How to Repair Your Air Conditioner: A Simple Guide to Fix Your AC System

When the summer heat comes and your air conditioning unit breaks down, things can get unbearable. You might not be able to sleep at night because of the heat or you may find that you have to spend most of your time outdoors. An air conditioner is a mechanical device that requires proper maintenance for optimal performance. In some cases, the parts may need replacement or specific repairs may be needed. How to repair your air conditioner depends on what’s wrong with it. Here are some common problems and how to fix them.

Check your filter

The first thing to do when troubleshooting is to check the filter. If the filter is dirty, it can affect the performance of the air conditioner. Wipe the filter clean or change it completely. If you are using a reusable filter, clean it regularly. You can wash it with soap and water or you can use a vacuum cleaner to clean it. If you are using a disposable filter, replace it as soon as possible. Some models have a light that comes on when the filter needs cleaning or replacement. If your air conditioner’s performance doesn’t improve after you clean or replace the filter, there might be another problem with it.

Your AC is making a rattling noise

If your air conditioner makes a rattling noise while it is running, there might be debris in the system. Air conditioners have vents that let out the hot air and bring in fresh, cold air. Sometimes, insects or leaves may get into the system and cause it to make a rattling noise. You can take off the cover and use a broom to remove the debris. If there is too much debris for you to clean out manually, call a professional for help. If the noise doesn’t go away after cleaning the vents, the system might need a replacement. If there is a leak in the refrigerant system, your AC will make a rattling noise while trying to release the excess pressure. You can’t clean the system and neither should you try to replace it. There is a risk of burning yourself while working with refrigerant. Get help from a technician as soon as possible.

You smell something burning when your AC is on

An air conditioner uses a motor to blow cold air. Sometimes, the motor may burn out and start to smell like it’s burning. You should call a technician if the smell is strong and is accompanied by white or black smoke coming out of the motor. You can also check the motor to see if it is too hot to touch. If it is, turn off the AC and unplug the unit. Let it cool down before attempting to clean it. If the motor is ruined, you will have to replace it. If the motor is not visibly damaged but smells like it’s burning, you may have to clean it. To clean the motor, remove it from the unit and use a vacuum cleaner to clean it. Make sure you don’t put the motor in water or use any cleaning agents on it. Also, make sure you don’t touch the electrical parts of the motor as they can give you a shock.

Your air conditioner doesn’t blow cold air

If your air conditioner doesn’t blow cold air, it either needs to be cleaned or it’s broken. Most air conditioners come with a filter that needs to be cleaned regularly. If the filter is dirty, clean it or replace it. Make sure the filter is put back in its place correctly so it starts to work again. If cleaning the filter doesn’t work, there may be a problem with the system. You may have low refrigerant levels, a clogged filter, or a broken motor or compressor. If there is a low refrigerant in the system, you will need to call a technician to get that fixed. If the filter is clogged, you can clean it, but if that doesn’t work, you will have to replace it. If the motor or the compressor is broken, you will have to get it replaced.

You see black or dark smoke coming out of the vents

A burning smell accompanied by black or dark smoke means that there is something wrong with the AC’s refrigerant system. The most common cause of this problem is a leak in the system. There might be a tear in the tubing or the fittings may be loose. If there is a leak in the system, you will have to call a technician to get it fixed. If there is no leak in the system, there may be a problem with the compressor. If the compressor is broken, it will have to be replaced. You can also check the fan to see if it’s broken. If the fan is broken, it will have to be replaced.

The condenser or evaporator coil has mold and mildew buildup

If you see mold and mildew buildup on the condenser or evaporator coils, you will have to get that cleaned. You can use bleach or hydrogen peroxide to clean the coils. Make sure you wear gloves and protective eyewear while cleaning the coils. If you don’t clean the coils, they will have to be replaced. If the condenser or evaporator coils are leaking, you will have to call a technician to get them fixed. If the air conditioner is beyond repair, you will have to replace it.

Conclusion

An air conditioner is a mechanical device that requires proper maintenance for optimal performance. In some cases, the parts may need replacement or specific repairs may be needed. How to repair your air conditioner depends on what’s wrong with it. Here are some common problems and how to fix them.