As the summer heat begins to ramp up, many of us start to think about our air conditioning units and whether they are in need of repair. After all, no one wants to be stuck in a hot, stuffy house with no way to cool down.
But before you call the repairman, you might be wondering: are air conditioners easy to repair? The answer, unfortunately, is not a straightforward one. It depends on the problem that your air conditioner is having.
Some issues, like a dirty filter, can be easily fixed at home with minimal effort. Others, however, may require the help of a professional. In this article, you will know if air conditioning units are easy to repair.
Cleaning the Evaporator
The evaporator is located inside the unit, behind the front panel. It contains coils that are filled with a cold refrigerant. As explained by the team behind www.billyaircon.com.sg, the evaporator coils remove heat from the air that passes over them.
This causes the air to cool. The evaporator coils can become dirty over time. When this happens, they are not as effective at removing heat from the air.
This can cause your air conditioner to work harder than it needs to, which can lead to higher energy bills. To clean the evaporator coils, you will need to turn off the power to the unit and remove the front panel.
Once the panel is removed, you will be able to access the coils. You will need to use a brush or vacuum attachment to remove any dirt or debris that has built up on the coils. Beget you should clean the evaporator coils at least once a year.
Examine your thermostat
Check to see if the switch is in the “on” position. If it is, flip it to the “off” position and wait five minutes before flipping it back on. This will give your air conditioner time to reset itself.
If your thermostat is old, consider replacing it with a newer model. The newer models are much more accurate and can save you money on your energy bill.
If your air conditioner is still not working, take a look at the unit itself. Is it clean? If it’s dirty, clean it off with a garden hose. Be sure to disconnect the power first.
Change Your Filter
Filters are an important part of your AC unit, and they should be changed regularly. A dirty filter will make your AC work harder, which can lead to problems.
To change your filter, simply remove it from the unit and replace it with a new one. The process is simple and only takes a few minutes.
This is one repair that you can definitely do yourself. However, if you have any questions, be sure to consult your AC unit’s owner’s manual. This repair is easy and will save you money in the long run.
Give It A Good Cleaning
Debris can easily accumulate around your AC unit, blocking airflow and making it work harder than necessary.
Hosing down your unit on a monthly basis (or more often if you live in a dusty area) will help to keep it clean and running smoothly.
The evaporator coils and condenser coils inside your unit can also become clogged with dirt and dust, so be sure to give them a good cleaning as well.
This diagram from Energy Star shows you how to clean your air conditioner coils. Although, it’s always a good idea to consult your owner’s manual before cleaning any parts of your
Examine Your Ducts
If your ducts are not properly sealed, air can escape from them and cause your AC unit to work harder than it needs to. Check the sealant around your ducts and replace it if necessary.
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that leaky ducts can increase your energy bill by as much as 30 percent. The most common problem with window air conditioners is that they don’t cool the room evenly.
This usually happens because the unit isn’t big enough for the room, but it can also be caused by dirty coils or a thermostat that isn’t working correctly.
If your AC unit doesn’t seem to be cooling your room evenly, try moving it to a different window or adjusting the thermostat.
Handling the Refrigerant
The Freon in an air conditioner unit needs to be handled with care. It is a refrigerant that helps to cool the air. The Freon must be recharged when it gets low, and this can only be done by certified professionals.
The Freon must also be disposed of properly to avoid harming the environment. This all adds to the cost of repairing an air conditioner unit.
Overall, air conditioning units are not too difficult to repair. However, it is important to remember that there are a lot of components involved in these systems, so it is always best to consult with a professional if you are unsure about anything.
With that said, most minor repairs can be easily fixed at home with some basic knowledge and tools.