Air Conditioning Maintenance: When to DIY and When to Call a Professional
When to DIY and When to Call a Professional
Your property’s air conditioning system is the source of major comfort for all those under your roof. In the warmer summer months, air conditioning provides much-needed relief from the heat outside. It cools your indoor space to an acceptable temperature. In the event that your AC stops working, it can mean a host of problems for you and all those in your home or business. A broken or faulty AC can lead to uncomfortably warm temperatures inside. It can also lead to decreased efficiency and increased energy bills for you, the property owner. To keep your AC from breaking down, it’s important to perform air conditioning maintenance as regularly as possible.
Today, we’re covering when to perform air conditioning maintenance yourself and when to call a professional.
Air Conditioning DIY Maintenance
Is your air conditioner not working the way it used to? You may have noticed your indoor space staying cool less consistently, or you’ve noticed a spike in your energy bills. Whatever the sign, your AC system may be to blame. Many AC repair and maintenance steps should be left to professionals. However, there are a number of fixes you can make on your own to keep your air conditioning system working in peak condition. Below are three DIY maintenance fixes you can perform on your air conditioning system.
DIY Fix #1: Change Your Air Filter At Least Once Every Season
Clean air filters are a crucial component to your air conditioning system. They filter dust, dirt, and other debris out of your air supply to ensure that only clean, clear, climate-controlled air reaches your indoor space. Over time, dirt will collect and clog your air filter. This can lead to a number of problems for your indoor space. Air will pass through a dirty filter slower, causing your system to work harder pushing air through, ultimately slowing down your air conditioning process while raising your electricity bill. By cleaning or replacing your air filters regularly, you can keep your air clean, optimize your AC’s performance, and save money in the long run.
- Reusable Filter: With a reusable filter, simply remove the filter from your unit and hose it off outdoors, be sure the filter is completely dry before placing it back into the unit. It is best not to clean the filter indoor as you may clog your drains in the process. Keep in mind that you may have to dispose of a reusable filter over time depending on wear and tear.
- Disposable filter: Simply remove the old air filter and dispose of it (take note of the exact model of filter if you are unsure what to purchase as a replacement).
DIY Fix #2: Reset Your Breakers
Your circuit breakers (or “breakers” for short) are switches for electrical connections in your home or business. They automatically stop the flow of current in an electric circuit as a safety measure. Circuit breakers will “trip” (stop the flow of electricity) when they encounter some electrical disturbance that may cause electrical hazards. Often times, these disturbances are not cause for concern. However, if they trip your breakers, they’ll keep your outlets and appliances from working until the breaker is reset.
To reset your breakers, first, find the breaker panel in your home. It will likely be located in your garage or basement. Locate the breaker that controls your AC unit, switch-off then back-on. If your breaker panel is not well labeled, look for any switches not completely on or off and turn them on.
DIY Fix #3: Open and Unblock All Registers and Air Vents
If you noticed that the air conditioning in your home or business isn’t working very well, the problem may not lie with the air conditioner at all — rather, it might be the ductwork or ventilation.
Check all your vents and registers to ensure they are open and unblocked. This will include the vents which pull the warm air in (usually located in the hallway or the ceiling) as well as the vents pushing the conditioned air out.
When to Call a Professional for Air Conditioning Maintenance and Repairs
Wondering when to call a professional for AC maintenance and repairs? The answer is quite simple. If your AC isn’t working properly and none of the three DIY maintenance steps listed above yield any results, call a professional. Chances are, your air conditioning system is experiencing more complicated problems that require a professional’s expertise to address. Today’s air conditioners have a number of specialized components — including fans, moving belts and wheels, coolant, compressors condensers, and more — that are better handled by a trained professional.
Learn More and Schedule AC Service With Us at 1-800-anytyme!
Want to learn more about AC repairs and maintenance? While we service any and all central air conditioning systems, we specialize in Rheem, Lennox, and Goodman. Ready to keep your AC working optimally with an appointment with our team here at 1-800-anytyme? Contact us via our contact form or call (760) 477-0072 to speak with our professionals directly and schedule your cooling appointment today!