They say knowledge is power, and that’s definitely the truth when discussing your air conditioner. While challenging repairs are best left to professionals, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve ordinary AC issues.
Learning how your AC works and the typical problems it faces can empower 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 understanding when to reach out to a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into complex 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 professional for air conditioning repair in Alice if you're uncertain about any aspect of your AC's operation or maintenance.
Here are some common questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:
1. How Do I Clean an Air Conditioner?
Cleaning your AC is an effective way to make sure it runs efficiently, and potentially 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 particulates from the air circulating in your home. If your AC filter becomes clogged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it really should in order to pull air through the filter. A clean filter removes the airborne debris while still enabling air to flow easily through the system.
Replacement filters are sold at most popular home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be bought 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 comprehensive service of your air conditioner, contact the seasoned professionals like the crew at Rescue Heating & Air to do routine 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 issues.
2. How Should I Clean the Air Conditioner Coils?
In addition to making sure your indoor air conditioner equipment is operating efficiently, it’s necessary to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outdoor unit of your air conditioner is an easy 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 brings down the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back into your home so it can take in more heat from the air inside 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 off power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to disconnect it completely from power, as opposed to turning the thermostat off.
2) Remove the top of the outdoor AC so you can enter the inside of the unit. Then, taking care not to stress any cords or attachments, safely move the top to the side.
3) Apply a cleaning solution on the fins, first 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 brands, it's advised that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a brief period of time to dissolve the grime and then gently 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 unit to dry before turning it back on.
3. How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?
The life span of an air conditioner can vary based on the type of unit, its quality, how often it's maintained and how much it's used. That said, experts say you should start looking into air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.
One of the best ways to get the most mileage out of your HVAC is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from Rescue Heating & Air features cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as changing out the dirty filter and repairing any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating as long as it can, call us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Alice.
4. What Size Air Conditioner Should I Have?
Choosing the right size of air conditioner for your home is crucial for keeping comfort and efficiency. Here are some factors to consider when deciding what size air conditioner to buy for your home:
- Square footage: The size of the space you want to cool is one of the most important factors. More expansive spaces require more cooling power.
- Home insulation: Well-insulated homes preserve cool air better, which can decrease your cooling needs.
- Climate: If you live in a hotter climate, you'll require a more powerful air conditioner compared to a homeowner living in a cooler place.
- Number of windows: Windows frequently let in heat, especially when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
- Number of people: More people in the house produce greater body heat, which may impact your cooling needs.
- Existing HVAC system: The size and effectiveness of your current system can provide a place to start for deciding what you need.
Because the size of your air conditioner is so critical to your home’s comfort, you will definitely want a professional opinion. At Rescue Heating & Air, we take the time to fully 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 Rescue Heating & Air is known for superb air conditioning installation in Alice.
5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?
While prices fluctuate depending on the brand of the unit and your home’s unique needs, a new air conditioner generally costs between $5,000 and $12,500 to purchase and install. The good news 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 tag of an air conditioner is affected 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 can impact the design.
Know these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always smart to get at least a few quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a choice. If you’re contemplating air conditioning replacement in Alice, reach out to Rescue Heating & Air. We will schedule an appointment to provide you with a complimentary estimate, describe the process and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.
6. What Causes an Air Conditioner to Freeze Up?
An air conditioner freezing up can be a consequence of a variety of factors, all of which boil down to the AC's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your AC is suffering from 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 properly 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 running low on refrigerant, it may get too cold and freeze up. This is usually the result of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
- Cold outdoor temperatures: Running your air conditioner when it's very cold outside can cause the system to freeze. The majority of units aren't designed to operate in temperatures lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
- Mechanical failures: Faulty thermostats, damaged blower motors and problems with the relay or control board can all contribute to an AC unit freezing up.
Rescue Heating & Air is your Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in Alice.
At Rescue Heating & Air, we strive to make your home a comfortable and soothing place. Our knowledgeable specialists 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 their first call for air conditioning repair in Alice and nearby cities.
If you’re wanting to upgrade or its time for a replacement, we’ve got you covered there too, with our first-rate air conditioning installation in Alice. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!
Contact Rescue Heating & Air today at 361-265-4371 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!