Should You Fix Your Air Conditioning Unit Yourself?

Fixing one's own air conditioning unit is on the possibility list for many homeowners. In today's economic climate, many families are struggling to make ends meet. They may be baking their own bread, growing their own garden full of veggies, raising chickens for eggs and buying all clothing at the thrift shop. Being frugal is a wonderful thing but sometimes it's better to hire the professionals. If a person wants to save money by fixing their own AC or any other household appliance for that matter, he or she should ask themselves a few questions first:

- Are you mechanically inclined? Individuals who are mechanically inclined can fix machines with greater ease than those who aren't. People with a natural knack may have always been able to figure out what's wrong with their car, how to fix a leaking washing machine and may also be good at math and doing jigsaw puzzles. Others who are not mechanically inclined may have trouble installing a new doorknob in their house even with explicit written instructions. Those inept mechanics may have other skills, however, like painting or cooking. It's about talent and inclination rather than I.Q. so non-mechanics shouldn't feel too bad. They simply need to be aware of their own limitations and call in the pros.

- Are you familiar with the parts of an AC? There are many different parts in an air conditioning unit including compressors, coolant, filters, wiring, and multiple tiny parts. Are all of these foreign objects or are you familiar with these components?

- Do you have a repair manual available? Even the most talent handy homeowner would be better off attempting the task if he or she has access to a repair manual. This can be a full-fledged book checked out of the library or written instructions downloaded from the internet. Every household should have a basic "How To" home repair guide if the inhabitants are planning to fix their own stuff.

- Do you have a parts supplier nearby? Some of the intricate workings of any appliance will be specialized items only available over the internet or from a parts distributor that specializes in appliances. Do you have a good supplier nearby or do you know enough to order the proper items online? If not, you could be spending money on items you don't need and still have a broken unit on your hands.

- Do you have patience? In order to perform intricate home repairs, individuals must be patient and have the time to carefully troubleshoot the unit. If not, it could be a stressful event, all around. How many spouses have decided to repair something beyond their expertise only to get into a big fight with their partner because of having a temper tantrum when things don't work. If you don't have the patience to troubleshoot and try, try again, save your marriage and call in a pro.

No one wants to waste money on jobs they can do by themselves. If a homeowner is considering doing an air conditioning unit repair by himself or herself, he or she should ask these questions before attempting it.