You can’t fix something until you know what’s wrong. That’s also true when determining if air conditioning repair is needed. Making some specific checks can help to pinpoint the problem. Here are some tips to help you:
1. Check the fan blower belt.
Examine if the belt is damaged, and if there’s too much slack. This can result in a low air flow. This causes ice to form and reduces the efficiency of the unit’s cooling ability.
2. Wash the condenser coil periodically.
This process is easier than it might sound. Turn off the air conditioner unit. Then use a basic garden hose to spray the coil, using an “up-and-down motion. The two main causes of the condenser coil becoming dirty are outdoor areas full of cottonwood trees, and the air conditioner condenser being located near a dryer vent.
3. Check the filter.
While this is a basic step in air conditioning maintenance, it can help to minimize the amount of air conditioning repair required. Changing the filter regularly will help to boost the air conditioner’s efficiency. It also reduces the wear-and-tear on your air conditioner, thus increasing the life of the unit.
How can you determine when the filter needs to be changed? Check for ice forming inside the interior cooling unit. When the air filter becomes extremely dirty, then the air flow is impeded, thus allowing ice to form. If the unit is sealed, then simply touch the exterior metal and look for a significant temperature variation.
4. Check the condenser.
The function of a condenser is to condense vapor into liquid. This is a crucial function in an air conditioner. If the condenser isn’t operating, then check the fuses and breakers. You should also verify that the thermostat is functioning properly. If any of these items are malfunctioning, then you’ll need to replace them yourself, or hire a repairman to do the work.
5. Have your air conditioner serviced on a periodic basis.
One way to minimize the amount of repairs that your air conditioner needs, is to have it serviced periodically. There’s that old saying that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of curse. That certainly applies in the case of any major appliances, such as air conditioners. Of course, having your air conditioner serviced doesn’t mean that your unit won’t require any air conditioning repair. However, by keeping your air conditioner maintained properly-such by keeping it clean as a whistle, you can minimize the repair work needed. Ultimately, you’ll save time, effort, and money.
While air conditioners are complex appliances, these tips will help you to maintain your unit, and minimize how many repairs are needed. You deserve to spend more time enjoying your air conditioner, than fixing it!
