A well-tuned air conditioning system is a continuous source of comfort for the entire family. However, just like other appliances and devices, your AC unit can also experience malfunctions when least expected. In fact, most AC repair emergencies happen when you need your unit the most such as on warm summer days or hot afternoons.
Dealing with an AC repair emergency is stressful, especially if you have no idea what to do. As part of your effort to keep your home comfortable, here are some quick tips on how to deal with AC repair emergencies:
Remove obstructions
The outdoor unit is referred to as a condenser since it provides cool air inside your home. When this unit gets clogged or obstructed by leaves and branches, its performance is affected, leading to frequent repairs.
Before calling a repair service, you should check the outdoor unit first and remove any debris that can affect airflow. This way, you can ensure that cool air will be distributed evenly inside your home.
Check your circuit breaker
If your air conditioner breaks down, then there could be an issue with the fuse or the circuit breaker. Most problems with air conditioners and heat pumps can be traced back to circuit breakers, which are responsible for shutting off power to the system in the event of an emergency.
Single Pole is the most common type of circuit breaker and is used in homes and small commercial buildings and some larger businesses. The job of a single-pole circuit breaker is fairly straightforward: it protects your house from dangerous electrical overloads or surges.
For this reason, it will automatically disconnect electricity from your air conditioner if there’s a problem with the unit. You should, therefore, inspect the power disconnect, replace the fuse, or reset the breaker in case of an AC emergency.
Check if the air filters need cleaning
If you are unable to cool down a room, it is important to check the air filter. Besides cleaning your air filters yourself, you also need to ensure regular replacement, whether it is monthly or once every three months.
Cleaning or replacing the HVAC filter will improve airflow and help your AC run more efficiently. Of course, this will depend on your AC unit.
Clean the condenser coils
The condenser coils are located on the outside unit. Hence, they are susceptible to getting clogged when debris builds up on the outdoor unit of your HVAC system. This will reduce its efficiency and performance. Hence, it is best to clean the condenser coils at least twice a year to ensure that they work efficiently.
Check if any parts are broken
When you find that your air conditioner is not cooling as much as it used to, you should check for loose wires or broken parts. Do not attempt to fix these issues yourself unless you have proper knowledge and experience of how things work in an AC system. It is best to contact an expert who can help you with this issue.
Check to see if the thermostat is set too low
If you have a programmable thermostat, there is a good chance that it may have been accidentally set too low. If you have a manual thermostat, you can check to see if the temperature is set correctly by feeling the air coming out of the vents. If it does not feel cold, then your AC unit may need air conditioning repair service.
Check for frozen evaporator coils
One of the most common problems that come up is your coil freezing. This typically happens in homes where there is inadequate airflow across the coil.
It is easy to check if this is the problem by gently wiping a clean cloth across the front of your unit’s coil in order to see if ice has formed on it. If so, then your first step will be to turn off the unit and let it thaw out completely.
Clean or replace the air filter
The air filter tends to get dirty within a few weeks of use, especially if you have pets around. The easiest way to check if the air filter is clean is to lift it out of the slot and hold it up against the light.
If you cannot see any light through it, then it is time to clean or replace it with a new one. An extremely dirty filter can also cause ice to develop on your evaporator coil (the cold coil inside your AC unit).
Change out the batteries in your thermostat
If your air conditioner is not cooling, then your thermostat could be out of battery power. It is a good idea to always keep a spare set of batteries handy just in case the power goes out. This will ensure you do not have any issues after a storm or other emergency passes.
Lubricate moving parts
Your HVAC unit relies on several moving parts that need to be lubricated for it to work properly. If your unit is making noises or not functioning properly, it may need more than just an inspection.
You also need to ensure that it is well lubricated. A professional technician can inspect your unit and add lubrication where needed, helping you avoid having expensive parts replaced down the road.
Have a professional technician look at it
If you’re not sure what’s wrong with your unit, or if it seems to be getting worse, it is best to have someone look at it as soon as possible. Attempting to fix the issue yourself could cost you more money and time in the long run. Calling an AC repair service can help prevent potential headaches and keep your home cool.
Sometimes your AC can go out of commission when you least expect it, either due to an equipment malfunction or accidentally damaging the unit. Emergency AC repair services from companies like Direct Air can be very helpful in times like this.
