They say knowledge is power, and that’s certainly the truth when talking about your air conditioner. While challenging repairs are best left to specialists, it’s helpful to have a rudimentary understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve everyday AC issues.
Understanding how your AC works and the typical problems it faces will enable you to handle 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 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 specialist for air conditioning repair in Fort Lauderdale if you're not sure about any aspect of your air conditioner'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 conditioning system is a good way to make sure it operates efficiently, and possibly could extend the life of your unit.
The most effective thing you can do on your own is to swap out 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 clogged, 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 enabling air to flow easily through the system.
Replacement filters are sold at most popular home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be ordered from your local HVAC specialist. A good way to make sure you get the correct filter is to look at your old one before you head out for the store, noting 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 wanting to buy something similar.
For comprehensive service of your air conditioner, contact the experienced professionals like the crew at Solar Air Inc. 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 problems.
2. How Are the Coils on My Air Conditioner Cleaned?
In addition to ensuring your indoor air conditioner equipment is operating efficiently, it’s necessary to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outdoor unit of your air conditioner is an easy 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 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. Cleansing 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, instead of turning the thermostat off.
2) Take off the top of the outdoor AC so you can reach the interior of the unit. Then, being cautious not to pull hard on any cords or attachments, safely set the top to the side.
3) Put a cleaning solution on the fins, starting at the top and moving down. Commercial coil cleaners are available 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 cleaners, it's recommended that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a short period of time to attack the grime and then softly 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 components to dry before turning it back on.
3. How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?
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. That said, industry experts say you should start looking into air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.
One of the best ways to get the most mileage out of your system is through regular conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from Solar Air Inc. consists of 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, call us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Fort Lauderdale.
4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?
Picking out the correct sized air conditioner for your home is vital for achieving comfort and efficiency. Here are some elements to take into account when deciding what size air conditioner to buy for your home:
- Square footage: The size of the space you have to cool is one of the most important factors. Larger spaces require more cooling power.
- Home insulation: Well-insulated homes preserve cool air better, which can reduce your cooling needs.
- Climate: If you reside in a hotter climate, you'll require a more powerful air conditioner compared to a person living in a cooler climate.
- Number of windows: Windows can let in heat, particularly when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
- Number of people: More people in the house produce additional body heat, which can affect your cooling needs.
- Current HVAC system: The size and productivity of your current system can provide a starting point for determining what you need.
Given that the size of your cooling system is so essential to your home’s comfort, you will definitely want a professional opinion. At Solar Air Inc., we take the time to completely understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other considerations such as your home’s design and size. This attention to detail and focus on customer service is why Solar Air Inc. is known for superb air conditioning installation in Fort Lauderdale.
5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?
While prices differ depending on the brand of the unit and your home’s unique specifications, 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 developed to be extremely efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.
The price 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 can impact the design.
Realize these are average costs and prices can vary. It's always smart to get numerous quotes from trusted HVAC companies before making a decision. If you’re thinking about air conditioning replacement in Fort Lauderdale, contact Solar Air Inc.. We will provide you with a no-cost estimate, explain 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 brought on by 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 more than likely time for air conditioning repair.
Here are some frequent causes of AC freezing up:
- Insufficient airflow: If the air isn't flowing easily through your AC system, it can't effectively 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 getting low on refrigerant, it could get too cold and freeze up. This is often a consequence of leaks in the refrigerant lines.
- Very Chilly outdoor temperatures: Operating an air conditioner when it's very cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Many units aren't designed to function 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.
Solar Air Inc. is the Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in Fort Lauderdale.
At Solar Air Inc., we strive to make your home a comfortable and enjoyable place. Our qualified specialists 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 Fort Lauderdale 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 first-rate air conditioning installation in Fort Lauderdale. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!
Phone Solar Air Inc. today at 954-320-7398 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!
