Repair Central A/C - Electric

Central A/C is one of the most satisfying additions to the home that the modern age has brought us. While it used to be common only among the wealthy, more and more homeowners are becoming quite accustomed to the advantages of having a climate controlled home in the summer. This, unfortunately, makes the hassle of an air conditioner on the fritz an even more common problem.

Repair Central A/C: The DIY Route
A/C repair is one of those tasks that few homeowners are prepared to take on themselves, as the knowledge and equipment involved are usually specialized enough to require a trained technician. There are, however, a few things that you can check yourself that might enhance the performance of your central air conditioning.

• If the compressor doesn't turn on, check the fuse and breaker.
  
• If it runs but doesn't cool, the refrigerant could be low. If that's the case, call a service professional.
  
• Check to see if the condenser coils on both sides are dirty. If they are, brush and vacuum them. (This is a good idea to perform at least twice a season.)
  
• If the A/C is performing inefficiently (partial cooling), check to make sure the condenser is clean; also check to see if the filter is clean.
  
• If the water leaks at the furnace, it could be a clogged drainpipe from the evaporator coil pan. Check the pipe and clear it if it is clogged.

Repair Central A/C: Hiring a Professional
The things most homeowners can do themselves when it comes to A/C repair are limited at best. In many cases, a problem will be too involved for even many die hard do-it-yourselfers to tackle. Once you've established that the problem is beyond the scope of anyone but a pro, there are a few things to consider.

The best time to repair central A/C is before the weather gets hot. A/C repair technicians get pretty busy during the summer months, and their services being in high demand makes it more difficult to schedule a visit. By calling for service before the cooling season begins, you will be more likely to find a convenient appointment time, and you may even save a couple bucks, too. At the very least, you'll be prepared for any hot weather that comes your way before it hits.

Getting an annual air conditioning inspection is another good way to keep your unit running at peak performance. Since some A/C problems come about very gradually, you might not notice that there is anything wrong at all before you're stuck in sticky, sweaty weather with a malfunctioning condenser. A yearly inspection will identify any existing problems before they get large enough to become pricey, and might even diagnose potential problems that haven't even occurred.

A/C Repair vs. Replacement
In the life of every mechanical device, there comes a time when it's more appropriate to throw in the towel than it is to patch it up. If your air conditioner has given you several decades of fine service, but simply can't cut the mustard without yearly repairs, you might be better off with a newer model. Not only will a new unit come with some sort of guarantee for great performance over the next few years, today's air conditioners are far more efficient than those of even 15 years ago. You're likely to have a more comfortable home and save some money on your monthly energy bills in the process!