Air conditioners are durable machines. They’re often able to cool your home for years on end without anything but routine maintenance visits and a repair every now and then. However, just because they’re durable for the most part, doesn’t mean you can reach your hands inside the system and start making your own repairs.
Homeowners are more prone to DIY solutions rather than calling for AC service in Bucks County these days. We understand, it always feels better to make a repair yourself. DIY solutions have erupted on the internet and it’s because homeowners are constantly looking for another answer as opposed to just calling the professionals. The truth is, calling the professionals is usually the best solution you can count on. Let us explain.
Today, we are going to dive into some of the best and worst practices of AC ownership, the kinds of repairs you can make yourself, and what is best left to a pro.
What to Do
Your air conditioner is your property, which means you want to be there to perform a repair if there’s anything expected of you. Luckily, there are some quick fixes that can and should be made by a homeowner that can vastly increase the effectiveness and efficiency of an air conditioner. Here are just a few.
- Change the air filter. Air filters are supposed to be changed out every 1–3 months. When they’re neglected and begin to fill up with dust and debris, they will slowly stifle the air conditioner to the point of making it struggle to function. A struggling AC will consume more energy to run and will begin to lose efficacy. Change the filter and call us if you need help with it.
- Raise the temperature or replace the thermostat. The thermostat is the brain to your air conditioner. If you keep lowering the temperature on a hot day, it’s not going to make your home cooler beyond a certain point and it will only add stress to your AC. Raise the temperature or call our team about the condition of your thermostat.
- Close curtains and seal your home. A home that’s not properly sealed will not hold cool air, that’s just a fact. If your energy bills are high and you’re having trouble beating the heat, try sealing your windows and doors, as well as drawing the curtains to block out sunlight. This can add a substantial amount of cooling and lower your bills.
What NOT to DO
Just like there are things a homeowner should do, there are also things to stay away from.
- Don’t open the AC system. If you start reaching your hands inside the air conditioner, you could void the warranty and start causing damage that will be expensive to repair. Leave any internal problem to a professional.
- Don’t call an amateur or family member. If you think a repair might be a quick fix or simple inspection, don’t call a family member or amateur. This could also void the warranty and a professional has more experience to deal with the issues.
- Don’t push the system. Hot days are difficult to deal with even when equipped with the best air conditioners money can buy. Never lower your temperature 20° below the outside temperature, otherwise you’ll stress the system.
Call the pros at Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling today for expert AC repairs.