Air Conditioning Repairs
When it comes to staying cool, having a properly working air conditioner is essential. A broken air conditioner can mean an uncomfortable house and expensive repair bills. To limit the number of calls that need to be made to the repair technician, there are a number of preventative things that can be done as well as repairs that a homeowner can simply do.
The first and most basic step in air conditioning upkeep would be the regular replacement of air filters. These generally need to be replaced every six months. Placing a reminder on the calendar will ensure that the filter is replaced when it needs to be.
Keeping the outside unit clean is also essential for proper operation. To do this, the power first needs to be shut off to the unit. Next, any debris or leaves should be removed from the area surrounding the outside condenser. The fan blades should be brushed clean and any debris should be rinsed clean with a hose. When rinsing out the condenser, it is extremely important to not get wiring or the motor wet. Protective grills should then be replaced and the units turned on to be tested.
Many modern furnaces and air conditioning units have diagnostic lights or display panels to assist the homeowner with any problems. These will display either numbers or lights that correspond with different problems. By first checking here, one can hopefully better pinpoint the problem.
Often times, electrical problems are to blame when the air conditioning is not working. Circuit breakers should be checked to ensure that these have not been tripped. Depending on the specifics of the home, the air conditioning equipment may be running off of a sub-panel as opposed to being connected through the main electrical panel. If electricity is on to the entire unit, there may be a problem with pressure switches. Switches and relays can be replaced by the homeowner only if familiar with the product and working with electricity. Otherwise, hiring a licensed professional is ideal.
If water is found next to the air conditioner, there may be a problem with the condenser. When the air conditioner is running, it will create condensation. This is carried through a plastic drain tube and is usually deposited into a floor drain or sump pit. The condensate pump works to carry the water away from the unit through the tubing. If this is not running, water can collect on the floor. To check this, water should be poured into the pump to ensure it will run. There is usually a small cap on the top of the pump for this. If it does not run, it can easily be replaced.
With a little bit of knowledge, the average homeowner can easily maintain and diagnose air conditioner repairs. When in doubt, it is always best to get a licensed and reliable technician to work on the unit.
Peter Wendt is a writer and researcher working out of the great state of Texas. He has been writing about this subject for several years, and he finds that a great resource is the website at Keeping Austin Cool.