1-800-PLUMBER +AIR
Columbia AC Repair Services

1. When to Get A/C Repairs

2. A/C Repairs You Can Do Yourself

3. How to Find an A/C Repair Company

4. Need A/C Repairs in Columbia? Call Us

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, roughly six percent of all of this country's electricity comes from air conditioning alone. In a place like Columbia, where summer temperature highs can reach the 90s, proper-running systems are a must. 1-800-Plumber +Air will teach you all about A/C repairs in Columbia.

Some A/C work should only be performed by licensed technicians or professional electricians. However, there are a few repairs you can do yourself, provided you're following all of the instructions and safety guidelines.

Replacing Filters

If your A/C isn't blowing as much air as it used to, or the air is warm, check the filters. It's easy to forget about filters when they're shut inside your vents. However, they are essential and must be properly maintained.

See how much dust and other things has accumulated on your A/C filters since you last replaced it. It can be pretty eye-opening to see how filthy it's become. Although filters bring contaminants out of your air, they have their limits. Clean out your filters every month and replace them every 90 days if you don't have pets, and every 60 days if you do.

Cleaning Coils

Your A/C has coils in its outdoor and indoor units. These are both crucial for the heat exchange that allows your A/C to cool your house. If your coils are dirty, your A/C can't function as well. They tend to get dirty much like filters do, accumulating dust and other contaminants. Air will have trouble flowing between the coils, resulting in a much-less effective A/C.

Fortunately, you don't need to do a lot to keep your coils clean. Simple household products work as cleaner, such as detergent and compressed air. There are also cleaners available specifically for coils. If you want the best coil cleaning possible, call 1-800-Plumber +Air of Columbia.

Cleaning Outdoor Unit

If you're already cleaning the condenser coils in your outdoor unit (also known as the "condenser unit"), check out what else is happening around your unit. Are the fins dirty, and is there overgrowth in the surrounding area? While you can't keep your unit 100 percent clean all the time, you can take simple measures to clean it up.

After shutting off power to the system, spray down the unit lightly with a garden hose, both inside and outside. Vacuum the fins as well, and pull off any other natural debris in or around the system. Set aside a day for cleaning at the beginning of spring to help your A/C enter the new warm period in excellent shape.

Unfreeze Coils

Your A/C can become literally frozen thanks to refrigerant on evaporator coils freezing. This can occur due to your evaporator coil being dirty, refrigerant levels being low, and clogged air ducts/filters. If your refrigerant is unable to obtain the necessary heat for the cooling process, your whole system is liable to suffer.

To unfreeze your coils, shut off your thermostat to prevent further refrigerant flow, and turn on the fan to warm up your coils and help melt the ice. Depending on how much ice is on your unit, it could take a day for your unit to fully thaw. You should also check your filters and coils to see if they need cleaning or replacing. Check for any signs of refrigerant leaks, as well as refrigerant poisoning. Call Poison Control if anyone in your household is showing indications of poisoning, such as nausea, headache, and confusion.