In the Dallas heat, a broken air conditioner can feel like a major crisis. It’s even more frustrating to pay a professional to fix something simple you could have done yourself.
This article will help you determine what types of AC repair you can DIY. And when you need to call in the experts.
Give these tips a try and potentially save yourself some money on AC repair in Dallas.
AC not turning on in Dallas
Before you call an AC repair person, check your electrical box. If you find a tripped breaker, reset it.
Most AC condensers connect to an outdoor switch. Make sure nobody accidentally turned it off.
Next, check your thermostat. If it takes batteries, change them. Dust around the thermostat with compressed air to ensure its sensors are clean.
Set your thermostat to “cool” and your temperature of choice. Set it to “on.” If the AC turns on but blows warm air, call an AC repair person. You may have a refrigerant issue. Only licensed technicians can handle refrigerant.
Finally, examine your condenser. Open the cover (you may need a screwdriver to do this). Check for debris or other items causing a physical obstruction.
Look at the drain pan below the condenser. It’s there to collect condensation. If it’s full of water, clean it out with an old towel or shop vac. Be especially mindful of clearing mold and debris. If the drain pan cracked, an AC repair person can replace it.
Try turning your AC on again. If it still doesn’t work, call in an expert.
Change those filters! A surprising number of AC repair issues stem from dirty filters.
Hot tip!
Change those filters! A surprising number of AC repair issues stem from dirty filters.
There are air filters in your air conditioner and the air returns inside your home. Change them every 30 to 60 days.
You can purchase new filters on Amazon or at a hardware store. Check your AC user’s manual for instructions on how to change your filter. Or read our helpful guide.A filter change may be all you need to get your air conditioner running again!
No cool air from AC in Dallas
Make sure you set your thermostat correctly. Put it on “cool” and “auto.” If yours is on “on” instead of “auto,” your system will blow air constantly, even when it’s not cooling.
If you use a heat pump for cooling, try setting your thermostat to “heat” and “auto.” Raise the temperature to its max setting. If hot air comes out of your vents, you likely have a broken reversing valve. Call an AC repair person to fix this.
Examine the air vents in your home. Open the louvers on your air grates. Move furniture, laundry piles, and other clutter away from the vents. Such obstructions limit airflow and may cause your system to stop cooling.
Open your condenser. You may need to use a screwdriver to do this. Check the internal components. If you notice rust, frozen areas, or dirty parts, give an AC repair person a call. Issues like a refrigerant leak or deteriorating evaporator coils require professional attention.
Air conditioner making noise in Dallas
If you hear a rattling sound, you may be able to fix it on your own.
Remove your condenser’s cover. (You may have to unscrew it.) Clear any fallen debris, such as sticks, leaves, and rocks. Debris may cause the AC rattling noise.
Check for stray nuts and bolts inside the condenser. Make sure all fasteners inside the condenser are tight and secure.
Noises such as banging, screeching, gurgling, or buzzing signify more serious issues. Leave these to the pros and call for AC repair immediately.
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Air conditioner smells bad in Dallas
Certain scents may indicate different issues warranting AC repair.
For example, if you notice a sweet chemical smell coming from your air, it’s likely refrigerant. Your system probably leaks. Call a profession for a fix right away.
If you notice a burning smell and haven’t used your AC in a while, it may just be dust burning off the components. If you’ve been using your system regularly and smell burning, you may have an electrical issue. Turn it off and contact an AC repair person immediately.
If an unusual odor comes from your ducts, you may need to hire a duct cleaning company to locate and clean out the cause of the smell.
Mold issues are common in Dallas because of the humid summers. If you smell mold and mildew in your AC, don’t try to clean it yourself. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says it’s best to leave mold remediation to an HVAC repair pro.If, however, you experience mold in a window AC unit, use our cleaning guide.
Air conditioner short cycling in Dallas
Check your thermostat. Make sure it’s set to your preferred temperature, “cool,” and “auto.”
If your thermostat takes batteries, change them. Dust in and around your thermostat with canned air to clean its sensors.
Inspect your home for air leaks. The EPA has tips on how to do this. If you find any leaks, seal them with weatherstripping.
Check your ductwork for blockages and leaks. To do this, remove your registers and look inside with a flashlight. Clear any debris you find and seal any holes with duct tape. Consider hiring a duct cleaning company since you likely can’t see all your ductwork this way. They can give your ducts a full checkup.
If your air conditioner continues to short cycle, contact an AC repair expert.
AC water leak in Dallas
Air conditioners make condensation. So, a small amount of water is normal on or near your AC. However, if you notice a puddle or dripping water around your AC, you likely have a problem.
Turn off the power to your AC from your electrical box. Water plus electricity can be dangerous. Clean up the water with old towels to prevent further damage to your home.
Your evaporator coil (indoor unit) sits on a drain pan. Check for cracks. Call an AC repair person to replace the part if you find any damage.
If the drain pan is overflowing, it may be full of debris or mold, especially in Dallas humidity. Clean the pan out with a shop vac or an old towel.
If you continue to see water leaking from your system, you may have a more serious issue. Call an AC repair technician for help.
AC frozen in Dallas
You can’t blame Dallas’ summer weather for a frozen air conditioner. If your AC condenser or its parts are frozen, you’ll need an AC repair pro to identify the leak, fix it, and possibly recharge the refrigerant.
AC repair in Dallas: the final word
There are some simple steps you can take to identify whether or not you need a professional for AC repair:
- Check the power source
- Check the thermostat
- Change the air filters
- Clear your vents
Beyond that, you need a bit of specialized knowledge to attempt any kind of repair.
Your air conditioner is a huge investment. And you really can’t live without one in Dallas. If you’re not sure what you’re doing when it comes to AC repair, don’t attempt a DIY.
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