They say knowledge is power, and that’s certainly the truth when talking about your air conditioner. While complicated repairs are best left to experts, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve ordinary AC issues.
Understanding how your AC works and the frequent problems it faces will allow you to tackle easy problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you money on minor service calls, but knowing when to contact a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into major repairs.
Your Air conditioner is an essential 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 Cambridge if you're uncertain about any aspect of your air conditioning system’s operation or maintenance.
Here are some common questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:
1. How Should I Clean My Air Conditioner?
Cleaning an air conditioner is an effective way to make sure it runs efficiently, and very well could extend the life of your unit.
The most effective action 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 throughout your home. If your AC filter becomes choked with debris, the air conditioner has to work harder than it ought to in order to pull air through the filter. A clean filter removes the airborne debris while still allowing air to flow freely through the system.
Replacement filters are sold at most major home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be ordered 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, taking care to write down the size of the filter. If you’re not familiar with filters, it’s also helpful to note the filtration level of the current filter if you are wanting to buy something similar.
For thorough service of your air conditioner, contact the skilled professionals like the crew at Pliescott HVAC Services LLC to do regular maintenance on your unit. They’ll look over your system, clean or lubricate parts that need cleaning and look for worn-out parts and potential problems.
2. How Do I Clean Air Conditioner Coils?
In addition to ensuring your indoor AC unit is operating efficiently, it’s important to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outdoor unit of your air conditioner is a simple 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 cooler air outside. This brings down the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back inside your home so it can soak up more heat from the air inside your home. Cleaning the fins and the coils will help them release heat more effectively.
To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:
1) First, shut down power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to flip the power switch off, rather than turning the thermostat off.
2) Remove the top of the outdoor AC so you can enter the insides of the unit. Then, taking care not to strain any cords or attachments, safely put the top to the side.
3) Put a cleaning solution on the fins, first 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 products foaming solutions that are applied with your garden hose.
4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most brands, it's advised that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a small period of time to dissolve the grime and then gently 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 depends on the type of unit, its quality, how well it's maintained and how much it's used. That said, pros 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 system is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Tuneups from Pliescott HVAC Services LLC features cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as changing out the dirty filter and mending any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating as long as it can, contact us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Cambridge.
4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?
Choosing the correct sized air conditioner for your home is crucial for achieving comfort and efficiency. Here are some elements to consider when deciding what size air conditioner is right for your home:
- Square footage: The amount of space you have to cool is one of the most important factors. Larger spaces require more cooling power.
- Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which could reduce your cooling needs.
- Climate: If you live in a hotter climate, you'll need a more powerful air conditioner compared to a homeowner living in a cooler climate.
- 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 produce greater body heat, which could influence your cooling needs.
- Present HVAC system: The size and effectiveness of your current system can provide a starting point for identifying what you need.
Due to the fact the size of your AC is so essential to your home’s comfort, you will likely want a professional opinion. At Pliescott HVAC Services LLC, we take the time to fully understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other factors such as your home’s design and size. This attention to detail and commitment to customer service is why Pliescott HVAC Services LLC is known for excellent air conditioning installation in Cambridge.
5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?
While prices differ depending on the brand 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 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 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 numerous quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a decision. If you’re considering air conditioning replacement in Cambridge, reach out to Pliescott HVAC Services LLC. We can provide you with a free estimate, describe the process and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.
6. Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?
Air conditioning freezing up can be brought on by a number of factors, all of which boil down to the failure of your system to efficiently transfer heat. If your unit is suffering from issues causing it to freeze up, it is more than likely time for air conditioning repair.
Here are some frequent reasons for AC freezing up:
- Insufficient airflow: If the air isn't flowing correctly through your AC system, it can't properly 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 may become too cold and freeze up. This is frequently because of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
- Frosty outdoor temperatures: Running an air conditioner when it's too cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Many units aren't designed to work in temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
- Mechanical failures: Malfunctioning thermostats, damaged blower motors and trouble with the relay or control board can all result in an AC unit freezing up.
Pliescott HVAC Services LLC is your Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in Cambridge.
At Pliescott HVAC Services LLC, we strive to make your home a comfortable and enjoyable place. Our experienced technicians 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 Cambridge and neighboring cities.
If you’re planning to upgrade or its time for a new unit, we’ve got you covered there too, with our first-class air conditioning installation in Cambridge. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!
Phone Pliescott HVAC Services LLC today at 410-228-4822 to schedule an appointment or complimentary estimate!