With the escalating effects of climate change in recent years, air conditioners are no longer a luxury but have become a necessity in many regions of the world. Most buildings have air conditioners running, offering some respite from the scorching heat.
But what if your dear appliance breaks down in the middle of the night? Most reliable course of action would be to consult reputable HVAC professionals such as Autumn Air to fix your underperforming AC Unit. However, here, knowing what you should not do is far more crucial, which is why we are discussing it in this article. Keep reading to learn what to avoid when your air conditioner goes down.
What to do before calling the technician?
Cleaning the filters and condenser coils
Turn off the power to the thermostat and the condenser. Clean or replace your filter, and clean the condenser coils outside. Clogged condenser coils can cause the compressor to overheat and shut down, while clogged filters can cause the evaporator coil to have ice. Turn the power back on and check if the system is operational.
Checking the power and circuit-breaker
Air conditioners can generate spikes in power usage, tripping the circuit breaker and eventually cutting off the power. To see if the switch has been flipped, simply check the circuit breaker. Switch it again to check whether the air conditioner turns on.
If none of the above works, it’s definitely time to call an experienced HVAC technician.
Things to avoid when AC unit breaks
1. Trying to fix it yourself
This might sound obvious, but we cannot stress enough how important this is. We come across many customers who try to fix their systems on their own and end up making the issue more complicated.
2. Slamming your AC
People have a prevalent tendency to beat or bang dysfunctional appliances in hopes that they may turn them on magically by themselves. But in actuality, you can be doing more harm to the equipment than good. Slamming your AC might shake the inner parts loose or cause damage to delicate mechanisms, so it’s best to resist banging or slamming the unit, no matter how frustrating the situation might be!
3. Trying to replace the refrigerant on your own
Most of the time when an AC unit breaks, the first thing that comes to mind is that the refrigerant may be low, which is usually not the case.
But if there is ice forming inside the air conditioner and warm air blowing during the day, the refrigerant may be the culprit. Contact a professional.
4. Using heat-generating appliances
Try to use heat-producing appliances such as a stove, oven, griller, dryer, etc, as little as possible. Minimize the use of the kitchen, as it will only contribute to the heat.
5. Shutting the doors and windows
You would not want heat trapped inside your house during the scorching summers. Keep the door and windows open to allow cross-breeze.
6. Calling unlicensed individuals or businesses to fix your AC
Inexperienced individuals can make the issue more complex or may also cause serious damage to your appliance. Therefore, always consult a licensed and experienced technician.
How do I keep my air conditioner in good condition?
Using the right size AC for your room
A typical mistake that homeowners make when selecting an AC unit is believing that a larger system is superior to a small one. You will encounter short cycling, in which the system’s compressor will briefly switch on if your air conditioner is too big for your house.
This results in higher energy costs and subpar AC performance since your system doesn’t have enough time to dehumidify the space.
Cleaning the filters
Reduce the number of airborne pollutants, lessen allergies, enhance the quality of the air, and prevent your AC from working too hard by maintaining clean, fresh AC filters.
Keeping the condenser and outside unit clean
Once a year, cleaning the AC condenser outdoors will assist with its effective operation and top performance. You can clean the fins and the bottom of the condenser by yourself to get rid of dirt, leaves, and other debris.
Insulate the rooms
Ample insulation prevents airflow from escaping through walls, floors, and ceilings because heat naturally moves from warmer to colder places. Your air conditioner will run more efficiently if you make indirect energy adjustments.
Install a smart thermostat
The air conditioner can be set to the appropriate temperature for your room using a smart thermostat. In this way, the air conditioner won’t have to work as hard to pump out additional chilly air.
Turn it off
Turn it off when you are not using your AC. Keeping it turned on all the time overexerts the AC unit.
Broken ACs can potentially be hazardous to your health
A broken AC might potentially be toxic if there is a leak in the refrigerant that allows for direct contact with individuals. A qualified professional for air conditioning repair should fix refrigerant leaks. The refrigerant gas is extremely dangerous and can be fatal if inhaled. Commonly, the refrigerants are also referred to as Freon, which is a popular brand name of refrigerants.
Moreover, leaks of refrigerant also endanger the environment and weaken the ozone layer.
How often should I get my AC unit serviced to avoid breakdowns?
It is advised that you get your air conditioning equipment serviced and maintained by an experienced HVAC professional to keep it operating efficiently all year long. To improve the performance and efficiency of your air conditioner, have it serviced every four to five months. If your air conditioner is older than five years, have it serviced every three months.
This is due to the fact that an unmaintained AC system not only struggles to adequately chill your house but may also skyrocket your power costs.
Takeaway
In most cases, it’s best to contact an HVAC professional to take care of any malfunctions or problems with your AC. While there are several possible fixes you could apply to the right situation when your AC breaks down, it’s best to avoid the list of things we’ve provided, as they can be dangerous to your health or potentially make the problem worse.