Air Conditioning Repairs – What You Can and Can’t Fix

A typical heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system makes up around 40 to 50% of a building’s total energy consumption. By performing air conditioning repairs and maintenance in a timely way, you can significantly decrease your total consumption.

Air conditioning repairs - what you can and can’t fix

As a homeowner, it’s important to figure out which repair tasks you can handle and which ones require professional help. For expert assistance, consider Balance Point Heating & Air Conditioning. To better understand common AC problems, read on.

Understanding Common Air Conditioning Problems

As a homeowner, there are a few common AC problems you should watch out for. While some issues, like dirty filters, can be repaired on your own, you’ll typically need to get professional help for refrigerant leaks and electrical issues.

AC Not Turning On

If your air conditioner isn’t turning on, you may be dealing with thermostat issues, power supply problems, or tripped circuit breakers. Make sure the AC is plugged in. Next, see if any of the circuit breakers have tripped. You can also try resetting your thermostat to see if that helps. For more serious electrical problems, you should always turn to a professional for your HVAC troubleshooting.

Poor Airflow

When you have poor airflow, there are a few potential problems that could be to blame. Blocked vents, ductwork issues, and dirty air filters can all lead to poor airflow. To troubleshoot these issues, try cleaning or changing the filter. Next, check for blocked vents.

If they are accessible, you can inspect the ductwork for leaks or gaps. You can seal these leaks to prevent air from escaping from the ducts.

AC Blowing Warm Air

When your AC starts blowing warm air, it is a sign you may need professional AC repair. This issue can be caused by thermostat settings, low refrigerant levels, or dirty condenser coils.

Because refrigerant can be toxic to breathe in, you should leave refrigerant inspections to an HVAC professional. If you notice signs of a refrigerant problem, like hissing or sweet scents, turn off your AC and get help right away.

You can check the thermostat settings on your own. Make sure it isn’t in fan mode, and check the temperature setting.

If you are mechanically inclined, you can carefully use a hose to clean the condenser coils. Beforehand, turn off the AC. Then, let the coils dry completely before turning it on again.

Strange Noises

Strange noises can indicate a range of problems. While hissing sounds signify a refrigerant leak, banging noises often stem from loose parts. Electrical issues can produce a humming sound.

Water Leaks

If you see any water, you may have clogged drain lines or frozen evaporator coils. While you can easily clean out a clogged drain line, you’ll have to wait for the frozen evaporator coils to thaw on their own.

Simple AC Maintenance Tasks for Homeowners

Through the best home cooling tips, you can keep your AC in good condition. These routine maintenance tips can help your AC run efficiently. The best maintenance tips change from one season to another, so it’s important to prepare your AC for changing weather to get the optimal performance.

  • Changing Air Filters: Depending on the manufacturer’s specifications, you should replace or clean your air filters every 30 to 90 days.
  • Cleaning Vents and Registers: Remove the vents and use warm, soapy water to clean them. Also, make sure all vents and registers are free from obstructions.
  • Checking Thermostat Settings: Look at the thermostat settings to make sure they’re correct. Then, replace the batteries as needed.
  • Inspecting the Outdoor Unit: Check the outdoor unit for debris. Remove anything that is within 2 to 3 feet of the unit.

Issues Homeowners Should Avoid Fixing Themselves

When dealing with refrigerants and professional components, you must be incredibly cautious. You should never perform these air conditioning repairs on your own because of how dangerous they are. Instead, you should contact professional air conditioning repair services.

  • Refrigerant Leaks: Dealing with refrigerants legally requires special certifications and training because of how dangerous these chemicals are for your health and the environment.
  • Electrical Issues: All electrical issues should be left to professional AC repair companies.
  • Compressor Problems: Compressors are a critical part of your AC, so leave this task to professional HVAC technicians.
  • Major Component Replacements: Major components tend to involve more air conditioning repairs. Additionally, major parts, like condenser coils and evaporator coils, are too important to trust to anyone other than a professional.

Benefits of Professional AC Repair

Getting professional help ensures you get accurate diagnostics and long-term solutions.

  • Expertise and Experience: A professional HVAC technician understands intricate problems and how to handle complex repairs.
  • Safety: HVAC technicians know how to safely handle dangerous components, like refrigerants and electrical systems.
  • Efficiency: A professional technician can efficiently diagnose and repair your system.
  • Warranty Protection: If you don’t use a professional, you may void your warranty.
Air conditioning repairs - what you can and can’t fix

Tips for Choosing the Best AC Contractor

If you’re searching for an AC repair contractor, there are a few important qualities you should look for.

  • Check Credentials: Make sure the contractor has all the certifications and licenses they need to do the job.
  • Read Reviews: A good contractor will have many positive reviews.
  • Get Multiple Quotes: Ask for multiple quotes for your air conditioning repairs so that you get the right services at a fair price.
  • Find a Proven Track Record: You need a company that has a history of providing exceptional service and long-lasting results.
  • Ask About Warranties: Before you hire someone, see if they’ll provide a warranty for their parts and services.

Get Help Fixing Your AC Issues

While some air conditioning repairs can be handled by homeowners, a professional must handle many types of repairs. By finding an AC repair contractor in your area, you can ensure safe, efficient HVAC repairs.

Updated: January 28, 2025 by Michael Kahn

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