They say knowledge is power, and that’s undoubtedly the truth when it comes to 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 general AC issues.
Understanding how your AC works and the typical problems it faces can empower you to fix simple 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 complex repairs.
Your AC is an essential component 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 Tucker if you're unsure about any aspect of your AC's operation or maintenance.
Here are some typical questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:
1. How Should I Clean My Air Conditioner?
Cleaning your AC is a good 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 replace the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter traps dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those impurities from the air circulating inside your home. If your AC filter becomes choked with debris, the air conditioner has to work harder than it should in order to force air through the filter. A clean filter removes the airborne debris while still permitting air to flow easily through the system.
Replacement filters can be purchased at most major home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be ordered from your local HVAC professional. A good way to make sure you get the right 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 helpful 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 experienced professionals like the crew at ACS Heating and 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 Should I Clean the Air Conditioner Coils?
In addition to making sure your indoor AC unit is functioning efficiently, it’s also a good idea to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outdoor 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 into the outside air. This cools the refrigerant, which then goes back in 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 easily.
To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:
1) First, turn off power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to flip off the the on/off switch, rather than turning the thermostat off.
2) Remove the top of the outdoor AC so you can access the insides of the unit. Then, taking care not to stress any cords or attachments, safely move the top to the side.
3) Put a cleaning solution on the fins, starting 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 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 gently spray it off with a garden hose. Be careful 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 unit to dry before turning it 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 well it's maintained and how frequently it's used. However, pros say you should start thinking about air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.
One of the best ways to get maximum value from your system is through regular conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from ACS Heating and Air Conditioning includes 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 possible, reach out to us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Tucker.
4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?
Choosing the right size of air conditioner for your home is critical for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some points to consider when deciding what size air conditioner you need for your home:
- Square footage: The size of the space you need to cool is one of the biggest factors. More expansive spaces demand more cooling power.
- Home insulation: Well-insulated homes preserve cool air better, which can minimize your cooling needs.
- Climate: If you reside 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, in particular when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
- Number of people: More people in the house produce additional body heat, which may influence your cooling needs.
- Current HVAC system: The size and effectiveness of your current system can provide a place to start for identifying what you need.
Given that the size of your AC is so essential to your home’s comfort, you will likely want a professional opinion. At ACS Heating and 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 design and size. This attention to detail and dedication to customer service is why ACS Heating and Air Conditioning is known for excellent air conditioning installation in Tucker.
5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?
While prices fluctuate depending on the kind 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. The good thing is that new air conditioners are developed to be exceedingly 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 can impact the design.
Know 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 choice. If you’re considering air conditioning replacement in Tucker, contact ACS Heating and Air Conditioning. We can provide you with a complimentary estimate, describe the process and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.
6. Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?
An air conditioner freezing up can be brought on by many factors, all of which boil down to the system's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your AC is experiencing issues causing it to freeze up, it is most likely time for air conditioning repair.
Here are some common causes of AC freezing up:
- Insufficient airflow: If the air isn't flowing easily through your AC system, it can't sufficiently 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 grow too cold and freeze up. This is usually because of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
- Cold outdoor temperatures: Operating the air conditioner when it's really cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Most units aren't designed to perform in temperatures of less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
- Mechanical failures: Broken thermostats, damaged blower motors and problems with the relay or control board can all play a role in an AC unit freezing up.
ACS Heating and Air Conditioning is your Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in Tucker.
At ACS Heating and Air Conditioning, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and pleasant place. Our knowledgeable professionals 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 the first choice for air conditioning repair in Tucker and nearby towns.
If you’re wanting to upgrade or its time for a new unit, we’ve got you covered there too, with our first-class air conditioning installation in Tucker. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!
Contact ACS Heating and Air Conditioning today at 770-450-1539 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!
