They say knowledge is power, and that’s definitely the truth when discussing your air conditioner. While complicated repairs are best left to professionals, it’s helpful to have a rudimentary understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve common 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 call a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into catastrophic repairs.
Your AC is an essential element 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 Murrieta if you're not sure 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 Do I Clean an Air Conditioner?
Cleaning an air conditioner is a good way to make sure it operates efficiently, and possibly could extend the life of your unit.
The most significant thing you can do on your own is to change 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 choked with debris, 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 allowing air to flow freely through the system.
Replacement filters can be purchased at most leading home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be bought from your local HVAC specialist. A good way to make sure you get the right 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 smart idea to note the filtration level of the current filter if you are trying to buy something similar.
For detailed service of your air conditioner, contact the skilled professionals like the crew at Cool Air Solutions to do routine maintenance on your unit. They’ll look over your system, clean or lubricate parts that require attention and look for worn-out parts and potential trouble.
2. How Do I Clean Air Conditioner Coils?
In addition to making sure your indoor air conditioning unit is working efficiently, it’s important to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the exterior unit of your cooling system is a simple way to increase 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 cools the refrigerant, which then goes back inside your home so it can take in more heat from the air inside your home. Cleaning the fins and the coils can help them release heat more efficiently.
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, 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, being cautious not to stress any cords or attachments, safely set the top to the side.
3) Apply a cleaning solution on the fins, beginning at the top and moving down. Commercial coil cleaners are on the market and commonly found in both the canned aerosol spray from as well as in the form of foaming solutions that are sprayed on with an attachment to your garden hose.
4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most products, it's suggested that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a brief period of time to loosen the grime and then softly spray it off with a garden hose. Take care 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 the unit back on.
3. How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?
The life span of an air conditioner can vary based on the type of unit, its quality, how often it's maintained and how frequently it's used. That said100, experts say you should start thinking about air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.
One of the best ways to get maximum value from your air conditioner is through regular conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from Cool Air Solutions includes cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as putting in a new filter and mending any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating as long as possible, contact us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Murrieta.
4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?
Selecting the correct sized air conditioner for your home is critical for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some factors to think about when deciding what size air conditioner you need for your home:
- Square footage: The amount of space you need to cool is one of the key factors. Larger spaces demand more cooling power.
- Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which could minimize your cooling needs.
- Climate: If you reside in a hotter climate, you'll require a more powerful air conditioner compared to a homeowner living in a cooler place.
- Number of windows: Windows often let in heat, in particular when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
- Number of residents: More people in the house produce additional body heat, which may influence your cooling needs.
- Present HVAC system: The size and effectiveness of your current system can provide a jumping off point for deciding what you need.
Given that the size of your cooling system is so important to your home’s comfort, you will probably want a professional opinion. At Cool Air Solutions, we take the time to fully understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other factors such as your home’s insulation level148 and size. This attention to detail and focus on customer service is why Cool Air Solutions is known for exceptional air conditioning installation in Murrieta.
5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?
While prices differ depending on the brand of the unit and your home’s unique requirements, a new air conditioner generally costs between $5,000 and $12,500 to purchase and install. The good thing is that new air conditioners are designed 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 as well as federal regulations that can impact the design.
Note these are average costs and prices can vary. It's always a good idea to get several quotes from trusted HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re interested in air conditioning replacement in Murrieta, contact Cool Air Solutions. We will schedule an appointment to provide you with a no-cost estimate, describe the plan and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.
6. What Causes an Air Conditioner to Freeze Up?
Air conditioning freezing up can be a consequence of 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 frequent triggers for 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, something stopping air from flowing through the return air ducts or a failing fan.
- Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is getting low on refrigerant, it could get too cold and freeze up. This is frequently the result of leaks in the refrigerant lines.
- Frigid outdoor temperatures: Operating your air conditioner when it's very cold outside can cause the system to freeze. The majority of units aren't designed to perform in temperatures lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
- Mechanical failures: Malfunctioning thermostats, damaged blower motors and trouble with the relay or control board can all play a role in an AC unit freezing up.
Cool Air Solutions is the Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in Murrieta
At Cool Air Solutions, we strive to make your home a comfortable and enjoyable place. Our qualified professionals 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 the first choice for air conditioning repair in Murrieta and neighboring towns.
If you’re looking to upgrade or its time for a new unit, we’ve got you covered there too, with our first-class air conditioning installation in Murrieta. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!
Phone Cool Air Solutions today at 951-299-9853 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!