How To Do Air Conditioning Repair Yourself

If you’re not a professional HVAC technician, you may want to learn how to do basic repairs yourself. Some of these include checking the compressor, capacitor, contactor, and ductwork. The following are some common repairs. If you can’t do these repairs yourself, call a professional HVAC contractor like air conditioning repair Fort Worth company. You’ll be glad you did. Otherwise, read on to learn more about how to fix your air conditioner. After reading this article, you’ll know exactly what to check.

Checking the compressor

You can easily detect a faulty air conditioning compressor by performing an internal shorting test. To do this, disconnect the power to the air conditioning system and check the resistance between the motor’s run and start/common terminals. If the resistance is zero, there is no break in the wire, or it is grounded. If the resistance is positive, the compressor is functioning properly. If it is not, it is time to replace the unit.

Checking the capacitor

If your system has a bad capacitor, check for the mF or voltage listed on the capacitor. It should read something like 35/5 mF or 40+5 MVFD. When searching for a new capacitor, remember to write down the model number and make. This part should be fairly universal. You can find them at a local contractor supply store. Home Depot and other large retailers may not carry them.

Checking the contactor

Before you begin your air conditioning repair, you must turn off the power and unplug the wires. Then, locate the black contactor, which is mounted vertically. You will find multiple colored wires coming from the contactor. Take pictures of the wires to identify them. Once you have identified the wiring, you can connect the wires to the contactor using the diagram that you took earlier. If you haven’t done this before, contact a professional HVAC repair service to help you.

Checking the ductwork

If your house is experiencing hot or cold temperatures in random rooms, you might want to check your ductwork. Usually, the ductwork is located in the attic or basement. Checking the insulation of the ducts is important to identify any damage or blockage. It could also indicate a moisture or mold problem. If you find any of these problems, then it’s time to get your HVAC repaired.

Checking the refrigerant

If you’re in need of an air conditioning repair, you should be aware of the importance of checking the refrigerant in your unit. A leak in the system can result in a system breakdown or even a future visit from the HVAC repair technician. There are three stages involved in this process. First, check all the fittings and coils for leaks. If you find any, tighten them. In the event a leak has formed, the system will be recharged with a new refrigerant.

Checking the breaker

The first step in an air conditioning repair is to check the breaker. This circuit breaker is usually a 240-volt AC two-pole breaker. To test the breaker, first turn the main breaker to the “off” position. Next, remove the metal cover on the panel box. Then, disconnect the wires from their screw terminals and store them in a safe place. Check the breaker by holding an ohmmeter against the screw terminals.