They say knowledge is power, and that’s undoubtedly accurate when talking about your air conditioner. While complex repairs are best left to specialists, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve general AC issues.

Understanding how your AC works and the frequent problems it faces can empower you to tackle easy problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you money on minor service calls, but understanding when to reach out to a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into major repairs.

Your Air conditioning unit 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 Smyrna if you're unsure about any aspect of your air conditioner's operation or maintenance.

Here are some 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 action you can take on your own is to swap out the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter captures dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those contaminants from the air circulating in your home. If your AC filter becomes plugged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it really should in order to pull air through the filter. A clean filter removes the airborne debris while still allowing air to flow freely through the system.

Replacement filters are sold at most popular home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be purchased from your local HVAC professional. A good way to make sure you get the right filter is to look at your old one before you head out for the store, taking care to write 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 seasoned professionals like the crew at Fletcher Plumbing, Heating & AC to do scheduled maintenance on your unit. They’ll inspect your system, clean or lubricate parts that need cleaning and look for worn-out parts and potential problems.

2. How Do I Clean Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to making certain that your indoor AC unit is operating efficiently, it’s important to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outdoor unit of your air conditioner is a quick 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 brings down the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back inside your home so it can take in more heat from the air inside your home. Washing the fins and the coils will help them release heat more efficiently.

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, instead of turning the thermostat off.

2) Take off the top of the outdoor AC so you can access the inside of the unit. Then, taking care not to strain any cords or attachments, safely move the top to the side.

3) Put a cleaning solution on the fins, beginning at the top and working down. Commercial coil cleaners are sold 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 brands, it's recommended that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a brief period of time to loosen the grime and then softly spray it off with a garden hose. Take care 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 coils and fins to dry before turning the power back on.

3. What Is the Average Lifespan of My Air Conditioner?

The life span of an air conditioner can vary based on the type of unit, its quality, if maintained and how frequently 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 get maximum value from your HVAC is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Routine checkups from Fletcher Plumbing, Heating & AC consists of cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as putting in a new 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 Smyrna.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Should I Have?

Selecting the correct sized air conditioner for your home is critical for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some points to think about when deciding what size air conditioner is right for your home:

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

Due to the fact the size of your air conditioner is so essential to your home’s comfort, you will almost certainly want a professional opinion. At Fletcher Plumbing, Heating & AC, we take the time to fully understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other considerations such as your home’s insulation level and size. This attention to detail and dedication to customer service is why Fletcher Plumbing, Heating & AC is known for superb air conditioning installation in Smyrna.

5. What Is the Cost of a New Air Conditioner?

While prices vary depending on the size 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. The good thing is that new air conditioners are developed to be exceedingly efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.

The cost of an air conditioner is affected 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 can impact the design.

Note these are average costs and prices can vary. It's always a good idea to get numerous quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a choice. If you’re considering air conditioning replacement in Smyrna, get in touch with Fletcher Plumbing, Heating & AC. We can provide you with a complimentary estimate, describe the procedure and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?

An air conditioner freezing up can be due to multiple 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 common triggers for AC freezing up:

  • Insufficient airflow: If the air isn't flowing properly through your AC system, it can't sufficiently absorb heat. This could be due to a dirty air filter, something stopping air from flowing through the return air ducts or a failing fan.
  • Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is running low on refrigerant, it can become too cold and freeze up. This is often because of leaks in the refrigerant lines.
  • Frosty outdoor temperatures: Operating an air conditioner when it's too cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Many units aren't designed to work in temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Faulty thermostats, damaged blower motors and issues with the relay or control board can all result in an AC unit freezing up.

Fletcher Plumbing, Heating & AC is the Trusted Source for Air Conditioning Service in Smyrna.

At Fletcher Plumbing, Heating & AC, 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 are experienced on a wide variety of systems. That’s why community members make us the first choice for air conditioning repair in Smyrna and neighboring towns.

If you’re planning to upgrade or its time for a replacement, we’ve got you covered there too, with our first-class air conditioning installation in Smyrna. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!

Phone Fletcher Plumbing, Heating & AC today at 302-653-0503 to schedule an appointment or complimentary estimate!