They say knowledge is power, and that’s definitely the truth when discussing your air conditioner. While complex repairs are best left to experts, it’s helpful to have a rudimentary understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve everyday AC issues.
Understanding how your AC works and the frequent problems it faces will enable you to tackle simple problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you dollars on minor service calls, but knowing when to contact a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into complex 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 Phoenix if you're not sure about any aspect of your air conditioner's operation or maintenance.
Here are some frequent questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:
1. How Do I Clean an Air Conditioner?
Cleaning an air conditioner is an effective way to make sure it runs efficiently, and very well could extend the life of your unit.
The most effective 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 impurities from the air circulating inside your home. If your AC filter becomes plugged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it ought to in order to pull air through the filter. A clean filter removes 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 expert. A good way to make sure you get the correct filter is to look at your old one before you head out 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 experienced professionals like the crew at Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc to do scheduled maintenance on your unit. They’ll inspect your system, clean or lubricate parts that need cleaning and look for worn-out parts and potential trouble.
2. How Do I Clean Air Conditioner Coils?
In addition to making sure your indoor AC unit is operating efficiently, it’s necessary to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outdoor unit of your cooling system is a quick way to boost 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 lowers the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back in your home so it can soak up more heat from the air in your home's interior. Cleansing the fins and the coils will help them release heat more easily.
To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:
1) First, turn off power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to flip the power switch off, instead of turning the thermostat off.
2) Remove the top of the outdoor AC so you can enter the interior of the unit. Then, being careful not to pull hard on any cords or attachments, safely move the top to the side.
3) Spray a cleaning solution on the fins, starting at the top and working down. Commercial coil cleaners are sold and commonly found in both the canned aerosol spray from as well as in the form of foaming solutions that are sprayed on with your garden hose.
4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most brands, it's recommended that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a small period of time to attack the grime and then carefully spray it off with a garden hose. Be careful 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 coils and fins 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, if maintained and how much it's used. That said, industry 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. Tuneups from Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc consists of cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as replacing the filter and repairing any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating as long as possible, call us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Phoenix.
4. What's the Right Size of Air Conditioner?
Selecting the proper size of 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 amount of space you want to cool is one of the key factors. More expansive spaces necessitate more cooling power.
- Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which should minimize your cooling needs.
- Climate: If you reside in a hotter climate, you'll require a more powerful air conditioner compared to someone living in a cooler environment.
- Number of windows: Windows can let in heat, particularly when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
- Number of occupants: More people in the house produce additional body heat, which could affect your cooling needs.
- Existing HVAC system: The size and effectiveness of your current system can provide a place to start for identifying what you need.
Due to the fact the size of your cooling system is so critical to your home’s comfort, you will definitely want a professional opinion. At Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc, we take the time to fully understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other factors such as your home’s design and size. This attention to detail and focus on customer service is why Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc is known for superb air conditioning installation in Phoenix.
5. What Is the Cost of a New Air Conditioner?
While prices vary depending on the size 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. The good news 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 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.
Realize these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always helpful to get at least a few quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re considering air conditioning replacement in Phoenix, reach out to Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. We will schedule an appointment to provide you with a complimentary estimate, explain 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 due to a number of factors, all of which boil down to the AC's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your air conditioner is having issues causing it to freeze up, it is more than likely time for air conditioning repair.
Here are some common causes of AC freezing up:
- Inadequate airflow: If the air isn't flowing correctly through your AC system, it can't sufficiently 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 get too cold and freeze up. This is usually because of leaks in the refrigerant lines.
- Frigid outdoor temperatures: Operating an air conditioner when it's really cold outside can cause the system to freeze. The majority of units aren't designed to function in temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
- Mechanical failures: Broken thermostats, damaged blower motors and trouble with the relay or control board can all result in an AC unit freezing up.
Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc is the Trusted Source for Air Conditioning Service in Phoenix.
At Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc, we will make your home a comfortable and enjoyable place. Our skilled 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 their first call for air conditioning repair in Phoenix and the surrounding 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 Phoenix. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!
Contact Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc today at 602-789-3315 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!