They say knowledge is power, and that’s definitely true when discussing your air conditioner. While complex 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.
Understanding how your AC works and the frequent problems it faces will allow 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 realizing when to reach out to a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into major repairs.
Your Air conditioning unit 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 specialist for air conditioning repair in Thousand Palms if you're uncertain about any aspect of your air conditioner's operation or maintenance.
Here are a few of the common questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:
1. What Is the Best Way to Clean an Air Conditioner?
Cleaning an air conditioning system is a good way to make sure it works efficiently, and potentially 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 captures dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those particulates from the air circulating inside your home. If your AC filter becomes choked with debris, the air conditioner has to work harder than it is supposed to in order to force air through the filter. A clean filter catches the airborne debris while still enabling air to flow freely through the system.
Replacement filters can be purchased at most popular home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be bought 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 go shopping, 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 comprehensive service of your air conditioner, contact the skilled professionals like the crew at Marios Air Conditioning to do scheduled maintenance on your system. They’ll inspect your system, clean or lubricate parts that need it and look for worn-out parts and potential issues.
2. How Do I Clean Air Conditioner Coils?
In addition to making sure your indoor air conditioning unit is functioning 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 increase 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 lowers the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back inside your home so it can soak up more heat from the air within your home. Cleaning the fins and the coils can 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 disconnect it completely from power, rather than turning the thermostat off.
2) Remove the top of the outdoor AC so you can reach the insides of the unit. Then, being careful not to strain any cords or attachments, safely set the top to the side.
3) Spray a cleaning solution on the fins, beginning at the top and working down. Commercial coil cleaners are sold and commonly found in both the canned aerosol spray from as well as brands foaming solutions that are sprayed on with an attachment to 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 loosen the grime and then gently spray it off with a garden hose. Be careful 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 it 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 said, experts say you should start getting ready for air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.
One of the best ways to make the most of your HVAC is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from Marios Air Conditioning 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, call us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Thousand Palms.
4. What Size Air Conditioner Should I Have?
Finding the right size of 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 size of the space you have to cool is one of the biggest factors. Larger spaces require more cooling power.
- Home insulation: Well-insulated homes retain cool air better, which could decrease your cooling needs.
- Climate: If you are living in a hotter climate, you'll require a more powerful air conditioner compared to someone living in a cooler climate.
- Number of windows: Windows frequently let in heat, particularly when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
- Number of occupants: More people in the house create additional body heat, which can affect your cooling needs.
- Existing HVAC system: The size and effectiveness of your current system can provide a place to start for deciding what you need.
Given that the size of your AC is so essential to your home’s comfort, you will probably want a professional opinion. At Marios Air Conditioning, 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 dedication to customer service is why Marios Air Conditioning is known for excellent air conditioning installation in Thousand Palms.
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 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 cost 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 require modifications to the design.
Note these are average costs and prices can fluctuate. It's always a good idea to get several quotes from trusted HVAC companies before making a decision. If you’re considering air conditioning replacement in Thousand Palms, contact Marios Air Conditioning. We will provide you with a free estimate, make sure you understand the procedure and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.
6. Why Do Air Conditioners Freeze Up?
An air conditioner freezing up can be a consequence of many 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 common reasons for AC freezing up:
- Poor airflow: If the air isn't flowing correctly through your AC system, it can't properly absorb heat. This could be due to a dirty air filter, something stopping air from flowing through the return air ducts or a failing fan.
- Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is running low on refrigerant, it can get too cold and freeze up. This is frequently the result of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
- Very Chilly outdoor temperatures: Using an air conditioner when it's really cold outside can cause the system to freeze. The majority of units aren't designed to function in temperatures lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
- Mechanical failures: Malfunctioning thermostats, damaged blower motors and issues with the relay or control board can all result in an AC unit freezing up.
Marios Air Conditioning is your Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in Thousand Palms.
At Marios Air Conditioning, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and pleasant 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 premier choice for air conditioning repair in Thousand Palms and neighboring towns.
If you’re looking to upgrade or its time for a replacement, we’ve got you covered there too, with our top-notch air conditioning installation in Thousand Palms. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!
Contact Marios Air Conditioning today at 760-766-2294 to schedule an appointment or complimentary estimate!