When your residential or commercial cooling system breaks down, it’s tempting to try to save money by doing the repairs yourself. However, you risk doing further damage to your air conditioner unless you are highly skilled in HVAC repair. Not only will the unit remain unfixed, you may end up needing costlier repairs later.
In certain situations, you may actually put yourself and your family or employees at risk by attempting do-it-yourself repairs instead of contacting a local A/C repairman.
Situations That Require a Skilled HVAC Technician
Your air conditioner may provide some clues that it’s about to break down, but this often happens with no warning whatsoever. It’s best to contact a professional air conditioner repair company if you notice any of the following:
- The refrigerant fluid that cools the unit is leaking. When this happens, you will likely have little or no airflow. Unfortunately, diagnosing the reasons for the leak isn’t always easy. It’s best to leave this to the professionals before you disassemble your air conditioner and find that you can’t get it back together again.
- A problem with the evaporator or condenser causes the unit to blow warm air or shut down entirely. You may be able to get the unit running by quickly cleaning these two parts and checking for weeds or other debris that may be preventing them from running properly. If those simple fixes don’t work, schedule an appointment for HVAC repair.
- If the compressor or motor isn’t functional, it likely needs to be replaced. In the case of the motor, your repair technician may be able to get it running again by replacing the non-functioning parts rather than the entire unit.
- It’s essential to schedule an appointment for troubleshooting and diagnosis when the cause of your air conditioner problems are unknown.
Prevent the Need for Major Repairs with Regular Maintenance
When your air conditioner stops working without warning, it can really wreak havoc on your budget. While preventative maintenance isn’t an absolute guarantee, it significantly reduces the likelihood of needing major repair work in the future. This annual appointment gives your HVAC technician the opportunity to detect and fix minor issues early and keep the unit operating at maximum efficiency.
Regular tune-ups are especially recommended in the spring after your air conditioner has sat dormant all winter long. A certified technician goes through a checklist of items at this appointment, including checking electrical connections, topping off fluid levels and tightening any loose parts. He or she lets you know what is working well and what may require additional services. If you want to extend the life of your air conditioner and protect its warranty, scheduling annual preventative maintenance is the easiest way to do it.
