They say knowledge is power, and that’s undoubtedly the truth when talking about your air conditioner. While complicated repairs are best left to experts, it’s helpful to have a practical understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve common AC issues.
Knowing how your AC works and the typical problems it faces will enable 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 reach out to a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into complex repairs.
Your AC is an important 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 Marshfield if you're uncertain 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 conditioner is a good 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 swap out 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 throughout your home. If your AC filter becomes clogged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it really should in order to force air through the filter. A clean filter catches the airborne debris while still permitting air to flow freely through the system.
Replacement filters are sold at most leading home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be bought from your local HVAC professional. 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 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 skilled professionals like the crew at House of Heating Incorporated to do scheduled maintenance on your system. They’ll inspect your system, clean or lubricate parts that need cleaning and look for worn-out parts and potential issues.
2. How Should I Clean the Air Conditioner Coils?
In addition to ensuring your indoor AC unit is working efficiently, it’s also a good idea to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the exterior 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 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 in your home so it can soak up more heat from the air within your home. Washing the fins and the coils can 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, rather than turning the thermostat off.
2) Remove the top of the outdoor AC so you can enter the interior of the unit. Then, taking care not to pull hard on any cords or attachments, safely put the top to the side.
3) Put a cleaning solution on the fins, first at the top and working 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 applied 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 brief period of time to dissolve the grime and then gently spray it off with a garden hose. Take care 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 coils and fins to dry before turning the power back on.
3. How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?
The life span of an air conditioner changes depending on the type of unit, its quality, how well it's maintained and how frequently it's used. Having said that, industry experts say you should start getting ready for air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.
One of the best ways to make the most of your system is through AC conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from House of Heating Incorporated includes cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as replacing the filter and mending 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 Marshfield.
4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?
Choosing the correct sized air conditioner for your home is vital for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some points to take into account when deciding what size air conditioner to buy for your home:
- Square footage: The size of the space you have to cool is one of the most important factors. More expansive spaces necessitate more cooling power.
- Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which could minimize your cooling needs.
- Climate: If you live in a hotter climate, you'll want a more powerful air conditioner compared to a person living in a cooler place.
- Number of windows: Windows can let in heat, particularly when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
- Number of residents: More people in the house create more body heat, which could affect your cooling needs.
- Present HVAC system: The size and productivity of your current system can provide a jumping off point for deciding what you need.
Due to the fact the size of your AC is so important to your home’s comfort, you will probably want a professional opinion. At House of Heating Incorporated, we take the time to thoroughly 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 dedication to customer service is why House of Heating Incorporated is known for excellent air conditioning installation in Marshfield.
5. What Is the Cost of a New Air Conditioner?
While prices fluctuate depending on the type of the unit and your home’s unique requirements, a new air conditioning system 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 cost 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.
Note these are average costs and prices can vary. It's always helpful to get several quotes from trusted HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re contemplating air conditioning replacement in Marshfield, contact House of Heating Incorporated. We can provide you with a no-cost estimate, describe the procedure and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.
6. Why Do Air Conditioners Freeze Up?
An AC freezing up can be brought on by many factors, all of which boil down to the AC's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your unit is suffering from issues causing it to freeze up, it is very 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 clogged air filter, something stopping air from flowing through the return air ducts or a failing fan.
- Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is starting to get low on refrigerant, it may become too cold and freeze up. This is often a consequence of leaks in the refrigerant lines.
- Frigid outdoor temperatures: Running your air conditioner when it's too cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Most units aren't designed to operate 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.
House of Heating Incorporated is your Trusted Source for Air Conditioning Service in Marshfield.
At House of Heating Incorporated, we will make your home a comfortable and pleasant place. Our qualified 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 Marshfield and the surrounding towns.
If you’re wanting to upgrade or its time for a replacement, we’ve got you covered there too, with our first-class air conditioning installation in Marshfield. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!
Phone House of Heating Incorporated today at 715-384-3163 to schedule an appointment or complimentary estimate!