Did you know that 87% of homes in the United States have an air conditioner system? And it costs 12% of total home energy expenditures? In other words, you should be well aware of how your air conditioning works, how you can keep it in excellent working condition, and what air conditioning repair services you may need, should the need arise.
Chances are, you will have several questions about your air conditioner system. However, you would probably hesitate to ask your handyman/technician about this – you are not alone.
Don’t worry! We have put together a handy list of the most commonly asked questions and answers about AC systems.
Let’s see what our air conditioning service experts have to share.
This is probably the most commonly asked question. There are many AC brands available in the market. Not all are equal. They vary in cost, size, and cooling functions. You have to consider buying a system that provides optimal cooling while keeping your energy costs low. In short – think about an energy-efficient air conditioner system.
It depends! Any home can have a central HVAC system -that’s a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. But in the end, it all comes down to your heating and cooling needs. In Utah, summers are hot, and winters are cold. So, a full-scale central HVAC system might be your best bet.
However, you need to consider the costs and installation of the duct network, filters, furnace, and AC unit. It’s certainly not a DIY job. So, you will have to consult a local, skilled, and experienced air conditioning service provider for installation.
It’s best to ask a professional to inspect your house first. They can suggest the best heating and cooling solutions based on your needs.
Most AC systems last around 15 to 20 years – some may even work for 25 years. However, your air conditioner system needs regular maintenance. It often involves changing filters, cleaning vents and ducts, checking the thermostat and coolant levels, and removing clogs from the drainage line, among other things. You are better off hiring an air conditioning service provider for a tune-up at least once a year.
Yes. You must change the filter regularly. Experts recommend changing it every 90 days or three months. This frequency may vary based on the age of your air conditioner system, its usage, your location, and whether or not you have pets. If you want, consult an experienced technician to understand exactly when you should change the air filter.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. It measures how energy efficient your air conditioner system is. The law requires every manufacturer to rate their AC units for energy efficiency. Your AC will also come with a SEER rating.
The higher the rating, the more efficient the equipment. As of Jan. 23, 2006, the minimum SEER rating of an air conditioner system in the United States is 13. Most systems operating today have a SEER rating of 16. But some highly-efficient systems have a rating as high as 23.
Leaking water builds up moisture inside your house, creating a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and bacteria. Mold can lead to many health problems such as a stuffy nose, wheezing, red or itchy eyes, or skin. So, you need to fix the leak immediately.
If your air conditioner system is leaking water inside the home, it’s usually a clogged condensate drain line. When dirt, dust, or mold gets trapped in the condensate line, it results in a leak as water cannot flow out.
There could also be other reasons like a broken condensate pan, faulty installation, or even low refrigerant levels. You should consult an air conditioning service provider to help you identify and fix the problem.
Most Utah homeowners experience this frustrating issue. There are many reasons your AC will ice up. It could be due to insufficient airflow across the condenser coil. Without proper heat exchange, the condenser coil will freeze. This may require you to check your air filter.
Other reasons include a low refrigerant level, dirty evaporator coil, or mechanical failures like a defective motor or relay. All of these reasons require professional help. Contact a trusted air conditioning service provider immediately.
With no cold air blowing, the inside temperature and humidity will rise. It can directly impact the health of your family and pets. There are several reasons for your air conditioner system to stop blowing cold air.
One of the most common reasons is leaking or low level of refrigerant. Without enough refrigerant, the AC will stop blowing cold air. A dirty or clogged filter can also prevent the cold air from entering your house. Debris like hair, lint, dust, and pollen builds up in the air filter over time. Changing the filter can solve this problem.
Other causes include thermostat-related issues, malfunctioned or broken condenser coils, and blocked or clogged registers. You will need an expert to tend to this issue, whether the reasons may be. So, call a reliable technician as soon as possible.
AC units may not run silently, but a weird noise coming from your AC is a sign of malfunctioning. Besides, a noisy air conditioner system takes away your comfort.
There are many reasons for your AC to make loud buzzing noises. It could be due to missing or broken isolation feet, refrigerant leaks, loosened parts, or a malfunctioned compressor.
