They say knowledge is power, and that’s undoubtedly the truth when talking about your air conditioner. While complicated repairs are best left to specialists, it’s helpful to have a rudimentary understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve general AC issues.
Knowing how your AC works and the common problems it faces can empower 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 realizing when to contact a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into complex repairs.
Your Air conditioner 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 Erie if you're uncertain about any aspect of your AC's operation or maintenance.
Here are several common questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:
1. What Is the Best Way to Clean an Air Conditioner?
Cleaning your AC is a smart 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 change 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 really should in order to pull air through the filter. A clean filter catches 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 ordered from your local HVAC specialist. A good way to make sure you get the proper filter is to look at your old one before you go shopping, taking care to write down 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 hoping to buy something similar.
For comprehensive service of your air conditioner, contact the skilled professionals like the crew at Patterson & Stirling to do scheduled maintenance on your unit. They’ll inspect your system, clean or lubricate parts that need cleaning 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 working efficiently, it’s also a good idea to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the exterior unit of your cooling system is an easy way to boost 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 cooler air outside. 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. Washing the fins and the coils can help them release heat more easily.
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) Lift off the top of the outdoor AC so you can access the inside of the unit. Then, being careful not to strain any cords or attachments, safely put the top to the side.
3) Apply a cleaning solution on the fins, first at the top and working 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 applied with your garden hose.
4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most cleaners, it's suggested that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a short period of time to dissolve the grime and then softly spray it off with a garden hose. Take care not to spray very hard, because that could damage 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. 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 often it's used. However, 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 regular conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from Patterson & Stirling consists of cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as replacing the filter and repairing any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating a long time, call us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Erie.
4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?
Selecting the proper size of air conditioner for your home is crucial for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some points to consider when deciding what size air conditioner to buy for your home:
- Square footage: The amount of space you need to cool is one of the most important factors. More expansive spaces demand more cooling power.
- Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which can decrease your cooling needs.
- Climate: If you are living 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, in particular when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
- Number of people: More people in the house means more body heat, which can impact your cooling needs.
- Existing HVAC system: The size and performance of your current system can provide a place to start for deciding what you need.
Due to the fact the size of your air conditioner is so critical to your home’s comfort, you will likely want a professional opinion. At Patterson & Stirling, we take the time to thoroughly 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 commitment to customer service is why Patterson & Stirling is known for superb air conditioning installation in Erie.
5. What Is the Cost of a New Air Conditioner?
While prices differ depending on the type 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 news is that new air conditioners are developed to be extremely efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.
The price tag of an air conditioner is influenced 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.
Know these are average costs and prices can vary. It's always smart to get at least a few quotes from reliable HVAC companies before making a choice. If you’re thinking about air conditioning replacement in Erie, reach out to Patterson & Stirling. We will provide you with a free estimate, describe the plan and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.
6. Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?
Air conditioning 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 causes of AC freezing up:
- Inadequate airflow: If the air isn't flowing properly through your AC system, it can't properly absorb heat. This could be due to a clogged air filter, blocked return air ducts or a failing fan.
- Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is running low on refrigerant, it may become too cold and freeze up. This is frequently a consequence of leaks in the refrigerant lines.
- Cold outdoor temperatures: Running your air conditioner when it's very cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Most units aren't designed to work in temperatures of less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
- Mechanical failures: Faulty thermostats, damaged blower motors and trouble with the relay or control board can all play a role in an AC unit freezing up.
Patterson & Stirling is your Trusted Source for Air Conditioning Service in Erie.
At Patterson & Stirling, we strive to make your home a comfortable and pleasant place. Our experienced professionals 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 their first call for air conditioning repair in Erie and nearby cities.
If you’re wanting to upgrade or its time for a new unit, we’ve got you covered there too, with our top-notch air conditioning installation in Erie. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!
Call Patterson & Stirling today at 814-739-6977 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!
