Can You Do AC Repair Yourself?

ACs can break down from time to time due to various reasons. Sometimes, dirty filters can cause poor airflow. Insufficient cooling can be due to an issue with the compressor or refrigerant levels, while frequent cycling can be attributed to faulty thermostats or clogged filters, among other issues.

These complex pieces of machinery do not always have straightforward symptoms that indicate a clear issue. It takes a trained eye and years of experience, not to mention specialized equipment, to deal with various AC issues and perform proper repairs. That being said, there are some issues that you can handle yourself, but only if you know that your AC problem is related to a simple maintenance issue.

It’s best to leave AC repairs to professionals. You can do more harm than good, resulting in greater damage and costs, or you might even injure yourself. Look for an AC repair company in your vicinity with transparent rates and have an HVAC professional inspect your unit. Here is what you should know about AC repairs, when to take care of the problem yourself, and when to call in the big guns!

Basic Maintenance

Among the most common AC problems often result from wear and tear and a lack of maintenance. Most people can perform basic maintenance tasks to maintain their ACs properly, such as regularly cleaning or replacing air filters. You should also always keep the outdoor unit free of debris and ensure adequate airflow around it.

However, when you are about to change air filters or perform other basic tasks related to your AC, always refer to your manufacturer’s instructions for guidance. If you cannot find your instruction manual, look up your AC model online and find instructions.

If you experience cooling issues, this might indicate an airflow problem, for example. If you perform some basic maintenance and the problem persists, it might mean a problem with the compressor or refrigerant levels, which is when you should contact a professional.

Similarly, although basic maintenance can help solve poor airflow, such problems aren’t always attributed to dirty filters. Weak and inconsistent airflow can also be related to blocked ducts, a malfunctioning blower motor, or other issues that can only be identified and properly resolved by a professional.

Strange Noises or Odors

Most people become very aware of their AC system’s sounds throughout the years. This familiarity is usually a tell-tale sign that everything is in order. However, when your AC makes strange noises or releases strange odors in your home, you should take it as a clear sign that something is wrong. It isn’t an issue that will simply go away by itself.

Sounds such as grinding, squealing, or rattling, along with the presence of an unfamiliar odor, often indicate mechanical or electrical problems that will only get worse over time. These types of AC issues are best left to professionals to deal with, as DIY solutions can worsen the situation. Turn off your AC and contact an HVAC technician immediately for diagnosis and repair. Leaving the AC on can extend the damage and result in more costly repairs.

Refrigerant Leaks

If you witnessed excessive moisture around your AC unit or water leakage, then you might have a blocked drain pipe or refrigerant leak issue. These types of problems are usually attributed to corrosion, wear and tear, factory defects, poor installation, and other possible factors.

Refrigerant leaks aren’t easy to deal with as they require specialized training and professional equipment. You should not attempt to repair this on your own, especially due to the varying factors behind the leak.

To ensure that your AC’s refrigerant leak problems are properly dealt with, contact a professional repair service and let licensed technicians handle these repairs.

Electrical Issues

Electrical issues related to the AC are very dangerous to tackle alone. Homeowners can get seriously injured if they attempt to solve such issues without proper expertise. Problems related to the thermostat tripped breakers, or frequent power fluctuations should always be addressed by a professional HVAC technician.

Frequent Cycling or Constant Running

Sometimes, your AC can turn on and off without reaching the desired temperature. In other situations, your system may run continuously and still not reach the desired temperature. In both cases, the underlying problem is related to the thermostat, sensors, clogged filters, or other component issues.

For example, if your AC warms some rooms in your home while others remain cool, then its capacitor may be failing. This type of issue, along with others, can sometimes be challenging to diagnose and repair. It’s best to call a professional to diagnose your system, determine the problem accurately, and fix the core issue.

Warranty Considerations

Homeowners who wish to repair their ACs by themselves must also be aware that apart from the risk of injury or potentially damaging the AC further, their DIY attempts may also result in losing their AC warranties.

Even if your AC system is no longer under warranty, attempting DIY repairs or hiring unauthorized technicians isn’t really worth it both in the long and short term. An HVAC professional doesn’t only possess the necessary skills and years of experience to tackle on any AC issue you may have, but they also have the proper tools, licenses, insurance, and warranty to reassure you.

They will adequately fix your AC problem, detect other possible issues, and optimize your system while offering you useful tips on how to maintain your AC optimized or how to save up on energy.

In other cases, an HVAC technician will let you know right away if repairs are even needed. Trying to keep an old AC unit functioning through countless frequent repairs will be more costly in the long run than buying a new one, especially since old units struggle to function at normal capacity and result in higher electricity bills.

Most ACs have a lifespan of about 10 years, but if you don’t maintain them regularly, they will break down much faster. A qualified HVAC technician can let you know right away if it’s time to step up your game and buy a new, reliable AC system to bring back the comfort in your home and for your family.