They say knowledge is power, and that’s certainly accurate when talking about your air conditioner. While challenging repairs are best left to professionals, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve general AC issues.
Knowing how your AC works and the frequent problems it faces will enable you to fix 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 catastrophic repairs.
Your AC is an essential part 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 Phoenix if you're not sure about any aspect of your air conditioning system’s operation or maintenance.
Here are several frequent questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:
1. What Is the Best Way to Clean an Air Conditioner?
Cleaning an air conditioner is an effective way to make sure it works efficiently, and potentially could extend the life of your unit.
The most important step you can take on your own is to swap out 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 in your home. If your AC filter becomes plugged, 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 allowing air to flow easily through the system.
Replacement filters are sold at most major home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be bought from your local HVAC expert. A good way to make sure you get the right 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 trying to buy something similar.
For comprehensive service of your air conditioner, contact the seasoned professionals like the crew at Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc to do scheduled maintenance on your unit. They’ll examine your system, clean or lubricate parts that need cleaning and look for worn-out parts and potential issues.
2. How Do I Clean Air Conditioner Coils?
In addition to making sure your indoor air conditioner equipment is operating efficiently, it’s necessary to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outside unit of your air conditioner is an easy way to increase 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 lowers the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back inside your home so it can take in more heat from the air in your home's interior. Cleansing the fins and the coils is a way to help them release heat more easily.
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) Remove the top of the outdoor AC so you can reach the interior of the unit. Then, being careful not to strain any cords or attachments, safely put the top to the side.
3) Spray a cleaning solution on the fins, beginning at the top and then working your way 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 your garden hose.
4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most products, it's recommended that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a brief period of time to dissolve the grime and then gently spray it off with a garden hose. Be cautious not to spray too hard, because that could ruin 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, how well it's maintained and how frequently it's used. However, pros say you should start getting ready for 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. Maintenance service 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 a long time, call us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Phoenix.
4. What's the Right Size of Air Conditioner?
Choosing the correct sized air conditioner for your home is crucial for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some points to consider when deciding what size air conditioner to buy for your home:
- Square footage: The size of the space you have to cool is one of the key factors. Bigger spaces necessitate more cooling power.
- Home insulation: Well-insulated homes retain cool air better, which could reduce your cooling needs.
- Climate: If you are living in a hotter climate, you'll require a more powerful air conditioner compared to someone living in a cooler environment.
- Number of windows: Windows often let in heat, particularly when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
- Number of residents: More people in the house means greater body heat, which may influence your cooling needs.
- Existing HVAC system: The size and effectiveness of your current system can provide a place to start for determining 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 considerations such as your home’s insulation level and size. This attention to detail and commitment to customer service is why Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc is known for exceptional air conditioning installation in Phoenix.
5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?
While prices differ depending on the type of the unit and your home’s unique needs, 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 cost of an air conditioner is impacted 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.
Know these are average costs and prices can vary. It's always a good idea to get numerous quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a decision. If you’re thinking about air conditioning replacement in Phoenix, get in touch with Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. We can provide you with a free estimate, describe the plan and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.
6. Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?
An air conditioner freezing up can be caused by many factors, all of which boil down to the failure of your system to efficiently transfer heat. If your AC is suffering from issues causing it to freeze up, it is very likely time for air conditioning repair.
Here are some typical triggers for AC freezing up:
- Inadequate airflow: If the air isn't flowing easily through your AC system, it can't properly absorb heat. This could be due to a dirty 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 could become too cold and freeze up. This is usually because of leaking in the refrigerant lines.
- Frigid outdoor temperatures: Running an air conditioner when it's very cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Many units aren't designed to operate in temperatures of less 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.
Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc is your Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in Phoenix.
At Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc, we strive to 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 the premier choice for air conditioning repair in Phoenix and neighboring cities.
If you’re wanting to upgrade or its time for a replacement, we’ve got you covered there too, with our top-notch air conditioning installation in Phoenix. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!
Call Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc today at 602-789-3315 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!