They say knowledge is power, and that’s definitely true when discussing your air conditioner. While complicated repairs are best left to professionals, it’s helpful to have a practical understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve everyday AC issues.

Learning how your AC works and the frequent problems it faces will allow you to tackle little problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you dollars on minor service calls, but understanding when to reach out to a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into complex repairs.

Your Air conditioner is a fundamental 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 East Bernard if you're uncertain about any aspect of your air conditioning system’s operation or maintenance.

Here are some frequent questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:

1. How Do I Clean an Air Conditioner?

Cleaning an air conditioner is an effective way to make sure it runs efficiently, and possibly could extend the life of your unit.

The most important 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 impurities from the air circulating inside your home. If your AC filter becomes clogged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it should in order to pull air through the filter. A clean filter traps the airborne debris while still allowing air to flow freely through the system.

Replacement filters are available at most leading 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 go shopping, 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 comprehensive service of your air conditioner, contact the experienced professionals like the crew at E.B. Air to do regular maintenance on your unit. They’ll look over your system, clean or lubricate parts that require attention 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 air conditioning unit is functioning efficiently, it’s important to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outdoor unit of your AC is a simple way to boost its efficiency and can extend the life of your entire system.

The coils, which have extensions called fins, are used to release heat from the refrigerant into the outside air. This brings down the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back into your home so it can soak up more heat from the air within your home. Washing the fins and the coils will 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) Take off the top of the outdoor AC so you can enter the interior of the unit. Then, taking care not to strain any cords or attachments, safely move 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 sold and commonly found in both the canned aerosol spray from as well as in the form of 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 advised 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 very 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 it back on.

3. How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?

The life span of an air conditioner depends on the type of unit, its quality, how often it's maintained and how often it's used. That said, 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 HVAC is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Routine checkups from E.B. Air includes 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 possible, contact us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in East Bernard.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Should I Have?

Picking out the proper size of air conditioner for your home is critical for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some elements to take into account when deciding what size air conditioner to buy for your home:

  • Square footage: The size of the space you want to cool is one of the biggest factors. More expansive spaces require more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes retain cool air better, which should reduce your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you are living in a hotter climate, you'll want a more powerful air conditioner compared to a person living in a cooler climate.
  • Number of windows: Windows often let in heat, especially when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of residents: More people in the house produce greater body heat, which may impact your cooling needs.
  • Present HVAC system: The size and capability of your current system can provide a place to start for identifying what you need.

Given that the size of your air conditioner is so important to your home’s comfort, you will probably want a professional opinion. At E.B. Air, we take the time to thoroughly understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other considerations such as your home’s layout and size. This attention to detail and focus on customer service is why E.B. Air is known for exceptional air conditioning installation in East Bernard.

5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices vary depending on the kind of the unit and your home’s unique specifications, a new AC 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 crafted to be exceedingly 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 necessitate changes to the design.

Know these are average costs and prices can fluctuate. It's always smart to get numerous quotes from reliable HVAC companies before making a decision. If you’re interested in air conditioning replacement in East Bernard, get in touch with E.B. Air. We can 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?

Air conditioning freezing up can be due to a variety of factors, all of which boil down to the AC's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your unit is having issues causing it to freeze up, it is very likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some typical triggers for AC freezing up:

  • Poor airflow: If the air isn't flowing properly through your AC system, it can't effectively 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 running low on refrigerant, it can grow too cold and freeze up. This is usually because of leaks in the refrigerant lines.
  • Very Chilly outdoor temperatures: Running an air conditioner when it's very cold outside can cause the system to freeze. The majority of units aren't designed to function in temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Faulty thermostats, damaged blower motors and trouble with the relay or control board can all play a role in an AC unit freezing up.

E.B. Air is the Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in East Bernard.

At E.B. Air, we will make your home a comfortable and enjoyable place. Our experienced technicians 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 East Bernard and the surrounding areas.

If you’re planning to upgrade or its time for a new unit, we’ve got you covered there too, with our first-class air conditioning installation in East Bernard. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!

Phone E.B. Air today at 979-335-4262 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!