They say knowledge is power, and that’s definitely the truth when it comes to your air conditioner. While complicated repairs are best left to specialists, it’s helpful to have a rudimentary understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve common AC issues.
Knowing how your AC works and the common problems it faces will enable you to handle little problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you dollars on minor service calls, but realizing when to contact a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into major repairs.
Your Air conditioner is an important 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 Loganville 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 conditioning system is a good way to make sure it runs efficiently, and very well could extend the life of your unit.
The most effective 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 particulates from the air circulating throughout your home. If your AC filter becomes choked with debris, the air conditioner has to work harder than it is supposed to in order to pull air through the filter. A clean filter catches the airborne debris while still allowing air to flow easily through the system.
Replacement filters are available at most leading home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be ordered from your local HVAC professional. 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 skilled professionals like the crew at Tony Beck Heating & Cooling to do scheduled maintenance on your unit. They’ll look over your system, clean or lubricate parts that need it and look for worn-out parts and potential problems.
2. How Do I Clean Air Conditioner Coils?
In addition to ensuring your indoor air conditioner equipment is functioning 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 improve 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 cooler air outside. This lowers the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back into your home so it can soak up more heat from the air in your home's interior. Cleaning the fins and the coils is a way to help them release heat more effectively.
To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:
1) First, shut off power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to flip the power switch off, rather than turning the thermostat off.
2) Remove the top of the outdoor AC so you can enter the interior of the unit. Then, being careful not to stress any cords or attachments, safely move the top to the side.
3) Spray 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 products, it's advised that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a short period of time to loosen the grime and then gently spray it off with a garden hose. Be cautious not to spray very 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 the power back on.
3. How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?
The life span of an air conditioner changes depending on the type of unit, its quality, how often it's 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 make the most of your HVAC is through regular conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from Tony Beck Heating & Cooling 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 Loganville.
4. What's the Right Size of Air Conditioner?
Choosing the correct sized air conditioner for your home is crucial for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some elements to take into account when deciding what size air conditioner is right for your home:
- Square footage: The total area of the space you have to cool is one of the key factors. Larger spaces necessitate more cooling power.
- Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which should minimize 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 often let in heat, especially when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
- Number of occupants: More people in the house produce greater body heat, which can impact your cooling needs.
- Current HVAC system: The size and capability of your current system can provide a starting point for determining what you need.
Given that the size of your cooling system is so important to your home’s comfort, you will almost certainly want a professional opinion. At Tony Beck Heating & Cooling, we take the time to completely understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other variables such as your home’s layout and size. This attention to detail and focus on customer service is why Tony Beck Heating & Cooling is known for superb air conditioning installation in Loganville.
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 specifications, a new air conditioning system 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 developed to be extremely 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 in addition to federal regulations that necessitate changes to the design.
Know these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always a good idea to get at least a few quotes from reliable HVAC companies before making a choice. If you’re considering air conditioning replacement in Loganville, reach out to Tony Beck Heating & Cooling. We will provide you with a free estimate, explain the plan and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.
6. Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?
An air conditioner freezing up can be brought on by a variety of factors, all of which boil down to the AC's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your air conditioner is experiencing issues causing it to freeze up, it is more than likely time for air conditioning repair.
Here are some common triggers for AC freezing up:
- Inadequate airflow: If the air isn't flowing correctly 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 getting low on refrigerant, it may become too cold and freeze up. This is usually because of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
- Frigid outdoor temperatures: Running the air conditioner when it's too cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Many units aren't designed to function in temperatures lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
- Mechanical failures: Faulty thermostats, damaged blower motors and trouble with the relay or control board can all contribute to an AC unit freezing up.
Tony Beck Heating & Cooling is your Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in Loganville.
At Tony Beck Heating & Cooling, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and enjoyable place. Our experienced specialists 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 Loganville and neighboring cities.
If you’re planning to upgrade or its time for a new unit, we’ve got you covered there too, with our top-notch air conditioning installation in Loganville. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!
Call Tony Beck Heating & Cooling today at 770-466-2924 to schedule an appointment or complimentary estimate!
