DIY Heating/Cooling Air Conditioning Air Conditioning Repair Tips
Air Conditioning Repair Tips Print E-mail
Written by Frank W.   

These DIY air conditioning repair tips are designed for a window and central air conditioning unit that will help you solve some basic air conditioning problems without having to call in a professional.  DIY air conditioning repair tips can save you a lot of money. If you need to buy a new AC unit, be sure to check out our air conditioner buying tips.

Air Conditioning Repair Tips – Window Air Conditioners

  • Musty Smells – This is a simple air conditioning repair.  Musty smells are generally caused by dust, dirt, and moisture that cause mold and mildew in the drip tray.  Simply remove drip tray and wash in warm soapy water.  To avoid this problem in the future, clean drip tray once a year.

  • Unit is Leaking – This is not a huge air conditioning repair at all.  It is likely that interior moisture leaking from the air conditioner is caused by the unit being tilted inwards instead of outwards.  Simply make sure it is installed correctly so that the excess moisture will run out the back of the unit and not the front.

  • Fan is not Blowing – This air conditioning repair is a little more involved, but still can be done by you.  If you have cool air, but the fan is not working, the fan could be faulty or it may only need a little oil.  Unplug the unit and turn the fan blades by hand.  If they do not turn easily, lubricate with oil.  If this does not correct the problem, replace the fan.

    Air Conditioning Repair Tips – Central Air Conditioning Units

    Works but does not Cool

    This problem could be a simple matter of cleaning.  Turn off the power to the unit at the source, such as a power box.  Be sure to shut off the 240 volt circuit at the main electrical panel.  Clear out any leaves and debris from the outside condenser.  Trim bushes that could block airflow.  Remove protective grilles and the top cover from compressor.  Be careful not to pull of any wires.  Clean dirt and debris from fan with soft brush.  Vacuum the fan with a brush attachment.

    Protect wiring and motor with a plastic garbage bag.  Use a hose and nozzle with a trigger grip so that you can spray fan blades.  Put back together and then test the unit.

    Test by turning the thermostat off.  Reset power at the disconnect button located by the compressor and main panel.  Wait five minutes to avoid straining the compressor before you turn the unit on.  Allow it to run for a few minutes.  Feel the two pipes that are connected to the condenser on the air handler.  One of them should be warm and the other should be cool.  If cleaning does not work, it may need the refrigerant recharged.  Contact a professional for this.

    Will not Turn on Automatically

    Make sure thermostat is set to cool and that the temperature is below the current temperature.    Check to make sure the breaker has not tripped or the fuse is not blown.  Reset breaker or replace fuse.  Be sure furnace power switch is on, as well as the outdoor condenser power switch is on.  Ensure 240 volt has not been shut off.

    If none of these are turned off, then turn the power off at the main source.  Check thermostat.  Remove the thermostat’s cover and unscrew the wire from the Y terminal.  Turn on the power.  Be sure to handle only the insulation.  Touch the bare end to the R terminal and hold it there for two minutes.  If your compressor kicks on, the thermostat is faulty.  Replace it.  If the compressor does not go on, turn off the power and contact a professional.

    Air conditioner repair can be expensive.  Try these air conditioner repair tips before contacting a professional.

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