They say knowledge is power, and that’s undoubtedly the truth 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.
Knowing 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 cash on minor service calls, but knowing when to contact a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into catastrophic repairs.
Your Air conditioning unit 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 Naples if you're unsure about any aspect of your AC's operation or maintenance.
Here are several frequent 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 operates efficiently, and potentially could extend the life of your unit.
The most significant action you can take 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 throughout your home. If your AC filter becomes plugged, 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 permitting air to flow freely through the system.
Replacement filters can be purchased at most leading home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be bought from your local HVAC professional. A good way to make sure you get the right 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 helpful to note the filtration level of the current filter if you are wanting to buy something similar.
For detailed service of your air conditioner, contact the skilled professionals like the crew at Speedy Air Conditioning to do routine maintenance on your AC. They’ll inspect your system, clean or lubricate parts that need it and look for worn-out parts and potential problems.
2. How Are the Coils on My Air Conditioner Cleaned?
In addition to making sure your indoor AC unit is working efficiently, it’s necessary 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 are attached to extensions called fins, are used to release heat from the refrigerant to the outdoors. This cools the refrigerant, which then goes back into your home so it can absorb more heat from the air inside 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, shut down power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to disconnect it completely from power, instead of turning the thermostat off.
2) Lift off the top of the outdoor AC so you can enter the inside of the unit. Then, being cautious not to strain any cords or attachments, safely move the top to the side.
3) Apply a cleaning solution on the fins, first at the top and then working your way 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 sprayed on with an attachment to your garden hose.
4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most products, it's recommended that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a brief 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 damage the coils or fins!
5) Secure the top back on the unit and then wait for the components to dry before turning the power back on.
3. How Long Can Air Conditioners Work?
The life span of an air conditioner changes depending on the type of unit, its quality, how well it's maintained and how much it's used. That said, experts 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 air conditioner is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from Speedy Air Conditioning includes 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 as long as possible, call us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Naples.
4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?
Choosing the proper size of air conditioner for your home is vital for keeping comfort and efficiency. Here are some points to consider when deciding what size air conditioner you need for your home:
- Square footage: The total area of the space you have to cool is one of the key factors. Larger spaces necessitate more cooling power.
- Home insulation: Well-insulated homes preserve cool air better, which should minimize your cooling needs.
- Climate: If you live in a hotter climate, you'll want a more powerful air conditioner compared to a homeowner 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 residents: More people in the house means additional body heat, which may impact your cooling needs.
- Existing HVAC system: The size and effectiveness of your current system can provide a starting point for determining what you need.
Given that the size of your air conditioner is so critical to your home’s comfort, you will probably want a professional opinion. At Speedy Air Conditioning, we take the time to completely understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other considerations such as your home’s insulation level and size. This attention to detail and focus on customer service is why Speedy Air Conditioning is known for exceptional air conditioning installation in Naples.
5. What Does My Air Conditioner Cost?
While prices vary depending on the type of the unit and your home’s unique needs, a new air conditioner generally costs between $5,000 and $12,500 to purchase and install. On the plus side, a benefit of air conditioning replacement is that new air conditioners are crafted 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 in addition to federal regulations that require modifications to the design.
Know these are average costs and prices can fluctuate. It's always helpful to get numerous quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re interested in air conditioning replacement in Naples, get in touch with Speedy Air Conditioning. We will schedule an appointment to provide you with a free estimate, explain the plan and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.
6. What Causes an Air Conditioner to Freeze Up?
An air conditioner freezing up can be brought on by a variety of factors, all of which boil down to the failure of your system to efficiently transfer heat. If your air conditioner is suffering from issues causing it to freeze up, it is more than likely time for air conditioning repair.
Here are some typical reasons for AC freezing up:
- Inadequate airflow: If the air isn't flowing correctly 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 may grow too cold and freeze up. This is frequently because of leaks in the refrigerant lines.
- Frosty outdoor temperatures: Operating an air conditioner when it's too 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 contribute to an AC unit freezing up.
Speedy Air Conditioning is your Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in Naples.
At Speedy Air Conditioning, we strive to make your home a comfortable and soothing place. Our qualified 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 Naples and neighboring towns.
If you’re planning to upgrade or its time for a replacement, we’ve got you covered there too, with our first-rate air conditioning installation in Naples. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!
Call Speedy Air Conditioning today at 239-244-3439 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!
