They say knowledge is power, and that’s definitely the truth when it comes to your air conditioner. While complex 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.
Knowing how your AC works and the common problems it faces will enable you to deal with little problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you cash on minor service calls, but understanding when to reach out to a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into catastrophic repairs.
Your Air conditioning unit 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 technician for air conditioning repair in Warminster if you're uncertain about any aspect of your AC'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 conditioning system is an effective way to make sure it operates efficiently, and potentially could extend the life of your unit.
The most effective step you can take on your own is to swap out the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter captures 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 really should in order to pull air through the filter. A clean filter traps the airborne debris while still permitting air to flow easily through the system.
Replacement filters are sold at most leading home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be ordered from your local HVAC professional. 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 a smart idea to note the filtration level of the current filter if you are hoping to buy something similar.
For detailed service of your air conditioner, contact the seasoned professionals like the crew at Retro HVAC Service & Installation to do regular 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 ensuring your indoor air conditioning unit is operating efficiently, it’s also a good idea to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outside unit of your air conditioner is a quick 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 inside your home so it can soak up more heat from the air within your home. Cleaning the fins and the coils will 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 disconnect it completely from power, instead of turning the thermostat off.
2) Remove 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 move the top to the side.
3) Put a cleaning solution on the fins, starting 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 applied with your garden hose.
4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most cleaners, it's advised that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a brief period of time to attack the grime and then softly spray it off with a garden hose. Be cautious not to spray really hard, because that could damage the coils or fins!
5) Secure the top back on the unit and then wait for the unit 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 well it's 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 the most mileage out of your system is through AC conditioner maintenance. Routine checkups from Retro HVAC Service & Installation includes 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 as long as it can, reach out to us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Warminster.
4. What's the Right Size of Air Conditioner?
Selecting the proper size of air conditioner for your home is critical for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some elements to consider when deciding what size air conditioner you need for your home:
- Square footage: The amount of space you want to cool is one of the biggest factors. Bigger spaces necessitate more cooling power.
- Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which can minimize your cooling needs.
- Climate: If you live in a hotter climate, you'll need a more powerful air conditioner compared to a homeowner living in a cooler environment.
- Number of windows: Windows frequently let in heat, particularly when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
- Number of residents: More people in the house means more body heat, which could impact your cooling needs.
- Existing HVAC system: The size and performance of your current system can provide a place to start for deciding what you need.
Due to the fact the size of your AC is so important to your home’s comfort, you will probably want a professional opinion. At Retro HVAC Service & Installation, 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 focus on customer service is why Retro HVAC Service & Installation is known for excellent air conditioning installation in Warminster.
5. What Does My Air Conditioner Cost?
While prices differ depending on the brand of the unit and your home’s unique needs, a new air conditioner generally costs between $5,000 and $12,500 to purchase and install. The good thing is that new air conditioners are developed to be exceptionally efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.
The cost of an air conditioner is influenced 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 can impact the design.
Realize these are average costs and prices can fluctuate. It's always helpful to get numerous quotes from reliable HVAC companies before making a choice. If you’re thinking about air conditioning replacement in Warminster, get in touch with Retro HVAC Service & Installation. We will provide you with a free estimate, make sure you understand the process and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.
6. Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?
An AC freezing up can be brought on by a variety 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 most likely time for air conditioning repair.
Here are some typical triggers 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, something stopping air from flowing through the return air ducts or a failing fan.
- Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is running low on refrigerant, it may get too cold and freeze up. This is frequently the result of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
- Frigid outdoor temperatures: Running the air conditioner when it's too cold outside can cause the system to freeze. The majority of units aren't designed to operate in temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
- Mechanical failures: Malfunctioning thermostats, damaged blower motors and issues with the relay or control board can all contribute to an AC unit freezing up.
Retro HVAC Service & Installation is the Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in Warminster.
At Retro HVAC Service & Installation, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and soothing place. Our experienced technicians are up-to-date on the latest industry training and trends, and are experienced on a wide variety of systems. That’s why community members make us the premier choice for air conditioning repair in Warminster and the surrounding cities.
If you’re wanting to upgrade or its time for a replacement, we’ve got you covered there too, with our first-rate air conditioning installation in Warminster. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!
Contact Retro HVAC Service & Installation today at 267-485-6219 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!