Air Conditioning Services In Clifton Park, Saratoga, Troy, Albany, Schenectady, NY, And Surrounding Areas
6 Common Air Conditioning Questions
In upstate New York we see chilly, snowy winters; hot, humid summers; and everything in between. That is why it is important to know how to operate your system efficiently and how to tell if there is a problem. Here are some common questions and tips to get you through the warmer months.
Why Is My AC Not Working?
- If you’re no longer getting cold air, the first thing you should do is check your thermostat to see if it has any display. If it does not, change the batteries. If the problem persists, call an HVAC professional. You may need a new thermostat, or you could have other underlying issues with the air conditioner.
- If your thermostat has a display, check to see if your air conditioning system is running. If your equipment is not running, call a heating and cooling professional. If your air conditioner is running but you still don’t have cold air, try changing your filter. A dirty filter can cause a restriction in airflow and will influence your air conditioner’s ability to run correctly.
- If your problem persists, there could be a variety of different issues at play. There could be a low refrigerant charge due to a leak in the air conditioning system. Your evaporator coil or condenser coil could be clogged.
How To Change Your Filter
Most filter changes are pretty simple. Start by purchasing a new filter for your system. It should be the same size as your current filter. You should also consider the type of filter – pleated,
washable, fiberglass, or electronic – and replace it with the
same type or better. In addition, check out the filter’s
MERV rating. The higher the rating, the more effective
it will be at filtering your air. Again, replace your old
filter with one of the same MERV rating or better.
Once you’ve selected your new filter, remove your existing filter and replace it with the new one. Pay attention to the direction
of the arrow on the filter. The direction of the arrow should
follow the airflow of your system. Replace the cover on
the system, and you’re done!
Why Is My System Freezing Up?
A freeze-up can be caused by a variety of things. A refrigerant leak, clogged refrigerant line, dirty filter, or something else could be restricting airflow. When this happens, you should call a technician.
Before the technician gets there, turn your fan on auto to help
thaw the built-up ice. You should also have some towels around in case of any water spills. Rapidly trying to thaw by turning your
heat on could result in an overflow of water. So just as a
precaution, keep your heat off.
When the technician arrives on the scene, they will troubleshoot a few components and provide you with a way to remedy the situation.
When Should I Replace My AC?
Replacing your ac systems is an investment. Here are some things to consider:
- The age of your ac system: The life of an ac is typically between 10 and 20 years. If your ac is in that range, it may be time to start thinking about replacement.
- Rising energy bills: As ac age, they become less efficient. Compare your energy bills from the past few summers. An increase in your energy bill could mean it’s time to replace your ac system.
- Leaking refrigerant: Typically, if your system is leaking refrigerant, it is going to be very costly to repair it, and generally a replacement is more cost-effective.
If your unit is relatively new, check the warranty from the manufacturer and the company that installed the ac.
- Costly repairs: A problem that costs you over $3,000 to fix is a good indicator that other components are on their way out. At that point, you should consider replacing instead of paying for the repair.
What AC System Is Best?
Efficiency is one of the most important aspects when determining what air conditioner to install. SEER is the rating given to all central AC systems. SEER stands for “standard energy efficiency ratio.” The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient your unit will be. The New York State minimum is 13 SEER. Higher SEER units are typically more expensive in the short term, but in the long term, they take the cake. A 22-SEER ac system could save you up to $15,000 during its lifetime when compared with a 13-SEER unit.
The most important day of your equipment’s life is the day it’s installed. If installed incorrectly, even top-of-the-line brands can wreak havoc on your wallet and your comfort. A unit, when installed, should sit perfectly level.
If not, you could have hotspots in your compressor, which can lead to burnouts. Whichever unit you get, make sure you have a qualified crew to complete a proper installation.
When deciding which brand of ac to go with, consider a few factors. First is the warranty. The best brands give top-of-the-line warranties because they trust their products. However, you will pay more for a system with this type of warranty. The other factor you should consider is parts availability. This can be crucial as the system ages, because if you have any issues, you’re going to
want the parts to be readily available. You want to choose a trusted brand that will be here in 10-20 years. Currently, Glamorgan Heating & Cooling sells Lennox and Ameristar HVAC products. We’ve found that these brands hit the sweet spot for durability, reliability, and affordability.
What Does It cost?
Typically, a new ac system can run from around $4,500 – $15,000. The cost of a new ac unit can vary drastically based on the size of the unit, efficiency, and comfort level desired. It’s very similar to choosing a car. Do you want the heated seats, or do you want to just get from point A to point B?
Remember, these are major purchases, and some higher SEER systems qualify for rebates. The less expensive system will be cheaper in the short term due to its simplicity, but it will cost you more over time, offsetting the price difference of a higher efficiency unit. This is why we provide payment plans for our customers. By doing this, everyone can afford the best of the best for as little as $25 per week with interest rates as low as 0%. Click here to see what you qualify for without affecting your credit score.
