They say knowledge is power, and that’s certainly accurate when talking about your air conditioner. While complex repairs are best left to specialists, it’s helpful to have a rudimentary understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve everyday AC issues.
Understanding how your AC works and the common problems it faces will allow you to tackle 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 contact a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into catastrophic 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 Pflugerville if you're uncertain about any aspect of your AC's operation or maintenance.
Here are a few of the frequent 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 runs efficiently, and possibly could extend the life of your unit.
The most effective step you can take 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 inside 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 traps the airborne debris while still enabling air to flow efficiently through the system.
Replacement filters are sold at most leading home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be bought from your local HVAC specialist. A good way to make sure you get the proper filter is to look at your old one before you leave for the store, jotting 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 trying to buy something similar.
For comprehensive service of your air conditioner, contact the seasoned professionals like the crew at Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning to do scheduled maintenance on your system. They’ll inspect your system, clean or lubricate parts that need it and look for worn-out parts and potential problems.
2. How Are the Coils on My Air Conditioner Cleaned?
In addition to ensuring your indoor air conditioner equipment is working efficiently, it’s necessary to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outside unit of your air conditioner is a quick 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 to the outdoors. This lowers the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back inside your home so it can take in more heat from the air within your home. Washing 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, turn off power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to disconnect it completely from power, rather than turning the thermostat off.
2) Remove the top of the outdoor AC so you can access the insides of the unit. Then, being cautious not to pull hard on any cords or attachments, safely set the top to the side.
3) Put a cleaning solution on the fins, starting at the top and then working your way down. Commercial coil cleaners are sold and commonly found in both the canned aerosol spray from as well as products 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 suggested that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a small period of time to dissolve the grime and then gently spray it off with a garden hose. Take care not to spray too 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 Do Air Conditioners Last?
The life span of an air conditioner depends on the type of unit, its quality, how often it's maintained and how much it's used. Having said that, pros say you should start thinking about air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.
One of the best ways to get the most mileage out of your HVAC is through AC conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning consists of 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 a long time, reach out to us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Pflugerville.
4. What Size Air Conditioner Should I Have?
Selecting the proper size of air conditioner for your home is vital for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some factors to consider when deciding what size air conditioner you need for your home:
- Square footage: The amount of space you want to cool is one of the most important factors. Larger spaces require more cooling power.
- Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which could minimize your cooling needs.
- Climate: If you are living in a hotter climate, you'll need a more powerful air conditioner compared to a homeowner living in a cooler environment.
- Number of windows: Windows frequently 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 may affect your cooling needs.
- Present HVAC system: The size and productivity of your current system can provide a place to start for determining what you need.
Given that the size of your air conditioner is so essential to your home’s comfort, you will likely want a professional opinion. At Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning, we take the time to completely understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other factors such as your home’s layout and size. This attention to detail and commitment to customer service is why Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning is known for excellent air conditioning installation in Pflugerville.
5. What Does My Air Conditioner Cost?
While prices vary depending on the size 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 exceptionally efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.
The price tag of an air conditioner is influenced 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 necessitate changes to the design.
Note these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always helpful to get at least a few quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re considering air conditioning replacement in Pflugerville, contact Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning. We can provide you with a complimentary estimate, describe the plan and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.
6. Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?
Air conditioning freezing up can be caused by multiple factors, all of which boil down to the system's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your AC is suffering from issues causing it to freeze up, it is very likely time for air conditioning repair.
Here are some common causes of AC freezing up:
- Poor airflow: If the air isn't flowing properly through your AC system, it can't effectively absorb heat. This could be due to a clogged 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 can get too cold and freeze up. This is often because of leaks in the refrigerant lines.
- Frosty outdoor temperatures: Running an air conditioner when it's too cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Many units aren't designed to function in temperatures of less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
- Mechanical failures: Broken thermostats, damaged blower motors and trouble with the relay or control board can all contribute to an AC unit freezing up.
Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning is the Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in Pflugerville.
At Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and pleasant place. Our experienced 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 Pflugerville and the surrounding areas.
If you’re wanting to upgrade or its time for a replacement, we’ve got you covered there too, with our top-notch air conditioning installation in Pflugerville. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!
Contact Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning today at 512-337-4337 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!
