the type of AC you have. Window AC, portable AC or mini split AC, these AC repair steps will work on all systems.
Table of contents
Common AC Troubles and AC Repair Techniques
Problem 1: AC struggling to cool
Sometimes despite the AC being on, you will find that there is no cooling. You might have cranked it all the way up to 18℃ but the cooling doesn't even feel like the AC is working at 21℃. This is most common AC issue faced by owners.
Here are some of the few common causes for this particular problem and how you can solve them:
● Check the thermostat and assess Airflow
First thing to do is go and check the thermostat on your AC. Is it at the right temperature setting you want it to be. You might have set it to 21℃ in the morning but the afternoon sun calls for maximum cooling. So, always check the thermostat to see if the cooling mode is at a temperature lower than the room temperature. During peak summers you will need to crank it up high.
Also, ensure that vents or air outlets of your airconditioning unit are not blocked by furniture or curtains. For mini split air conditioner, make sure the indoor and outdoor units have adequate clearance for proper airflow.
● Check the air filter
Anything with a filter comes with a handle with extreme care tag. And this extreme care tag applies to AC’s air filter as well. Dust and particles in the air settle in leading to a clogged air filter. This restricts airflow making it harder for your AC to cool properly. If you are in a city, then the pollution makes the air filter much more of an easy target to dust accumulation.
The air filter is usually located behind the front panel. You will have to remove the front panel and locate the filter. It looks like a rectangular or square mesh-like component, often made of plastic or fiberglass, designed to trap dust and debris.
To check the filter, turn off the AC, open the panel, and slide out the filter. If it’s dirty, clean it with water and let it dry completely before putting it back. If the filter is heavily clogged, replace it with a new one. Regular filter cleaning is must do task for every AC owner.
● Check the coils
While dirty air filters are a problem, dirty evaporator and condenser coils also pose a problem as it reduces cooling efficiency. Coil maintenance goes a long way when it comes to AC maintenance. Coils are usually metallic tubes arranged in a grid-like pattern, often covered with thin aluminum fins that help dissipate heat.
For mini splits, the evaporator coil is inside the indoor unit, and the condenser coil is in the outdoor unit. In window air conditioner, the evaporator coil is behind the front grille, while the condenser coil is at the rear. For portable air conditioner, the evaporator coil is inside the unit, accessible when you remove the filter. The condenser coil is usually located near the exhaust vent.
The coils are usually metallic tubes that are stacked in grids, often covered with thin aluminum fins that help dissipate heat. If you find that the coils have accumulated dust use a soft brush or a coil cleaner spray to remove dust and dirt. If you are using a spray, let it sit for a few minutes before wiping off the residue. Ensure the coils are completely dry before you slap on the panel and switch the AC back on.
● Check refrigerant level
Low refrigerant levels can indicate a leak which reduces the cooling performance. The refrigerant lines are usually copper tubes running between the indoor and outdoor units, sometimes insulated with foam. While you can’t actually check the levels of this substance you can do a few things to tell whether refrigerant is low.
Locate the larger copper refrigerant line near the outdoor unit. Touch the line to check if it is cold to the touch and also see if you can spot water droplets from the condensation. If the line is not cold to the touch or has no condensation, it may indicate low refrigerant.
Also, if you notice ice forming on the evaporator coil, it is another signal for low refrigerant. If the refrigerant level is low call commercial ac repair service to inspect the refrigerant and get it refilled.
Problem 2: Strange Noises from the AC unit
When you hear strange noises coming from your AC it is necessary for emergency air conditioner repair. Different noises can indicate various issues. Noises may be caused by loose components such as fan blades, screws, or motor mounts. Remove the panel of the AC and check for loose parts and tighten any visible screws or panels.
Sometimes you might also hear a high-pitched squealing sound which could indicate a worn-out belt in older window units. If your unit has a belt, see if it’s loose or worn out and if needed replace it. There could also be grinding noises which is a signals motor issues. Try lubricating motor bearings if they seem to be dry.
Problem 3: AC Leaking Water
If you AC is leaking water it means your AC has a clogged drain line. The drain line from the condensate removes moisture from the AC. If it gets clogged with dirt or algae, water may start dripping inside. Locate the drain line — a small PVC pipe near the indoor unit.
If you find that it is clogged, flush it with a mixture of water and vinegar to remove algae buildup. If there are any blockages use a wet/dry vacuum to suck them out from the drain pipe.
Problem 4: AC Not Turning On
You might find that you are constantly poking at your phone trying to awaken your AC from its slumber but nothing is happening. If your AC doesn’t switch on first ensure that the unit is plugged in and that the circuit breaker is not tripped. Reset the circuit breaker if it has tripped. In case your AC is connected to a power strip, try plugging it directly into the wall outlet.
If your AC unit is connected to power but still not turning you can try resetting the AC. Some ACs have a reset button on the indoor or outdoor unit. Take a quick peak in the manual to locate it and press it to restart the system.
AC Maintenance Tips for Long-Term Efficiency
Reduced cooling performance, high energy bills, and sudden breakdowns, all these problems can be prevented with regular upkeep. You can improve AC efficiency, and extend its lifespan by:
● Cleaning/replacing filters
● Checking refrigerant levels
● Keeping coils clean
● Annual professional maintenance
Doing these things will reduce the strain on your AC and keep it functioning properly. What’s more, a well-maintained AC consumes less power and reduces long-term energy costs. Don’t forget to do an annual professional service for your AC because it is ideal that you don’t wait until the last minute to get a professional AC repair service.
More to read
The Ultimate Guide to Essential Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips
