I don’t know if it’s because I managed to swallow my fear of electrical wires …

Or maybe because I successfully fought back the paranoia of creepy crawly things waiting to attack me in the backyard as I conducted my troubleshooting…

Or perhaps it’s because I saved several hundred dollars …

But regardless of the reason, I am elated to declare that I, Lori Tolbert, fixed another one of our air conditioner units yesterday! I’m sure that it’s a sin to be as proud of myself as I am.

Just ask my mom … at times, I epitomize the stereotype “dumb blonde.”

Clearly lacking the common sense bestowed upon the general population, as a Freshman at BYU, I cleverly wrapped all my food in black plastic trashbag liners so that it would stop freezing in the little fridge my roommate and I rented for our dorm room… until I discovered the adjustable thermostat dial.

Trust me.  If I can fix one of the most common causes of AC malfunction–a failing capacitor–ANYONE can do it.  Because it pains me to hear stories of my friends paying nearly $400 for a 15-minute installation of this $20 capacitor part, I will happily impart the little bit of diagnostic knowledge I have garnered from the 10+ service calls from AC repairmen over the last few years.  (Yes, I must be a magnet for AC problems–CRAZINESS!) And while there is definitely a time and place to pay an $expert$ (if you need a referral, I’ve found a GOOD one), the bragging rights that come from a little DIY AC repair are priceless.