Summer is in full swing and for many homeowners, that means using air conditioners to keep cool. But what happens when your AC stops working? Don’t panic – here are some DIY tips to help you repair your air conditioner. Keep in mind that these tips are just meant as a temporary fix – if your AC is in need of serious repairs, it’s best to call a professional. But if you’re just looking to get by until your next service appointment, try one of these suggestions.

Important Note: Before you do any work on your unit, turn the power off.

Repair Your Air Conditioner with These Tips

Noise is Loud or Unusual

When a cooling system begins to make unusually loud noises, this is a sign of a problem that should be remedied right away. In some cases, a DIY fix is sufficient, and in others, you need to bring in an HVAC specialist. First, determine if the noise is coming from the indoor or outdoor unit.  Then, go to the appropriate unit and look for any obvious signs of wear or a broken part.  If you can narrow down the noise to a particular spot; turn the system off and see if there is any minor adjustment or realignment that can be made.  

If you hear a metallic rattling sound, you should check all of the fittings and screws for looseness. Tighten anything you find that is loose. It is possible that you might even need to replace a screw or two that became so loose that it fell off the AC unit.

No Cold Air

So, you turned the AC system on, but the unit is blowing hot air instead of cold. Before you get upset, take a walk outside and check to see if the condensing unit coils  are blocked by anything. If they are, turn the unit off and remove the debris or hose the coils off.

If the system is still blowing only warm or hot air, or is iced up; you should call an HVAC technician to fix it for you. Most likely, it’s an electrical problem or your unit needs coolant. It might have a leak that needs fixing. Don’t forget to check the breaker or fuse in the electrical disconnect for the outdoor unit.

Related Reading: Read This Before Calling for an HVAC Repair

AC Won’t Turn On

If your home recently experienced a surge in power, you might need to reset your circuit breaker for the air conditioning unit. If you are comfortable doing so, you should check the circuit breaker panel and flip the switch that is in the off position. Make sure that you know what you are doing before you take this step. If your electrical system uses fuses, it is possible that a fuse needs to be replaced. While you can complete this task on your own, you should only do so if you are familiar with this process.’

Sometimes, a cooling system won’t begin delivering cool air even if it has been turned on by the homeowner. The easiest DIY fix for this problem is to check to make sure that the temperature setting is correct. If it isn’t, you can simply change it to a setting that is lower than the current indoor temperature. You also need to make sure that the setting is on “cool.” In both cases, you should check your manual to make sure that you are setting the controls properly.

Related Reading: How Much Does an HVAC Repair Cost?

Water is Leaking

If you notice water leaking all around the AC unit, there are several things that could be wrong. Most likely, the drain line is clogged with dirt, algae or mold.  You can simply clean out or replace the damaged tube on your own. If none of the tubes are damaged or clogged, the system may be iced up., If the tube or drain pan is filled with ice, the unit’s refrigerant system is having a problem; you will need to call a professional.

Conclusion

If the thought of trying to figure out how to fix a faulty air conditioner is causing you stress, pick up the phone and make an appointment with Frederick Air instead. Sometimes, it isn’t worth the hassle of trying to figure it out on your own. A knowledgeable repair technician can complete the repairs quickly, allowing you to get back to enjoying the cool comfort of your home. Give us a call at 301-663-0300 to book an appointment.