They say knowledge is power, and that’s undoubtedly the truth when talking about your air conditioner. While challenging repairs are best left to specialists, it’s helpful to have a rudimentary understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve general AC issues.
Learning how your AC works and the common problems it faces will enable you to fix little problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you cash on minor service calls, but knowing when to call a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into complex repairs.
Your Air conditioner 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 specialist 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 several typical questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:
1. How Should I Clean My Air Conditioner?
Cleaning an air conditioner is a smart way to make sure it runs efficiently, and possibly could extend the life of your unit.
The most important thing you can do on your own is to change the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter catches dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those contaminants 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 permitting air to flow efficiently through the system.
Replacement filters can be purchased 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 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 helpful to note the filtration level of the current filter if you are wanting 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 AC. They’ll look over your system, clean or lubricate parts that need it and look for worn-out parts and potential trouble.
2. How Should I Clean the Air Conditioner Coils?
In addition to making sure your indoor air conditioning unit is working efficiently, it’s important to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outside unit of your air conditioner is a quick 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 lowers the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back in your home so it can soak up more heat from the air within your home. Cleaning the fins and the coils is a way to help them release heat more efficiently.
To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:
1) First, shut down 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 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) Put a cleaning solution on the fins, first at the top and then working your way 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 advised that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a small period of time to dissolve the grime and then carefully spray it off with a garden hose. Be careful 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 components to dry before turning the unit back on.
3. How Long Can Air Conditioners Work?
The life span of an air conditioner can vary based on the type of unit, its quality, how well it's maintained and how often it's used. Having said that, pros say you should start getting ready for air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.
One of the best ways to get maximum value from your system is through AC conditioner maintenance. Tuneups from E.B. Air includes cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as changing out the dirty filter and fixing 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 East Bernard.
4. What Size Air Conditioner Should I Have?
Picking out the proper size of air conditioner for your home is critical for achieving comfort and efficiency. Here are some elements to consider when deciding what size air conditioner to buy for your home:
- Square footage: The total area of the space you want to cool is one of the biggest factors. Larger spaces necessitate more cooling power.
- Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which can reduce your cooling needs.
- Climate: If you live in a hotter climate, you'll need a more powerful air conditioner compared to someone living in a cooler climate.
- Number of windows: Windows often let in heat, particularly when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
- Number of people: More people in the house means greater body heat, which can impact your cooling needs.
- Present HVAC system: The size and effectiveness of your current system can provide a jumping off point for identifying what you need.
Given that the size of your cooling system is so important to your home’s comfort, you will probably want a professional opinion. At E.B. Air, we take the time to completely understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other variables such as your home’s insulation level and size. This attention to detail and dedication to 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 fluctuate depending on the type of the unit and your home’s unique requirements, a new air conditioner 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 designed to be exceptionally efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.
The cost 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 as well as federal regulations that necessitate changes to 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 decision. If you’re contemplating air conditioning replacement in East Bernard, reach out to E.B. Air. We will provide you with a free estimate, describe the procedure and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.
6. Why Do Air Conditioners Freeze Up?
An AC freezing up can be brought on by many factors, all of which boil down to the system's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your air conditioner is experiencing issues causing it to freeze up, it is most likely time for air conditioning repair.
Here are some typical triggers for AC freezing up:
- Inadequate airflow: If the air isn't flowing properly through your AC system, it can't properly absorb heat. This could be due to a plugged air filter, obstructed return air ducts or a failing fan.
- Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is running low on refrigerant, it could grow too cold and freeze up. This is usually a consequence of leaking in the refrigerant lines.
- Very Chilly outdoor temperatures: Running the air conditioner when it's really 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: Malfunctioning thermostats, damaged blower motors and issues with the relay or control board can all play a role in an AC unit freezing up.
E.B. Air is your Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in East Bernard.
At E.B. Air, we strive to make your home a comfortable and soothing place. Our skilled professionals are up-to-date on the latest industry training and trends, and are experienced on a wide variety of systems. That’s why community members make us the premier choice for air conditioning repair in East Bernard and neighboring cities.
If you’re wanting to upgrade or its time for a new unit, we’ve got you covered there too, with our top-notch 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 complimentary estimate!