Summer is here, and it’s time to take off the cover of your air conditioner, dust it off, and repair it for the coming scorching heat season. While it has become almost standard practice to call a technician and get all of your home’s air conditioners ready for the upcoming season, it doesn’t have to be the norm. Many times, all technicians do to get their air conditioner ready is clean the filters and other components. This is especially true for air conditioners that are used relatively infrequently or have not been used for a long time.
The good news is, you don’t need to call a technician every time you get your air conditioner ready for the season or use it after an extended period of time. Many common problems, such as weak airflow or odors, are often caused by dirt buildup and a lack of regular cleaning and can be easily fixed at home with basic tools and a little guidance.
So, in this guide, we’ll walk you through simple and effective steps to repair your home’s air conditioner. Whether you want more efficient cooling, cleaner air, or fewer repair costs, you can follow these practical tips to get your air conditioner back in tip-top shape without spending a fortune.
Safety precautions to take before servicing your air conditioner
– turn Power off: The first and most important thing to do before starting air conditioner repairs is to turn off the power and unplug the unit to avoid electric shock.
– keep yours Dry hands: Another thing you need to do before you start servicing your air conditioner is to make sure your hands are completely dry, especially before working on any switches and plugs.
– Wear pProtection device: Air conditioning filters often collect large amounts of dust and mold, which can build up if the unit is not cleaned regularly. Therefore, it is important to wear a mask and gloves to avoid breathing in dust particles.
– Avoid all sensitive areas: Even as we guide you through all the steps to repair an air conditioner at home, it is important to make sure that you do not spray water or any cleaning solution on sensitive areas such as the PCB that controls the entire air conditioning unit and the electric motor that is the heart of the unit and drives the compressor and fan.
The supplies you need to repair your air conditioner at home without a technician
– Soft brush and soft cloth: A soft brush and a clean cloth (preferably microfiber) can come in handy while removing accumulated dust and spores without damaging the delicate circuitry and other parts of your device.
– Water and mild detergent: Water and detergent, preferably liquid as it leaves no residue, will come in handy when cleaning filters, which often collect dust.
– Screwdriver: A screwdriver can be used to access internal components and tighten electrical connections. It can also be used to remove the housing and clean the filter.
– Gloves and face mask: Dust is often one of the biggest factors affecting the overall performance of your air conditioner. Therefore, it is necessary to cover your face and hands to protect yourself from all the build-up.
– Vacuum cleaner: A vacuum cleaner can be used to remove surface dust and debris from the delicate electrical components of your air conditioner without the immediate need for a specialized pressure pump.
– Spray bottle: Spray bottles can be used to hold water and detergent combinations for cleaning various parts, such as condenser coils.
Step-by-step guide to repairing your air conditioner at home without a technician
Step 1: Clean the air filter
Depending on the type of air conditioner you are servicing (split or window), you will see that the front of the air conditioner has a top panel that can be easily removed to access the filter and other components. Carefully remove the front panel and then remove the filter. If you notice a buildup of dust and debris, use a combination of mild detergent and water to clean it. Alternatively, you can use a vacuum cleaner with a brush to remove any dirt. After cleaning the filter, dry it completely in the sun or indoors to prevent mold from growing on it.
Step 2: Clean the Evaporator Coil
With the filter out, you will be able to see the evaporator coil in the room cleaning unit. Use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner to gently clean these coils. Avoid using any harsh chemicals. However, you can use a combination of water and mild detergent in a spray bottle to gently clean the evaporator coil. Also, be sure not to bend the delicate aluminum fins on the coil.
Step 3: Clean the condenser coil
The condenser coil is usually located in the outdoor unit. Remove all leaves, twigs, and other debris from around the outdoor unit and gently brush the exterior coils. Do not use high-pressure hoses or washers to clean the outdoor unit as this may damage its fragile fins.
Step 4: Clean the drain pipe
Next, it’s time to clean the drain pipe, which is the flexible hose or pipe located inside the indoor unit (in the case of a split air conditioner) or the rear corner chassis of the unit (in the case of a split air conditioner). This pipe carries moisture to the outdoors. Use a dry or wet vacuum to clean drain lines. You can also use a combination of water and mild detergent for cleaning.
Step 5: Reassemble all parts and test AC
After cleaning everything, reassemble the air conditioning unit and turn it on. Let the air conditioning unit run for a few minutes to see if it is cooling effectively. If it’s not cooling effectively, the problem may be related to the refrigerant used in the unit for cooling. In this case, you have to call a technician for repair.
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