They say knowledge is power, and that’s undoubtedly accurate when talking about your air conditioner. While challenging repairs are best left to professionals, it’s helpful to have a practical understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve ordinary AC issues.
Knowing how your AC works and the common problems it faces can empower 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 realizing when to reach out to a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into catastrophic repairs.
Your AC is an important component 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 Vero Beach if you're unsure about any aspect of your AC's operation or maintenance.
Here are some frequent questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:
1. How Should I Clean My Air Conditioner?
Cleaning an air conditioner is a smart way to make sure it runs efficiently, and potentially could extend the life of your unit.
The most effective thing you can do 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 clogged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it should in order to force air through the filter. A clean filter traps the airborne debris while still enabling air to flow efficiently through the system.
Replacement filters can be purchased at most major home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be purchased from your local HVAC professional. A good way to make sure you get the correct filter is to look at your old one before you leave for the store, noting 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 comprehensive service of your air conditioner, contact the experienced professionals like the crew at Temp Control of Vero Beach to do scheduled maintenance on your unit. They’ll examine your system, clean or lubricate parts that need it and look for worn-out parts and potential trouble.
2. How Do I Clean Air Conditioner Coils?
In addition to making certain that your indoor air conditioning unit is operating efficiently, it’s important to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outdoor unit of your AC is a simple way to boost 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 to the outdoors. This lowers the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back inside your home so it can soak up more heat from the air in your home's interior. Washing the fins and the coils can 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 off the the on/off switch, rather than turning the thermostat off.
2) Take off the top of the outdoor AC so you can reach the inside of the unit. Then, taking care not to strain any cords or attachments, safely move the top to the side.
3) Apply a cleaning solution on the fins, first at the top and then working your way down. Commercial coil cleaners are on the market 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 recommended that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a small period of time to attack the grime and then gently spray it off with a garden hose. Be careful 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 coils and fins to dry before turning the unit back on.
3. What Is the Average Lifespan of My Air Conditioner?
The life span of an air conditioner depends on the type of unit, its quality, if maintained and how frequently it's used. Having said that, 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 HVAC is through regular conditioner maintenance. Tuneups from Temp Control of Vero Beach consists of cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as replacing the 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 Vero Beach.
4. What's the Right Size of Air Conditioner?
Finding the proper size of air conditioner for your home is crucial for achieving 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 want to cool is one of the key factors. Bigger spaces demand more cooling power.
- Home insulation: Well-insulated homes preserve cool air better, which should reduce your cooling needs.
- Climate: If you live in a hotter climate, you'll require a more powerful air conditioner compared to someone living in a cooler place.
- 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 produce additional body heat, which could impact your cooling needs.
- Present HVAC system: The size and effectiveness of your current system can provide a jumping off point for determining what you need.
Because the size of your AC is so critical to your home’s comfort, you will probably want a professional opinion. At Temp Control of Vero Beach, we take the time to completely understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other factors such as your home’s insulation level and size. This attention to detail and focus on customer service is why Temp Control of Vero Beach is known for excellent air conditioning installation in Vero Beach.
5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?
While prices differ depending on the kind 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 designed to be exceedingly efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.
The price tag 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 along with federal regulations that necessitate changes to the design.
Note these are average costs and prices can fluctuate. It's always helpful to get several quotes from reliable HVAC companies before making a decision. If you’re contemplating air conditioning replacement in Vero Beach, get in touch with Temp Control of Vero Beach. We can provide you with a complimentary estimate, describe the process and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.
6. What Causes an Air Conditioner to Freeze Up?
An AC freezing up can be a consequence of multiple factors, all of which boil down to the failure of your system 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 frequent reasons for AC freezing up:
- Inadequate 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, obstructed 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 often because of leaking in the refrigerant lines.
- Frigid outdoor temperatures: Running the air conditioner when it's really cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Most units aren't designed to perform 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.
Temp Control of Vero Beach is the Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in Vero Beach.
At Temp Control of Vero Beach, we will make your home a comfortable and enjoyable place. Our skilled 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 the first choice for air conditioning repair in Vero Beach and the surrounding cities.
If you’re planning to upgrade or its time for a new air conditioner, we’ve got you covered there too, with our top-notch air conditioning installation in Vero Beach. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!
Phone Temp Control of Vero Beach today at 772-356-0617 to schedule an appointment or complimentary estimate!