They say knowledge is power, and that’s definitely accurate when talking about your air conditioner. While challenging repairs are best left to professionals, it’s helpful to have a rudimentary understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve common AC issues.
Understanding how your AC works and the common problems it faces will enable you to deal with little problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you cash on minor service calls, but knowing when to contact a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into major repairs.
Your Air conditioning unit is an essential element 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 Pflugerville if you're not sure about any aspect of your air conditioning system’s operation or maintenance.
Here are some typical questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:
1. What Is the Best Way to Clean an Air Conditioner?
Cleaning an air conditioning system is a good way to make sure it runs efficiently, and potentially could extend the life of your unit.
The most important thing you can do on your own is to replace the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter captures 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 should in order to move air through the filter. A clean filter traps the airborne debris while still allowing air to flow freely through the system.
Replacement filters are available at most major 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 head out for the store, jotting down 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 skilled professionals like the crew at Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning to do regular maintenance on your unit. They’ll look over your system, clean or lubricate parts that require attention and look for worn-out parts and potential trouble.
2. How Are the Coils on My Air Conditioner Cleaned?
In addition to making sure your indoor air conditioning unit is operating efficiently, it’s necessary to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outside unit of your cooling system 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 to the outdoors. This brings down the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back inside your home so it can absorb more heat from the air inside your home. Cleansing the fins and the coils will 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, 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, taking care 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 then working your way down. Commercial coil cleaners are on the market and commonly found in both the canned aerosol spray from as well as products foaming solutions that are sprayed on with your garden hose.
4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most products, it's advised that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a short 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 coils and fins to dry before turning the power 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, how well 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 maximum value from your air conditioner is through AC conditioner maintenance. Routine checkups from Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning features cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as replacing the filter and fixing any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating as long as it can, contact us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Pflugerville.
4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?
Choosing the proper size of air conditioner for your home is crucial for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some points to consider when deciding what size air conditioner to buy for your home:
- Square footage: The total area of the space you have to cool is one of the biggest factors. Larger spaces require more cooling power.
- Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which can minimize 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 climate.
- Number of windows: Windows can let in heat, particularly when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
- Number of occupants: More people in the house produce more body heat, which may impact your cooling needs.
- Present HVAC system: The size and capability of your current system can provide a place to start for deciding what you need.
Because the size of your air conditioner is so essential to your home’s comfort, you will probably want a professional opinion. At Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning, we take the time to fully understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other considerations such as your home’s insulation level and size. This attention to detail and commitment to customer service is why Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning is known for superb air conditioning installation in Pflugerville.
5. What Does My Air Conditioner Cost?
While prices differ depending on the brand of the unit and your home’s unique requirements, a new AC generally costs between $5,000 and $12,500 to purchase and install. The good news is that new air conditioners are crafted to be exceptionally efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.
The price 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 require modifications to the design.
Note these are average costs and prices can fluctuate. It's always smart to get numerous quotes from reliable HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re considering air conditioning replacement in Pflugerville, reach out to Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning. We will schedule an appointment to provide you with a complimentary estimate, make sure you understand the procedure and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.
6. What Causes an Air Conditioner to Freeze Up?
An AC freezing up can be caused by multiple factors, all of which boil down to the failure of your system to efficiently transfer heat. If your unit is suffering from issues causing it to freeze up, it is most likely time for air conditioning repair.
Here are some frequent reasons for AC freezing up:
- Inadequate airflow: If the air isn't flowing correctly 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 can get too cold and freeze up. This is usually the result of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
- Very Chilly outdoor temperatures: Using an air conditioner when it's very cold outside can cause the system to freeze. The majority of units aren't designed to perform in temperatures of less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
- Mechanical failures: Malfunctioning thermostats, damaged blower motors and issues with the relay or control board can all play a role in an AC unit freezing up.
Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning is the Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in Pflugerville.
At Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning, we strive to make your home a comfortable and enjoyable place. Our skilled technicians 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 Pflugerville and nearby towns.
If you’re looking to upgrade or its time for a new air conditioner, we’ve got you covered there too, with our first-rate air conditioning installation in Pflugerville. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!
Call Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning today at 512-355-1482 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!
