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 basic understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve common AC issues.
Understanding how your AC works and the typical problems it faces will enable you to handle easy problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you dollars on minor service calls, but realizing when to call a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into major repairs.
Your AC is an essential element 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 Tucker if you're unsure 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. What Is the Best Way to Clean an Air Conditioner?
Cleaning an air conditioner is a smart way to make sure it works efficiently, and very well could extend the life of your unit.
The most effective step you can take on your own is to change the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter captures 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 force air through the filter. A clean filter traps the airborne debris while still enabling air to flow efficiently through the system.
Replacement filters can be purchased at most major home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be ordered 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, 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 trying to buy something similar.
For thorough service of your air conditioner, contact the skilled professionals like the crew at ACS Heating and Air Conditioning to do routine maintenance on your unit. They’ll inspect your system, clean or lubricate parts that require attention and look for worn-out parts and potential trouble.
2. How Are the Coils on My Air Conditioner Cleaned?
In addition to ensuring your indoor AC unit is operating 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 inside your home so it can soak up more heat from the air within your home. Cleansing the fins and the coils can help them release heat more easily.
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) Remove the top of the outdoor AC so you can enter the interior of the unit. Then, being cautious not to pull hard on any cords or attachments, safely put the top to the side.
3) Spray a cleaning solution on the fins, starting at the top and moving down. Commercial coil cleaners are on the market and commonly found in both the canned aerosol spray from as well as brands foaming solutions that are sprayed on with an attachment to 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 small period of time to attack the grime and then softly spray it off with a garden hose. Take care not to spray really hard, because that could ruin 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. What Is the Average Lifespan of My Air Conditioner?
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. That said, industry experts 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 system is through regular conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from ACS Heating and Air Conditioning consists of cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as changing out the dirty filter and repairing any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating as long as possible, contact us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Tucker.
4. What Size Air Conditioner Should I Have?
Finding the right size of air conditioner for your home is critical for keeping comfort and efficiency. Here are some elements to think about when deciding what size air conditioner is right for your home:
- Square footage: The size of the space you have to cool is one of the biggest factors. Larger spaces require more cooling power.
- Home insulation: Well-insulated homes preserve 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 someone living in a cooler climate.
- Number of windows: Windows can let in heat, in particular when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
- Number of residents: More people in the house create greater body heat, which could influence your cooling needs.
- Existing HVAC system: The size and effectiveness of your current system can provide a place to start for identifying what you need.
Due to the fact the size of your air conditioner is so essential to your home’s comfort, you will likely want a professional opinion. At ACS Heating and Air Conditioning, 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 ACS Heating and Air Conditioning is known for exceptional air conditioning installation in Tucker.
5. What Is the Cost of a New Air Conditioner?
While prices fluctuate depending on the brand of the unit and your home’s unique needs, a new AC generally costs between $5,000 and $12,500 to purchase and install. The good thing is that new air conditioners are developed to be extremely efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.
The cost of an air conditioner is influenced 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.
Realize these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always smart to get several quotes from reliable HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re interested in air conditioning replacement in Tucker, get in touch with ACS Heating and Air Conditioning. We can provide you with a free estimate, make sure you understand the plan 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 system's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your AC is experiencing issues causing it to freeze up, it is more than likely time for air conditioning repair.
Here are some typical causes of AC freezing up:
- Insufficient airflow: If the air isn't flowing correctly through your AC system, it can't properly absorb heat. This could be due to a dirty air filter, something stopping air from flowing through the return air ducts or a failing fan.
- Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is getting low on refrigerant, it could grow too cold and freeze up. This is usually the result of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
- Frigid outdoor temperatures: Running your air conditioner when it's really cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Most units aren't designed to work in temperatures of less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
- Mechanical failures: Faulty thermostats, damaged blower motors and problems with the relay or control board can all contribute to an AC unit freezing up.
ACS Heating and Air Conditioning is your Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in Tucker.
At ACS Heating and Air Conditioning, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and enjoyable place. Our skilled technicians 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 their first call for air conditioning repair in Tucker and the surrounding cities.
If you’re wanting to upgrade or its time for a new unit, we’ve got you covered there too, with our first-rate air conditioning installation in Tucker. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!
Contact ACS Heating and Air Conditioning today at 770-824-3170 to schedule an appointment or complimentary estimate!
