If your air conditioner isn’t working, you don’t have to call in a repairman or replace it. You can fix the unit yourself. Here are some simple things that may be wrong and how to fix them:
- Make sure the switch is turned on.
- If the unit doesn’t seem to be getting any power, check the electrical outlet. It may have blown a fuse or tripped a circuit breaker.
- If your thermostat is on, but your air conditioner still isn’t working, there could be a problem with the unit’s limit switch, which turns it off when the temperature reaches a certain point. The switch could be stuck or dirty and needs to be replaced.
- If the start capacitor is malfunctioning, it may need to be replaced.
- The evaporator fan motor usually has a set of blades that can become bent or broken, causing the motor to overheat and shut off. This could also be the cause of puddles of water under your unit. This can be fixed by taking out the motor and straightening or replacing the blades.
- If you have a window unit, it may sound like it’s running but not blowing cold air. The problem is probably with an O-ring that seals one side of the unit to the sliding window frame. You can fix this by removing the unit, taking out the screws that hold it in place, and popping off one side to get access to the O-ring.
Why Do You Need An AC Expert To Fix Your AC Problem?
It’s important to hire an AC repair company if you have faulty wiring, a problematic thermostat, or other complicated issues with your air conditioner. In these cases, calling a professional is the smartest option. But some basic problems can be fixed without hiring a pro.
In most cases, it will cost less to fix the problem yourself. Calling an expert will probably run you between $80 and $120 per hour depending on where you live. That’s not to mention the cost of parts, which can be over a hundred dollars for a single component. If your fix goes wrong or if you damage your unit, it may cost even more money to get it repaired.
How To Determine If Your AC Needs To Be Fixed Or Replaced?
If your unit is very old and inefficient, it may be time to consider replacing it. If you’re looking to upgrade, check out Energy Star’s listings for the most efficient units that qualify for rebates and tax credits. Be sure to calculate how much you would spend on energy bills before you replace your unit to see how much money you could potentially save.
If the unit is fairly new, it may just need a cleaning or some basic maintenance. If there are no parts on Amazon that will fix the problem, then call in an AC expert to get it up and running again!