At some point your air conditioner is going to fail. Stallons AC is here to help. Here are the most common questions asked before a service call. If you wondered if there was something simple you could do, check question 7 below.
1. How long does an air conditioner last? Most air conditioners last 10-15 years. This can vary depending on maintenance and usage.
2. How often should I change the filter? The average filter should be changed when it's 50% dirty. In most homes this can take 1-2 months. Remember if the filter is getting dirty it is working correctly. If your filter is more than 50% dirty, this will affect the efficiency of your system. Premium air filters (i.e. electrostatic) can help remove up to 99.98% of household allergens, and should be cleaned every 6 months.
3. My air conditioner runs all the time. What's wrong? Insulation plays a big role in an air conditioner's efficiency. If your insulation isn't adequate, the cool air being put out by your unit will leak out. If your building is properly insulated, there may be something mechanically wrong, or you may need a larger unit. You should have a heat load calculation done by a qualified HVAC contractor on your home.
4. How often should I have my air conditioner serviced? You should have your air conditioner serviced twice a year. This is usually done in the spring and the fall.
5. My air conditioner is running, but the air coming out is not very cold. What's wrong? If the air is somewhat cool but not cold, there are several possible causes: your unit is low on refrigerant, there's a dirty condenser coil, a dirty air filter, or it's an undersized unit. Two things you can do before you call a service technician are to make sure your air filter is clean, and make sure your outside unit is clear of any obstructions. If your unit's air output remains cool after these two steps, call a technician.
6. I think my unit is icing up. Is this a problem? Yes. In order to defrost your system, turn your system to "off" and fan to "on." Allow your unit to run with the fan on only for 2 hours to allow the ice to melt. After your unit has thawed, check your air filter. If it is dirty, try replacing it and turning your unit back on. If your air filter is clean, call a service technician.
7. My air conditioner is not working today. It was fine yesterday. What’s wrong? Make sure your thermostat is set to "on." Also be sure to check all your breakers as well as your unit's filter.
If you feel uncomfortable doing any of this or it is still not cooling, we are here to help. Your safety is important. Do not attempt to do any of this if you are not qualified to do so. If none of this fixes the problem, give us a call!
