Spring’s warming temperatures are just a taste of the heat that’s to come this summer. If you run hot, you probably like to keep your home cool and comfortable all season long. But that can be a challenge if your old air conditioner refuses to turn on. Can you afford to call an air conditioner tech to come out and repair it? In times like these, drumming up $500 for a quick repair can be out of your financial comfort zone. Without savings, you might have to rely on a cash loan to help you cover the entire expense. But do you really want to borrow a cash loan online right now? Before you type “loans near me” into your search engine, try out these DIY tips first. They can help you fix minor issues preventing your A/C from keeping you cool.

1. Check Your Electrical Source

First of all, you want to check your A/C has power. You may not realize you’ve tripped a breaker or blown a fuse if it’s been overwintering for a long time. To check this isn’t your problem, go to your breaker or fuse box. It’s usually in the basement if you live in a house, but it may also be in a utility closet or garage. You’ll notice if you’ve tripped a circuit breaker if the panel for that part of the house is in the off position. Flick it on to restore power. As for a fuse, you’ll be looking for melted glass or discolouration in the glass. This indicates you need to replace the fuse. If either of these things happen every time your A/C cycles on, you could have an electrical problem, not an appliance issue.  

2. Inspect Your Thermostat

Your air conditioner might be fine; it could be your thermostat that’s the problem if the screen is blank. All this means is you have to replace the batteries. For smart thermostats, like the Google Nest, you’ll want to double-check the wires are connected securely. You can also try resetting the thermostat to test it’s working properly. After a long winter relying on your furnace, you may forget that your thermostat is still in heat mode. Make sure you toggle your thermostat to cool

3. Clean Your Appliance

A dirty machine covered in dust and debris has to work a lot harder to cool your home, so you’ll want to make sure you clean your A/C. Make it a spring-cleaning chore right before you intend to turn on your air conditioner for the season. Before you start, make sure you turn off the power. Next, inspect the inner air coils to ensure they aren’t covered in dust. Air runs through these coils to cool down, and dust creates insulation that interferes with the coil’s ability to transfer heat.

4. Replace Your Filter

A dirty filter could be the culprit behind your faulty air conditioner. Your filter picks up dirt, dander, and dust before your A/C circulates air throughout your house. Eventually, all that crud builds up to restrict airflow, causing your appliance to work harder than it should. Generally speaking, you’ll want to change your filter every 3–4 months. However, common sense dictates that you should change them any time they’re dirty.

Try out These Tips First Before Calling an Expert

Let’s face it — these tips only scratch the surface of what could be wrong with your A/C. More complex issues require an expert for your home and personal safety. If these tips don’t help, find a local technician with good reviews online. And remember, you can get a cash loan if you need help covering the repairs.