With that said, many issues can make your AC malfunction, so it’s important to differentiate the ones that you can handle yourself from problems that need a professional air conditioning repair service.
Is your home AC unit making weird sounds or showing other signs of excessive wear and tear? Below, we’ve shared everything you need to know to perform DIY AC repairs. We’ll also share tips to help you identify the need for a professional air conditioning repair and best practices to keep your unit in good working condition.
First Things First: Check Your AC Unit to Find Potential Issues
You may be excited to get on with the air conditioning repairs and get your AC working, but the first step in this process is to identify and diagnose the problem.
To start, you need to check a few basic factors and eliminate potential reasons why your air conditioner is not working properly. Let’s take a closer look.
Basic Check
For your basic check, make sure that the circuit breaker is on, that your AC remote has fresh working batteries, that your thermostat is on the right settings, and that the water drainage system is not blocked.
No Power
Make sure that the AC unit is connected to a power supply and check that there are no visible splits in the electrical wires. Here, you should also check the emergency shutoff switch, which is usually attached to the external part of your unit. If you haven’t checked the circuit breaker take the time to do so during this step.
No Cool Air
If the air coming out of your AC unit is not cold or even a little warm, you should check the air filter to make sure it’s not causing any blockage. Also, look at the outdoor part of your unit to check if the cooling coils have any debris or buildup on them.
Leaks
Besides the drainage system, also take a look at the drain line and check out your coils as they sometimes freeze over and become a source leakage. At the same time, it’s a good idea to check refrigerant levels as having too little or too much can cause leaking.
Common Problems You Should Look For
These are the most common AC issues you will encounter. At this stage, you can either attempt to diagnose the problem and find a DIY fix, or you can contact a reliable specialist to help you take care of the issue immediately.
- AC runs constantly
- AC is not turning on
- No cool air or hot air blowing out
- AC freezes
- Leaking water and other liquids
- AC tripping your circuit breaker
- Moldy smells and weird noises
How to Repair Common AC Issues
Here are DIY solutions to the most common air conditioning repair issues you’ll likely encounter.
AC Runs Constantly
When your AC won’t stop running, it’s often due to dirty filters or a thermostat issue. Clean or replace the air filter to improve airflow, and check your thermostat settings to ensure it’s properly programmed.
AC Not Turning On
If your AC is not starting, the problem might be a tripped circuit breaker or a faulty power connection. Reset the breaker and check that the unit is plugged in. Also, inspect the thermostat and replace its batteries if needed.
No Cool Air or Hot Air Blowing Out
When your AC blows air that’s not the right temperature, a clogged filter or dirty outdoor coils could be to blame. Clean the air filter and remove debris from the condenser unit for better cooling performance.
AC Freezes
A frozen AC often indicates restricted airflow or low refrigerant levels. Turn off the unit to let it thaw, replace the filter, and ensure vents are unblocked. If the problem persists, seek professional assistance.
Leaking Water and Other Liquids
Water leaks are typically caused by a clogged drain line or a full drain pan. Clear the drain line with a vacuum or flush it with a vinegar solution, and empty the pan to prevent further issues.
AC Tripping Your Circuit Breaker
If your AC keeps tripping the breaker, it’s likely overworking due to dirty filters or blocked airflow. Replace the filter and clear obstructions around the unit to reduce strain on the system.
Moldy Smells and Weird Noises
Moldy odors often result from moisture buildup in the ducts, while strange noises might signal loose parts. Clean and disinfect the vents, and tighten any visible screws or bolts to silence any rattling.
When Should You Call a Professional?
There is a fine line between an air conditioner that’s working properly and a unit that needs to be repaired. But, when is it time to put down the DIY cap and call a professional?
In general terms, most air conditioning repairs and maintenance jobs should be left to professionals. It’s always a good idea to analyze the AC unit on your own just to rule out small issues that you can resolve yourself. That said, you should contact a professional if:
- You don’t know how to fix the issue
- The problem comes back even after applying a DIY fix
- The issues are severe, for instance, foul odors that make it difficult to be at home
Keeping Your Air Conditioner in Good Condition
Whether you need a DIY air conditioning repair, professional service, or a new AC unit, it’s important to take care of your HVAC to help extend its usable life.
As a general rule of thumb, you want to follow AC maintenance best practices, like ensuring that your air conditioner is big enough to cool your entire home.
In addition to this, some of the steps you should take to maintain your unit in good condition include:
- Clean and replace filters
- Clean the evaporator coils
- Use a fin comb to straighten the coil fins
- Hire a professional to provide yearly maintenance
Need Professional Help? Contact DR Jordan Plumbing
Having a broken air conditioner is not ideal, especially if you want to maintain a steady temperature indoors all year.
There are many common reasons why your AC unit may be malfunctioning, so we hope that the tips above help you diagnose the issue and potentially fix it if it doesn’t require a professional’s hand.
Remember, just because you can’t diagnose or repair your AC unit on your own it doesn’t mean that you need a replacement. Your best bet in these situations is to contact your local air conditioner repair company and have a technician inspect your unit.
Looking for a professional in your area to help diagnose, service, and repair your air conditioner? Contact DR Jordan Plumbling today and our team of air conditioning repair technicians will be glad to help.
