Husband causes problems with air conditioner
At the beginning of last summer, when I lowered the thermostat setting, I noticed a few issues with the air conditioner.
- There was a musty smell coming from the supply vents and definitely less air than normal.
It was also sending a significant amount of dust into my home and operating at a louder sound level. I was fairly sure that all of these concerned could be solved by professional maintenance. The cooling system had sat idle throughout the fall, winter and spring seasons. During that time, a significant amount of contaminants had most likely settled inside the unit. I figured there was probably mold growing on the cooling coil, dust on the fan blades and algae clogging the condensate drain. While those problems can lead to major malfunction, they can also be easily resolved with a professional cleaning and adjustment. A certified HVAC technician has the specialized training, tools and experience to take the cooling system apart and make any necessary adjustments. During annual service, the contractor typically tightens electrical connections, lubricates moving parts, checks the various belts and makes sure the filter is clean. My husband was convinced he could manage these jobs. Since my husband isn’t all that handy around the house, I wasn’t convinced. However, I didn’t think it would hurt to let him try. He devoted nearly five hours to dismantling the cooling equipment and cleaning each component. Once the air conditioner was put back together, it wouldn’t start up at all. I then needed to call for repair. It cost me a lot more to have the cooling unit fixed than it would have for regular upkeep.