They say knowledge is power, and that’s certainly the truth when talking about 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 general AC issues.
Learning how your AC works and the typical problems it faces will allow you to fix little problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you cash on minor service calls, but knowing when to reach out to a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into major repairs.
Your Air conditioner is an important 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 Bedford if you're not sure 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. How Do I Clean an 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 step you can take 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 contaminants 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 enabling air to flow freely through the system.
Replacement filters can be purchased at most popular home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be bought from your local HVAC expert. 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, jotting down the size of the filter. If you’re not familiar with filters, it’s also a smart idea 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 JBR Mechanical to do scheduled maintenance on your system. They’ll examine 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 ensuring your indoor air conditioner equipment is working efficiently, it’s important to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outside unit of your air conditioner is a simple way to improve 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 into the cooler air outside. This lowers the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back in your home so it can take in more heat from the air in your home's interior. 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 off the the on/off switch, as opposed to turning the thermostat off.
2) Take off the top of the outdoor AC so you can reach the inside of the unit. Then, being cautious not to pull hard on any cords or attachments, safely put the top to the side.
3) Put a cleaning solution on the fins, first at the top and working 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 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 brief period of time to loosen the grime and then gently spray it off with a garden hose. Be cautious not to spray really hard, because that could harm 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 depends on the type of unit, its quality, if maintained and how much it's used. However, industry experts say you should start getting ready for air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.
One of the best ways to get maximum value from your air conditioner is through regular conditioner maintenance. Tuneups from JBR Mechanical 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 as long as it can, contact us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Bedford.
4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?
Picking out the correct sized air conditioner for your home is crucial for achieving comfort and efficiency. Here are some elements to consider when deciding what size air conditioner to buy for your home:
- Square footage: The size of the space you need to cool is one of the most important factors. More expansive spaces require more cooling power.
- Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which should decrease your cooling needs.
- Climate: If you live 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 often let in heat, in particular when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
- Number of occupants: More people in the house create more body heat, which may influence your cooling needs.
- Current HVAC system: The size and productivity of your current system can provide a place to start for identifying what you need.
Because the size of your air conditioner is so important to your home’s comfort, you will probably want a professional opinion. At JBR Mechanical, we take the time to completely understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other considerations such as your home’s layout and size. This attention to detail and focus on customer service is why JBR Mechanical is known for excellent air conditioning installation in Bedford.
5. What Does My Air Conditioner Cost?
While prices fluctuate depending on the brand of the unit and your home’s unique specifications, a new air conditioning system 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 developed to be exceedingly efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.
The price tag 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 can impact the design.
Know these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always a good idea to get at least a few quotes from reliable HVAC companies before making a decision. If you’re interested in air conditioning replacement in Bedford, get in touch with JBR Mechanical. We will schedule an appointment to provide you with a free estimate, explain the procedure and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.
6. Why Do Air Conditioners Freeze Up?
Air conditioning freezing up can be caused 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:
- Poor airflow: If the air isn't flowing easily through your AC system, it can't adequately absorb heat. This could be due to a dirty air filter, obstructed 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 frequently the result of leaking in the refrigerant lines.
- Cold outdoor temperatures: Using an air conditioner when it's really cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Many units aren't designed to work in temperatures lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
- Mechanical failures: Faulty thermostats, damaged blower motors and problems with the relay or control board can all contribute to an AC unit freezing up.
JBR Mechanical is your Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in Bedford.
At JBR Mechanical, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and enjoyable place. Our knowledgeable professionals 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 Bedford and the surrounding towns.
If you’re looking to upgrade or its time for a replacement, we’ve got you covered there too, with our top-notch air conditioning installation in Bedford. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!
Phone JBR Mechanical today at 812-266-9785 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!