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Modern air conditioners make hot days bearable in places like Chattanooga, TN, where air conditioning units have been used for decades to fight the heat. But every now and then, things come to a halt when the central AC unit breaks down. Luckily, most of the issues that cause it to stop blowing cool air are relatively easy to fix, with the right tools. Here are a few handy air conditioner repair tips for when you’re not entirely if it’s time to call an expert:

Fuse

Air conditioning units can blow a fuse when you least expect it. It tends to be on the hottest days, when they’re needed the most. You can tell your AC blew a fuse when it simply won’t light up if you press the power button. If it’s connected to a furnace, it can make a humming noise, but it still won’t power up. When this happens, you need a qualified electrician to check the voltage with a voltmeter. To speed things up, simply look up AC experts able to carry out air conditioner repairs in the Chattanooga, TN area.

Air Filter

For cool air to flow, the fan within the air con unit must first draw air over its evaporator coils, then cool it, and then distribute it into the room. A clogged or dirty air filter can limit the amount of air flowing through, though. Sometimes, the evaporator coils cool down too much or even freeze over, making matters worse. If there’s very little air flowing out of the air con or none at all, it’s worth checking the air filter. This component is easily accessible. It’s usually located behind the grille at the front of the AC unit. Some units have a side opening, but most grilles slip out easily from the front. Filters are generally very easy to replace, and regular cleaning is recommended. A quick soak in soapy water and rubbing them with a soft brush should take the dirt out. Once an air filter is cleaned, it needs to be fully dried before it’s slipped back in, to avoid unnecessary air conditioner repairs later on. If an air filter is misshapen or dirty after cleaning, it’s best to change it.

Fan Motor

It’s easy to tell when your air con motor stops working properly. You won’t be able to hear the noise it usually makes as it blows the air out. But because the evaporator coils continue to work, though, they could freeze over and restrict air flow further. To check the fan motor, you should first take out the cabinet. If the motor turns, the problem could lie with the power supply. If it’s seized, it needs to be replaced. Either way, it’s probably best to rely on an air conditioning repairs specialist to come to your home and look into this for you with specialist tools like a multi-meter.

Air Con Fan

Another common issue is a broken fan. If the blades are damaged or jammed, the fan can make strange noises or stop working altogether. Checking the fan is a matter of opening the AC cabinet and inspecting the blades. If you think the motor is also damaged, then it’s best to call in an air conditioner repairs professional for help.

Thermostat

If you’ve checked all the components mentioned above and they seem to be working fine, but the air con still won’t work properly, the issue may be a faulty thermostat. This device monitors the temperature of the incoming air and regulates it by switching a compressor on and off. There’s a bulb with a sensor on the thermostat and some electrical contacts in the thermostat that power the compressor circuit. If the sensing bulb or the components inside the thermostat don’t work, then the compressor won’t cool the air. Call your local air conditioner repairs expert to make sure that these components work. You may be able to find compatible replacement parts to buy in Chattanooga, TN, but an air conditioner repairs specialist will be able to source original parts for you.

Electronic Control Board 

Another possible cause for your air con unit not working properly is the Control Board or PCB Assembly. Together with the thermistor, which is a type of resistor that depends on the temperature, the Control Board switched the compressor on or off depending on the temperature selected. Check for any damage to the Control Board which could prevent power supply to the compressor thermistor. An AC specialist that operates in your area, Chattanooga, TN would be able to help with this kind of air conditioner repair work.

Thermistor

If you’ve already ticked the Control Board off the list, and your AC unit is electronically controlled, then it’s worth checking the thermistor too. This component monitors the temperature and signals to the control boards when it’s time to switch the compressor. If it’s faulty, it may not be able to facilitate the compressor circuit. You should be able to find it beside the evaporator coil. If it looks damaged or corroded, an air conditioner repair expert should be able to change it for you easily.

Capacitor

When air conditioners don’t blow enough or any cold air at all, the compressor circuit is a likely reason. If your AC unit is the kind that’s fitted to the window, then it should have a capacitor. This is a component that helps start the compressor. If it’s faulty, the fan will still blow air, but it will be warm because the compressor won’t start. On some models, there’s also a run capacitor connected to the fan motor. To access the capacitor, first remove the outer cover and then the cabinet. If you can’t see or recognize any signs of damage, don’t hesitate to call in Metro Plumbing, Heating and Air to carry out the air conditioner repair work using testing equipment. The replacement capacitor must have the same specifications as your original one; otherwise, the AC unit won’t work properly.