When to Call in a Professional

As air conditioners have become standard fare on most homes, so has the need for air conditioning repair. When you're experiencing problems with your AC there are a few common sense solutions you'll want to check before you call in an AC Repairman. If those don't get you back up and running, however, or if your air conditioner's symptoms point to bigger problems, you're wise to call in a professional to take necessary measures.

Prevention Is the Best Medicine

Of course, the best way to avoid costly repairs is to schedule an annual maintenance visit with an AC technician. An AC repairman will come out to your home, inspect your unit and your ductwork, perform all necessary upkeep, and address any maintenance issues before they become major problems. Be sure to schedule these visits in the spring if you can. The onset of hot weather in the summer means your AC repairman will book up quick. By having him out in April or May, you'll be beating the rush, and you'll be addressing any repair issues on cool spring days, instead of having to shut down your system in the middle of summer when you need your AC the most.

Before You Call in a Hired Gun

Most homeowners' reaction to air conditioning problems is to call in a professional right off the bat. It's not a bad practice, since the longer you put off potential problems, the bigger the repair usually ends up being. There are a few quick things to check first, however, to make sure you don't end up paying for an unnecessary service call.

Check Your Thermostat. Make sure it's set to the proper temperature and that your thermostat has been switched from heat to cool. Sounds stupid, but you'll feel even dumber when your AC repairman hands you the bill for this easy fix.

Clean Your Air Conditioner. Dirt and debris around and inside your air conditioner can cut down on the efficiency of your unit and reduce its cooling power. Be sure to shut of the power, however, before you perform any cleaning of the unit itself.

Check Drainage Tubes For Obstructions. One of the most common reasons homeowners call an AC Repairman is also often one of the easiest fixes. Pooling water around or below your air conditioner is commonly the result of a blocked drainage tube. Look for obstructions like dirt, algae, or ice, and either clean out or replace the tube if you find a problem.

AC on the fritz?

Replace The Filter. Just as with your furnace, it's recommended you replace or clean your AC filter once a month when your AC is running regularly. Failure to do so can cut down on your AC's ability to properly cool your home.

When to Throw in the Towel

An AC repairman is the logical next step if the above suggestions don't address your problem. Remember, repairing air conditioning units safely and properly requires knowledge of electrical, HVAC, and refrigeration work. If you feel you're lacking in any of these areas, call in an AC repairman as soon as possible to get your air conditioning unit back into top operating condition.

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