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 basic understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve general AC issues.
Understanding how your AC works and the common problems it faces can empower you to handle little problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you money on minor service calls, but knowing when to call a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into major repairs.
Your AC is an important 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 Reinholds if you're not sure about any aspect of your air conditioner's operation or maintenance.
Here are a few of the 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 smart way to make sure it works efficiently, and very well could extend the life of your unit.
The most significant action you can take on your own is to swap out 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 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 efficiently through the system.
Replacement filters are available at most major 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 go shopping, taking care to write down 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 County Line Mechanical LLC to do scheduled maintenance on your system. They’ll examine your system, clean or lubricate parts that need it 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 AC unit is working efficiently, it’s necessary to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outside unit of your AC is a quick 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 outside air. This lowers the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back into your home so it can soak up more heat from the air within your home. Washing 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 down power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to flip off the the on/off switch, as opposed to turning the thermostat off.
2) Lift off the top of the outdoor AC so you can access the insides of the unit. Then, being cautious not to stress any cords or attachments, safely set the top to the side.
3) Spray a cleaning solution on the fins, first at the top and then working your way 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 products, it's recommended that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a small period of time to attack the grime and then gently spray it off with a garden hose. Be careful not to spray too 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 the power back on.
3. What Is the Average Lifespan of My Air Conditioner?
The life span of an air conditioner depends on the type of unit, its quality, if maintained and how much it's used. That said, experts say you should start thinking about air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.
One of the best ways to get the most mileage out of your air conditioner is through regular conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from County Line Mechanical LLC features 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, call us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Reinholds.
4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?
Finding the proper size of air conditioner for your home is critical for achieving comfort and efficiency. Here are some elements to think about when deciding what size air conditioner is right for your home:
- Square footage: The total area of the space you want to cool is one of the biggest factors. Larger spaces necessitate more cooling power.
- Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which could decrease your cooling needs.
- Climate: If you are living in a hotter climate, you'll want a more powerful air conditioner compared to someone 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 occupants: More people in the house create greater body heat, which may impact your cooling needs.
- Existing HVAC system: The size and capability of your current system can provide a starting point for determining what you need.
Due to the fact the size of your air conditioner is so essential to your home’s comfort, you will definitely want a professional opinion. At County Line Mechanical LLC, we take the time to thoroughly 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 dedication to customer service is why County Line Mechanical LLC is known for exceptional air conditioning installation in Reinholds.
5. What Does My Air Conditioner Cost?
While prices differ depending on the brand of the unit and your home’s unique specifications, a new air conditioning system generally costs between $5,000 and $12,500 to purchase and install. On the plus side, a benefit of air conditioning replacement is that new air conditioners are designed to be exceptionally efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.
The price of an air conditioner is affected 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 numerous quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a decision. If you’re considering air conditioning replacement in Reinholds, reach out to County Line Mechanical LLC. We can provide you with a no-cost estimate, make sure you understand the procedure and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.
6. Why Do Air Conditioners Freeze Up?
An air conditioner freezing up can be caused by a number of factors, all of which boil down to the system's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your unit is having issues causing it to freeze up, it is very likely time for air conditioning repair.
Here are some common triggers for AC freezing up:
- Inadequate airflow: If the air isn't flowing easily 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 could become too cold and freeze up. This is usually the result of leaks in the refrigerant lines.
- Very Chilly outdoor temperatures: Running an air conditioner when it's too cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Many units aren't designed to perform in temperatures of less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
- Mechanical failures: Malfunctioning thermostats, damaged blower motors and trouble with the relay or control board can all play a role in an AC unit freezing up.
County Line Mechanical LLC is your Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in Reinholds.
At County Line Mechanical LLC, we strive to make your home a comfortable and enjoyable place. Our experienced specialists 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 premier choice for air conditioning repair in Reinholds and the surrounding areas.
If you’re seeking to upgrade or its time for a new unit, we’ve got you covered there too, with our top-notch air conditioning installation in Reinholds. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!
Contact County Line Mechanical LLC today at 717-216-0846 to schedule an appointment or complimentary estimate!