They say knowledge is power, and that’s certainly the truth when discussing your air conditioner. While challenging 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.
Knowing how your AC works and the common problems it faces can empower you to fix simple problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you dollars on minor service calls, but understanding when to contact a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into complex repairs.
Your Air conditioner is an essential part 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 Oxford if you're uncertain about any aspect of your air conditioner's operation or maintenance.
Here are some 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 important thing you can do on your own is to change the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter traps dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those impurities from the air circulating inside your home. If your AC filter becomes plugged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it really should in order to force air through the filter. A clean filter removes the airborne debris while still allowing air to flow efficiently through the system.
Replacement filters are sold at most popular home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be purchased 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 head out for the store, taking care to write down 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 hoping to buy something similar.
For comprehensive service of your air conditioner, contact the skilled professionals like the crew at Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc to do routine maintenance on your unit. They’ll examine your system, clean or lubricate parts that require attention and look for worn-out parts and potential issues.
2. How Are the Coils on My Air Conditioner Cleaned?
In addition to making certain that your indoor air conditioning unit is operating efficiently, it’s necessary to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outdoor unit of your AC is a quick 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 to the outdoors. This lowers the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back inside your home so it can take in more heat from the air inside your home. Washing the fins and the coils can 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) Take off the top of the outdoor AC so you can reach the interior of the unit. Then, being cautious not to stress any cords or attachments, safely set the top to the side.
3) Spray a cleaning solution on the fins, first at the top and then working your way 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 products, 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 carefully 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 unit 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, if maintained and how often it's used. Having said that, experts say you should start thinking about 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 Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc consists of cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as replacing the filter and fixing any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating a long time, reach out to us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Oxford.
4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?
Picking out the right size of air conditioner for your home is critical for keeping 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 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 a homeowner living in a cooler environment.
- Number of windows: Windows often let in heat, particularly when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
- Number of occupants: More people in the house means more body heat, which could affect your cooling needs.
- Existing HVAC system: The size and productivity 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 important to your home’s comfort, you will probably want a professional opinion. At Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc, we take the time to completely understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other variables such as your home’s insulation level and size. This attention to detail and focus on customer service is why Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc is known for exceptional air conditioning installation in Oxford.
5. What Does My Air Conditioner Cost?
While prices differ depending on the type 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. 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 tag 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 can impact the design.
Note these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always smart to get numerous quotes from trusted HVAC companies before making a decision. If you’re considering air conditioning replacement in Oxford, get in touch with Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. We can provide you with a complimentary estimate, make sure you understand the procedure and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.
6. Why Do Air Conditioners Freeze Up?
Air conditioning freezing up can be brought on by a number of factors, all of which boil down to the AC's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your unit is having issues causing it to freeze up, it is very likely time for air conditioning repair.
Here are some frequent reasons for AC freezing up:
- Poor airflow: If the air isn't flowing correctly through your AC system, it can't sufficiently absorb heat. This could be due to a plugged air filter, blocked return air ducts or a failing fan.
- Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is running low on refrigerant, it can grow too cold and freeze up. This is often because of leaking in the refrigerant lines.
- Very Chilly outdoor temperatures: Operating your air conditioner when it's too cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Most units aren't designed to function in temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
- Mechanical failures: Broken thermostats, damaged blower motors and problems with the relay or control board can all result in an AC unit freezing up.
Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc is your Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in Oxford.
At Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and pleasant place. Our qualified technicians 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 the premier choice for air conditioning repair in Oxford and nearby towns.
If you’re seeking to upgrade or its time for a new unit, we’ve got you covered there too, with our top-notch air conditioning installation in Oxford. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!
Phone Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc today at 662-281-1231 to schedule an appointment or complimentary estimate!