Dealing with a broken AC unit in the middle of summer is a modern nightmare, but despite how it may feel at first, you’re not helpless in the situation. When you wake up in a sweat or come home to a house that feels like an oven, your first instinct may be to call an AC repair technician right away. However, there are a few easy steps you can take that may resolve the problem or give your technician helpful information about your situation.
Before calling for AC repair services, we recommend checking these key areas:
- Thermostat – This may seem obvious, but it’s worthwhile to check your thermostat to make sure it’s operating correctly. For battery-operated systems, change the batteries and see if that kicks the unit back on. You can also double-check the program settings to make sure they haven’t been reset or otherwise rescheduled.
- Filters – Dirty filters restrict the airflow and can make it feel like your unit isn’t working at all, so be sure to examine yours to see if they’re clogged and need to be changed before you call an AC repair company.
- Outside Unit – If your air conditioner has an outdoor unit, it can easily get clogged with debris like leaves, grass clippings, and other common yard rubbish. If you haven’t been diligent about keeping your outdoor unit clean, try clearing away any obstructions and see if that solves the issue.
- Refrigerant Coil – A refrigerant leak can dramatically impact your AC unit’s cooling power, but there is a telltale sign you can keep an eye out for. A leak will cause ice to build up on the coil or lines, which you can easily identify. This problem will require a professional AC repair service, but you can let the technician know that you suspect a refrigerant leak so that they’re prepared with replacement.
