They say knowledge is power, and that’s undoubtedly the truth when it comes to your air conditioner. While complex repairs are best left to professionals, it’s helpful to have a practical understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve common AC issues.
Learning how your AC works and the frequent problems it faces can empower you to fix simple problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you cash on minor service calls, but knowing when to contact a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into catastrophic repairs.
Your AC is a fundamental component 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 Cottonwood & Prescott if you're not sure 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 Do I 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 significant step you can take on your own is to replace the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter catches dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those contaminants from the air circulating in 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 permitting air to flow easily through the system.
Replacement filters are sold at most leading home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be ordered 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, 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 seasoned professionals like the crew at Connolly Electric & Mechanical to do routine maintenance on your system. They’ll look over your system, clean or lubricate parts that need cleaning and look for worn-out parts and potential trouble.
2. How Are the Coils on My Air Conditioner Cleaned?
In addition to making sure your indoor air conditioner equipment is functioning efficiently, it’s necessary to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outside 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 have extensions called fins, are used to release heat from the refrigerant into the outside air. This cools the refrigerant, which then goes back into your home so it can take in more heat from the air inside your home. Cleansing the fins and the coils can help them release heat more efficiently.
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, rather than turning the thermostat off.
2) Remove the top of the outdoor AC so you can access the insides of the unit. Then, being careful not to stress 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 on the market and commonly found in both the canned aerosol spray from as well as brands foaming solutions that are applied with your garden hose.
4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most brands, it's suggested that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a brief period of time to attack the grime and then gently spray it off with a garden hose. Take care 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 the unit back on.
3. What Is the Average Lifespan of My Air Conditioner?
The life span of an air conditioner changes depending on the type of unit, its quality, how well it's maintained and how frequently it's used. Having said that, industry experts 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 air conditioner is through AC conditioner maintenance. Routine checkups from Connolly Electric & Mechanical 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 it can, call us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Cottonwood & Prescott.
4. What Size Air Conditioner Should I Have?
Choosing the right size of air conditioner for your home is vital for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some factors to consider when deciding what size air conditioner is right for your home:
- Square footage: The amount of space you need to cool is one of the biggest factors. Larger spaces require more cooling power.
- Home insulation: Well-insulated homes retain cool air better, which should minimize 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 place.
- Number of windows: Windows can let in heat, especially when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
- Number of residents: More people in the house means additional body heat, which can influence your cooling needs.
- Existing HVAC system: The size and productivity of your current system can provide a jumping off point for deciding what you need.
Due to the fact the size of your AC is so essential to your home’s comfort, you will probably want a professional opinion. At Connolly Electric & Mechanical, we take the time to fully 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 Connolly Electric & Mechanical is known for excellent air conditioning installation in Cottonwood & Prescott.
5. What Does My Air Conditioner Cost?
While prices differ depending on the kind 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 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 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 fluctuate. It's always a good idea to get at least a few quotes from reliable HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re considering air conditioning replacement in Cottonwood & Prescott, reach out to Connolly Electric & Mechanical. We will schedule an appointment to provide you with a no-cost estimate, describe the process and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.
6. Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?
An air conditioner freezing up can be a consequence of a variety of factors, all of which boil down to the system's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your unit is having issues causing it to freeze up, it is very likely time for air conditioning repair.
Here are some common causes of AC freezing up:
- Poor airflow: If the air isn't flowing easily through your AC system, it can't sufficiently 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 getting low on refrigerant, it may become too cold and freeze up. This is usually because of leaking in the refrigerant lines.
- Frigid outdoor temperatures: Using your air conditioner when it's very cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Many units aren't designed to function in temperatures below 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.
Connolly Electric & Mechanical is your Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in Cottonwood & Prescott.
At Connolly Electric & Mechanical, we will make your home a comfortable and pleasant place. Our skilled specialists are up-to-date on the latest industry training and trends, and work on on a wide variety of systems. That’s why community members make us their first call for air conditioning repair in Cottonwood & Prescott and the surrounding areas.
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 Cottonwood & Prescott. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!
Call Connolly Electric & Mechanical today at 928-251-4327 to schedule an appointment or complimentary estimate!
