Summertime means hot, sticky weather, and for many people, that also means air conditioning. But what if your AC goes out and you are not sure how to fix it? Try these easy DIY ac repair tips before spending a fortune on a repairer. You may be able to get your AC up and running again in no time!
Remove Debris
Keeping your AC unit’s fan, motor, and compressor clean and debris-free is essential. The fan’s blades can become loose or dirty over time and cause the AC unit to malfunction. Cleaning the fan blades with a vacuum and soft cloth and checking them for looseness can help keep the AC unit running smoothly. If the fan motor is not working correctly, it may need to be replaced. To do this, remove the fan, the power wires, and several mounting bolts before installing a new motor in its place. However, if the condenser coil must be relocated to access the fan, do not try to disassemble the motor yourself.
Fins Cleaning
Keeping the air conditioner fins clean is vital because it helps to ensure that the unit operates at peak efficiency. A build-up of dirt and debris can inhibit airflow and cause the unit to work harder than necessary, leading to higher energy bills. In addition, dirty fins can also lead to a decline in performance and even component failure.Fortunately, cleaning air conditioner fins is a relatively easy task that can be done at home with just a few simple tools. In most cases, all you will need is a garden hose, a soft brush, and an old dinner knife.
Start by removing the outer covers of the unit and using the brush attachment on a powerful vacuum to remove all outside dirt. Then, using a gentle spray from the garden hose, clean any built-up dirt or debris between the fins from the inside out.If the fins are particularly dirty, you may need a fin cleaning spray.
Evaporator Drain
It is essential to clear the evaporator drain because the AC will not work if it becomes blocked, and water may puddle around the unit or flood the area. Clogged evaporator drains can usually be cleared with a short piece of wire hanger or a pocketknife blade.Every month throughout the season and at the outset of each cooling season, clean out the ports with a soft cloth to prevent blockage.Additionally, check the condenser side of the AC unit for any drain ports that may need to be cleared.
Condenser Coil
The condenser coil is vital because it helps calm the air forced through the system. If the coil is dirty, it will not be able to function correctly, and the air conditioner will not work as well. It is essential to clean the condenser coil at least once a year.
Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil is also necessary because it helps to cool the air. If the coil is dirty, it will not be able to function correctly, and the air conditioner will not work as well. It is essential to clean the evaporator coil at least once a year and more often if it is located in a dusty area. So, if your AC unit is not cooling correctly and you are uncomfortable with the idea of doing a DIY repair, it might be time to call in the professionals. We hope that this blog post has helped you understand some of the basics of DIY AC repair and shown you that it is not as difficult as it may seem.
