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What Are the Most Common Questions About Air Conditioning?
Your air conditioning system is a significant investment in your home as well as your family’s comfort. The best way to maximize the lifespan of your AC and minimize your repair and replacement costs is to understand how your system works and how to properly maintain it.
Experts like those at Len The Plumber Heating & Air can help you keep all your home systems running optimally for maximum efficiency and savings. Below are answers to our customer’s most commonly asked AC questions.
Len The Plumber Heating & Air is here for all your air conditioning repairs, replacements, and maintenance needs throughout Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Mercer Counties. Call us or contact us online to schedule service.
How Much Is a New Air Conditioning Unit?
Although the average price range for residential AC units is $3,800 to $7,500, there are a number of factors that will determine the cost of a new AC for your home:
- SEER rating: The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio measure’s a system’s efficiency. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient and more expensive your system will be.
- Home size and layout: Your home’s square footage, number of floors, number of bedrooms, windows and doors, etc. are all factors a professional will consider when determining the size and type of air conditioner you need for your home.
- Installation complexity: The location and size of your old system within your home as well as the needs of your new system all play a role in the installation process and labor costs of a new system.
- Additional factors: A new system may need updates or changes to your ductwork, a thermostat replacement, or other factors that mean additional labor costs.
How Do I Maintain My Air Conditioning System?
To maintain your air conditioner, you should change your air filters every one to three months, clean your condenser and evaporator coils annually, and schedule a professional tune-up and inspection each year before peak system.
Can My Air Conditioning Make Me Sick?
When an air conditioner is poorly maintained, it can circulate allergens and mold which tend to exacerbate existing conditions like asthma and allergies. Cold, dry air can also trigger respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals.
Regular filter changes and humidity control within your home can reduce health risks. Len The Plumber Heating & Air offers a wide range of indoor air quality solutions and can help you determine which is right for you home.
How Long Do Air Conditioning Units Last?
The average lifespan of an air conditioner is 12 to 15 years with proper maintenance. An annual inspection and tune-up each spring is recommended to extend the system’s lifespan and prevent premature replacement.
If your system has frequent breakdowns, produces uneven cooling, or your energy bills are rising without explanation, it may be time to replace your system.
Why Is My Air Conditioning Unit Leaking Water?
Although it’s normal for your air conditioner to produce condensation, leaking or puddling water indicates a problem. If unaddressed, leaking water can lead to mold, a system shutdown, and water damage to your home.
There are several reasons your air conditioning system may be leaking water including a clogged condensate drain, a damaged drain pan, frozen coils, or dirty air filters. If changing your air filter or cleaning your drain pan doesn’t address the issue, you should call a professional technician.
How Do You Repair an Air Conditioning Unit?
The most common problems homeowners face with air conditioners are refrigerant leaks, electrical faults, and faulty capacitors. If your air conditioner isn’t working properly, there are a few things you can troubleshoot on your own before calling a technician:
- Check the thermostat: Ensure your thermostat is set to cool and your desired temperature.
- Change your air filter: A dirty or clogged air filter can lead to a range of problems with your AC.
- Check the power supply: Ensure your system is powered on and the breaker isn’t tripped in the electrical panel.
If the problems with your AC persist after doing these things, it’s time to call a professional to diagnose and repair your system.
What Is Ductless Air Conditioning?
A ductless mini-split is capable of both heating and cooling your home without the need for ducts. They have both indoor and outdoor components that are connected via refrigerant lines. Mini-splits are energy efficient, operate quietly, and provide flexible installation options making them ideal for additions, garages, or areas where zoned cooling is needed.
How Does Central Air Conditioning Work?
A central air conditioner is a thermostat-controlled system that cools your whole home by transferring heat using refrigerant. It’s major components include a compressor, a condenser, evaporator coils, an air handler, and a system of ductwork.
Refrigerant enters the system’s compressor as a gas where its temperature and pressure are increased before being sent to the condenser. There, condenser coils remove heat from the refrigerant, transforming it into a liquid. The AC’s expansion valve reduces the pressure of that liquid and the evaporator coil allows the refrigerant to absorb heat from the air inside your home. The resulting cool air is then circulated throughout your home using ducts.
Can a Nest Thermostat Replace Heating and Air Conditioning Controls?
Nest Thermostats are compatible with most modern, 24V HVAC systems and offer smart scheduling, remote access, and energy savings. For dual-fuel or complex systems, we recommend having a professional technician install your nest thermostat.
How Do I Charge My Home Air Conditioning System?
If your AC is producing warm air, making hissing sounds, or appears to have iced coils, it may be low on refrigerant. Adding refrigerant to the system is known as “charging” your AC, but it is not recommended as a DIY project.
Adding refrigerant to your air conditioner should be done by an EPA-certified technician like those at Len The Plumber Heating & Air due to environmental and safety laws. Attempting to charge your system on your own puts your system as well as your personal safety at risk.
Does Air Conditioning Reduce Humidity?
An air conditioner naturally reduces humidity in your home while cooling. For the system to dehumidify effectively, however, it’s important your AC is properly sized for your home. For especially humid areas, we also recommend whole-house dehumidifiers which can add further comfort while reducing strain on your air conditioning system.
How Do I Clean My Air Conditioning Coils?
Before attempting to clean your air conditioning coils, ensure your system is powered down. Turn it off at the thermostat as well as your electrical box to ensure your safety.
To clean the coils, we recommend using a coil brush or a commercial coil cleaner on both your evaporator and condenser coils. You should do this annually to maintain your system’s efficiency and prevent unnecessary system strain.
How Much Does Air Conditioning Cost in Electricity?
The cost to run your air conditioner will depend on a few different factors including your system’s efficiency or SEER rating, your family’s usage and habits, and your local energy rates. Typically, however, you can expect to pay $0.06–$0.88 to run a central AC.
To lower your costs, consider installing a smart thermostat or ceiling fans, and be sure to schedule regular system maintenance with a professional each spring.
Do You Need Help with Your Air Conditioning System?
The professional and experienced technicians at Len The Plumber Heating & Air are here for all your cooling and heating needs throughout Hamilton Township, Cherry Hill, Vineland, and the surrounding areas. We offer:
Our technicians are prepared to provide 24/7 emergency repairs and same day service seven days a week with no extra charges for evening, weekend, or overtime services.
For air conditioning services you can trust, call the experts at Len The Plumber Heating & Air. Contact us online to get started.
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