They say knowledge is power, and that’s certainly accurate when it comes to your air conditioner. While challenging repairs are best left to experts, it’s helpful to have a practical understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve ordinary AC issues.
Understanding how your AC works and the typical problems it faces can empower you to tackle easy problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you money on minor service calls, but knowing when to contact a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into complex repairs.
Your AC is an essential part of your home comfort. Because of that, you should always err on the side of caution and call a NATE-certified technician for air conditioning repair in Alliance if you're uncertain about any aspect of your air conditioner's operation or maintenance.
Here are several typical questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:
1. What Is the Best Way to Clean an Air Conditioner?
Cleaning an air conditioner is an effective way to make sure it runs efficiently, and potentially could extend the life of your unit.
The most significant step you can take on your own is to replace the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter traps dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those contaminants from the air circulating throughout your home. If your AC filter becomes plugged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it is supposed to in order to force air through the filter. A clean filter traps the airborne debris while still allowing air to flow efficiently through the system.
Replacement filters are sold at most major home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be bought from your local HVAC specialist. A good way to make sure you get the correct filter is to look at your old one before you head out for the store, taking care to write down the size of the filter. If you’re not familiar with filters, it’s also a smart idea to note the filtration level of the current filter if you are wanting to buy something similar.
For comprehensive service of your air conditioner, contact the experienced professionals like the crew at Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces to do routine maintenance on your system. They’ll look over your system, clean or lubricate parts that require attention and look for worn-out parts and potential problems.
2. How Are the Coils on My Air Conditioner Cleaned?
In addition to making certain that your indoor AC unit is operating efficiently, it’s necessary to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outside unit of your air conditioner is a quick way to increase its efficiency and can extend the life of your entire system.
The coils, which are attached to extensions called fins, are used to release heat from the refrigerant into the cooler air outside. This lowers the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back inside your home so it can absorb more heat from the air in your home's interior. Washing the fins and the coils can help them release heat more easily.
To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:
1) First, shut down power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to flip the power switch off, rather than turning the thermostat off.
2) Take off the top of the outdoor AC so you can access the inside of the unit. Then, being careful not to stress any cords or attachments, safely put the top to the side.
3) Spray a cleaning solution on the fins, starting at the top and then working your way down. Commercial coil cleaners are on the market and commonly found in both the canned aerosol spray from as well as in the form of foaming solutions that are applied with your garden hose.
4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most brands, it's suggested that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a brief period of time to attack the grime and then gently spray it off with a garden hose. Be careful not to spray really hard, because that could damage the coils or fins!
5) Secure the top back on the unit and then wait for the coils and fins to dry before turning the power back on.
3. What Is the Average Lifespan of My Air Conditioner?
The life span of an air conditioner changes depending on the type of unit, its quality, if maintained and how much it's used. However, pros say you should start looking into air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.
One of the best ways to make the most of your system is through AC conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces consists of cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as replacing the filter and fixing any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating as long as it can, contact us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Alliance.
4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?
Selecting the right size of air conditioner for your home is crucial for achieving comfort and efficiency. Here are some elements to think about when deciding what size air conditioner you need for your home:
- Square footage: The size of the space you have to cool is one of the biggest factors. Larger spaces necessitate more cooling power.
- Home insulation: Well-insulated homes retain cool air better, which could reduce your cooling needs.
- Climate: If you reside in a hotter climate, you'll want a more powerful air conditioner compared to a homeowner living in a cooler place.
- Number of windows: Windows frequently let in heat, in particular when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
- Number of residents: More people in the house means additional body heat, which could impact your cooling needs.
- Present HVAC system: The size and performance of your current system can provide a jumping off point for identifying what you need.
Given that the size of your air conditioner is so essential to your home’s comfort, you will definitely want a professional opinion. At Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces, we take the time to completely understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other considerations such as your home’s design and size. This attention to detail and commitment to customer service is why Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces is known for exceptional air conditioning installation in Alliance.
5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?
While prices vary depending on the type of the unit and your home’s unique specifications, a new air conditioner generally costs between $5,000 and $12,500 to purchase and install. On the plus side, a benefit of air conditioning replacement is that new air conditioners are developed to be exceptionally efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.
The price of an air conditioner is impacted by several factors during the manufacturing process, such as the cost and availability of raw materials, manufacturing and labor costs as well as federal regulations that necessitate changes to the design.
Realize these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always helpful to get numerous quotes from reliable HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re thinking about air conditioning replacement in Alliance, contact Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces. We will schedule an appointment to provide you with a no-cost estimate, describe the procedure and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.
6. What Causes an Air Conditioner to Freeze Up?
An air conditioner freezing up can be due to multiple factors, all of which boil down to the failure of your system to efficiently transfer heat. If your unit is experiencing issues causing it to freeze up, it is most likely time for air conditioning repair.
Here are some typical reasons for AC freezing up:
- Inadequate airflow: If the air isn't flowing easily through your AC system, it can't sufficiently absorb heat. This could be due to a dirty air filter, blocked return air ducts or a failing fan.
- Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is getting low on refrigerant, it can get too cold and freeze up. This is frequently because of leaking in the refrigerant lines.
- Very Chilly outdoor temperatures: Using your air conditioner when it's too cold outside can cause the system to freeze. The majority of units aren't designed to function in temperatures lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
- Mechanical failures: Broken thermostats, damaged blower motors and trouble with the relay or control board can all result in an AC unit freezing up.
Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces is your Trusted Source for Air Conditioning Service in Alliance.
At Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces, we will make your home a comfortable and pleasant place. Our experienced professionals are up-to-date on the latest industry training and trends, and are experienced on a wide variety of systems. That’s why community members make us the first choice for air conditioning repair in Alliance and neighboring areas.
If you’re wanting to upgrade or its time for a replacement, we’ve got you covered there too, with our top-notch air conditioning installation in Alliance. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!
Call Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces today at 308-762-1613 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!