Routine maintenance will help reduce the likelihood of your central air conditioner system going down. This will result in a lower cost for you over time. Regular maintenance will help ensure that your system is running at maximum efficiency and lower your energy bill. Regular service will extend the life of your air conditioner and decrease the likelihood of it needing repairs. A maintenance contract may make this service more affordable than a one-time repair.
Even though it may seem difficult to fix an AC unit yourself, the knowledge is there. Even though you need to be careful and have electrical knowledge, replacing an AC contactor can help you save hundreds of dollars. A residential unit contactor costs around $20-30. You can test your skills by doing a few DIY projects for air conditioning repairs if you are a skilled mechanic.
If you aren't confident enough to clean the coils yourself you can follow the steps in the owner’s manual or view the tutorial videos online. These instructions are only for experienced DIYers. You should call a professional HVAC maintenance service if you're not confident. After cleaning out the evaporator you should turn the air conditioning off before continuing to the next stage.
Start by unplugging the contactor. Next, connect a multimeter to measure the current flow in the contactor. You will then connect the low voltage terminals on the contactor to your multimeter. If readings are low then it's likely to need replacement. Reconnect the wiring and replace your contactor. After the repair is done, you should turn off the air conditioner.
The evaporator can be cleaned with compressed air. The easiest spot to clean is the one with the most soiling. Next, work your way down to the worst. Even a simple sweep will be enough to remove most of the dirt. However, if some areas are more difficult to clean, you may need to bring the compressed air can closer. Air should be kept at least three feet from the area, because fins can be extremely thin.
The cost of regular duct cleaning is between $300-$1000 The technician will vacuum the system's vents and remove any other particles. The buildup over time can lead to allergies, increase repair frequency, and reduce the energy efficiency of the system. You should clean your ducts once every three to five years. If you have severe allergy, you may need to do it more often. For a fee up to $550, a technician will clean your ducts.
Disconnect the contactor wires from the power source to begin the repair. To measure the current flow through your contactor, you will need a multimeter that can be purchased at any hardware store. The multimeter's low voltage terminals should be connected to both ends of the contactor. It's possible that the contactor needs to be replaced if readings are low. Re-connect the wiring and replace the contactor. After the repair is completed, turn off your air conditioner.