They say knowledge is power, and that’s undoubtedly accurate when discussing your air conditioner. While complicated repairs are best left to experts, it’s helpful to have a practical understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve common AC issues.

Understanding how your AC works and the common problems it faces will enable you to deal with simple 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 part of your home comfort. Because of that, you should always err on the side of caution and call a NATE-certified technician for air conditioning repair in Narvon if you're unsure about any aspect of your AC's operation or maintenance.

Here are some frequent questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:

1. How Do I Clean an Air Conditioner?

Cleaning your AC is a smart way to make sure it works efficiently, and very well could extend the life of your unit.

The most important thing you can do on your own is to swap out 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 throughout your home. If your AC filter becomes clogged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it really should in order to move air through the filter. A clean filter removes the airborne debris while still allowing air to flow easily through the system.

Replacement filters are sold at most popular home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be ordered from your local HVAC expert. 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, 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 experienced professionals like the crew at Ameri-Tec to do regular maintenance on your AC. They’ll look over your system, clean or lubricate parts that need cleaning and look for worn-out parts and potential issues.

2. How Are the Coils on My Air Conditioner Cleaned?

In addition to making sure your indoor AC unit is functioning efficiently, it’s necessary to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outside unit of your cooling system is a simple way to improve its efficiency and can extend the life of your entire system.

The coils, which have extensions called fins, are used to release heat from the refrigerant to the outdoors. This brings down the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back inside your home so it can take in more heat from the air in your home's interior. Washing 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 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 enter the interior of the unit. Then, being cautious not to strain any cords or attachments, safely set the top to the side.

3) Apply a cleaning solution on the fins, first at the top and moving down. Commercial coil cleaners are on the market 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 cleaners, it's recommended 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 ruin 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. That said, experts say you should start looking into air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.

One of the best ways to get maximum value from your air conditioner is through AC conditioner maintenance. Tuneups from Ameri-Tec 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, reach out to us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Narvon.

4. What's the Right Size of Air Conditioner?

Choosing the correct sized air conditioner for your home is vital for achieving comfort and efficiency. Here are some factors to consider when deciding what size air conditioner you need for your home:

  • Square footage: The size of the space you want to cool is one of the most important factors. Larger spaces require more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which can decrease your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you reside in a hotter climate, you'll need a more powerful air conditioner compared to someone living in a cooler place.
  • Number of windows: Windows can let in heat, particularly when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of occupants: More people in the house create more body heat, which could affect your cooling needs.
  • Present HVAC system: The size and performance of your current system can provide a place to start for deciding what you need.

Given that the size of your AC is so important to your home’s comfort, you will likely want a professional opinion. At Ameri-Tec, we take the time to fully understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other variables such as your home’s layout and size. This attention to detail and commitment to customer service is why Ameri-Tec is known for excellent air conditioning installation in Narvon.

5. What Does My Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices fluctuate depending on the brand 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 thing 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 require modifications to the design.

Know these are average costs and prices can vary. It's always a good idea to get at least a few quotes from reliable HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re interested in air conditioning replacement in Narvon, get in touch with Ameri-Tec. We will provide you with a complimentary estimate, explain the process and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. Why Do Air Conditioners Freeze Up?

Air conditioning freezing up can be a consequence of multiple factors, all of which boil down to the system's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your unit is experiencing issues causing it to freeze up, it is more than likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some frequent causes of AC freezing up:

  • Insufficient 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, 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 can get too cold and freeze up. This is usually the result of leaking in the refrigerant lines.
  • Cold outdoor temperatures: Operating the air conditioner when it's very cold outside can cause the system to freeze. The majority of units aren't designed to function in temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Malfunctioning thermostats, damaged blower motors and problems with the relay or control board can all contribute to an AC unit freezing up.

Ameri-Tec is your Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in Narvon.

At Ameri-Tec, we will make your home a comfortable and soothing place. Our skilled specialists 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 their first call for air conditioning repair in Narvon and the surrounding cities.

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 Narvon. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!

Call Ameri-Tec today at 717-844-9228 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!