They say knowledge is power, and that’s undoubtedly the truth when it comes to your air conditioner. While complicated repairs are best left to specialists, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve everyday AC issues.
Understanding how your AC works and the frequent 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 catastrophic repairs.
Your Air conditioner 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 technician for air conditioning repair in Pflugerville if you're not sure 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. How Should I Clean My Air Conditioner?
Cleaning an air conditioning system is an effective way to make sure it runs efficiently, and possibly could extend the life of your unit.
The most important action you can take on your own is to swap out 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 plugged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it should in order to pull 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 leading home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be purchased from your local HVAC expert. A good way to make sure you get the right 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 a good idea to note the filtration level of the current filter if you are wanting to buy something similar.
For thorough service of your air conditioner, contact the skilled professionals like the crew at Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning to do regular maintenance on your system. They’ll examine your system, clean or lubricate parts that need cleaning 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 conditioner equipment is functioning efficiently, it’s important to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the exterior unit of your air conditioner is an easy way to boost its efficiency and can extend the life of your entire system.
The coils, which have 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 into your home so it can take in more heat from the air inside your home. Washing the fins and the coils will help them release heat more effectively.
To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:
1) First, shut off power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to flip the power switch off, as opposed to turning the thermostat off.
2) Lift off the top of the outdoor AC so you can reach the inside of the unit. Then, being careful not to stress any cords or attachments, safely put the top to the side.
3) Apply a cleaning solution on the fins, starting at the top and then working your way down. Commercial coil cleaners are available 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 cleaners, 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 softly spray it off with a garden hose. Be cautious not to spray too hard, because that could ruin 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 depends on the type of unit, its quality, how often it's maintained and how frequently it's used. Having said that, pros 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 HVAC is through AC conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning consists of cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as putting in a new filter and fixing 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 Pflugerville.
4. What Size Air Conditioner Should I Have?
Picking out the proper size of air conditioner for your home is critical for keeping comfort and efficiency. Here are some points to take into account when deciding what size air conditioner you need for your home:
- Square footage: The total area of the space you want to cool is one of the most important factors. Bigger spaces necessitate more cooling power.
- Home insulation: Well-insulated homes preserve cool air better, which could reduce 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 place.
- Number of windows: Windows frequently let in heat, particularly when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
- Number of people: More people in the house means more body heat, which could affect your cooling needs.
- Current 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 air conditioner is so important to your home’s comfort, you will probably want a professional opinion. At Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning, 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 Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning is known for superb air conditioning installation in Pflugerville.
5. What Is the Cost of a New Air Conditioner?
While prices vary depending on the brand of the unit and your home’s unique requirements, a new air conditioner 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 developed to be extremely efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.
The price 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 require modifications to the design.
Realize these are average costs and prices can fluctuate. It's always a good idea to get numerous quotes from trusted HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re interested in air conditioning replacement in Pflugerville, reach out to Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning. We can provide you with a complimentary estimate, describe the procedure 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 caused by a variety of factors, all of which boil down to the failure of your system to efficiently transfer heat. If your unit is experiencing issues causing it to freeze up, it is very likely time for air conditioning repair.
Here are some common reasons for AC freezing up:
- Poor airflow: If the air isn't flowing properly through your AC system, it can't adequately 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 grow too cold and freeze up. This is frequently a consequence of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
- Frigid outdoor temperatures: Using an air conditioner when it's very cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Most units aren't designed to work in temperatures lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
- Mechanical failures: Broken thermostats, damaged blower motors and trouble 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 are focusing on making your home a comfortable and soothing place. Our qualified specialists 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 premier choice for air conditioning repair in Pflugerville and the surrounding cities.
If you’re seeking to upgrade or its time for a replacement, we’ve got you covered there too, with our first-class air conditioning installation in Pflugerville. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!
Contact Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning today at 512-355-1482 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!
