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- Learning how to repair an air conditioner can seem like a daunting task for a homeowner, but in reality many of the problems involved with air conditioning can be diagnosed and resolved with a little troubleshooting. This guide will list the basic techniques that you can use to fix a malfunctioning A/C unit. Learning how these techniques can save money, as you may not need to hire a contractor to repair the unit.
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- Learning how to repair an air conditioner can seem like a daunting task for a homeowner, but in reality many of the problems involved with air conditioning can be diagnosed and resolved with a little troubleshooting. This guide will list the basic techniques that you can use to fix a malfunctioning A/C unit. Learning how these techniques can save money, as you may not need to hire a contractor to repair the unit.
Introduction
- While many air conditioning problems can only be diagnosed and repaired by professional HVAC specialists, you can handle most simple problems yourself. Understanding the cause of major issues, from lack of power to inadequate cooling, will help you find simple solutions without the need for outside consultation. It will also save energy and help decrease environmental damage. Note: This guide will focus on central air conditioners, not room A/C units.
Step 1: Check the Power
- Most A/C problems are electrical, not mechanical. Check for blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers on the main power control of the house. If they are up and running, it's possible that the thermostat is set too high. Lower the thermostat by five degrees and see if the unit turns on.
Step 2: Clean the External Unit
- If the unit still doesn't turn on. If the A/C unit is running but isn't blowing cold air, it may just need to be cleaned. The process of cleaning involves the following steps:
- Shut off the unit. You can turn off the external air conditioning unit by accessing the disconnect panel on the house wall. If there is no disconnect panel, shut off the power by cutting off the A/C via the house's main electrical panel.
- If necessary, remove the grille cover from the unit so that you can access the fins. Be careful not to loosen or remove any wires.
- Using a soft brush, clean any debris from the fins, then vacuum them with the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner. The fins are usually made of light aluminum and are easily damaged, so exercise caution in this step.
- If the fins are bent, straighten them with a fin comb (these are readily available at most hardware stores). The comb will slide into the spaces between the fins, making the process safe, as long as you don't apply too much pressure.
- Carefully replace the grille cover, making sure that the unit is secure.
- Turn on the air conditioning. If it still doesn't work, continue to Step 3.
Step 3: Examine the Air Filter
- If the problem persists, it's time to examine the internal A/C unit, which is usually placed near the furnace inside the house. Consult your air conditioner manual (if you don't have it, most manuals are available on the manufacturer's website). Remove the air filter and examine it for dirt and clogs. If necessary, replace the filter, as specified by the manual. If the filter is not readily accessible, you will need to consult an HVAC professional.
Step 4: Check the Evaporator
- The evaporator is usually located above the furnace, in an area called the plenum. If the plenum has foil-wrapped insulation at its front, you can clean the evaporator. If it is sealed in sheet metal, do not attempt to clean it. The following steps should be followed in the process:
- Carefully remove the foil-wrapped insulation in the front of the plenum
- Clean the underside of the evaporator unit with a stiff brush
- Using a tablespoon of bleach, clean the tray below the evaporator unit
- Put the unit back into place and reinstall the plate and foil-wrapped insulation
- Turn on the air conditioner and check for air leaks. If any are detected, seal them with duct tape.
Step 5: Consult a Professional
- If none of the above steps has resolved the A/C problem, you will want to contact an HVAC professional. It is highly possible that the problem is a lack of refrigerant (usually Freon). If the system is out of refrigerant, the system will need to be recharged.
Conclusion
- Many air conditioner problems can be resolved with a little know-how and careful examination of common issues. Following these steps can save you a great deal of money and hassle when dealing with a problematic unit. If the problems are persist, or there is a need to recharge the unit, make sure to contact a professional.
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