They say knowledge is power, and that’s undoubtedly the truth when discussing your air conditioner. While complicated repairs are best left to specialists, it’s helpful to have a practical understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve general AC issues.
Learning how your AC works and the frequent problems it faces will enable you to tackle easy problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you dollars on minor service calls, but knowing when to call a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into major repairs.
Your AC is a fundamental part of your home comfort. Because of that, you should always err on the side of caution and call a NATE-certified professional for air conditioning repair in Huntsville if you're uncertain about any aspect of your air conditioner's operation or maintenance.
Here are several common questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:
1. How Do I Clean an Air Conditioner?
Cleaning your AC is a smart way to make sure it runs efficiently, and potentially could extend the life of your unit.
The most important step you can take on your own is to swap out the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter traps dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those impurities from the air circulating in your home. If your AC filter becomes choked with debris, the air conditioner has to work harder than it should in order to move air through the filter. A clean filter traps the airborne debris while still enabling air to flow efficiently through the system.
Replacement filters are available at most leading home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be purchased from your local HVAC expert. A good way to make sure you get the proper filter is to look at your old one before you go shopping, jotting down the size of the filter. If you’re not familiar with filters, it’s also helpful to note the filtration level of the current filter if you are wanting to buy something similar.
For detailed service of your air conditioner, contact the skilled professionals like the crew at All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc to do regular 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 problems.
2. How Are the Coils on My Air Conditioner Cleaned?
In addition to ensuring your indoor air conditioner equipment is working efficiently, it’s also a good idea to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outdoor unit of your AC is an easy way to increase 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 outside air. This cools the refrigerant, which then goes back into your home so it can take in more heat from the air in your home's interior. Cleaning the fins and the coils can help them release heat more efficiently.
To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:
1) First, shut off power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to flip off the the on/off switch, as opposed to turning the thermostat off.
2) Take off the top of the outdoor AC so you can enter the inside of the unit. Then, being careful not to pull hard on any cords or attachments, safely move the top to the side.
3) Put a cleaning solution on the fins, first at the top and working down. Commercial coil cleaners are available and commonly found in both the canned aerosol spray from as well as in the form of foaming solutions that are sprayed on with your garden hose.
4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most brands, it's recommended that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a brief period of time to dissolve the grime and then gently spray it off with a garden hose. Be cautious not to spray really hard, because that could harm 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. How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?
The life span of an air conditioner can vary based on the type of unit, its quality, how often it's maintained and how much it's used. Having said that, experts say you should start looking into air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.
One of the best ways to get maximum value from your air conditioner is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Tuneups from All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc includes cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as replacing the filter and repairing any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating as long as it can, reach out to us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Huntsville.
4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?
Picking out the right size of air conditioner for your home is vital for achieving comfort and efficiency. Here are some points to consider when deciding what size air conditioner is right for your home:
- Square footage: The size of the space you want to cool is one of the biggest factors. More expansive spaces demand more cooling power.
- Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which should decrease your cooling needs.
- Climate: If you reside in a hotter climate, you'll need a more powerful air conditioner compared to a homeowner living in a cooler place.
- Number of windows: Windows can let in heat, in particular when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
- Number of people: More people in the house create more body heat, which can impact your cooling needs.
- Current HVAC system: The size and effectiveness of your current system can provide a place to start for determining what you need.
Given that the size of your AC is so important to your home’s comfort, you will definitely 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 design and size. This attention to detail and commitment to customer service is why All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc is known for excellent air conditioning installation in Huntsville.
5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?
While prices fluctuate depending on the brand of the unit and your home’s unique specifications, 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 developed to be exceptionally efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.
The cost of an air conditioner is affected 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.
Realize these are average costs and prices can vary. It's always smart to get at least a few quotes from reliable HVAC companies before making a choice. If you’re considering air conditioning replacement in Huntsville, reach out to All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. We will provide you with a no-cost estimate, make sure you understand the process and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.
6. Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?
An AC freezing up can be due to a number of factors, all of which boil down to the failure of your system to efficiently transfer heat. If your unit is suffering from 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 could get too cold and freeze up. This is usually a consequence of leaks in the refrigerant lines.
- Frigid outdoor temperatures: Running your air conditioner when it's very cold outside can cause the system to freeze. The majority of units aren't designed to operate 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.
All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc is your Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in Huntsville.
At All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc, we will make your home a comfortable and pleasant place. Our skilled specialists 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 areas.
If you’re looking to upgrade or its time for a new air conditioner, we’ve got you covered there too, with our first-rate 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 no-cost estimate!