They say knowledge is power, and that’s definitely accurate when discussing your air conditioner. While complicated repairs are best left to specialists, it’s helpful to have a practical understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve ordinary AC issues.
Understanding how your AC works and the typical problems it faces will allow 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 realizing when to contact a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into complex repairs.
Your AC is an essential 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 Athol if you're uncertain 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 your AC is an effective way to make sure it works efficiently, and very well could extend the life of your unit.
The most effective thing you can do on your own is to replace 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 really should in order to move air through the filter. A clean filter traps the airborne debris while still allowing air to flow easily through the system.
Replacement filters can be purchased at most popular 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 head out 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 trying to buy something similar.
For thorough service of your air conditioner, contact the skilled professionals like the crew at Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling to do scheduled maintenance on your system. They’ll examine your system, clean or lubricate parts that need it and look for worn-out parts and potential issues.
2. How Are the Coils on My Air Conditioner Cleaned?
In addition to ensuring your indoor air conditioning 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 cooling system 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 inside your home so it can absorb more heat from the air within your home. Cleaning the fins and the coils can 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 disconnect it completely from power, as opposed to turning the thermostat off.
2) Lift off the top of the outdoor AC so you can reach the insides of the unit. Then, being careful not to stress any cords or attachments, safely set 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 brands foaming solutions that are sprayed on with an attachment to your garden hose.
4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most products, 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 gently 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 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, if maintained and how frequently it's used. Having said that, 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 regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling 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 a long time, call us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Athol.
4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?
Selecting 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 you need for your home:
- Square footage: The size of the space you want to cool is one of the biggest factors. Larger spaces require more cooling power.
- Home insulation: Well-insulated homes retain cool air better, which can reduce 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 environment.
- Number of windows: Windows can let in heat, in particular when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
- Number of people: More people in the house means greater body heat, which can affect your cooling needs.
- Current HVAC system: The size and effectiveness of your current system can provide a jumping off point for determining what you need.
Given that the size of your cooling system is so critical to your home’s comfort, you will likely want a professional opinion. At Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling, we take the time to thoroughly understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other considerations such as your home’s design and size. This attention to detail and focus on customer service is why Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling is known for superb air conditioning installation in Athol.
5. What Is the Cost of a New Air Conditioner?
While prices vary depending on the type 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 exceedingly 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 in addition to federal regulations that can impact the design.
Know these are average costs and prices can vary. It's always a good idea to get at least a few quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a choice. If you’re considering air conditioning replacement in Athol, contact Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling. We can provide you with a complimentary estimate, explain 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 brought on by a number of factors, all of which boil down to the AC's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your air conditioner 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 easily through your AC system, it can't sufficiently 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 getting low on refrigerant, it could get too cold and freeze up. This is frequently the result of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
- Cold outdoor temperatures: Operating an air conditioner when it's really cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Many units aren't designed to perform in temperatures lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
- Mechanical failures: Broken thermostats, damaged blower motors and issues with the relay or control board can all result in an AC unit freezing up.
Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling is your Trusted Source for Air Conditioning Service in Athol.
At Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and soothing place. Our knowledgeable 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 first choice for air conditioning repair in Athol and nearby areas.
If you’re looking to upgrade or its time for a new unit, we’ve got you covered there too, with our top-notch air conditioning installation in Athol. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!
Phone Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling today at 208-561-1226 to schedule an appointment or complimentary estimate!
