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

Knowing how your AC works and the frequent problems it faces will enable you to deal with simple problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you money on minor service calls, but knowing when to call a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into catastrophic repairs.

Your Air conditioning unit is an important component 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 Athol if you're not sure about any aspect of your AC's operation or maintenance.

Here are a few of the typical questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:

1. How Should I Clean My Air Conditioner?

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

The most significant thing you can do 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 inside your home. If your AC filter becomes choked with debris, the air conditioner has to work harder than it really should 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 major home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be bought from your local HVAC professional. A good way to make sure you get the proper filter is to look at your old one before you head out for the store, noting 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 hoping to buy something similar.

For detailed service of your air conditioner, contact the seasoned professionals like the crew at Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling to do regular maintenance on your unit. They’ll inspect your system, clean or lubricate parts that need it and look for worn-out parts and potential trouble.

2. How Do I Clean Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to making sure 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 outside unit of your AC is a simple way to boost 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 to the outdoors. This cools the refrigerant, which then goes back inside your home so it can take in more heat from the air within your home. Cleansing the fins and the coils can help them release heat more efficiently.

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, rather than turning the thermostat off.

2) Take 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 move the top to the side.

3) Put 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 in the form of foaming solutions that are applied 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 attack the grime and then gently spray it off with a garden hose. Be cautious not to spray really hard, because that could harm 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 Do Air Conditioners Last?

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. However, 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 AC conditioner maintenance. Tuneups from Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling includes cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as putting in a new filter and repairing any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating as long as possible, call us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Athol.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Should I Have?

Picking out the proper size of air conditioner for your home is vital for keeping comfort and efficiency. Here are some points to consider when deciding what size air conditioner to buy for your home:

  • Square footage: The size of the space you need to cool is one of the key factors. More expansive spaces demand more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes preserve cool air better, which could 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 can let in heat, in particular when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of people: More people in the house create additional body heat, which can influence your cooling needs.
  • Existing HVAC system: The size and effectiveness of your current system can provide a jumping off point for deciding what you need.

Because the size of your AC is so essential to your home’s comfort, you will almost certainly 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 variables such as your home’s layout and size. This attention to detail and dedication to customer service is why Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling is known for exceptional air conditioning installation in Athol.

5. What Does My Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices fluctuate depending on the type of the unit and your home’s unique needs, 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 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 differ. It's always a good idea to get at least a few quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re interested in air conditioning replacement in Athol, contact Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling. We will schedule an appointment to provide you with a no-cost estimate, explain the process 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 number of factors, all of which boil down to the failure of your system 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 frequent triggers for AC freezing up:

  • Insufficient 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 starting to get low on refrigerant, it could get too cold and freeze up. This is usually a consequence of leaking in the refrigerant lines.
  • Frigid outdoor temperatures: Using 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 problems with the relay or control board can all contribute to 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 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 knowledgeable on a wide variety of systems. That’s why community members make us their first call for air conditioning repair in Athol and the surrounding 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 Athol. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!

Call Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling today at 208-561-1226 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!