They say knowledge is power, and that’s undoubtedly true 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 common AC issues.

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

Your Air conditioner is a fundamental component of your home comfort. Because of that, you should always err on the side of caution and call a NATE-certified professional for air conditioning repair in Bishop if you're uncertain about any aspect of your AC's operation or maintenance.

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

1. How Should I Clean My Air Conditioner?

Cleaning an air conditioning system is a smart way to make sure it works efficiently, and possibly 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 impurities from the air circulating throughout your home. If your AC filter becomes clogged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it ought to in order to pull air through the filter. A clean filter catches the airborne debris while still allowing air to flow freely through the system.

Replacement filters are available at most leading home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be purchased from your local HVAC expert. A good way to make sure you get the correct filter is to look at your old one before you leave for the store, taking care to write down the size of the filter. If you’re not familiar with filters, it’s also a good idea to note the filtration level of the current filter if you are hoping to buy something similar.

For thorough service of your air conditioner, contact the seasoned professionals like the crew at Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning to do regular maintenance on your system. They’ll inspect your system, clean or lubricate parts that need cleaning and look for worn-out parts and potential trouble.

2. How Do I Clean Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to making sure your indoor air conditioning unit is operating efficiently, it’s important to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the exterior unit of your air conditioner is a simple way to increase 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 into the cooler air outside. This lowers the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back in your home so it can take in more heat from the air within your home. Cleansing the fins and the coils can help them release heat more effectively.

To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:

1) First, turn off power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to flip off the the on/off switch, rather than 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 pull hard on any cords or attachments, safely move the top to the side.

3) Put a cleaning solution on the fins, starting at the top and moving 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 an attachment to your garden hose.

4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most products, it's suggested that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a small period of time to dissolve the grime and then carefully spray it off with a garden hose. Be cautious not to spray too hard, because that could damage 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. How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?

The life span of an air conditioner depends on the type of unit, its quality, how well it's maintained and how much it's used. However, experts say you should start thinking about air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.

One of the best ways to get the most mileage out of your air conditioner is through AC conditioner maintenance. Routine checkups from Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning consists of cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as replacing the filter and repairing 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 Bishop.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Finding the correct sized air conditioner for your home is crucial for keeping comfort and efficiency. Here are some points to take into account 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 biggest factors. Larger spaces necessitate more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes preserve 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 someone living in a cooler environment.
  • Number of windows: Windows often let in heat, especially when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of occupants: More people in the house means greater body heat, which could affect your cooling needs.
  • Existing HVAC system: The size and productivity of your current system can provide a jumping off point for determining what you need.

Because the size of your air conditioner is so essential to your home’s comfort, you will definitely want a professional opinion. At Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning, we take the time to thoroughly 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 focus on customer service is why Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning is known for exceptional air conditioning installation in Bishop.

5. What Does My Air Conditioner Cost?

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. On the plus side, a benefit of air conditioning replacement is that new air conditioners are developed to be extremely efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.

The price tag 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 as well as federal regulations that can impact the design.

Know these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always smart to get several quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a choice. If you’re considering air conditioning replacement in Bishop, reach out to Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning. We can provide you with a free estimate, describe the procedure and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. What Causes an Air Conditioner to Freeze Up?

An air conditioner freezing up can be brought on by a variety of factors, all of which boil down to the system's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your AC is experiencing issues causing it to freeze up, it is most likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some frequent triggers for AC freezing up:

  • Insufficient airflow: If the air isn't flowing correctly through your AC system, it can't effectively 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 running low on refrigerant, it can become too cold and freeze up. This is often a consequence of leaking in the refrigerant lines.
  • Cold outdoor temperatures: Using the air conditioner when it's too cold outside can cause the system to freeze. The majority of units aren't designed to perform in temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Broken thermostats, damaged blower motors and issues with the relay or control board can all result in an AC unit freezing up.

Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning is the Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in Bishop.

At Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning, we strive to make your home a comfortable and enjoyable place. Our qualified technicians 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 their first call for air conditioning repair in Bishop and nearby towns.

If you’re seeking to upgrade or its time for a new unit, we’ve got you covered there too, with our top-notch air conditioning installation in Bishop. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!

Call Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning today at 760-784-9034 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!