Usually, when one part comes loose, it puts pressure on the rest of the components, which leads to loud noises. If unchecked, your AC may stop working eventually.
As these are not usually DIY issues, you should call a technician as quickly as possible.
There is nothing worse than your AC not turning on in the intense Utah heat. But before you freak out, you will need to find out why it won’t turn on. It could be something as simple as your thermostat getting switched off. Try turning it on. If it doesn’t, check the batteries. Replacing the dead batteries should turn it on.
Another common issue is the circuit breaker getting tripped. A power surge can cause the circuit breaker to trip. Check your electrical panel, and turn ON the OFF switch button. That should turn your air conditioner system on.
However, the issue may not always be so straightforward. It could be a clogged filter, blown-out fuse, motor malfunction, refrigerant leak, clogged drainage line, or false temperature readings, among other things. It’s difficult to trace the exact cause if you are no expert. Call an air conditioning service provider immediately. They can identify and fix the problem quickly.
Wrap Up
As a homeowner, you probably have many questions about your air conditioner system. You need to know the basics of air conditioning to be sure it works properly and won’t stop working suddenly. Hopefully, these frequently asked questions and answers will help you in this regard.
Further reading:Have more questions? Our HVAC experts will be happy to help you out.
At Perform Heating and Cooling, we can cover all your HVAC needs. For over 25 years, we have helped Utahans with high-quality heating repair, installation, and maintenance services. Book a service call with us now to find out how we can help you.
Thinking about purchasing an air-conditioning unit and unsure where to start?
We’ve been there; the options feel endless, so we’ve tried to make it easier by answering the top 5 questions about purchasing a new air conditioning unit.
Like any machine, servicing your air conditioner regularly will keep it running nicely, the regularity of servicing your air-con depends on the type of system, age and usage.
A good rule of thumb is to service every year and then between services you can;
Organise an internal clean of your system.
Keep an eye out for any debris that may fall on the external unit.
If you feel like your air-con system isn’t working at its optimal level call in a professional to have a look.
Ideally, you don’t want to push the system hard in summer and winter. Maintaining a good temperature throughout the year will cause less wear and tear on the lifespan of your air conditioner.
There are a few simple things you can do to reduce your energy costs when you have air conditioning. These include:
Limit how much you use it. Don't leave it running all day when you're not home or even all night when you're sleeping.
Use a smart thermostat to manage when the air conditioner goes on for optimal house temperature during the day and at night.
Regular serving and cleaning. Your air conditioner will run at its optimal level when it's well serviced and kept clean.
Aside from ducted air, all air conditioners are required to have energy efficiency ratings like other major appliances. These ratings are based on multiple factors determined by the E3 Program (an energy rating initiative by the Australian Government, states and New Zealand Government).
The rating system was created to help consumers compare air conditioning systems when deciding which one to purchase. There will be separate energy efficiency ratings for heating and cooling and there is also differences in the ratings based on the area you’re located. You can read more about the energy rating system on the Energy Rating website.
Shopping for an air conditioner is like any other type of shopping; it all comes down to you. What do you want, what do you need and how much can you afford.
But to help you when buying, here are some questions to ask yourself when purchasing an air conditioner:
What's the energy rating for the AC unit?
Would a ducted or a split system air conditioner suit your home?
What area does the AC system cool and heat?
How big is the system? Will it fit in your home?
What's your budget?
Read our air conditioning buying guide here.
The installation costs of air conditioning range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. These differences in price come down to the type of AC unit you purchase, the size of your home and the complexity of the installation.
You can get a basic split system air conditioner installed for between $600 - $749 (hipages). For a larger split system or ducted air conditioning, you can expect to pay between $2,399 - $5,400 (hipages) or more, depending on the complexity of the install.
These price ranges are for installation by a licensed installer only without the added cost of the system itself which can again range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Make sure you budget for both costs when looking to get air conditioning installed.
With Brighte you can spread the cost of the air conditioner and installation over time, simply apply for pre-approval today and request a quote from the Brighte Marketplace.
Sources: hipages
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