They say knowledge is power, and that’s certainly true when talking about 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 common problems it faces will allow you to handle easy problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you money on minor service calls, but understanding when to reach out to a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into catastrophic repairs.
Your Air conditioner 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 professional for air conditioning repair in Newton if you're not sure about any aspect of your AC'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 your AC is an effective way to make sure it works efficiently, and possibly could extend the life of your unit.
The most effective step you can take 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 throughout your home. If your AC filter becomes clogged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it ought to in order to force air through the filter. A clean filter removes the airborne debris while still enabling air to flow easily through the system.
Replacement filters are available at most major home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be purchased 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 leave for the store, 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 detailed service of your air conditioner, contact the experienced professionals like the crew at Brookwood Inc to do regular maintenance on your system. They’ll look over your system, clean or lubricate parts that require attention and look for worn-out parts and potential trouble.
2. How Are the Coils on My Air Conditioner Cleaned?
In addition to ensuring your indoor air conditioning unit is working efficiently, it’s necessary to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outdoor unit of your AC is a quick way to boost 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 into the outside air. This cools the refrigerant, which then goes back in your home so it can absorb more heat from the air in your home's interior. Washing 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 flip the power switch off, 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, taking care not to pull hard on any cords or attachments, safely set the top to the side.
3) Put a cleaning solution on the fins, first at the top and then working your way down. Commercial coil cleaners are sold and commonly found in both the canned aerosol spray from as well as products foaming solutions that are applied with your garden hose.
4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most products, it's advised that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a short period of time to loosen the grime and then softly spray it off with a garden hose. Take care not to spray really hard, because that could ruin the coils or fins!
5) Secure the top back on the unit and then wait for the unit to dry before turning the power 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 well 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 maximum value from your system is through AC conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from Brookwood Inc includes cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as putting in a new filter and fixing any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating as long as possible, reach out to us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Newton.
4. What's the Right Size of Air Conditioner?
Finding the proper size of air conditioner for your home is crucial for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some points to think about 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 biggest factors. Larger spaces necessitate more cooling power.
- Home insulation: Well-insulated homes preserve 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 a person living in a cooler place.
- Number of windows: Windows can let in heat, especially when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
- Number of people: More people in the house means more body heat, which may affect your cooling needs.
- Present HVAC system: The size and productivity of your current system can provide a starting point for deciding what you need.
Because the size of your cooling system is so essential to your home’s comfort, you will likely want a professional opinion. At Brookwood Inc, 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 Brookwood Inc is known for superb air conditioning installation in Newton.
5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?
While prices fluctuate depending on the kind of the unit and your home’s unique needs, 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 designed to be exceedingly efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.
The cost 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 necessitate changes to the design.
Know these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always a good idea to get several quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a choice. If you’re interested in air conditioning replacement in Newton, reach out to Brookwood Inc. We can provide you with a free estimate, make sure you understand the process and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.
6. What Causes an Air Conditioner to Freeze Up?
An air conditioner freezing up can be due to a variety of factors, all of which boil down to the system's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your AC is having issues causing it to freeze up, it is most likely time for air conditioning repair.
Here are some frequent causes of AC freezing up:
- Insufficient airflow: If the air isn't flowing correctly through your AC system, it can't effectively 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 may grow too cold and freeze up. This is frequently the result of leaking in the refrigerant lines.
- Frigid outdoor temperatures: Using an air conditioner when it's really cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Most units aren't designed to operate in temperatures of less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
- Mechanical failures: Faulty thermostats, damaged blower motors and issues with the relay or control board can all result in an AC unit freezing up.
Brookwood Inc is your Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in Newton.
At Brookwood Inc, we strive to make your home a comfortable and soothing place. Our experienced 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 first choice for air conditioning repair in Newton and nearby cities.
If you’re wanting to upgrade or its time for a replacement, we’ve got you covered there too, with our first-rate air conditioning installation in Newton. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!
Call Brookwood Inc today at 641-316-9803 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!
