They say knowledge is power, and that’s definitely accurate when it comes to your air conditioner. While complex repairs are best left to professionals, it’s helpful to have a rudimentary understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve common AC issues.
Understanding how your AC works and the frequent problems it faces will allow you to handle easy problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you dollars on minor service calls, but understanding when to call a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into complex repairs.
Your Air conditioning unit is a fundamental part of your home comfort. Because of that, you should always err on the side of caution and call a NATE-certified technician for air conditioning repair in Croydon if you're uncertain about any aspect of your air conditioner's operation or maintenance.
Here are several typical questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:
1. How Should I Clean My Air Conditioner?
Cleaning an air conditioner is an effective way to make sure it operates efficiently, and potentially could extend the life of your unit.
The most significant thing you can do 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 impurities from the air circulating throughout your home. If your AC filter becomes clogged, 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 permitting air to flow easily through the system.
Replacement filters can be purchased at most popular home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be bought 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 leave for the store, noting the size of the filter. If you’re not familiar with filters, it’s also helpful 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 experienced professionals like the crew at Indoor Comfort Systems HVAC to do scheduled maintenance on your AC. They’ll examine 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 making sure your indoor AC unit is functioning efficiently, it’s also a good idea to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outside unit of your AC is a simple way to boost its efficiency and can extend the life of your entire system.
The coils, which have 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 inside your home so it can soak up more heat from the air within your home. 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, shut off power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to flip off the the on/off switch, as opposed to turning the thermostat off.
2) Remove the top of the outdoor AC so you can reach the insides of the unit. Then, taking care not to stress any cords or attachments, safely set the top to the side.
3) Apply a cleaning solution on the fins, beginning at the top and moving down. Commercial coil cleaners are sold 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 advised that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a small period of time to dissolve the grime and then softly spray it off with a garden hose. Be cautious not to spray very hard, because that could damage the coils or fins!
5) Secure the top back on the unit and then wait for the components to dry before turning it back on.
3. How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?
The life span of an air conditioner depends on the type of unit, its quality, how well it's maintained and how often it's used. Having said that, pros say you should start getting ready for air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.
One of the best ways to make the most of your air conditioner is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Tuneups from Indoor Comfort Systems HVAC consists of cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as putting in a new filter and fixing any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating a long time, reach out to us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Croydon.
4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?
Picking out the proper size of air conditioner for your home is critical for keeping comfort and efficiency. Here are some elements 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 biggest factors. Larger spaces require more cooling power.
- Home insulation: Well-insulated homes preserve cool air better, which should decrease your cooling needs.
- Climate: If you reside in a hotter climate, you'll need a more powerful air conditioner compared to someone 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 means greater body heat, which could influence your cooling needs.
- Existing HVAC system: The size and capability of your current system can provide a jumping off point for deciding 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 Indoor Comfort Systems HVAC, we take the time to fully understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other factors such as your home’s design and size. This attention to detail and focus on customer service is why Indoor Comfort Systems HVAC is known for superb air conditioning installation in Croydon.
5. What Does My Air Conditioner Cost?
While prices differ depending on the kind 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 affected 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 can impact the design.
Know these are average costs and prices can vary. It's always helpful to get at least a few quotes from trusted HVAC companies before making a decision. If you’re thinking about air conditioning replacement in Croydon, contact Indoor Comfort Systems HVAC. We can provide you with a free estimate, explain 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 multiple factors, all of which boil down to the system's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your unit is suffering from issues causing it to freeze up, it is very likely time for air conditioning repair.
Here are some common reasons for AC freezing up:
- Insufficient airflow: If the air isn't flowing properly through your AC system, it can't adequately 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 running low on refrigerant, it could grow too cold and freeze up. This is usually a consequence of leaking in the refrigerant lines.
- Very Chilly outdoor temperatures: Running your air conditioner when it's very cold outside can cause the system to freeze. The majority of units aren't designed to work 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.
Indoor Comfort Systems HVAC is the Trusted Source for Air Conditioning Service in Croydon.
At Indoor Comfort Systems HVAC, we will make your home a comfortable and soothing place. Our qualified technicians 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 Croydon and nearby towns.
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 Croydon. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!
Call Indoor Comfort Systems HVAC today at 215-741-5505 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!