3 Quick And Easy DIY Repairs You Can Do To Improve The Performance Of Your Air Conditioner

You don't have to wait for your AC to malfunction for you to look for a repair contractor. Simple DIY repairs and fixes can save you from costly repairs, improve AC performance, and extend the durability of the unit's components. As you carry out these tasks, you also get to thoroughly inspect the unit, identify underlying faults, and address them before they cost you a lot of money in the future. With this in mind, here are three quick and easy DIY repairs you should undertake to boost the performance of your AC.

Change the Blower Filter

The blower filter is located in the blower compartment or return air duct, and it filters the air before it reaches the indoor handler. This filter ensures you get quality air that's free from contaminants such as dust and debris. Over time, the filter may wear or clog, and it needs replacement to ensure a constant supply of clean air. Replace this filter at least once every four to six months. If you live in a dusty neighborhood, you may need to replace the filters three or four times a year. Invest in high-quality HEPA filters as they trap most of the dust in the air. 

Replace Thermostat Batteries

Your AC's thermostat allows you to set your desired temperatures during the summer. If the thermostat isn't working, the AC won't run. Thus, if your thermostat utilizes batteries, you need to replace them when they run low. Smart units usually give a "low battery" warning at least a month or two before the batteries stop working. However, if you have a manual thermostat, it may not give a warning. Replace the batteries at least once or twice a year, depending on their quality. You can also stock up on replacements and change the old batteries when they run low to avoid surprises.

Straighten Bent Fins on Outdoor Unit

Your outdoor unit has a compressor that comes with fins. These fins facilitate the flow of air between the outdoors and the unit. The fins should remain straight at all times to ensure proper airflow and extend the lifespan of the compressor. If they are bent, they will inhibit the flow of cold air into the unit. This can cause overheating, which will, in turn, affect the performance of the compressor. You can straighten bent fins using a butter knife or a fin-straightening tool found in your local hardware store. If the fins are severely damaged, you have to replace the entire compressor unit.

These quick repairs can go a long way in improving the efficiency of your AC. If you notice any severe problems with these and other components of the system, contact an AC contractor for professional repairs.

To learn more, contact an AC repair contractor.

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