They say knowledge is power, and that’s undoubtedly accurate when it comes to your air conditioner. While complicated repairs are best left to specialists, it’s helpful to have a rudimentary understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve everyday AC issues.
Learning how your AC works and the frequent problems it faces will enable 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 catastrophic repairs.
Your AC 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 technician for air conditioning repair in Safford if you're unsure about any aspect of your air conditioning system’s operation or maintenance.
Here are a few of the common 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 possibly could extend the life of your unit.
The most important thing you can do on your own is to replace the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter traps 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 should in order to pull air through the filter. A clean filter traps the airborne debris while still enabling air to flow easily through the system.
Replacement filters can be purchased at most leading home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be bought from your local HVAC specialist. A good way to make sure you get the right filter is to look at your old one before you leave for the store, jotting 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 hoping to buy something similar.
For comprehensive service of your air conditioner, contact the skilled professionals like the crew at B&D Air Conditioning to do regular maintenance on your system. They’ll inspect your system, clean or lubricate parts that require attention and look for worn-out parts and potential problems.
2. How Should I Clean the Air Conditioner Coils?
In addition to making certain that 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 an easy way to increase 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 to the outdoors. This brings down the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back inside 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 efficiently.
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, as opposed to turning the thermostat off.
2) Lift off the top of the outdoor AC so you can enter the interior of the unit. Then, taking care not to strain any cords or attachments, safely set the top to the side.
3) Put a cleaning solution on the fins, starting at the top and working down. Commercial coil cleaners are available and commonly found in both the canned aerosol spray from as well as products foaming solutions that are sprayed on with your garden hose.
4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most cleaners, it's suggested that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a small period of time to dissolve the grime and then gently spray it off with a garden hose. Be careful 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 coils and fins to dry before turning the unit 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, if maintained and how frequently it's used. However, industry experts say you should start thinking about air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.
One of the best ways to get the most mileage out of your system is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Routine checkups from B&D Air Conditioning consists of cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as changing out the dirty 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 Safford.
4. What's the Right Size of Air Conditioner?
Picking out the correct sized air conditioner for your home is critical for keeping comfort and efficiency. Here are some factors to take into account when deciding what size air conditioner to buy for your home:
- Square footage: The size of the space you want to cool is one of the key factors. More expansive spaces demand more cooling power.
- Home insulation: Well-insulated homes preserve cool air better, which could reduce your cooling needs.
- Climate: If you live in a hotter climate, you'll need a more powerful air conditioner compared to someone living in a cooler climate.
- Number of windows: Windows can let in heat, especially when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
- Number of occupants: More people in the house means greater body heat, which can impact your cooling needs.
- Present HVAC system: The size and performance of your current system can provide a jumping off point for determining what you need.
Due to the fact the size of your air conditioner is so critical to your home’s comfort, you will definitely want a professional opinion. At B&D 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 insulation level and size. This attention to detail and commitment to customer service is why B&D Air Conditioning is known for exceptional air conditioning installation in Safford.
5. What Does My Air Conditioner Cost?
While prices differ depending on the type of the unit and your home’s unique requirements, a new AC generally costs between $5,000 and $12,500 to purchase and install. The good thing 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 tag 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 along with federal regulations that can impact the design.
Note these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always helpful to get at least a few quotes from trusted HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re interested in air conditioning replacement in Safford, reach out to B&D Air Conditioning. We can provide you with a complimentary estimate, make sure you understand the process and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.
6. Why Do Air Conditioners Freeze Up?
An air conditioner freezing up can be brought on by multiple factors, all of which boil down to the AC's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your AC is experiencing issues causing it to freeze up, it is most likely time for air conditioning repair.
Here are some typical causes of AC freezing up:
- Poor airflow: If the air isn't flowing easily through your AC system, it can't sufficiently absorb heat. This could be due to a plugged 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 get too cold and freeze up. This is usually because of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
- Frosty outdoor temperatures: Running the air conditioner when it's very cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Most units aren't designed to function in temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
- Mechanical failures: Broken thermostats, damaged blower motors and problems with the relay or control board can all contribute to an AC unit freezing up.
B&D Air Conditioning is the Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in Safford.
At B&D Air Conditioning, we will 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 Safford and nearby areas.
If you’re wanting to upgrade or its time for a new unit, we’ve got you covered there too, with our first-rate air conditioning installation in Safford. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!
Call B&D Air Conditioning today at 928-432-6018 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!