They say knowledge is power, and that’s certainly true when it comes to 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 ordinary AC issues.
Learning how your AC works and the frequent problems it faces will enable you to handle simple problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you money on minor service calls, but realizing when to reach out to a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into major repairs.
Your Air conditioner is an essential part 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 Eastland if you're uncertain about any aspect of your air conditioning system’s operation or maintenance.
Here are a few of the typical questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:
1. How Do I Clean an Air Conditioner?
Cleaning an air conditioner is a smart way to make sure it operates efficiently, and possibly could extend the life of your unit.
The most effective thing you can do on your own is to replace the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter catches dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those contaminants from the air circulating inside your home. If your AC filter becomes plugged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it is supposed to in order to pull air through the filter. A clean filter removes the airborne debris while still allowing air to flow freely through the system.
Replacement filters are sold at most leading home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be ordered from your local HVAC specialist. A good way to make sure you get the correct filter is to look at your old one before you head out for the store, taking care to write 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 trying to buy something similar.
For thorough service of your air conditioner, contact the skilled professionals like the crew at J & J Air Conditioning to do regular maintenance on your AC. They’ll inspect your system, clean or lubricate parts that require attention and look for worn-out parts and potential trouble.
2. How Should I Clean the Air Conditioner Coils?
In addition to making certain that your indoor air conditioner equipment is operating efficiently, it’s also a good idea to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outside unit of your AC is an easy way to boost 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 into the cooler air outside. This lowers the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back in your home so it can soak up more heat from the air in your home's interior. Cleansing 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 flip the power switch off, instead of turning the thermostat off.
2) Lift off the top of the outdoor AC so you can enter the interior of the unit. Then, being careful not to strain any cords or attachments, safely move the top to the side.
3) Apply a cleaning solution on the fins, starting 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 in the form of foaming solutions that are sprayed on with an attachment to 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 loosen the grime and then softly 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. Having said that, industry experts say you should start looking into air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.
One of the best ways to make the most of your air conditioner is through AC conditioner maintenance. Routine checkups from J & J Air Conditioning consists of cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as putting in a new filter and mending any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating a long time, contact us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Eastland.
4. What Size Air Conditioner Should I Have?
Picking out the right size of air conditioner for your home is critical for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some elements to consider when deciding what size air conditioner is right for your home:
- Square footage: The total area of the space you need to cool is one of the biggest factors. More expansive spaces require more cooling power.
- Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which should minimize your cooling needs.
- Climate: If you live in a hotter climate, you'll need a more powerful air conditioner compared to a person living in a cooler climate.
- Number of windows: Windows can let in heat, especially when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
- Number of occupants: More people in the house produce additional body heat, which could impact your cooling needs.
- Current HVAC system: The size and performance of your current system can provide a place to start for determining what you need.
Given that the size of your air conditioner is so critical to your home’s comfort, you will definitely want a professional opinion. At J & J Air Conditioning, we take the time to fully 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 focus on customer service is why J & J Air Conditioning is known for superb air conditioning installation in Eastland.
5. What Does My Air Conditioner Cost?
While prices fluctuate depending on the brand of the unit and your home’s unique specifications, a new air conditioner generally costs between $5,000 and $12,500 to purchase and install. The good news is that new air conditioners are crafted to be exceedingly 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 necessitate changes to the design.
Realize these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always a good idea to get numerous quotes from trusted HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re considering air conditioning replacement in Eastland, reach out to J & J Air Conditioning. We will schedule an appointment to provide you with a no-cost estimate, make sure you understand the process 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 number of factors, all of which boil down to the failure of your system to efficiently transfer heat. If your unit is having issues causing it to freeze up, it is most likely time for air conditioning repair.
Here are some typical reasons for AC freezing up:
- Poor airflow: If the air isn't flowing easily through your AC system, it can't properly absorb heat. This could be due to a plugged air filter, obstructed return air ducts or a failing fan.
- Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is getting low on refrigerant, it can become too cold and freeze up. This is frequently the result of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
- Frigid outdoor temperatures: Operating your air conditioner when it's very cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Many 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 result in an AC unit freezing up.
J & J Air Conditioning is the Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in Eastland.
At J & J Air Conditioning, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and pleasant place. Our experienced 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 Eastland and neighboring towns.
If you’re planning to upgrade or its time for a new unit, we’ve got you covered there too, with our first-class air conditioning installation in Eastland. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!
Contact J & J Air Conditioning today at 254-355-3833 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!
