They say knowledge is power, and that’s definitely accurate when discussing your air conditioner. While complex repairs are best left to specialists, it’s helpful to have a rudimentary understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve common AC issues.
Learning 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 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 important 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 Harrisonville and Raymore if you're uncertain about any aspect of your AC's operation or maintenance.
Here are a few of the typical questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:
1. What Is the Best Way to Clean an Air Conditioner?
Cleaning an air conditioner is an effective way to make sure it works efficiently, and potentially could extend the life of your unit.
The most important 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 impurities from the air circulating in your home. If your AC filter becomes plugged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it ought to in order to move air through the filter. A clean filter traps the airborne debris while still enabling air to flow efficiently through the system.
Replacement filters are available 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 proper 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 trying to buy something similar.
For detailed service of your air conditioner, contact the seasoned professionals like the crew at Balance Point Heating & Cooling to do routine maintenance on your system. They’ll examine your system, clean or lubricate parts that require attention and look for worn-out parts and potential trouble.
2. How Are the Coils on My Air Conditioner Cleaned?
In addition to ensuring your indoor AC unit is working efficiently, it’s also a good idea to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outdoor unit of your air conditioner is a quick 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 absorb more heat from the air inside your home. Cleansing the fins and the coils will help them release heat more effectively.
To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:
1) First, shut off power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to flip the power switch off, instead of 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) Put a cleaning solution on the fins, starting at the top and moving down. Commercial coil cleaners are sold 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 brands, it's advised that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a brief period of time to dissolve the grime and then softly spray it off with a garden hose. Be cautious 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 the unit 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 often it's used. Having said that, 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 HVAC is through AC conditioner maintenance. Routine checkups from Balance Point Heating & Cooling consists of cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as changing out the dirty filter and repairing any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating a long time, contact us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Harrisonville and Raymore.
4. What's the Right Size of Air Conditioner?
Picking out the right size of air conditioner for your home is vital for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some factors to take into account when deciding what size air conditioner is right for your home:
- Square footage: The total area of the space you want 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 reside in a hotter climate, you'll need a more powerful air conditioner compared to someone living in a cooler climate.
- Number of windows: Windows often let in heat, particularly when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
- Number of people: More people in the house create additional body heat, which could impact your cooling needs.
- Present HVAC system: The size and effectiveness of your current system can provide a place to start for identifying what you need.
Given that the size of your cooling system is so important to your home’s comfort, you will definitely want a professional opinion. At Balance Point Heating & Cooling, we take the time to completely understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other variables such as your home’s layout and size. This attention to detail and commitment to customer service is why Balance Point Heating & Cooling is known for superb air conditioning installation in Harrisonville and Raymore.
5. What Does My Air Conditioner Cost?
While prices differ depending on the kind of the unit and your home’s unique requirements, 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 influenced 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 require modifications to the design.
Know these are average costs and prices can vary. It's always helpful to get numerous quotes from reliable HVAC companies before making a choice. If you’re interested in air conditioning replacement in Harrisonville and Raymore, get in touch with Balance Point Heating & Cooling. We will 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?
An air conditioner freezing up can be caused by a variety of factors, all of which boil down to the AC's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your unit is experiencing 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:
- Poor airflow: If the air isn't flowing properly through your AC system, it can't effectively absorb heat. This could be due to a plugged air filter, obstructed return air ducts or a failing fan.
- Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is running low on refrigerant, it may grow too cold and freeze up. This is often the result of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
- Cold outdoor temperatures: Running the air conditioner when it's very cold outside can cause the system to freeze. The majority of units aren't designed to function in temperatures of less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
- Mechanical failures: Malfunctioning thermostats, damaged blower motors and issues with the relay or control board can all play a role in an AC unit freezing up.
Balance Point Heating & Cooling is your Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in Harrisonville and Raymore.
At Balance Point Heating & Cooling, we will make your home a comfortable and soothing 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 Harrisonville and Raymore and nearby areas.
If you’re looking to upgrade or its time for a replacement, we’ve got you covered there too, with our first-rate air conditioning installation in Harrisonville and Raymore. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!
Call Balance Point Heating & Cooling today at 816-265-0448 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!