Your air conditioner isn't exactly a necessity, but if you prefer to be comfortable when you're at home, then an air conditioner becomes a necessity. Air conditioners are a long-lasting appliance, but they can breakdown from time to time. If you are handy and are comfortable around larger appliances, then you may be able to handle the repair yourself. If you aren't handy though, a breakdown of your air conditioning system is going to require a call to a professional. If you aren't sure when to call a professional repairman to your home, read on for helpful information.

If Your Unit Is Over-Cycling

If your air conditioning system is over-cycling, it means it is turning on and shutting off right away. This can be caused by a few different things, including the system being the wrong size for your home, or the temperature you have your thermostat set to may be too much for your system to keep up with. You can try to adjust the thermostat yourself to see if it helps anything, but if it's still over-cycling, then it's time to call a professional. A system that is too large or too small can be costly to you in the long run in energy bills and repair costs. Have an air conditioning repair contractor take a look at your system and have it replaced with a unit that is the proper size for your home.

If Your Unit Is Not Running

If your air conditioning unit is not working at all, you can troubleshoot it to see if you can get it to work on your own. If you aren't comfortable with troubleshooting or getting near your appliance or HVAC systems, then call a professional for help instead. If you're up to the task, take a look at your thermostat first to be sure it is working properly. If that wasn't the problem, remove your air filter to see if it was clogged. If your air filter is clogged it can cause an airflow problem. The filter needs to be replaced and the reset button needs to be pressed to turn your system back on. You should also check the condensing unit outside of your home to see if the fins are clogged with debris, which can also cause an airflow issue. Spray down your unit and again hit the reset button to see if it turns your system back on. If this doesn't work either, it's time to call a professional.

If your air conditioner is giving your problems and you think you're handy enough, then troubleshoot the problem and make the repair on your own. If you aren't that handy or aren't knowledgeable about your HVAC system and want it repaired properly, call a professional.