They say knowledge is power, and that’s definitely accurate when talking about your air conditioner. While complicated repairs are best left to specialists, it’s helpful to have a practical understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve general AC issues.
Learning how your AC works and the common problems it faces will enable you to deal with little problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you dollars on minor service calls, but understanding when to call a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into complex 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 Saint Louis if you're not sure about any aspect of your AC's operation or maintenance.
Here are several frequent 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 operates efficiently, and potentially could extend the life of your unit.
The most important action you can take on your own is to replace 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 choked with debris, the air conditioner has to work harder than it ought to in order to move air through the filter. A clean filter catches the airborne debris while still enabling air to flow easily through the system.
Replacement filters can be purchased at most major home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be ordered from your local HVAC specialist. 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, 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 comprehensive service of your air conditioner, contact the experienced professionals like the crew at Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating to do scheduled maintenance on your AC. They’ll examine your system, clean or lubricate parts that need cleaning and look for worn-out parts and potential problems.
2. How Should I Clean the Air Conditioner Coils?
In addition to making certain that your indoor air conditioner equipment is operating efficiently, it’s important to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the exterior unit of your air conditioner is an easy 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 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 can help them release heat more efficiently.
To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:
1) First, turn off power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to flip the power switch off, instead of turning the thermostat off.
2) Lift off the top of the outdoor AC so you can reach the inside of the unit. Then, being cautious not to strain any cords or attachments, safely put 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 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 attack the grime and then carefully spray it off with a garden hose. Be careful not to spray very hard, because that could harm 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. How Long Can Air Conditioners Work?
The life span of an air conditioner changes depending on the type of unit, its quality, how often it's maintained and how much it's used. However, pros say you should start looking into air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.
One of the best ways to make the most of your system is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Tuneups from Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating features cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as putting in a new filter and mending any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating a long time, contact us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Saint Louis.
4. What's the Right Size of Air Conditioner?
Picking out the right size of air conditioner for your home is critical for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some elements to think about when deciding what size air conditioner you need for your home:
- Square footage: The amount of space you have to cool is one of the biggest factors. Bigger spaces demand more cooling power.
- Home insulation: Well-insulated homes retain cool air better, which should decrease 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 environment.
- Number of windows: Windows frequently let in heat, in particular when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
- Number of residents: More people in the house produce additional body heat, which can affect your cooling needs.
- Present HVAC system: The size and productivity of your current system can provide a place to start for deciding what you need.
Because the size of your AC is so essential to your home’s comfort, you will probably want a professional opinion. At Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating, we take the time to fully 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 commitment to customer service is why Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating is known for exceptional air conditioning installation in Saint Louis.
5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?
While prices fluctuate depending on the type of the unit and your home’s unique needs, a new AC generally costs between $5,000 and $12,500 to purchase and install. The good news is that new air conditioners are developed to be exceptionally 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 in addition to federal regulations that require modifications to the design.
Note these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always smart to get several quotes from reliable HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re considering air conditioning replacement in Saint Louis, reach out to Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating. We will provide you with a no-cost estimate, describe the plan and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.
6. What Causes an Air Conditioner to Freeze Up?
Air conditioning 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 suffering from issues causing it to freeze up, it is very likely time for air conditioning repair.
Here are some common reasons for AC freezing up:
- Inadequate airflow: If the air isn't flowing easily through your AC system, it can't adequately absorb heat. This could be due to a clogged air filter, obstructed return air ducts or a failing fan.
- Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is starting to get low on refrigerant, it could grow too cold and freeze up. This is frequently a consequence of leaks in the refrigerant lines.
- Frosty outdoor temperatures: Operating the air conditioner when it's very cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Most units aren't designed to operate in temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
- Mechanical failures: Malfunctioning thermostats, damaged blower motors and trouble with the relay or control board can all result in an AC unit freezing up.
Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating is the Trusted Source for Air Conditioning Service in Saint Louis.
At Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and enjoyable place. Our experienced 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 Saint Louis and neighboring cities.
If you’re looking to upgrade or its time for a new air conditioner, we’ve got you covered there too, with our first-rate air conditioning installation in Saint Louis. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!
Phone Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating today at 314-262-4541 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!