They say knowledge is power, and that’s undoubtedly true when talking about your air conditioner. While complex repairs are best left to specialists, 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 frequent problems it faces will enable you to fix easy problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you money 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 essential component 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 Payson if you're not sure about any aspect of your air conditioner'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 an air conditioning system is a good way to make sure it operates efficiently, and potentially could extend the life of your unit.
The most significant step you can take 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 impurities from the air circulating throughout your home. If your AC filter becomes clogged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it ought to in order to move air through the filter. A clean filter traps the airborne debris while still enabling air to flow easily through the system.
Replacement filters can be purchased at most popular home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be ordered 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 leave for the store, noting 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 experienced professionals like the crew at North Mechanical Heating and Cooling to do scheduled maintenance on your AC. 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 conditioner equipment is operating efficiently, it’s important to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outside unit of your AC is a quick way to improve 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 lowers the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back in your home so it can absorb more heat from the air within your home. Cleaning the fins and the coils is a way to 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 disconnect it completely from power, instead of turning the thermostat off.
2) Take off the top of the outdoor AC so you can access the insides of the unit. Then, being careful not to strain any cords or attachments, safely put the top to the side.
3) Put a cleaning solution on the fins, beginning 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 products foaming solutions that are sprayed on with an attachment to your garden hose.
4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most brands, it's recommended that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a brief period of time to loosen 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 coils and fins to dry before turning the unit 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 much it's used. That said, industry experts 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 AC conditioner maintenance. Routine checkups from North Mechanical Heating and Cooling 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 a long time, contact us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Payson.
4. What's the Right Size of Air Conditioner?
Picking out 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 need to cool is one of the most important factors. Larger spaces necessitate more cooling power.
- Home insulation: Well-insulated homes retain cool air better, which could minimize your cooling needs.
- Climate: If you are living in a hotter climate, you'll want a more powerful air conditioner compared to a homeowner living in a cooler environment.
- Number of windows: Windows often 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 influence your cooling needs.
- Present HVAC system: The size and capability of your current system can provide a jumping off point 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 North Mechanical Heating and Cooling, we take the time to completely understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other considerations such as your home’s layout and size. This attention to detail and focus on customer service is why North Mechanical Heating and Cooling is known for excellent air conditioning installation in Payson.
5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?
While prices differ 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. The good thing is that new air conditioners are designed 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 necessitate changes to the design.
Know these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always a good idea to get numerous quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re considering air conditioning replacement in Payson, contact North Mechanical Heating and Cooling. We can provide you with a complimentary estimate, explain the procedure and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.
6. What Causes an Air Conditioner to Freeze Up?
Air conditioning freezing up can be due to a number of factors, all of which boil down to the system's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your AC is having issues causing it to freeze up, it is very likely time for air conditioning repair.
Here are some frequent reasons for AC freezing up:
- Poor airflow: If the air isn't flowing correctly through your AC system, it can't properly 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 frequently because of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
- Cold outdoor temperatures: Using the air conditioner when it's really cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Most units aren't designed to function in temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
- Mechanical failures: Faulty thermostats, damaged blower motors and problems with the relay or control board can all result in an AC unit freezing up.
North Mechanical Heating and Cooling is your Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in Payson.
At North Mechanical Heating and Cooling, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and enjoyable place. Our qualified professionals are up-to-date on the latest industry training and trends, and are knowledgeable on a wide variety of systems. That’s why community members make us the first choice for air conditioning repair in Payson and neighboring cities.
If you’re looking to upgrade or its time for a replacement, we’ve got you covered there too, with our first-class air conditioning installation in Payson. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!
Call North Mechanical Heating and Cooling today at 928-263-8570 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!