They say knowledge is power, and that’s undoubtedly accurate when it comes to your air conditioner. While challenging repairs are best left to professionals, it’s helpful to have a practical understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve common AC issues.
Learning how your AC works and the frequent problems it faces will allow you to handle little problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you dollars on minor service calls, but knowing when to contact a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into complex repairs.
Your AC is a fundamental element 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 Houston if you're not sure about any aspect of your air conditioning system’s operation or maintenance.
Here are several 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 runs efficiently, and possibly could extend the life of your unit.
The most important thing you can do on your own is to change the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter catches dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those particulates from the air circulating inside your home. If your AC filter becomes clogged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it is supposed to in order to force air through the filter. A clean filter traps the airborne debris while still permitting air to flow easily through the system.
Replacement filters are available at most popular home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be bought 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 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 wanting to buy something similar.
For comprehensive service of your air conditioner, contact the seasoned professionals like the crew at Air Current AC & Heat to do scheduled maintenance on your unit. They’ll examine 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 outdoor 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 cools the refrigerant, which then goes back inside your home so it can soak up more heat from the air within your home. Cleaning the fins and the coils is a way to help them release heat more efficiently.
To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:
1) First, turn off power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to flip off the the on/off switch, instead of turning the thermostat off.
2) Take off the top of the outdoor AC so you can reach the inside of the unit. Then, being careful not to stress any cords or attachments, safely set the top to the side.
3) Apply a cleaning solution on the fins, first 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 products, it's recommended that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a small period of time to loosen the grime and then carefully spray it off with a garden hose. Be careful not to spray very 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 power back on.
3. How Long Can Air Conditioners Work?
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. However, pros 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 air conditioner is through regular conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from Air Current AC & Heat features cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as replacing the 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 Houston.
4. What Size Air Conditioner Should I Have?
Picking out the correct sized air conditioner for your home is crucial 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 have to cool is one of the most important factors. More expansive spaces necessitate more cooling power.
- Home insulation: Well-insulated homes retain cool air better, which could decrease 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 frequently let in heat, in particular when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
- Number of people: More people in the house produce additional body heat, which can affect your cooling needs.
- Existing HVAC system: The size and productivity of your current system can provide a jumping off point for identifying what you need.
Due to the fact the size of your air conditioner is so critical to your home’s comfort, you will almost certainly want a professional opinion. At Air Current AC & Heat, we take the time to fully 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 dedication to customer service is why Air Current AC & Heat is known for exceptional air conditioning installation in Houston.
5. What Is the Cost of a New Air Conditioner?
While prices vary depending on the size 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. 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 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 along with federal regulations that necessitate changes to the design.
Note these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always smart to get numerous quotes from trusted HVAC companies before making a choice. If you’re thinking about air conditioning replacement in Houston, contact Air Current AC & Heat. We will provide you with a complimentary 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?
Air conditioning freezing up can be due to a number of factors, all of which boil down to the failure of your system to efficiently transfer heat. If your air conditioner is suffering from issues causing it to freeze up, it is most likely time for air conditioning repair.
Here are some frequent causes of AC freezing up:
- Insufficient airflow: If the air isn't flowing correctly through your AC system, it can't effectively absorb heat. This could be due to a dirty air filter, something stopping air from flowing through the return air ducts or a failing fan.
- Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is getting low on refrigerant, it can grow too cold and freeze up. This is frequently a consequence of leaking in the refrigerant lines.
- Frosty outdoor temperatures: Running an air conditioner when it's really 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.
Air Current AC & Heat is your Trusted Source for Air Conditioning Service in Houston.
At Air Current AC & Heat, we strive to make your home a comfortable and pleasant place. Our qualified technicians 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 their first call for air conditioning repair in Houston and neighboring cities.
If you’re planning to upgrade or its time for a replacement, we’ve got you covered there too, with our first-rate air conditioning installation in Houston. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!
Call Air Current AC & Heat today at 713-257-9226 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!