They say knowledge is power, and that’s certainly true when it comes to your air conditioner. While challenging repairs are best left to specialists, 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 typical problems it faces will enable you to tackle easy problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you money on minor service calls, but realizing 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 specialist for air conditioning repair in Arlington if you're not sure about any aspect of your air conditioner's operation or maintenance.
Here are a few of the common questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:
1. How Should I Clean My Air Conditioner?
Cleaning an air conditioner is a good way to make sure it operates efficiently, and potentially could extend the life of your unit.
The most significant action you can take on your own is to change 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 plugged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it really should in order to force air through the filter. A clean filter removes the airborne debris while still enabling air to flow freely through the system.
Replacement filters can be purchased at most popular home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be ordered 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 leave for the store, taking care to write down the size of the filter. If you’re not familiar with filters, it’s also a smart idea 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 experienced professionals like the crew at Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning to do scheduled maintenance on your system. They’ll examine your system, clean or lubricate parts that need cleaning and look for worn-out parts and potential trouble.
2. How Should I Clean the Air Conditioner Coils?
In addition to making certain that your indoor air conditioning unit is functioning efficiently, it’s also a good idea to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the exterior 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 cooler air outside. This cools the refrigerant, which then goes back inside your home so it can soak up more heat from the air within your home. Washing 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, turn off power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to flip off the the on/off switch, rather than turning the thermostat off.
2) Take off the top of the outdoor AC so you can enter the insides of the unit. Then, being careful not to strain any cords or attachments, safely put the top to the side.
3) Apply a cleaning solution on the fins, beginning 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 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 suggested that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a short period of time to loosen the grime and then carefully spray it off with a garden hose. Be cautious not to spray really 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 the unit back on.
3. How Long Can Air Conditioners Work?
The life span of an air conditioner changes depending on the type of unit, its quality, how well it's maintained and how frequently 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 maximum value from your system is through regular conditioner maintenance. Routine checkups from Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning consists of cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as replacing the filter and mending any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating a long time, contact us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Arlington.
4. What's the Right Size of Air Conditioner?
Picking out the right size of air conditioner for your home is crucial 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 amount of space you need 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 decrease your cooling needs.
- Climate: If you reside in a hotter climate, you'll need a more powerful air conditioner compared to a person living in a cooler place.
- Number of windows: Windows often let in heat, particularly when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
- Number of residents: More people in the house produce additional body heat, which could affect your cooling needs.
- Existing HVAC system: The size and performance of your current system can provide a jumping off point for deciding what you need.
Due to the fact the size of your cooling system is so important to your home’s comfort, you will almost certainly want a professional opinion. At Service Max Heating & 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 design and size. This attention to detail and commitment to customer service is why Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning is known for exceptional air conditioning installation in Arlington.
5. What Is the Cost of a New Air Conditioner?
While prices vary depending on the size 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 designed to be extremely 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 along with federal regulations that require modifications to the design.
Know these are average costs and prices can vary. It's always smart to get several quotes from trusted HVAC companies before making a choice. If you’re thinking about air conditioning replacement in Arlington, get in touch with Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning. We will schedule an appointment to provide you with a no-cost estimate, make sure you understand the plan and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.
6. Why Do Air Conditioners Freeze Up?
Air conditioning freezing up can be brought on by multiple factors, all of which boil down to the failure of your system to efficiently transfer heat. If your AC is experiencing issues causing it to freeze up, it is most likely time for air conditioning repair.
Here are some frequent triggers for AC freezing up:
- Inadequate airflow: If the air isn't flowing easily through your AC system, it can't effectively absorb heat. This could be due to a plugged air filter, blocked 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 the result of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
- Frosty outdoor temperatures: Operating the air conditioner when it's very cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Most units aren't designed to operate in temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
- Mechanical failures: Faulty thermostats, damaged blower motors and issues with the relay or control board can all result in an AC unit freezing up.
Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning is your Trusted Source for Air Conditioning Service in Arlington.
At Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and soothing place. Our knowledgeable 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 the first choice for air conditioning repair in Arlington and the surrounding towns.
If you’re looking to upgrade or its time for a new unit, we’ve got you covered there too, with our first-rate air conditioning installation in Arlington. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!
Call Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning today at 360-939-9033 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!