If you have an air conditioning system cooling your home in warmer months, and you all of a sudden experience a problem where it is not working as it should, you will most likely want to get it repaired quickly so you do not need to suffer needlessly in sweltering temperatures. Not all problems necessitate a repair call. Here are two easy air conditioner repairs you can do on your own to get your air conditioner back up and running without much downtime.
Removing Frost and Dirt
If your air conditioner appears to have a frosty buildup on the coils, it is most likely a result of either running your air conditioner in cool temperatures or your air conditioner is in need of a cleaning. To remove embedded dirt on the coils, contributing to ice building up on the vents, you will need to first melt the frost from the area. Turn off your air conditioner and unplug it so there is no risk of shock as the frost melts. After a few hours, the coils should be free from ice. If you wish to speed up the process, use a hair dryer to melt the ice. Use a toothbrush and a heavy-duty air conditioning coil cleaner to scrub all dirt from the surface of the coils. Wipe the coils down with a piece of lint-free cloth before plugging your air conditioner back in.
Unclogging The Condensate Line
The condensate line attaches the outdoor unit to the inside air handling unit. This line allows moisture buildup to be removed from within the home to be dispersed outdoors. If this line is not regularly cleaned, it can become full of algae, dirt, and mold. This will cause musty odors and possibly water damage to occur within your home. If the condensate pan under your air handling unit is full of water, it signifies a clogged line.
To remove a clog, turn off your air conditioner and switch off the breaker that controls it. Use a few old towels to sop up any water in the condensate pan and scrub the pan with a mild detergent to help combat mold and mildew. Disconnect the condensate line and scrub out the interior of the tubing with a tube brush. You can buy this brush at a hardware store. Pour a bit of bleach into the tube to help kill any mold inside. Reattach the tube and head outdoors. At the main unit, use a shop vacuum to suck out any grime from inside the condensate line. This can be done by putting the hose attachment right up to the end of the line. Check the inside of your shop vacuum to make sure the clog has been removed.
