What Are the Most Common Questions About Air Conditioning?

Air conditioning is an essential part of staying safe and comfortable in North Carolina during the hottest and muggiest days of the summer. Unsurprisingly, our customers frequently have some questions about installing or replacing systems, repairs, and maintenance. Let’s cover some of the most frequently asked questions about AC.

How Much Is a New Air Conditioning Unit?

The price range for a residential AC unit can vary, but the average at the low end is $3,800, and at the high end is $7,500. Common factors affecting the cost include:

• Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER)
• House size
• Ceiling heights
• Installation location

A few less common factors include updating the ductwork, replacing the thermostat, and overall labor for complex installations. You will see more expensive projects if customers want cutting-edge technologies that include variable control systems and extremely high SEER ratings.

How Do I Maintain My Air Conditioning System?

The biggest thing you can do to maintain your house’s AC unit is to replace the air filters regularly. Normally, once every three months is a good replacement schedule. If you’re unsure how often they need to be replaced, start by checking the filters every month to ensure they’re not clogging too fast.

You should clean the condenser and evaporator coils once a year. Also, you should schedule a professional tune-up annually. Our technicians can lubricate moving parts, run diagnostics on electronics, and confirm that the refrigerant lines are still charged.

Can My Air Conditioning Make Me Sick?

Poor indoor air quality often causes sickness in homes. Weak air circulation allows allergens and mold to grow. Cold and dry air can also cause respiratory irritation. A house may need a dehumidifier to keep mold growth down, and a humidifier might be necessary to reduce dry air.

Also, make sure to replace filters regularly to reduce the risk of illness. Clogged filters reduce airflow, and poor airflow reduces how much clean air is going through your HVAC.

How Long Do Air Conditioning Units Last?

The average lifespan of an AC system is 12 to 15 years with proper maintenance. You will see models that go well over 20 years with a little luck. Preventive care gives your AC the best odds of being one of those units. Signs an AC may be due for replacement include:

• Frequent breakdowns
• Rising energy bills
• Uneven cooling
• Short cycling

Why Is My Air Conditioning Unit Leaking Water?

People often mistakenly believe that an air conditioning unit might drip water due to humidity as part of normal operation. However, the drain line should carry all moisture away. A clogged line prevents efficient moisture removal. The issue could also be a dirty filter that’s causing the system to strain, and you can easily address that problem with a replacement filter.

A clogged drain line may be more problematic, but our technicians have professional-grade cleaners that clear clogs. We also check the drain line during the regular tune-up.

How Do You Repair an Air Conditioning Unit?

Homeowners can perform a few simple checks, such as looking at the thermostat settings, replacing the air filter, and verifying that a circuit breaker hasn’t flipped. If these checks don’t resolve the problem, then it’s time to ask one of our licensed HVAC technicians to check the unit. We can address common problems like refrigerant leaks, electrical faults, and failing capacitors.

What Is Ductless Air Conditioning?

A ductless air conditioner uses refrigerant lines to deliver cooling to an air handler in a room. This eliminates the need for air ducts. Ductless models are great for retrofitting old houses or providing zoned HVAC. They operate quietly, are efficient, and offer flexible installation options.

How Does Central Air Conditioning Work?

Central is the other common option. A large unit containing a condenser and evaporator coils cools refrigerant and then sends it to an air handler. The air handler then cools the air in your home’s ductwork. A blower motor propels the cool air throughout the ducts. Central air is very convenient, allowing you to set a single thermostat to control cooling for your whole house.

What Is a Mini Split Air Conditioning Unit?

A mini split is a variant of a ductless AC. Using multiple refrigerant lines and a single outdoor unit, a mini split connects to multiple air handlers in different rooms. Mini splits are good for houses without ductwork, additions, garages, and zoned HVAC.

If you only need air conditioning in part of your home, a mini split provides plenty of options. You can also easily add more air handlers later if you decide you want AC in additional rooms.

Can a Nest Thermostat Replace Heating and Air Conditioning Controls?

Nest systems are compatible with nearly all existing HVAC systems, although our technicians will verify that your system’s wiring meets the requirements. Nest thermostats offer smart scheduling, remote access, and noticeable energy savings. If your house’s HVAC uses a dual-fuel system or has a complex design, we strongly recommend that you have one of our technicians handle the installation.

How Do I Charge My Home Air Conditioning System?

You do not. A person, such as one of our technicians, must have an EPA certification to handle refrigerant for safety and environmental reasons. AC charging involves adding refrigerant and pressurizing it. Symptoms that an AC needs to be charged include:

• Warm air
• Hissing sounds
• Iced coils

Icing happens because with less heat exchange, the coils are cooled fast enough to operate normally.

Does Air Conditioning Reduce Humidity?

Yes, AC systems remove humidity along with cooling. However, in a humid climate such as we experience in the summer, you want to install a whole-house humidifier to minimize mold growth and take some of the burden off the AC.

How Do I Clean My Air Conditioning Coils?

First, turn off the AC’s power. Second, purchase a coil brush and a commercial coil cleaner. Annual cleaning improves heat exchange by getting dirt off the coils. By extension, that improves efficiency and prevents system strain.

How Much Does Air Conditioning Cost in Electricity?

Operating costs vary dramatically based on usage habits, SEER ratings, and local energy prices. The range goes from 6 to 88 cents an hour on average. You can save money by using a smart thermostat and ceiling fans. Regular maintenance also significantly improves efficiency.

Do You Need Help with Your Air Conditioning System?

Roby Services handles HVAC work in Charlotte, NC, and nearby communities. We offer financing upon credit approval for customers planning installation projects, too. Our company has been helping our neighbors for decades, and we are known for our commitment to integrity and quality service. We would be happy to assist you with servicing an air conditioner or performing AC repairs.

If you need air conditioning services in Charlotte, contact Roby Services today.

More Information on Air Conditioning

You can learn more by reading our blog. We cover a variety of HVAC issues and other home service topics.