Essential Tips for AC Repair
Often, when big problems arise, it’s easy to get lost down the rabbit hole of imagining all the things that might be wrong. Anxiety can start spinning out of control, but it helps to stay calm. If you keep your cool and start with the most simple problems and solutions, you might just save yourself some cash and a headache.
This is especially true with air conditioning repairs. When professionals arrive at your house, they don’t immediately start taking apart the AC unit. Instead, there are a few simple things they check for first. Save yourself some time (and money!) by checking out these three things yourself before calling your local professional in.
1. Check Your Thermostat
When the AC goes out, your first thought might be that there is a mechanical error somewhere in the system. You might be right, but first, you should check your thermostat.Many times, professionals arrive at the home or business to find that the thermostat was accidentally turned off, or has dead batteries. Check your thermostat to make it’s working:
- If it needs new batteries, replace them using the manufacturer's instructions. Consider upgrading to longer lasting lithium batteries.
- Confirm the thermostat is working by clicking through a few different settings. If it seems to be malfunctioning, it may need to be replaced.
If the thermostat looks okay after testing, move on to check the next item below.
2. Change the Air Filter
The second most common cause for an AC system that seems to be struggling is to simply change the air filter. Stretching out the life of your filter may seem like an easy way to save money, but it can shorten the lifespan of your AC system, waste energy by forcing the system to work harder than it needs to, and make the system less effective at cooling and distributing cooled air.
Regularly changing the air filter when it gets dirty is an easy DIY check for homeowners in need of air conditioning repair. If both the thermostat and the air filter look good, then it may be time for the third easy checkpoint that professionals always check.
3. Clean the AC System
Similar to changing a dirty air filter, the entire AC system should be cleaned regularly. All of the different components can collect dirt and grime through regular wear and tear. In order to run efficiently, that needs to be cleaned off.General cleaning like clearing away leaves and debris from the outside unit can be done by homeowners. Hiring a professional to come out and clean the AC system’s more mechanical components or the vents should be a part of every owner’s general maintenance schedule to ensure that the system runs efficiently for its full life expectancy.
If the thermostat is working properly, the air filter and the central AC system are clean, but the AC system is still not working, then it may be something more serious. A local professional will be able to help you discover what’s going on, and find the best solution for your home or business.
About Boutwell's Air Masters
Boutwell’s Air Masters has been offering full HVAC solutions for whole-home comfort in Pensacola and surrounding areas since 1973. Their licensed professionals can help diagnose and repair all heating and HVAC systems. They also offer annual maintenance plans with tune-ups and air filters included.
