Articles | Air Conditioner Repair

If you rely on central air conditioning in your home, chances are you will need repair at some point. Most homeowners experience a system problem that requires professional assistance. Calling a technician may not be a bad thing, especially if you do not know what the problem is or how to repair it. Most people will try and repair an issue by troubleshooting. This could be cost effective but remember that you could cost yourself more money unless you are absolutely sure you can fix the problem.

But many owners aren't sure when it's time to call for help. There are certain signs, however, to provide clues as to whether you can troubleshoot on your own or seek the knowledge of a pro.

When you can tell that your system is not releasing cool air, it may mean there is a lack of refrigerant. Or this could be a sign that you just need to clean your unit. If you haven't given your system regular maintenance, it may be best to call a technician. Most technicians tell you to have your system checked every year or so especially if you live in very hot or very cold climates.

There could be occasions when your central air won't turn on at all. This might indicate an issue with the circuit breakers. Before scheduling a licensed contractor to take a look, turn the thermostat to "cool", the power to "on" and the A/C power to "on" as well. If you find that nothing is happening, the thermostat might need to be calibrated for accuracy. Otherwise, it could be a more significant problem that may require the expertise only a professional can provide.

If you find that the temperature in your home drastically swings from hot to cold or vice versa, then the heat pump cycle might be off. It could also be a symptom of the thermostat being installed in a bad location or it may be in need of calibration. Adjusting the heat pump and thermostat are jobs that are best left to an air conditioning service.

Any unusual noises in the air handler may demonstrate that the heat pump needs a belt change or the blower's bearings are worn out. There is also the possibility that some metal is loose. Insulated ductwork can muffle the noise, if that is the issue.

Problems do happen from time to time. It's natural with any complicated piece of machinery. But knowing how to troubleshoot possible issues can help you save time and money before having to seek professional help. Just remember that if you do not know for sure how to repair an issue, call a professional. Do not take it upon yourself to repair something that you do not know anything about.