Air conditioners help make homes and other buildings more comfortable by moderating indoor temperatures. Just like any other electrical appliance, air conditioners require proper maintenance to keep working efficiently. Without proper maintenance, air conditioner users run the risk of incurring high repair costs and may sometimes even need to replace their cooling equipment. Air conditioners can be delicate and thus require proper handling. Not all AC problems need fixing by a professional electrician or technician — there are some basic repairs you can do yourself as a home owner. This will save you money and even make you feel a sense of accomplishment.

Here are some common AC problems and what you can do to fix them yourself.

When the air conditioner is making unusual noise.

Air conditioners are meant to hum quietly when normally working. Any loud noises coming from your air conditioner should alert you of a potential problem with the equipment. The problem could be caused by clogging or loose blades around the fan, which may, in turn, lead to overheating of the conditioner. With your screw driver, remove the cabinet of the air conditioner and clean the fan. If the blades are loose, you can tighten them using the screw driver. You should also lubricate the air conditioner motor frequently so as to keep the unit running as quietly as possible.

When the air conditioner isn't cooling.

This is a common problem with most air conditioners. It could be as a result of a dirty air filter, faulty compressors or even low refrigerant level. If there is low refrigerant, you should check for leaks before adding new refrigerant to restore the equipment's cooling capacity. If there are leaks, you should contact a technician to seal them, as refrigerant leaks can be harmful to the environment. With faulty compressors, you should check the electrical system of the unit. Exposed motors wiring are likely to lead to faulty compressors. If the issue persist you should contact a qualified HVAC technician.

When the air conditioner coils are frozen.

Frozen coils are as a result of dirty air filters or low refrigerant. To fix this you need to turn off the power supply to the air conditioner, this would allow the coils to thaw and melt the ice around it. Thereafter, dry the coils preferably using a dry clean towel and allow the fan to run. This will help circulate enough air to blow away any ice or frost that may form. You can check the vents and the filters regularly and clean if need be so as to allow smooth fan circulation.

It is important to arrange for routine maintenance for your air conditioner in order to avoid potentially costly repairs. Always remember to turn off power supply before performing any DIY AC repairs so as to avoid electrocution and short circuiting. Be sure to let a professional electrician do any AC repair work that you cannot handle yourself.