Warm weather is around the corner and we are again reminded of how nice it is to have a well-working AC system. Knock on wood you don’t face issues with yours, but if the time comes, so does the inevitable question: Do it yourself, or call in a pro? When it comes to fixing things around the house, folks can find themselves in three different areas of confidence: I can totally do this,I think I can do it, but I might need a hand, and Oh no, I need help-let me call someone. All three levels of confidence are great, but it’s important to know when it’s a manageable job, and when it’s too much to handle.
There are many different types of air conditioning systems, but in this article, we’ll focus on the most common issues they tend to experience.
Let’s take a look at some common issues owners face with their AC systems, and then we can discuss whether it’s a good choice to call in a professional or attempt to perform some DIY magic. Hopefully next time an issue arises with your AC system, you’ll know if you can fix it yourself or you need to let the experts handle it.
5 Common Issues with AC Systems
- Ice buildup on the evaporator coil: It all starts with debris build up inside the unit. The accumulated dirt prevents hot airflow from reaching the refrigerant leading to the coils freezing and becoming encased with ice. As a result, there’s not enough room for air to flow into your space.
- Compressor failure: Overheating and insufficient refrigerant is going to lead to your compressor to stop working. Additionally, there might be too much dirt and not enough lubrication on the coils. The compressor regulates the AC pressure, and when it goes, so does your cool air.
- Leaking ducts: There may be holes in the ductworks, leading to reduced performance and escaping cool air. To complicate things, you may notice the air quality has been affected because pollutants and dirt can get caught in these holes. And to even further complicate things, pollutant buildup can block the air filters-a shortcut to uneven cooling or worse, heating.
- Dirty AC fan blades: Dirt and grime can buildup on your fan blades, leading them to slow down. This is especially common in the outside unit. Too much buildup can be a burden on the motor and cause further damage.
- Dirty filters: Over time your air filters will become dusty and dirty. Too much accumulated dirt can result in restricted airflow, leading to your AC having to work harder, leading to higher energy bills, and potential damage to the system itself.
Solving the issue: On you or the pro?
Now that we’ve established some common issues you can encounter with your AC system, let’s discuss the solutions and whether you can do it yourself or you should make the call.
- Ice buildup on the evaporator coil: DIY
Take a look at your unit to inspect any damage. Gennadi Kahanovich, CEO at SmileHVAC says: “We recommend turning the system’s power off, and letting the evaporator coil defrost. After about a day, the coil should melt thoroughly and you’ll be good to turn your AC back on. As always, if you run into any issues or are unsure of anything, have an expert come take a look.”
- Compressor failure: Call a pro
Compressor repairs can be tricky, so it’s best left to the professionals, especially when handling refrigerant. If there is serious damage, be sure to ask for a replacement instead of a repair.
- Leaking ducts:DIY
Inspect your ductwork and try to locate any and all holes. We recommend using foil-faced tape to seal those leaks. For a longer-term solution, you can use mastic air duct sealant-it’s a sticky substance that hardens after it dries. If you are having a hard time locating the leaks, it’s always a good idea to call a professional to come out and take a look.
TIP! Both foil-faced tape and mastic air duct sealant can be purchased at your local hardware store.
- Dirty AC fan blades: DIY
First things first, turn off the power to your unit. Next you’ll want to locate the blower assembly within your system by removing an access panel. Get to cleaning! You can use a vacuum if the dirt is light, or you can scrub the blades with a rag and water. If you’re not comfortable tackling this task, call an expert in and watch how they do it for the next time you want to clean your fan blades.
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Dirty filters: DIY
Fixing this issue is as easy as replacing the filter. Take a look at the manufacturer’s recommended type of air filter and try to use that one. If you have a filter that can be washed, simply use a vacuum cleaner or wash it thoroughly with a little soap and water. When replacing the air filter, be sure to pay attention to which way the airflow direction is pointed. There is an arrow on top of the air filter that will help you out.
TIP! It’s recommended to change your air filters every 3 months. Add a reminder to your calendar so you can stay on top of air filter maintenance!
More issues you can DIY
Here are a few more examples of AC issues you can fix on your own!
- Thermostat fault
- AC drainage pipe blockage
- Blocked outdoor unit
Trickier issues that will need an expert
Here are more complex issues we’d recommend reaching out to the pros for.
- Interrupted circuit breaker
- Loose wire connection
- Replacing AC contactor
Final thoughts
AC systems can be easy and they can also be complicated. As you can see there are some projects that you can tackle on your own, but there are times where it’s best to call in the pros. If you’re ever unsure, it’s always better to call in an expert than risking serious damage. A professional can quickly diagnose the issue and ensure your system runs safely and efficiently.
Final TIP! With spring and summer around the corner, it’s a good time to have your
AC inspected for any potential issues.
