They say knowledge is power, and that’s definitely true when talking about your air conditioner. While challenging repairs are best left to experts, it’s helpful to have a practical understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve everyday AC issues.
Understanding how your AC works and the frequent problems it faces can empower you to deal with simple problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you cash on minor service calls, but realizing when to call a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into major repairs.
Your Air conditioner is an important 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 Lake Worth if you're unsure about any aspect of your AC's operation or maintenance.
Here are several common questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:
1. How Should I Clean My Air Conditioner?
Cleaning your AC is a good way to make sure it operates efficiently, and very well could extend the life of your unit.
The most effective action you can take 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 choked with debris, the air conditioner has to work harder than it ought to in order to force air through the filter. A clean filter traps the airborne debris while still enabling air to flow easily through the system.
Replacement filters are available at most leading home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be bought from your local HVAC expert. A good way to make sure you get the right 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 helpful 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 seasoned professionals like the crew at Smyth Air Conditioning to do scheduled maintenance on your system. They’ll inspect your system, clean or lubricate parts that need cleaning and look for worn-out parts and potential issues.
2. How Are the Coils on My Air Conditioner Cleaned?
In addition to ensuring your indoor air conditioning unit is functioning efficiently, it’s necessary to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outside unit of your cooling system is a simple way to improve its efficiency and can extend the life of your entire system.
The coils, which include extensions called fins, are used to release heat from the refrigerant into the outside air. This cools the refrigerant, which then goes back into your home so it can soak up more heat from the air in your home's interior. Washing the fins and the coils will help them release heat more efficiently.
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 access the inside of the unit. Then, taking care not to pull hard on any cords or attachments, safely move the top to the side.
3) Apply a cleaning solution on the fins, starting at the top and moving down. Commercial coil cleaners are sold and commonly found in both the canned aerosol spray from as well as brands foaming solutions that are sprayed on with your garden hose.
4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most products, it's suggested that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a short period of time to loosen the grime and then carefully spray it off with a garden hose. Be cautious not to spray really hard, because that could harm 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 Can Air Conditioners Work?
The life span of an air conditioner can vary based on the type of unit, its quality, how often it's maintained and how much it's used. However, 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 HVAC is through AC conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from Smyth Air Conditioning includes cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as replacing the 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 Lake Worth.
4. What Size Air Conditioner Should I Have?
Picking out the correct sized air conditioner for your home is crucial for keeping comfort and efficiency. Here are some points to consider when deciding what size air conditioner is right for your home:
- Square footage: The amount of space you need to cool is one of the biggest factors. Bigger spaces necessitate more cooling power.
- Home insulation: Well-insulated homes preserve cool air better, which could minimize your cooling needs.
- Climate: If you are living in a hotter climate, you'll require a more powerful air conditioner compared to a homeowner living in a cooler climate.
- 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 means greater body heat, which can influence your cooling needs.
- Present HVAC system: The size and performance of your current system can provide a starting point for determining what you need.
Because the size of your air conditioner is so essential to your home’s comfort, you will almost certainly want a professional opinion. At Smyth 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 design and size. This attention to detail and commitment to customer service is why Smyth Air Conditioning is known for exceptional air conditioning installation in Lake Worth.
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 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 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 helpful to get several quotes from trusted HVAC companies before making a choice. If you’re contemplating air conditioning replacement in Lake Worth, contact Smyth Air Conditioning. We can provide you with a no-cost 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 caused by many factors, all of which boil down to the system's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your unit is experiencing issues causing it to freeze up, it is very likely time for air conditioning repair.
Here are some common reasons for AC freezing up:
- Inadequate airflow: If the air isn't flowing properly through your AC system, it can't adequately absorb heat. This could be due to a dirty air filter, obstructed return air ducts or a failing fan.
- Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is starting to get low on refrigerant, it can become too cold and freeze up. This is usually because of leaking in the refrigerant lines.
- Cold outdoor temperatures: Operating the air conditioner when it's very cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Many units aren't designed to function in temperatures lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
- Mechanical failures: Malfunctioning thermostats, damaged blower motors and problems with the relay or control board can all contribute to an AC unit freezing up.
Smyth Air Conditioning is your Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in Lake Worth.
At Smyth Air Conditioning, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and soothing place. Our knowledgeable professionals 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 first choice for air conditioning repair in Lake Worth and the surrounding towns.
If you’re wanting to upgrade or its time for a replacement, we’ve got you covered there too, with our first-class air conditioning installation in Lake Worth. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!
Call Smyth Air Conditioning today at 561-533-6066 to schedule an appointment or complimentary estimate!