Home Air Conditioner Repair - Save Money on Service Calls

Home air conditioner repair does not need to cost a fortune. When you have a home air conditioner, repair costs can be steep, if you have to call in a professional each and every time.

However, there are a few simple repairs that do-it-yourselfers can do without too much trouble, allowing them to save some money on service calls. Keep in mind though, that there are a few repairs that need the services of a qualified professional and should not be attempted by the homeowner, such as installation of a central air system or recharging the coolant.

One very important factor when it comes to home air conditioner repair is preventative maintenance. By taking the time to do simple maintenance such as cleaning of the system, you can prevent problems and prolong the life of your air conditioner. Outdoor units should be kept free of leaves, dirt and other debris at all times, especially during the summer when they are being used. Part of your spring cleaning routine should include your air conditioning unit.

Remove leaves from the area around the condenser, pull out weeds and trim any tall grass that has grown up around the unit. There should be ample space surrounding the unit so that the air can flow freely around it without picking up pollen, weed seeds or other particles.

The fins of the condenser should also be cleaned from time to time. You can also include this in your spring cleaning routine. Get a brush with soft bristles that won’t damage or scratch the fins and use that to clean them. Simply remove the grill covering from the fins and gently clean them.

What do you do when your air conditioner won’t start? Air conditioners can occasionally have a hard time starting for the first time after sitting idle all winter long. It’s a little bit like a car that has sat for a long time – the oil inside the motor has settled to the bottom, leaving the moving parts poorly lubricated. The only way to fix this is to get the oil circulating by starting the unit, but the first time can be a bit harder. If the unit doesn’t start, but you can hear the fan running, listen for a noise that sounds like “UGG”. This usually indicates that the compressor is having difficulty starting and may be locked up. If this happens, shut the unit off and wait before trying to restart it.

You should always wait at LEAST five minutes to give the compressor a chance to cycle down before trying to start the air conditioner again.

You may be able to avoid home air conditioner repair by making it a habit to never turn it off and on quickly because of the strain that it puts on the compressor. Your compressor will not withstand this kind of treatment for too long and you will end up having to replace it.

When you start your air conditioner, listen for both the fan and the compressor because both of them should start at the same time. If the fan is not running the compressor is going to overheat. If you hear the compressor but not the fan, then you may need to replace the fan motor.