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

Understanding how your AC works and the typical problems it faces can empower you to fix easy problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you money 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 a fundamental 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 Bend if you're not sure 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 an air conditioner is a smart way to make sure it works efficiently, and possibly could extend the life of your unit.

The most significant thing you can do on your own is to replace the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter catches dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those impurities from the air circulating in your home. If your AC filter becomes plugged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it is supposed to in order to force air through the filter. A clean filter traps the airborne debris while still enabling air to flow efficiently through the system.

Replacement filters are sold at most leading home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be bought from your local HVAC professional. A good way to make sure you get the correct filter is to look at your old one before you head out for the store, jotting down 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 trying to buy something similar.

For comprehensive service of your air conditioner, contact the skilled professionals like the crew at Tri County Climate Control LLC to do scheduled maintenance on your AC. They’ll look over your system, clean or lubricate parts that need it and look for worn-out parts and potential problems.

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 a quick way to improve its efficiency and can extend the life of your entire system.

The coils, which are attached to extensions called fins, are used to release heat from the refrigerant to the outdoors. This lowers the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back inside your home so it can soak up more heat from the air within your home. Washing the fins and the coils will help them release heat more effectively.

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, rather than turning the thermostat off.

2) Take off the top of the outdoor AC so you can enter the inside of the unit. Then, taking care not to pull hard on any cords or attachments, safely set the top to the side.

3) Put a cleaning solution on the fins, starting at the top and working down. Commercial coil cleaners are on the market 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 brands, it's advised that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a short period of time to dissolve the grime and then softly spray it off with a garden hose. Take care not to spray very hard, because that could ruin 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 can vary based on the type of unit, its quality, how often it's maintained and how much it's used. That said, industry experts say you should start thinking about air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.

One of the best ways to get maximum value from your HVAC is through regular conditioner maintenance. Tuneups from Tri County Climate Control LLC includes cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as replacing the filter and fixing any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating a long time, reach out to us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Bend.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Choosing the right size of air conditioner for your home is critical for keeping comfort and efficiency. Here are some points to consider when deciding what size air conditioner is right for your home:

  • Square footage: The size of the space you have to cool is one of the biggest factors. More expansive spaces necessitate more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which could reduce your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you are living in a hotter climate, you'll want a more powerful air conditioner compared to a homeowner living in a cooler environment.
  • Number of windows: Windows often let in heat, particularly when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of occupants: More people in the house produce additional body heat, which can affect your cooling needs.
  • Current HVAC system: The size and productivity of your current system can provide a starting point for identifying what you need.

Given that the size of your AC is so important to your home’s comfort, you will probably want a professional opinion. At Tri County Climate Control LLC, we take the time to thoroughly understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other factors such as your home’s design and size. This attention to detail and dedication to customer service is why Tri County Climate Control LLC is known for exceptional air conditioning installation in Bend.

5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices fluctuate depending on the size of the unit and your home’s unique requirements, a new air conditioner generally costs between $5,000 and $12,500 to purchase and install. The good news is that new air conditioners are crafted to be extremely efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.

The cost of an air conditioner is impacted by several factors during the manufacturing process, such as the cost and availability of raw materials, manufacturing and labor costs in addition to federal regulations that require modifications to the design.

Know these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always helpful to get several quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a decision. If you’re considering air conditioning replacement in Bend, get in touch with Tri County Climate Control LLC. We can provide you with a complimentary estimate, describe the process and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. What Causes an Air Conditioner to Freeze Up?

Air conditioning freezing up can be brought on by multiple factors, all of which boil down to the system's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your AC is having 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:

  • Insufficient airflow: If the air isn't flowing properly through your AC system, it can't effectively absorb heat. This could be due to a plugged 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 could grow too cold and freeze up. This is usually the result of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
  • Very Chilly outdoor temperatures: Operating your air conditioner when it's really cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Many units aren't designed to function in temperatures of less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Broken thermostats, damaged blower motors and problems with the relay or control board can all contribute to an AC unit freezing up.

Tri County Climate Control LLC is the Trusted Source for Air Conditioning Service in Bend.

At Tri County Climate Control LLC, we strive to make your home a comfortable and enjoyable place. Our qualified 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 Bend and neighboring areas.

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

Phone Tri County Climate Control LLC today at 541-238-2797 to schedule an appointment or complimentary estimate!