Air Conditioner Repair: Can You Do It Yourself?

When the temperature soars, you undoubtedly trust your home’s air conditioner to do its job by creating a comfortable indoor climate. In addition to circulating cool air throughout your home, this system also can moderate humidity levels. Unfortunately, regular and heavy use of an AC system can take its toll. Most homeowners will struggle with various types of air conditioner issues over the years, and some will consider doing the repair work on their own.

Some homeowners want to tackle a do-it-yourself AC repair project to save money. Others may have called around to different service providers and may have been told that nobody can repair their AC right away. After all, during the height of summer, the demand for AC repair services throughout your community may be extreme. Regardless of the reason, carefully consider if you can and should make this specific repair on your own.

Basics of Air Conditioner Repair

AC systems are comprised of many complicated components. Any of these components can break, become excessively dirty or develop other issues. Before you can determine if you can and should complete the repair yourself, you must properly diagnose the system to identify the problem. There are a few preliminary steps that you can take to potentially diagnose and fix simple problems. For example, check the air filter, and replace it if necessary. Ensure that the HVAC fuse has not blown or been tripped. Replace the batteries for the thermostat box. Review the freon level for your system. Check and clean out the drain line. These steps can help you to identify some of the more common AC problems. They are simple enough for most homeowners to complete on their own, and the problems that they could identify may be easy enough for you to repair or fix without professional assistance.

Common Breaks That Can Be Fixed Without a Professional

Nobody wants to waste time or money on professional AC repair services that they could have handled on their own. The good news is that there are many common issues that can be repaired by a typical homeowner with average do-it-yourself skills and basic tools. These are some of the more common steps that you can take to fix basic repair issues:

• Check the Thermostat: Your thermostat box controls the AC’s operation, so this is a good place to start when your air conditioner is acting up. If you cannot remember the last time that you replaced the batteries, do so at this time. Then, ensure that the settings are appropriate.
• Look at the Circuit Breaker Box: If your AC system is not turning on at all, the problem may be in the circuit breaker box. Ensure that the fuse for the HVAC system has not blown or been tripped. Replacing a blown fuse or adjusting the flipped switch may resolve the problem. Electrical repair service may be required if a fuse continuously is tripped.
• Clean the System: Your AC system must be clean in order to function properly. Remove vegetation and debris around the exterior unit, and ensure that the coils are clean. A clogged drain line may cause an AC leak, so ensure that this line is clear throughout the entire length of the pipe. In addition, clean filters and vents, and ensure that the ductwork is intact.
• Review Refrigerant Levels: Refrigerant levels can decrease in an AC system, and this could result in air not being as cool as desired. Replenish fluids as needed, and look for signs of a refrigerant leak.

At What Point a Professional Should Be Called In

There are numerous signs that an AC repair specialist should be called in. For example, if you cannot diagnose the problem, your system will require professional diagnosis. If you have found a problem that you are not comfortable repairing or that requires skills and equipment that you lack, professional service is essential. You may also call a professional if your own do-it-yourself repair efforts do not resolve the problem satisfactorily. While you understandably want to work on your AC system to save time and money when possible, understand that not all issues can or should be addressed by a homeowner. If you have taken these steps and have not resolved the problem, contacting an AC repair technician as soon as possible is a smart idea.