If you’ve noticed that your air conditioner is not working properly, you may need to make air conditioning repairs. Before you call a technician, try some simple maintenance measures to troubleshoot the problem. These include changing the air filter, checking for leaks, mold growth, and adjusting the thermostat. If none of these fixes work, call an AC repair technician. If the problem still persists, follow these tips to prevent future problems.
Changing the air filter
Before beginning an air conditioner repair, change the air filter. Make sure that the filter is clean and has not been damaged by the previous owner. Changing the air filter can easily be overlooked if you aren’t careful. Here’s how to replace the filter safely:
It’s easy to forget about changing the air filter, but it’s a vitally important step in air conditioning maintenance. Make sure you change the filter before the fall months to avoid the onset of allergy season. You should also replace the filter if you’ve had pets or younger children. These things can contribute to dirty air filters, and they should be replaced frequently. Changing the filter will help keep the air in your home clear, preventing dust and other harmful particles from circulating throughout your home.
When your air filter becomes clogged, your air conditioner won’t be able to trap the contaminants. These particles will then enter your home’s ventilation system, making it much more demanding. As the air filter ages, it may become damaged or even lose its effectiveness. This means that you might have immediate issues like headaches or itchy eyes, but long-term problems such as respiratory disease can arise.
Checking for leaks
If you suspect that you are experiencing an AC repair issue, it’s vital to check for any possible leaks that may be causing the system to operate inefficiently. These leaks can cause excessive utility bills and create dust in your home. To find the leaks, run your air conditioning system at full blast for a while. If you spot a leak, try marking it with a small piece of tape before calling a technician.
Another option for checking for leaks is to add a fluorescent dye to the refrigeration system. This dye mixes with the lubricant and circulates through the system. The technician then scans the system for leaks. When the dye reaches a leak, it turns a bright yellow-green color. Make sure the technician uses a manufacturer-approved fluorescent dye. Avoid dyes with co-solvents, as they can damage your system and reduce its efficiency.
Checking for mold growth
You can easily spot signs of mold growth by looking closely at your home. Especially if you have respiratory issues, mold can cause watery eyes, difficulty breathing, and sneezing fits. If you suspect that your home is affected, consult an air quality assessment specialist. They can help you clean up your air and protect your health. Here are some ways to check for mold growth during air conditioning repairs.
The first sign of mold growth is a musty smell inside the house. It is difficult to detect mold growth in the air ducts without crawling through them. Therefore, it is essential to perform the sniff test while the air conditioner is running. Mold spores can cause respiratory issues in people with asthma and allergies. If your air conditioning system is infected with mold, you may experience fatigue, nausea, dizziness, and confusion.
Changing the thermostat
Changing the thermostat is a simple task, but if you have a problem, it is best to call a professional. While thermostats are essential for heating and cooling, they are often overlooked until they break. Changing the thermostat can save you money and time while still maintaining the temperature of your home. In order to change the thermostat, you must first pry off the front cover. After removing the front cover, you can dust the HVAC components with a dry paintbrush.
The thermostat may not regulate the temperature as well as it should. It could be in an area that gets direct sunlight or has a draft. It may be far from the living area, or it could be exposed to extreme cold spots. A trained expert can find the problem and replace the thermostat in the proper location. If the unit is not in a suitable location, the technician can move it and install the new one. Once this is done, you can shut off the unit and call an air conditioning repair company.