They say knowledge is power, and that’s undoubtedly true when talking about 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 everyday AC issues.
Knowing how your AC works and the typical problems it faces can empower you to fix simple problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you cash on minor service calls, but understanding when to call a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into catastrophic repairs.
Your Air conditioner is an important component 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 Mount Hope if you're uncertain about any aspect of your AC's operation or maintenance.
Here are several common questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:
1. How Should I Clean My Air Conditioner?
Cleaning your AC is a smart way to make sure it operates efficiently, and potentially could extend the life of your unit.
The most significant action 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 particulates from the air circulating inside your home. If your AC filter becomes choked with debris, the air conditioner has to work harder than it really should in order to move air through the filter. A clean filter traps the airborne debris while still permitting air to flow easily through the system.
Replacement filters can be purchased at most popular home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be ordered from your local HVAC expert. A good way to make sure you get the correct filter is to look at your old one before you leave for the store, taking care to write down the size of the filter. If you’re not familiar with filters, it’s also a good idea to note the filtration level of the current filter if you are trying to buy something similar.
For detailed service of your air conditioner, contact the experienced professionals like the crew at Appalachian Heating to do scheduled maintenance on your system. They’ll look over your system, clean or lubricate parts that need it and look for worn-out parts and potential issues.
2. How Should I Clean the Air Conditioner Coils?
In addition to making certain that your indoor air conditioner equipment is operating efficiently, it’s necessary to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outside unit of your air conditioner is an easy way to improve its efficiency and can extend the life of your entire system.
The coils, which include extensions called fins, are used to release heat from the refrigerant into the cooler air outside. This cools the refrigerant, which then goes back in your home so it can take in more heat from the air within your home. Washing the fins and the coils is a way to help them release heat more easily.
To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:
1) First, turn off power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to flip off the the on/off switch, instead of turning the thermostat off.
2) Take off the top of the outdoor AC so you can reach the interior of the unit. Then, being careful not to pull hard on any cords or attachments, safely set the top to the side.
3) Put a cleaning solution on the fins, beginning 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 products foaming solutions that are sprayed on with an attachment to your garden hose.
4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most cleaners, it's advised that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a short period of time to loosen the grime and then softly spray it off with a garden hose. Take care not to spray very hard, because that could harm the coils or fins!
5) Secure the top back on the unit and then wait for the unit to dry before turning it back on.
3. How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?
The life span of an air conditioner changes depending on the type of unit, its quality, how often it's maintained and how often it's used. However, pros say you should start thinking about air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.
One of the best ways to get the most mileage out of your air conditioner is through regular conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from Appalachian Heating consists of cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as replacing the filter and repairing any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating a long time, reach out to us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Mount Hope.
4. What Size Air Conditioner Should I Have?
Finding the proper size of air conditioner for your home is crucial for keeping comfort and efficiency. Here are some factors to take into account when deciding what size air conditioner to buy for your home:
- Square footage: The amount of space you want to cool is one of the key factors. Bigger spaces necessitate more cooling power.
- Home insulation: Well-insulated homes retain cool air better, which could reduce your cooling needs.
- Climate: If you live 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, particularly when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
- Number of people: More people in the house produce more body heat, which may influence your cooling needs.
- Present HVAC system: The size and productivity of your current system can provide a starting point for deciding what you need.
Given that the size of your air conditioner is so critical to your home’s comfort, you will almost certainly want a professional opinion. At Appalachian Heating, we take the time to fully understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other variables such as your home’s layout and size. This attention to detail and dedication to customer service is why Appalachian Heating is known for superb air conditioning installation in Mount Hope.
5. What Is the Cost of a New Air Conditioner?
While prices vary depending on the type of the unit and your home’s unique requirements, a new air conditioning system 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 along with federal regulations that can impact the design.
Know these are average costs and prices can fluctuate. It's always smart to get at least a few quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re interested in air conditioning replacement in Mount Hope, contact Appalachian Heating. We will provide you with a free estimate, make sure you understand the procedure and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.
6. Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?
Air conditioning freezing up can be a consequence of many factors, all of which boil down to the system's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your AC is experiencing issues causing it to freeze up, it is very likely time for air conditioning repair.
Here are some frequent triggers for AC freezing up:
- Inadequate airflow: If the air isn't flowing easily through your AC system, it can't properly 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 grow too cold and freeze up. This is usually a consequence of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
- Frigid outdoor temperatures: Operating your air conditioner when it's too cold outside can cause the system to freeze. The majority of units aren't designed to operate in temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
- Mechanical failures: Broken thermostats, damaged blower motors and issues with the relay or control board can all result in an AC unit freezing up.
Appalachian Heating is the Trusted Source for Air Conditioning Service in Mount Hope.
At Appalachian Heating, we will make your home a comfortable and soothing place. Our experienced professionals are up-to-date on the latest industry training and trends, and are knowledgeable on a wide variety of systems. That’s why community members make us the first choice for air conditioning repair in Mount Hope and the surrounding towns.
If you’re planning to upgrade or its time for a new unit, we’ve got you covered there too, with our top-notch air conditioning installation in Mount Hope. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!
Contact Appalachian Heating today at 304-707-0600 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!