Your thermostat is a vital part of your air conditioning system. This part of the unit can often cause large issues if it malfunctions. There are many things that can go wrong with a thermostat to cause it not to regulate your AC system properly. Some simple air conditioner repair tips may be all you need to know to get your system operating smoothly again.
Air Conditioner Repair Can Be Expensive
Anytime you have to call out a competent AC service you can expect a bill to come with it. This is often unnecessary though. A little do-it-yourself repair may have a bigger payoff than you think.
Have you ever called out an air conditioner repair service only to have them trip a circuit breaker back on or install new batteries in your thermostat? You are handed a bill for when the entire ordeal takes about half an hour, not to mention such a quick fix can be embarrassing.
The first step is to try and do some troubleshooting yourself. Typically, the first place to start is with your thermostat. With some diligence and a little luck you can often avoid paying for a pricey air conditioner repair.
Troubleshooting Tips
Here are some things you can do to check on your thermostat before having to call an air conditioner repair service:
- Power - Check to see if the thermostat has power. The issue could be a tripped breaker, blown fuse or dead batteries. Since the thermostat is the brain behind the cooling system your AC unit won't turn on if the thermostat has no power.
- Cleanliness - The thermostat may just be dirty. Dirt, grime, dust, spider webs and even smoke from cigarettes can coat the inside of the unit and render it inoperable or make it malfunction. The inside can be cleaned with a small brush or a can of compressed air. Make sure to move parts around to clean the thermostat as best as you can.
- Wires and screws - Inspect the unit for loose wires and screws. Wires and other components may be corroded. Before attempting to tighten or reconnect anything inside the thermostat make sure the power is off.
- Level unit - Is the thermostat level? A unit that is not level can malfunction or alter its accuracy. Check the device with a level and adjust it accordingly to get it back level.
- Wrong area - If you have made changes to your home it could be possible that the thermostat is no longer in the correct place. Changes in air flow or the unit receiving more light could affect its performance and accuracy. The thermostat may have to be moved or adjustments may have to be made.
- Programmable units - Most of today's thermostats are pretty fancy because they are programmable and will do just about anything you want. Make sure the device is programmed to do what it is supposed to do. It is not hard to make the unit malfunction if it is programmed incorrectly.
A non-working or malfunctioning thermostat on your AC system is often misread. You rush to call a repairman and an expensive air conditioner repair trip is made.
Often, all it takes is just a little troubleshooting on your thermostat to have your system up and running again. If your AC unit goes on the blink try a little DIY air conditioner repair first. Check your thermostat, but if you think you have a bigger problem on your hands contact Experts In Your Home. Our Chico air conditioning repair technicians are experts in your home.
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