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You may be able to clean mold from your air conditioner in some cases. If the mold growth only takes up a small area, you can use either vinegar or bleach mixed with water to remove it. Larger areas of mold should be left to the professionals, though. It's also a good idea to leave mold removal to the pros if you are sensitive to mold or have asthma. 

The standard HVAC warranty is around five years. Still, many brands offer an extension to 10 years if you register the product within a specific timeframe, typically 60 to 90 days post-purchase or HVAC installation. Over the past decade, warranty periods have substantially increased, shifting from 3-5 years in the 90s to the now-prevalent 10+ year warranties. Both warranty types cover parts failing due to manufacturer defects, incurring no additional costs. Some manufacturers provide extended warranties surpassing the usual 15- to 20-year window, though these often involve extra fees. 

Some states require special licenses for HVAC professionals, but most don’t. However, even if there is no state requirement for HVAC licensing, local requirements might exist. It’s always a good idea to check if HVAC technicians need to be licensed in your area and then Angi’s contractor license lookup tool to confirm that the contractor you’re hiring holds the necessary licenses. Additionally, you should always ensure the company you’re hiring is fully insured to avoid potential lawsuits if a technician gets injured on your property.

If your AC suddenly stops working, the first thing to check is your thermostat settings. Ensure the thermostat is set to the appropriate temperature and mode (cooling). Sometimes, a simple adjustment or replacing the batteries in the thermostat can resolve the issue. If that’s not the issue, look to see if the circuit breaker tripped. These basic checks can often identify simple fixes before you need to call for professional assistance.