They say knowledge is power, and that’s definitely the truth when talking about your air conditioner. While challenging repairs are best left to specialists, it’s helpful to have a practical understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve general AC issues.
Knowing how your AC works and the typical problems it faces will allow you to fix easy 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 major 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 professional for air conditioning repair in Lake Worth if you're uncertain about any aspect of your air conditioner's operation or maintenance.
Here are some common questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:
1. How Should I Clean My Air Conditioner?
Cleaning an air conditioning system 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 change the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter traps dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those impurities from the air circulating throughout your home. If your AC filter becomes choked with debris, 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 permitting air to flow freely through the system.
Replacement filters can be purchased at most popular 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, 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 trying to buy something similar.
For comprehensive service of your air conditioner, contact the experienced 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 it and look for worn-out parts and potential issues.
2. How Do I Clean Air Conditioner Coils?
In addition to ensuring your indoor air conditioning unit is working efficiently, it’s important to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the exterior 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 are attached to extensions called fins, are used to release heat from the refrigerant to the outdoors. This lowers the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back into your home so it can take in more heat from the air inside your home. Washing 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, shut down power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to disconnect it completely from power, as opposed to turning the thermostat off.
2) Take off the top of the outdoor AC so you can access 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, beginning at the top and working 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 sprayed on 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 small period of time to dissolve the grime and then carefully spray it off with a garden hose. Be cautious not to spray very hard, because that could ruin 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 often it's maintained and how frequently it's used. That said, 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 air conditioner is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from Smyth Air Conditioning includes 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, reach out to us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Lake Worth.
4. What's the Right Size of Air Conditioner?
Finding the correct sized air conditioner for your home is vital 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 size of the space you need to cool is one of the biggest factors. More expansive spaces require more cooling power.
- Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which could reduce your cooling needs.
- Climate: If you reside in a hotter climate, you'll need a more powerful air conditioner compared to a person living in a cooler environment.
- Number of windows: Windows often let in heat, especially when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
- Number of residents: More people in the house means more body heat, which can influence your cooling needs.
- Current HVAC system: The size and performance of your current system can provide a place to start for determining what you need.
Because the size of your cooling system 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 completely understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other factors such as your home’s layout and size. This attention to detail and focus on customer service is why Smyth Air Conditioning is known for excellent air conditioning installation in Lake Worth.
5. What Is the Cost of a New Air Conditioner?
While prices vary depending on the brand 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 crafted to be extremely efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.
The cost 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 necessitate changes to the design.
Note these are average costs and prices can vary. It's always smart to get numerous quotes from reliable HVAC companies before making a choice. If you’re thinking about air conditioning replacement in Lake Worth, reach out to Smyth Air Conditioning. We can provide you with a free estimate, describe the plan and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.
6. Why Do Air Conditioners Freeze Up?
An AC freezing up can be a consequence of 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 more than likely time for air conditioning repair.
Here are some typical reasons for AC freezing up:
- Inadequate airflow: If the air isn't flowing correctly through your AC system, it can't properly absorb heat. This could be due to a plugged air filter, blocked 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 usually because of leaking in the refrigerant lines.
- Frigid outdoor temperatures: Using an air conditioner when it's very cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Many units aren't designed to operate in temperatures lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
- Mechanical failures: Malfunctioning thermostats, damaged blower motors and trouble with the relay or control board can all play a role in an AC unit freezing up.
Smyth Air Conditioning is your Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in Lake Worth.
At Smyth Air Conditioning, we strive to make your home a comfortable and soothing place. Our qualified 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 their first call for air conditioning repair in Lake Worth and nearby cities.
If you’re planning to upgrade or its time for a new unit, 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!
Phone Smyth Air Conditioning today at 561-533-6066 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!