Buying a home is a major milestone for anyone. Yet, around 31 percent of all homebuyers in 2021 were first-time homebuyers. A first-time homebuyer faces a much steeper learning curve than someone buying their second or third home.
Experienced homebuyers know, more or less, the kinds of problems they should expect from their home. For example, experienced homebuyers know that central AC repair is almost inevitable if you own a home for long enough. That means they also know the essentials of central AC problems and repairs.
If you’re new to homeownership, keep reading for a quick guide to the ABCs of central AC repair.
Common Problems
The first major hurdle when it comes to central air condition troubleshooting is that you must know the common problems. When it comes to central AC units, there are a few you should watch out for, including:
- Blowing warm air
- Strange noises
- Leaks
- Electrical/sensor problems
Electrical and sensor problems can yield a number of symptoms, such as turning on and off frequently, failure to turn on, or cooling unevenly.
Troubleshooting
Unfortunately, there are very few things that a homeowner can do in terms of troubleshooting. A big one is that you can check the air filter. A dirty filter will cause a lot of problems.
You can check that the unit drains correctly. If the unit won’t turn on, make sure your thermostat battery isn’t out of juice.
One problem that many first-time homeowners won’t automatically recognize is that an AC unit needs solid airflow. If there are bushes or household items piled near the unit, clear those away.
AC Repair
Beyond that small handful of actions you can take, almost all central AC repair requires a certified AC technician. They have the training and equipment to track down the problem. In many cases, they can also fix the problem the day they come out to look at the unit.
You should ask around before you need them for a company that does good HVAC repairs.
Plan Ahead
You can never know for sure what kind of central AC problems you’ll face, but your can rest assured that you will face one at some point. The good news is that you can plan ahead for these problems by saving up for them in advance.
You should check into your local central AC prices for repairs and even central AC replacement. That gives you a ballpark for how much you should sock away.
Central AC Repair and You
A first-time homeowner with a strong DIY streak may feel like central AC repair should fall into their wheelhouse. It doesn’t. In fact, many places legally require that those repairs get carried out by a certified professional.
Do the things that you can do, such as checking the air filter, keeping the area around the unit clear, and checking the thermostat battery. Beyond that, though, call a professional.
Looking for some more home improvement tips? Check out some of the other posts over in our House & Garden Section.
Leave a Reply