They say knowledge is power, and that’s undoubtedly true when talking about your air conditioner. While complex repairs are best left to professionals, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve common AC issues.
Understanding how your AC works and the frequent problems it faces can empower you to handle 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 reach out to a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into major repairs.
Your Air conditioner is an essential component of your home comfort. Because of that, you should always err on the side of caution and call a NATE-certified specialist for air conditioning repair in Huntsville if you're not sure about any aspect of your air conditioner's operation or maintenance.
Here are a few of the common questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:
1. What Is the Best Way to Clean an Air Conditioner?
Cleaning your AC is a smart way to make sure it works 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 particulates from the air circulating inside your home. If your AC filter becomes clogged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it is supposed to in order to move air through the filter. A clean filter catches the airborne debris while still enabling air to flow easily through the system.
Replacement filters can be purchased at most major home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be purchased 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, noting 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 hoping to buy something similar.
For detailed service of your air conditioner, contact the seasoned professionals like the crew at All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc to do routine maintenance on your unit. They’ll examine your system, clean or lubricate parts that need it and look for worn-out parts and potential problems.
2. How Should I Clean the Air Conditioner Coils?
In addition to making sure your indoor AC unit is working efficiently, it’s also a good idea to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outside unit of your air conditioner is an easy way to boost 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 outside air. This lowers the temperature of 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 can 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 the power switch off, instead of turning the thermostat off.
2) Lift off the top of the outdoor AC so you can reach the insides of the unit. Then, being careful not to pull hard on any cords or attachments, safely put the top to the side.
3) Apply a cleaning solution on the fins, starting at the top and working down. Commercial coil cleaners are available and commonly found in both the canned aerosol spray from as well as brands 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 softly 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 components to dry before turning it back on.
3. How Long Can Air Conditioners Work?
The life span of an air conditioner changes depending on the type of unit, its quality, if maintained and how often it's used. Having said that, industry experts say you should start looking into air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.
One of the best ways to get the most mileage out of your system is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Routine checkups from All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc features cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as putting in a new filter and mending 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 Huntsville.
4. What Size Air Conditioner Should I Have?
Choosing the proper size of air conditioner for your home is vital 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 total area of the space you want to cool is one of the most important factors. Larger spaces require more cooling power.
- Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which could decrease your cooling needs.
- Climate: If you live in a hotter climate, you'll require a more powerful air conditioner compared to a person living in a cooler climate.
- Number of windows: Windows frequently let in heat, especially when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
- Number of occupants: More people in the house means additional body heat, which can influence your cooling needs.
- Current HVAC system: The size and productivity of your current system can provide a jumping off point for determining what you need.
Due to the fact the size of your air conditioner is so important to your home’s comfort, you will likely want a professional opinion. At All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc, we take the time to thoroughly understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other factors such as your home’s insulation level and size. This attention to detail and dedication to customer service is why All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc is known for excellent air conditioning installation in Huntsville.
5. What Is the Cost of a New Air Conditioner?
While prices vary depending on the brand 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. The good thing is that new air conditioners are crafted to be extremely efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.
The price tag 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 in addition to federal regulations that can impact the design.
Note these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always a good idea to get numerous quotes from trusted HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re considering air conditioning replacement in Huntsville, get in touch with All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. We will provide you with a free estimate, make sure you understand the process and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.
6. What Causes an Air Conditioner to Freeze Up?
An AC freezing up can be caused by a variety of 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 common causes of AC freezing up:
- Poor airflow: If the air isn't flowing correctly through your AC system, it can't adequately absorb heat. This could be due to a dirty air filter, obstructed return air ducts or a failing fan.
- Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is starting to get low on refrigerant, it can grow too cold and freeze up. This is usually a consequence of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
- Cold outdoor temperatures: Operating your air conditioner when it's too cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Many units aren't designed to perform in temperatures of less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
- Mechanical failures: Malfunctioning thermostats, damaged blower motors and issues with the relay or control board can all contribute to an AC unit freezing up.
All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc is your Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in Huntsville.
At All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and pleasant place. Our qualified professionals are up-to-date on the latest industry training and trends, and work on on a wide variety of systems. That’s why community members make us the premier choice for air conditioning repair in Huntsville and neighboring towns.
If you’re seeking to upgrade or its time for a new air conditioner, we’ve got you covered there too, with our top-notch air conditioning installation in Huntsville. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!
Call All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc today at 256-801-4701 to schedule an appointment or complimentary estimate!