They say knowledge is power, and that’s certainly true when discussing your air conditioner. While challenging repairs are best left to professionals, it’s helpful to have a rudimentary understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve common AC issues.

Knowing how your AC works and the typical problems it faces will enable you to deal with easy problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you cash on minor service calls, but realizing when to call a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into complex repairs.

Your Air conditioning unit is an important component 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 Albuquerque if you're uncertain about any aspect of your air conditioner's operation or maintenance.

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

1. How Do I Clean an Air Conditioner?

Cleaning an air conditioner is a good way to make sure it runs efficiently, and very well could extend the life of your unit.

The most effective step you can take on your own is to swap out the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter catches dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those particulates from the air circulating throughout your home. If your AC filter becomes choked with debris, the air conditioner has to work harder than it ought to in order to force air through the filter. A clean filter traps the airborne debris while still enabling air to flow freely through the system.

Replacement filters can be purchased at most major home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be bought 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, noting the size of the filter. If you’re not familiar with filters, it’s also a smart idea to note the filtration level of the current filter if you are hoping to buy something similar.

For comprehensive service of your air conditioner, contact the seasoned professionals like the crew at Tru Air Systems LLC to do routine maintenance on your unit. They’ll examine your system, clean or lubricate parts that need cleaning and look for worn-out parts and potential issues.

2. How Do I Clean Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to making sure your indoor air conditioner equipment is working efficiently, it’s necessary to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the exterior unit of your air conditioner is an easy way to boost 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 into the outside air. This brings down the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back into your home so it can soak up more heat from the air in your home's interior. Cleaning the fins and the coils can 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) Remove the top of the outdoor AC so you can reach the interior of the unit. Then, being cautious not to pull hard on any cords or attachments, safely set the top to the side.

3) Apply a cleaning solution on the fins, beginning at the top and moving down. Commercial coil cleaners are sold and commonly found in both the canned aerosol spray from as well as products foaming solutions that are sprayed on with your garden hose.

4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most cleaners, it's suggested that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a brief period of time to attack the grime and then softly spray it off with a garden hose. Take care not to spray really hard, because that could harm the coils or fins!

5) Secure the top back on the unit and then wait for the components to dry before turning the unit 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. That said, pros 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 HVAC is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Tuneups from Tru Air Systems LLC includes cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as putting in a new filter and mending any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating a long time, call us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Albuquerque.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Finding the right size of air conditioner for your home is crucial for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some factors to take into account when deciding what size air conditioner you need for your home:

  • Square footage: The amount of space you need to cool is one of the key factors. Larger spaces necessitate more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes preserve cool air better, which could reduce your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you are living in a hotter climate, you'll need a more powerful air conditioner compared to a homeowner living in a cooler environment.
  • 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 means additional body heat, which may impact your cooling needs.
  • Current HVAC system: The size and performance of your current system can provide a jumping off point for determining what you need.

Given that the size of your AC is so essential to your home’s comfort, you will likely want a professional opinion. At Tru Air Systems LLC, 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 commitment to customer service is why Tru Air Systems LLC is known for excellent air conditioning installation in Albuquerque.

5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices vary depending on the size of the unit and your home’s unique specifications, a new AC 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 exceedingly efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.

The price tag of an air conditioner is influenced 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 necessitate changes to the design.

Realize these are average costs and prices can fluctuate. It's always smart to get numerous quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a choice. If you’re considering air conditioning replacement in Albuquerque, get in touch with Tru Air Systems LLC. We can provide you with a no-cost estimate, describe the plan and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. What Causes an Air Conditioner to Freeze Up?

Air conditioning freezing up can be caused by a variety of 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:

  • Inadequate airflow: If the air isn't flowing correctly through your AC system, it can't properly absorb heat. This could be due to a dirty air filter, blocked return air ducts or a failing fan.
  • Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is getting low on refrigerant, it can grow too cold and freeze up. This is frequently the result of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
  • Cold outdoor temperatures: Running an 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 of less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Malfunctioning thermostats, damaged blower motors and trouble with the relay or control board can all contribute to an AC unit freezing up.

Tru Air Systems LLC is the Trusted Source for Air Conditioning Service in Albuquerque.

At Tru Air Systems LLC, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and pleasant place. Our knowledgeable 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 premier choice for air conditioning repair in Albuquerque and nearby cities.

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

Phone Tru Air Systems LLC today at 505-226-3525 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!