DIY HVAC Repair

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning.

Sometimes it is painful to call a professional out to the home when your air conditioner breaks down. It is time-consuming to wait around for the handyman to show up and costly to pay labor fees. The typical HVAC unit has a main indoor component as well as a condenser outside, or it is self-contained in one room. HVAC units are difficult for the layperson to repair. But noisy units and cooling problems may be fixed with simple troubleshooting measures that check basic functionality both indoors and outdoors.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Sound blanket
• Rake
• Soft brush
• Hose
• Filters

Condenser Problems

1. Turn off the power to the condenser unit outside by flipping the fuse. The fuse box is often installed next to the condenser unit.

2. Unscrew the top of the condenser and pull off the top panel. Usually the fan is attached as well.

3. Install a sound blanket into the unit to reduce noise as the unit runs. Sound blankets are available from the unit manufacturer. Follow the manufacturer's installation instructions.

4. Rake leaves and debris away from the condenser unit if it is having cooling issues. Clean away debris from the inside of the condenser with a soft brush before hosing the condenser coils down with water.

Cooling Problems

1. Turn the thermostat up on the heating unit to ensure the temperature of the thermostat is higher than the temperature of the room. The unit will not switch on if the thermostat temperature cannot heat the room.

2. Inspect the fuse box for a flipped switch or broken fuses if the unit is not running. Unscrew fuses dedicated to the HVAC unit and inspect them for breaks in the middle.

3. Test the thermostat by turning off the power to the unit. Remove the thermostat's cover and unscrew the "Y" terminal. Remove the wire. Turn the power to the unit back on. Hold the "Y' wire by its insulation and touch the bare end of the wire to the "R" terminal. The compressor will turn on if the unit is not faulty. Replace the thermostat if necessary.

4. Inspect the filters of the unity by pulling them out and inspecting them for dirt. Replace them if they are dirty and full of debris.

References

• Home Tips: Central Air Conditioning Repair
• Youtube: Do-It-Yourself Air Conditioning
• The Family Handyman: Tips for Fixing Noisy Air Conditioners