They say knowledge is power, and that’s certainly true when discussing your air conditioner. While complex repairs are best left to professionals, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve general AC issues.
Understanding how your AC works and the common problems it faces can empower you to handle simple problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you cash on minor service calls, but understanding when to contact a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into complex repairs.
Your AC is an essential component 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 Shamokin and Sunbury if you're unsure about any aspect of your air conditioning system’s operation or maintenance.
Here are several common questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:
1. How Should I Clean My Air Conditioner?
Cleaning your AC is a good way to make sure it runs efficiently, and very well could extend the life of your unit.
The most significant thing you can do on your own is to change the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter catches 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 is supposed to in order to force air through the filter. A clean filter catches the airborne debris while still enabling air to flow freely through the system.
Replacement filters are available at most popular home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be purchased 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 leave for the store, jotting 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 detailed service of your air conditioner, contact the skilled professionals like the crew at LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. to do scheduled maintenance on your unit. They’ll look over your system, clean or lubricate parts that need it 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 conditioner equipment is functioning efficiently, it’s important to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outside unit of your AC is a simple way to improve 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 into your home so it can take in more heat from the air inside your home. Cleaning the fins and the coils is a way to help them release heat more easily.
To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:
1) First, shut down power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to flip the power switch off, as opposed to turning the thermostat off.
2) Take off the top of the outdoor AC so you can access the interior of the unit. Then, being careful not to pull hard on any cords or attachments, safely put the top to the side.
3) Apply a cleaning solution on the fins, beginning at the top and working down. Commercial coil cleaners are available 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 brands, 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. Be cautious not to spray too 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 can vary based on the type of unit, its quality, how well it's maintained and how much it's used. Having said that, experts say you should start getting ready for air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.
One of the best ways to get the most mileage out of your HVAC is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Routine checkups from LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. includes cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as changing out the dirty filter and mending any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating as long as it can, call us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Shamokin and Sunbury.
4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?
Picking out the correct sized air conditioner for your home is critical for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some elements to take into account when deciding what size air conditioner you need for your home:
- Square footage: The amount of space you want to cool is one of the most important factors. Bigger spaces require more cooling power.
- Home insulation: Well-insulated homes retain cool air better, which should reduce your cooling needs.
- Climate: If you are living in a hotter climate, you'll need a more powerful air conditioner compared to a homeowner 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 residents: More people in the house means greater body heat, which may influence your cooling needs.
- Present HVAC system: The size and effectiveness of your current system can provide a starting point for identifying what you need.
Because the size of your AC is so critical to your home’s comfort, you will likely want a professional opinion. At LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc., we take the time to fully understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other variables such as your home’s design and size. This attention to detail and commitment to customer service is why LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. is known for exceptional air conditioning installation in Shamokin and Sunbury.
5. What Is the Cost of a New Air Conditioner?
While prices fluctuate depending on the kind 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. The good news is that new air conditioners are designed 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 fluctuate. It's always smart to get at least a few quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a choice. If you’re considering air conditioning replacement in Shamokin and Sunbury, reach out to LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc.. We will provide you with a no-cost estimate, explain the procedure 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 due to a variety of factors, all of which boil down to the AC's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your AC is suffering from 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:
- Insufficient airflow: If the air isn't flowing correctly through your AC system, it can't effectively absorb heat. This could be due to a clogged 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 become too cold and freeze up. This is frequently because of leaking in the refrigerant lines.
- Very Chilly outdoor temperatures: Running an air conditioner when it's really cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Many units aren't designed to perform in temperatures of less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
- Mechanical failures: Broken thermostats, damaged blower motors and issues with the relay or control board can all contribute to an AC unit freezing up.
LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. is the Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in Shamokin and Sunbury.
At LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc., we will make your home a comfortable and pleasant place. Our knowledgeable professionals 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 Shamokin and Sunbury and nearby towns.
If you’re seeking to upgrade or its time for a new air conditioner, we’ve got you covered there too, with our top-notch air conditioning installation in Shamokin and Sunbury. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!
Phone LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. today at 570-648-0748 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!