They say knowledge is power, and that’s certainly the truth when discussing your air conditioner. While complex repairs are best left to experts, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve everyday AC issues.
Understanding how your AC works and the typical 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 contact a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into major repairs.
Your Air conditioning unit is a fundamental component of your home comfort. Because of that, you should always err on the side of caution and call a NATE-certified specialist for air conditioning repair in Bartlesville if you're not sure about any aspect of your AC's operation or maintenance.
Here are a few of the frequent questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:
1. How Do I Clean an Air Conditioner?
Cleaning your AC is a smart way to make sure it runs efficiently, and very well could extend the life of your unit.
The most important action you can take on your own is to replace 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 inside your home. If your AC filter becomes plugged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it really should 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 sold at most major home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be purchased from your local HVAC specialist. A good way to make sure you get the proper 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 good idea to note the filtration level of the current filter if you are wanting to buy something similar.
For thorough service of your air conditioner, contact the experienced professionals like the crew at Farris Heating & Air to do scheduled maintenance on your AC. They’ll inspect your system, clean or lubricate parts that require attention and look for worn-out parts and potential trouble.
2. How Do I Clean Air Conditioner Coils?
In addition to making certain that your indoor AC 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 an easy 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 brings down the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back in your home so it can absorb more heat from the air within your home. Cleaning the fins and the coils is a way to help them release heat more effectively.
To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:
1) First, turn off power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to disconnect it completely from power, instead of turning the thermostat off.
2) Take off the top of the outdoor AC so you can reach the interior of the unit. Then, taking care not to pull hard on any cords or attachments, safely set the top to the side.
3) Apply a cleaning solution on the fins, first at the top and working down. Commercial coil cleaners are available and commonly found in both the canned aerosol spray from as well as in the form of foaming solutions that are sprayed on with an attachment to your garden hose.
4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most cleaners, it's recommended 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 too 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 the unit back on.
3. What Is the Average Lifespan of My Air Conditioner?
The life span of an air conditioner can vary based on the type of unit, its quality, how often it's maintained and how often it's used. However, pros 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 regular conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from Farris Heating & Air includes cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as replacing the filter and fixing any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating a long time, contact us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Bartlesville.
4. What's the Right Size of Air Conditioner?
Picking out the right size of air conditioner for your home is crucial for achieving comfort and efficiency. Here are some factors to think about 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 hold 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 a homeowner living in a cooler climate.
- Number of windows: Windows frequently let in heat, especially when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
- Number of occupants: More people in the house create additional body heat, which may influence your cooling needs.
- Existing HVAC system: The size and effectiveness of your current system can provide a jumping off point for identifying what you need.
Given that the size of your AC is so critical to your home’s comfort, you will almost certainly want a professional opinion. At Farris Heating & Air, we take the time to thoroughly 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 commitment to customer service is why Farris Heating & Air is known for superb air conditioning installation in Bartlesville.
5. What Is the Cost of a New Air Conditioner?
While prices fluctuate depending on the type of the unit and your home’s unique specifications, a new air conditioner 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 crafted to be extremely efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.
The price 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 in addition to federal regulations that require modifications to the design.
Note these are average costs and prices can fluctuate. It's always a good idea to get numerous quotes from trusted HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re interested in air conditioning replacement in Bartlesville, contact Farris Heating & Air. We can provide you with a no-cost estimate, describe the procedure and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.
6. What Causes an Air Conditioner to Freeze Up?
An AC freezing up can be a consequence of many 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 common triggers for AC freezing up:
- Poor 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, obstructed return air ducts or a failing fan.
- Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is starting to get low on refrigerant, it can grow too cold and freeze up. This is often a consequence of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
- Frigid outdoor temperatures: Using an air conditioner when it's really cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Many units aren't designed to perform in temperatures lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
- Mechanical failures: Broken thermostats, damaged blower motors and issues with the relay or control board can all result in an AC unit freezing up.
Farris Heating & Air is your Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in Bartlesville.
At Farris Heating & Air, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and pleasant place. Our knowledgeable professionals 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 Bartlesville and the surrounding cities.
If you’re seeking to upgrade or its time for a new unit, we’ve got you covered there too, with our first-rate air conditioning installation in Bartlesville. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!
Phone Farris Heating & Air today at 918-333-0376 to schedule an appointment or complimentary estimate!