Just like any machine in the house, air conditioning units can break down. It’s generally good when your unit is still under warranty. But, when your unit breaks down after 5 years of good service, then you’re on your own. DIY enthusiasts and handymen try to open their air conditioning unit and tinker with the internal circuits and systems. The truth is, owning units is a privilege and a responsibility in itself. You need to try and actually clean and maintain it. But, what if we can’t handle it anymore, then that’s the time we look for quality air conditioning repair in Los Angeles. Here are a few tips we can do before calling the repairman.
Check the thermostat settings – Some people rant at how the air conditioner has started to spew nothing but regular warm air. Before suspecting a severe problem, make sure the tiny thermostat switch is pressed or flipped to ‘COOL’. Checking this neglected step will save a visit from your technician. Sometimes units come with a built-in time-delay so that cooling only starts after a few minutes. Another thing to make sure is that the fan is set to ‘AUTO’, so that the thermostat automatically activates the fan only when needed.
Check the breaker box – Machines rely on electricity so any problem along the way can produce a malfunctioning unit. Circuit breakers or breaker boxes are automatic switches designed to stop the flow of electricity when the current is too much. Double check whether the electrical breaker has been tripped by a big storm or by operating too many appliances. If you find a tripped breaker, reset the breaker by switching it on and off. Sometimes, instead of automatic breakers, fuses are used to protect from surges in current. Instead of resetting, you will need to buy a replacement fuse.
Change / Clean Filters – Air conditioning units have one or two filters. Make sure these are being used. Change your disposable filters and clean reusable filters regularly when they have accumulated much dust and grime. Clean filters allow for free air flow so that the machine does not do more effort than necessary, which can cost you your unit or high bills. Free air flow also results in better cooling.
Iced unit – Besides unclean filters, decreased air output or decreased cooling can be caused by ice forming on the AC intake. You can turn the unit off and expose the iced portion to room or outdoor air; or alternatively, you can keep the AC running with thermostat switch flipped to ‘OFF’, and setting the fan to ‘ON’. Depending on the room or outside temperature, ice can take 6 hours to melt. If the unit fails to restart after de-icing, that’s the time you will need to avail of quality air conditioning repair services in Los Angeles.
Coolant levels and leaks – If icing has not occurred somewhere along the AC and electric systems is working well, then any problem with decreased cooling power may be due to decreased coolant levels. This can be due to leaks, so you will need professional Los Angeles air conditioning repair to replenish the coolant and repair any leaks. In addition, other components such as capacitors and contactors may have been damaged despite an intact coolant system.
Outdoor AC maintenance – If you have an outdoor unit you better need to keep the AC’s surroundings clean from debris and leaves that can dislodge inside coils and fins. If something has already become stuck, use a vacuum with a brush attachment to suck it out. You can also use air blowers, but be careful so that debris doesn’t dislodge much deeper. Prune trees around the air conditioner. You can cover with tarp or purchase AC covers during the winter so that the unit stays functional for the upcoming summer.
Do regular air conditioning maintenance and checks for an optimally-functioning AC. If you encounter problems you can’t handle, hire professionals who do quality air conditioning repair Los Angeles area. Visit Grandheatingandair.com.
