They say knowledge is power, and that’s definitely true when discussing your air conditioner. While complex repairs are best left to experts, it’s helpful to have a rudimentary understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve general AC issues.
Knowing how your AC works and the typical 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 contact a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into catastrophic 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 professional for air conditioning repair in Weatherford if you're uncertain about any aspect of your AC's operation or maintenance.
Here are a few of the frequent questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:
1. How Should I Clean My Air Conditioner?
Cleaning your AC is an effective way to make sure it works efficiently, and possibly could extend the life of your unit.
The most significant 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 contaminants from the air circulating in your home. If your AC filter becomes choked with debris, the air conditioner has to work harder than it ought to in order to pull air through the filter. A clean filter catches the airborne debris while still permitting air to flow efficiently through the system.
Replacement filters are available at most major home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be purchased from your local HVAC expert. 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 smart idea to note the filtration level of the current filter if you are hoping to buy something similar.
For thorough service of your air conditioner, contact the skilled professionals like the crew at Parker County Cooling & Heating to do scheduled maintenance on your AC. They’ll look over your system, clean or lubricate parts that need cleaning and look for worn-out parts and potential problems.
2. How Should I Clean the Air Conditioner Coils?
In addition to ensuring your indoor air conditioning unit is functioning efficiently, it’s also a good idea to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the exterior unit of your AC is a simple 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 into the outside air. This brings down the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back into your home so it can absorb more heat from the air in your home's interior. 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, shut off power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to flip the power switch off, as opposed to turning the thermostat off.
2) Remove the top of the outdoor AC so you can access the inside of the unit. Then, being careful not to strain any cords or attachments, safely set the top to the side.
3) Spray a cleaning solution on the fins, starting at the top and then working your way down. Commercial coil cleaners are sold 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 recommended that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a small period of time to dissolve the grime and then gently spray it off with a garden hose. Be cautious 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 components to dry before turning the unit back on.
3. What Is the Average Lifespan of My Air Conditioner?
The life span of an air conditioner changes depending on the type of unit, its quality, if maintained and how much it's used. That said, experts 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 regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Tuneups from Parker County Cooling & Heating features cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as putting in a new 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 Weatherford.
4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?
Choosing the correct sized air conditioner for your home is vital for achieving comfort and efficiency. Here are some points to think about 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 most important factors. Bigger spaces require more cooling power.
- Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which could decrease your cooling needs.
- Climate: If you reside 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 often let in heat, in particular when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
- Number of occupants: More people in the house produce more body heat, which can affect your cooling needs.
- Existing HVAC system: The size and capability of your current system can provide a starting point for deciding what you need.
Due to the fact the size of your cooling system is so important to your home’s comfort, you will definitely want a professional opinion. At Parker County Cooling & Heating, we take the time to thoroughly understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other factors such as your home’s insulation level and size. This attention to detail and commitment to customer service is why Parker County Cooling & Heating is known for exceptional air conditioning installation in Weatherford.
5. What Does My Air Conditioner Cost?
While prices fluctuate depending on the size 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 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 tag 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 as well as federal regulations that require modifications to the design.
Note these are average costs and prices can fluctuate. It's always smart to get several quotes from reliable HVAC companies before making a decision. If you’re thinking about air conditioning replacement in Weatherford, get in touch with Parker County Cooling & Heating. We will provide you with a no-cost estimate, make sure you understand the process and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.
6. Why Do Air Conditioners Freeze Up?
An AC freezing up can be a consequence of a variety of factors, all of which boil down to the failure of your system to efficiently transfer heat. If your AC is having issues causing it to freeze up, it is more than likely time for air conditioning repair.
Here are some frequent triggers for AC freezing up:
- Inadequate airflow: If the air isn't flowing easily through your AC system, it can't properly absorb heat. This could be due to a clogged air filter, blocked return air ducts or a failing fan.
- Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is getting low on refrigerant, it can get too cold and freeze up. This is frequently the result of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
- Cold outdoor temperatures: Using the air conditioner when it's very cold outside can cause the system to freeze. The majority of units aren't designed to function in temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
- Mechanical failures: Faulty thermostats, damaged blower motors and issues with the relay or control board can all contribute to an AC unit freezing up.
Parker County Cooling & Heating is the Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in Weatherford.
At Parker County Cooling & Heating, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and soothing place. Our experienced specialists 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 premier choice for air conditioning repair in Weatherford and nearby towns.
If you’re wanting to upgrade or its time for a new air conditioner, we’ve got you covered there too, with our first-class air conditioning installation in Weatherford. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!
Phone Parker County Cooling & Heating today at 817-587-4899 to schedule an appointment or complimentary estimate!