4 Things You Should Not Do When Your Air-Conditioning Unit Breaks Down

An air conditioner is an essential part of your home as it offers comfort during hot weather. Even though standard AC units can last for a long time, they sometimes malfunction. At this point, you might need to hire an air-conditioning repair company to fix underlying issues within your cooling system. For your unit to last a long time, ensure that you avoid the following mistakes when it breaks down.

1. Don't try to fix it yourself

It can be tempting to repair your AC on your own to save time and money. However, that's not an excellent idea because it can be dangerous. Bear in mind that your cooling unit has electrical components, such as pressure switches. Therefore, if you try to fix a broken air conditioner, you might suffer an electric shock. The ultimate solution is to hire an AC company to inspect and repair your unit. AC repair experts have the knowledge and skills to diagnose the root cause of the malfunction. 

2. Don't use other appliances

Once your AC acts up, it would be prudent to avoid using heat-generating equipment before your AC repair technician arrives. This way, your indoor temperature will remain comfortable for your family. If you need to cook or bake, you may want to consider doing it outside because heat and humidity from other appliances can create discomfort in your residence.

Additionally, you can unplug other home appliances and turn off lights to reduce heat. Here are common appliances that you shouldn't use at this time:

  • Cookers
  • Deep fryers
  • Coffee makers
  • Clothing irons
  • Toasters

3. Don't hammer or hit your unit

Some people tend to hit a television to get it to work again. However, you shouldn't try that on your air conditioner. The chances are you might ruin it, which can cost you more in repairs. Hence, if you hear peculiar noises from the AC, don't hammer it to stop. It won't work, and the noise might get louder. Instead, when your unit breaks down, call an AC company for repair. 

4. Don't patch refrigerant leaks

Holes or cracks within your AC can cause refrigerant leaks. When that happens, your AC unit will struggle to cool your home. In other cases, the AC will completely malfunction when it runs out of coolant. Once you spot the cracks, you might get tempted to seal them using duct tape. However, this isn't a permanent solution.

If your cooling unit breaks down, don't attempt the above common mistakes. Instead, contact an experienced AC repair technician to fix all the lurking problems. 


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