Air Conditioner FAQs

Q: How long will my air conditioner last?

A: If you have a proper maintenance routine for your air conditioner and you take good care of it, you can expect it to last 15 – 18 years. With that being said, many factors affect the lifespan of your AC unit, including the quality of installation and intensity of use.

Q: How can I improve my air conditioner’s energy efficiency?

A: The most obvious answer is invest in a new energy-efficient air conditioner. However, if you have an older AC unit, there are a few things you can do to help improve your energy efficiency, including changing your air filters regularly, cleaning your coils, and performing regular tune-ups.

Q: Do I have to replace my AC coil when I replace my air conditioner?

A: Most air conditioners are optimized for a certain coil, and they require a specific type of refrigerant. At Mountain Air, we always recommend replacing your AC coil when you install a new AC unit.

Q: When should I replace my air conditioner?

A: We like to compare air conditioners to cars; if your car is getting 7 mpg and you’re spending more to repair it, nine times out of 10 you will buy a new one. Similar to air conditioners, if you are spending more time repairing it and your monthly bills have been steadily increasing, you may be better off replacing your unit with a new, energy-efficient one.

Q: Why is there ice on my air conditioner’s coil?

A: There are a variety of reasons for this. However, the most common is that there is a lack of air flow. If you haven’t changed your air filter in a while, it may be dirty, blocking air from flowing in and out of your system. This causes moisture to collect on the coil that then freezes. Another reason could be a low refrigerant charge.

Q: What is a zoning system for air conditioning?

A: A zoning system separates your home’s ductwork into different comfort areas and gives you independent temperature control for each room. With this AC option, you have the flexibility to cool only rooms that are occupied. By saving energy on your unoccupied rooms, you can expect to see noticeable drops in utility bills!

Q: Why is my air conditioner making noises?

A: Aside from the discomfort a noisy air conditioner may cause you, this is also a good indication that you should get your system assessed by a professional. Loud noises coming from an air conditioner can stem from a variety of issues. Depending on your specific AC issue, you may just need some loose screws tightened up, or you may need to replace larger parts such as the evaporator coil or the compressor. Always check with a professional if you are unable to find and fix the issue yourself.

Q: Why is my air conditioner blowing out hot air?

A: The very first thing to do if your air conditioner is blowing out hot air is to take a look at your thermostat settings. Ideally, your AC setting should be turned to “auto” instead of “on” or “off”. If you find that your thermostat is set to “on” instead of auto, then the fan will be blowing air even when the AC isn’t actually cooling. Another step to take before calling the professionals is to check your outdoor unit. If part of your unit is outdoors, you should see if debris, dirt, or leaves have covered the unit and restricted the airflow. If your outdoor unit is free of debris, you will want to have a professional check the condenser coil on the inside of this unit to be sure it has unrestricted airflow.

Q: Why is my air conditioner leaking water?

A: The water you see dripping from your air conditioner often comes from melting ice that has formed on the air conditioner’s evaporator coils. When filters haven’t been changed in a while, ice will often form on this coil and when it melts, you will find yourself with a large puddle. Leaky AC units can also mean low levels of Freon refrigerant or damaged drain line, drain pan, or condensate pump. To find out which of these issues is affecting your AC, we recommend contacting a reliable HVAC professional in your area!

Q: If I want to replace my AC Compressor, do I need to replace the entire system?

A: The simple answer is no! You have several different options if your air conditioner compressor has run its course. The compressor is the major part in your outside unit (called the condensing unit) and this can be replaced on its own. However, if your entire system is heaving issues or is over 10 years old, it is a good idea to replace both the inside and outside unit at once to avoid multiple installation fees. Remember that most manufacturers offer warranties on their units so don’t forget to ask about your warranty options.

Q: Why is my air conditioner not blowing very hard?

A: This issue stems from low airflow running over the evaporator coil (inside cooling coil) and can be caused by many different issues. Some common issues causing low airflow levels include: a dirty air filter, leaky ductwork, or a broken fan blower.

Q: How can I be energy efficient with my air conditioner during the summer?

We recommend that you keep your home warmer than normal while you are away for longer periods of time (around 80 degrees). Then once you return home and need to be cooled down, try lowering the temperature to about 78 degrees. You can also turn a fan on for a few minutes to help circulate the cooler air more quickly.

Q: Which is more effective and energy efficient, an air conditioner or a fan?

A: AC units actually lower the temperature in the room, a fan just helps distribute the air that is already in the room. A fan alone is not likely to keep you cool, but in conjunction with your AC, it can be an effective resource. If you are going to be running your fan for a long period of time, then it makes more sense financially to leave the fan off and just lower your thermostat another degree or two to get the comfort you are looking for.

Q: Why does my air conditioner smell bad/musty?

A: Have you noticed a mildew or mold smell coming from your air conditioner? This is a good indication that some component in your AC (often the filter, drip pan, or drain line) is dirty and clogged. Smells emitted from your AC can also stem from unsealed ductwork that has allowed excess moisture to seep in. In order to resolve these more extensive smell issues, it is always a good idea to hire a professional AC cleaning service to get the job done right and safely.

Air Conditioner Inspection in Ogden, Utah

Whatever your AC problem is, count on the experts at Mountain Air to assess and fix the issue. We provide AC repair, installation, tune-up, and maintenance services for homeowners in Weber, Davis, Morgan, and Box Elder Counties. Contact us online or give us a call at (801) 416-2215(801) 416-2215 to schedule an appointment!

What to expect
Service Scheduling
Arrival Text or Phone Call
Issue Diagnosis
Upfront Pricing
Stress-Free Repairs
See What Our Customers Are Saying
Absolutely recommend Mountain Air for heating and cooling solutions.
Wendy Halbritter
23:04 17 Mar 20
Daniel was a very professional and courteous and extremely friendly . communicated on what the process was to be done and answered all my questions will definitely go to mountain air for any future needs
Brandon Strong
17:25 14 Mar 20
Fast response to service call. Professional, courteous service by Daniel. No doubt, Mountain Air will now be my choice for all HVAC service-related issues. Thanks again for a great job!
Lynn Buckalew
00:20 10 Mar 20
Chris came to my house early and diagnosed my hot water tank issue. After I decided to replace the tank, Chris left and went and purchased new tank. He removed the old tank, which was in a very small closet. The new tank was slightly larger and therefore Chris had to re-plumb a sink, add the new tank and put everything back together again. Chris extremely cheerful, helpful and did a WONDERFUL job. I highly recommend.
Gwenith Gernert
20:51 07 Mar 20
When we bought our home a little over a year ago, we understood that the furnace would need to be replaced within a couple of years. I was hoping it would hang on through this winter, but the old fella passed quietly one cold February night. I called Mountain Air because there happened to be a magnet with their number on the duct above my deceased furnace, and they had a tech in my home within an hour. Things moved quickly and smoothly from there, and I now have a completely new system. I appreciated the responsiveness and professionalism of every single person I dealt with through this project, from the person who answered my initial call, forward. The installation techs were fantastic: quick, efficient, friendly and their final product looks great and runs perfectly. They have set a new standard for service, in my book, and other service companies will have a high bar to clear if they want a five-star review from me.
Robert Hammer
15:10 06 Mar 20