We can all agree that the best way to beat the hot Miami temperatures is by having a working A/C. That’s because Air Conditioners often come in handy during extreme weather seasons like summer or winter. Not only do they purify the air flowing into your home but also regulate the temperature inside it to ensure that you and any other member of your household enjoy a conducive and relaxed environment. And that’s why it’s always wise to make sure that these machines are working at optimal performance all through the seasons.
Unfortunately, calling an air condition repair service in Miami every now and then to check on your conditioner or maintenance can be unnecessarily costly. In fact, you may end up spending a lot of cash on minor checks. It’s true that air conditioner repairs can appear intimidating even for a DIY enthusiast, but simple maintenance routines are definitely easy to pull off.
But, before you embark on your DIY A/C Maintenance, bear in mind that major repairs are best handled by a certified Miami air conditioning professional. It’s easier and safer that way because they are the only one skilled and equipped to handle such repairs. But, if it’s a simple repair and maintenance drill, here are a few great tips that you can try on your own.
1) The Thermostat Check
The thermostat is more like the switch you use to turn the A/C to “Hot” or “Cool.” For example, if it is hot outside, the thermostat should be switched to COOL in order to maintain the home’s internal temperature at bearable levels. If you realize that your conditioner is not heating or cooling, you should check to see if the switch has been nudged properly. If you can’t seem to find any fault on the switch, call a technician to have a look at it. Also, you should make sure that the fan is set to “AUTO” so that it only runs when heating or cooling is required. This helps you to cut down on energy costs.
2) Breaker Box Maintenance
If your conditioner stops working, double check that you haven’t tripped an electrical breaker without noticing. Usually located in the basement, breakers can be tripped by a big storm or running too many electrical appliances at once. If you find a tripped breaker, turn it off, then back on, and this may solve your problem.
3) Iced-Over A/C Fix
If your AC has iced over, use your thermostat to turn it “OFF” and turn your fan “ON”. Depending on the temperature levels outside, the ice should melt within five hours. Once the ice has melted, you can try turning the AC back on. If the air conditioner starts working, great; if it doesn’t, you will need to call in a professional repairman.
4) Coolant Level Issues
If your AC has not iced-over, there may be an issue with coolant levels. Checking and replacing coolant levels is a job for a professional repairman. You will need to contact an authorized contractor in order to have your coolant levels checked or replaced.
5) Filter Maintenance
Filters help in purifying the air flowing into your house. Always ensure you change your heating and A/C filters on a regular basis, using the right size for your particular unit. Dirt and grime can quickly collect on filters, decreasing their efficiency and that of the unit while at the same time increasing your utility bills.
6) External Unit Maintenance
Another way to maintain your air conditioning in Miami is to keep the unit’s surrounding clean! Remove any fallen leaves from the unit. Brush any dirt and debris out of the fins. If there is debris you can’t reach, use a vacuum brush attachment to suck it out. Give bushes or trees that have grown too close to the A/C a trim in order to prevent branches from blocking airflow. In the winter, consider purchasing an A/C cover to keep your unit in good shape for the coming years.
All these are simple DIY tips that can help you to maintain your air conditioning in Miami without having to call a professional repair contractor. Regardless of how small or unnecessary A/C maintenance may seem, it is very important because it increases your unit’s longevity and it saves you a lot of cash in terms of utility and repair bills.
