3 Central AC Repair Steps To Follow Before Turning To A Professional
Have you been disappointed to recently turn on your home's central air conditioning unit on a warm day, only to find that it wouldn't kick on or wouldn't blow out any cold air? If so, then of course you want to get the problem resolved as soon as possible--especially before the sweltering months of summer arrive. Before you shell out your hard-earned money to have an HVAC contractor come out to your home, however, there are a few easy potential fixes you'll want to try for yourself.
Cleaning Around an Outdoor Unit
If your central AC unit is outdoor, go take a look at it. First of all, is it raised off the ground? If not, then it's much more susceptible to dirt and debris buildup and may need a simple cleaning. Even if your AC unit is raised off the ground, you might want to take a look for build-up of debris, especially around the fan blades. This is an especially common problem among AC units that aren't covered up over the winter when attempting to start them up for the first time in the spring. If there's debris built up on your unit, shut off power to it and clean it yourself.
Changing the Air Filter
This might sound silly, but it's not as silly as having an HVAC contractor charge you for a service call when all you needed was a new air filter. If you haven't changed your filter since last season, it's probably time. In fact, you should always start the spring/summer season with a fresh, new air filter. If your AC has a washable air filter, make sure you take the time to clean it out before the first time you turn your AC unit on. Excessive dirt and debris on the filter shouldn't prevent the unit from kicking on, but it can reduce your AC's cooling abilities.
Checking Drainage Lines
Your outdoor AC unit should have a drainage tube that's used to carry out condensation from the unit itself. Over time, however, these tubes can become clogged by algae and other debris. If you see a pool of water around your outdoor unit, there's a good chance this is the problem. You should be able to clear a drainage line clog yourself with a little bit of elbow grease, but if you have any trouble with locating the clog, it may be necessary to contact a professional like Tropic Air Conditioning INC.