You’re not alone if you’ve ever wondered how to fix an air conditioner. There are plenty of tips and tricks out there for you to use to help you repair your ac unit. One of the first things you should do is check the capacitors and contactors, wiring and thermostat. If you feel comfortable with electrical repairs, you can replace the capacitors with new ones.
Checking the contactor
An air conditioner’s electrical system has complex components that work together to produce cool air. Although you might not know how it all works, you should know that it is crucial to check its contactor regularly, especially if you notice that it is not functioning properly. The contactor is a component that controls the temperature of your air conditioner by blocking electricity from reaching the major components.
The contractor’s contacts can wear down or become pitted over time. This can result in a loud “chattering” noise. It can also be damaged by pests and debris inside the unit. Once the contactor is damaged, it can cause other problems, including a malfunctioning compressor and thermostat. If you notice any of these problems, contact a professional air conditioner repair service for help.
Checking the capacitor
Checking the capacitor is an essential part of repairing your air conditioner. The part is usually marked with the voltage and mF. The label will probably read something like 35/5 mF and 370V. You can get the part from a local hardware store or retailer of HVAC parts. Some stores even offer capacitor repair services.
The capacitor may be shot if the AC is not blowing cool air. This is particularly obvious during hotter days when the unit struggles to keep the house cool. A capacitor that has been shot will have a swollen top, much like a pop can.
Luckily, the capacitor is a relatively inexpensive part. However, it can still be a fire hazard if not replaced. If it is burning, you should call a technician immediately. Knowing the symptoms of a failing capacitor is essential since it can lead to severe damage to your air conditioning system.
Checking the wiring
One of the first steps in repairing your air conditioner involves checking the wiring. Wires are exposed to the elements and can become frayed or even break if you do not keep them tidied up. When this happens, electricity will not flow properly and could damage your air conditioning unit. Also, exposed or frayed wires can be a fire hazard.
If your wiring is faulty, you may need to replace it or re-apply coating the wires. Sometimes, your air conditioning in Boca Raton might stop working entirely if its wiring is not in order. A faulty wiring could also result in a blown a fuse or an unexplained stop and start. Luckily, it is easy to fix a damaged AC by replacing or reapplying the coating to the wires.
Checking the thermostat
If you are having difficulty with the air conditioning system in your home, you may want to check the thermostat. It may not function properly, or it may have a faulty thermometer. If the temperature is not as it should be, you can replace the thermostat or repair it.
Before repairing or replacing your thermostat, you should first check its connections. You can find these connections on the red terminal of the transformer, which is the hot side, as seen here. This terminal contains 24-volt power. You can also check on the white and yellow terminals, which represent the heat and activity of the compressor and furnace blower.
If the thermostat works correctly, it should turn on and off properly. Check the wires that lead to the thermostat, and make sure they are tightly attached. You should also check the thermostat’s display to ensure it’s working correctly. You may need to check the breaker or a dead battery if you don’t see any visible light on the show.
Checking the drain line
When fixing an air conditioner, one of the first steps is to check the drain line. A clogged drain line can make the air conditioner not work as it should. This line drains condensation from the air inside your home to the outside handler. This ensures that the air in your home stays dry and at the correct temperature.
This line must be free of debris and dirt. If clogged, water will back into the condensate pan, causing your air conditioner not to work correctly. This can cause the air in your home to smell damp and cause the AC to freeze. Clogged drain lines are a common cause of AC malfunction. Fortunately, this can be easily fixed.
