Having a broken air conditioner unit can be very inconvenient during the warmer months. Professional repair, from a company like Alek HVAC, may seem like an unnecessary cost for small repairs. The good news is that several small repairs are easy DIY projects that can be completed in a weekend.
Here are seven repair projects that you can do yourself.
1. Clean Filter
If your air has started to smell musty or mildewy, that is an indication that it’s time to disinfect the filter. This is a fairly simple process. Slide the filter out of the unit, and vacuum off any loose particles. Rinse the filter with a detergent solution that kills mold and allow to thoroughly air dry.
2. Repair a Duct Leak
A leaky duct can cause expensive air escape and leave you with a warm house. Locate a duct leak by carefully examining all ductwork. After you have found the worn duct, repair the rip with duct tape. Apply fab mesh, and paint over it with a mastic sealant. The air should be back to normal as soon as the sealant dries.
3. Clean Your Ducts
Ducts carry a lot of air on a regular basis and can get quite dirty. Air ducts should be periodically purified to prevent dirt and mold buildup. To wash ducts, remove duct vent covers, and swish a long brush into ducts as far as you can reach. Use a vacuum with a hose attachment to remove the remaining debris.
4. Repair Bent Coil Fins
If you have noticed the temperature rising in your house, bent coil fins may be to blame. Bent coil fins can severely inhibit the airflow on your unit. Straightening bent fins is fairly easy. Repair coil fins by removing the unit cover to expose the fins. Remove the filter, and run a fin comb along the length of the fins. This action should gently straighten out any bent fins. Replace the filter and cover, and test your unit for improved efficiency.
5. Adding Freon
Units sometimes lose Freon through the cooling process. Adding coolant to your air conditioning system can greatly improve efficiency and save money. This is a very delicate process that requires care and precision. Slowly pour the coolant into the low side of your unit. If you are at all wary about attempting this process yourself, it is best to consult a professional.
6. Change the Thermostat Battery
A dead battery on the thermostat is a common reason why your air conditioner will not run. This is an easy and inexpensive problem to correct. Locate the battery holder, and remove the batteries. This sometimes involves unscrewing the thermostat from the wall. Replace old batteries with fully charged ones, and your unit should turn right on.
7. Repair a Squeaky Fan
A squeaky air conditioner can be very annoying. The fan is usually to blame for this bothersome noise. This is a very easy problem to fix. The fan has ball bearings that allow it to spin and cool off your house. A liberal spray of lubricating oil on the ball bearings should bring the squeaking to an end.