Answered: Cleaning Your AC and Other Cooling Questions and Four Other Cooling Questions

They say knowledge is power, and that’s definitely accurate when it comes to your air conditioner. While complicated repairs are best left to professionals, it’s helpful to have a rudimentary understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve common AC issues.

Learning how your AC works and the typical problems it faces can empower you to fix little problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you dollars on minor service calls, but knowing when to reach out to a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into complex repairs.

Your Air conditioner is an important part of your home comfort. Because of that, you should always err on the side of caution and call a NATE-certified technician for air conditioning repair in New Castle if you're not sure about any aspect of your air conditioning system’s operation or maintenance.

Here are a few of the common questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:

1. What Is the Best Way to Clean an Air Conditioner?

Cleaning an air conditioning system is an effective way to make sure it operates efficiently, and potentially could extend the life of your unit.

The most effective thing you can do on your own is to swap out the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter traps dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those particulates from the air circulating throughout your home. If your AC filter becomes clogged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it should in order to force air through the filter. A clean filter traps the airborne debris while still enabling air to flow freely through the system.

Replacement filters can be purchased at most popular home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be bought from your local HVAC expert. A good way to make sure you get the proper filter is to look at your old one before you go shopping, noting 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 wanting to buy something similar.

For detailed service of your air conditioner, contact the experienced professionals like the crew at Central Heating & Plumbing to do routine maintenance on your system. They’ll examine your system, clean or lubricate parts that need it and look for worn-out parts and potential trouble.

2. How Should I Clean the Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to making sure your indoor air conditioning unit is operating efficiently, it’s also a good idea to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outside unit of your AC is a quick way to improve its efficiency and can extend the life of your entire system.

The coils, which include extensions called fins, are used to release heat from the refrigerant into the cooler air outside. This lowers the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back in your home so it can absorb more heat from the air inside your home. Cleansing the fins and the coils will help them release heat more easily.

To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:

1) First, turn off power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to flip off the the on/off switch, rather than turning the thermostat off.

2) Take off the top of the outdoor AC so you can access the insides of the unit. Then, being cautious not to pull hard on any cords or attachments, safely set the top to the side.

3) Spray a cleaning solution on the fins, first at the top and working down. Commercial coil cleaners are sold and commonly found in both the canned aerosol spray from as well as products foaming solutions that are sprayed on with an attachment to your garden hose.

4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most brands, it's recommended that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a small period of time to dissolve the grime and then softly spray it off with a garden hose. Be cautious 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 coils and fins to dry before turning the unit back on.

3. What Is the Average Lifespan of My Air Conditioner?

The life span of an air conditioner depends on the type of unit, its quality, how well it's maintained and how much it's used. Having said that, experts say you should start getting ready for air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.

One of the best ways to get maximum value from your HVAC is through AC conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from Central Heating & Plumbing includes cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as changing out the dirty filter and mending any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating as long as it can, call us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in New Castle.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Should I Have?

Picking out the proper size of air conditioner for your home is crucial for keeping comfort and efficiency. Here are some points to consider when deciding what size air conditioner to buy for your home:

• Square footage: The total area of the space you need to cool is one of the most important factors. Bigger spaces demand more cooling power.
• Home insulation: Well-insulated homes retain cool air better, which can minimize 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 place.
• Number of windows: Windows often let in heat, in particular when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
• Number of residents: More people in the house create additional body heat, which may affect your cooling needs.
• Present HVAC system: The size and capability of your current system can provide a place to start for identifying what you need.

Given that the size of your AC is so essential to your home’s comfort, you will definitely want a professional opinion. At Central Heating & Plumbing, we take the time to thoroughly understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other considerations such as your home’s insulation level and size. This attention to detail and commitment to customer service is why Central Heating & Plumbing is known for exceptional air conditioning installation in New Castle.

5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices fluctuate depending on the type 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. On the plus side, a benefit of air conditioning replacement is that new air conditioners are designed to be exceptionally efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.

The price of an air conditioner is affected 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.

Realize these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always a good idea to get at least a few quotes from reliable HVAC companies before making a decision. If you’re interested in air conditioning replacement in New Castle, reach out to Central Heating & Plumbing. We will provide you with a complimentary estimate, explain the procedure and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. What Causes an Air Conditioner to Freeze Up?

An AC freezing up can be a consequence of a variety of factors, all of which boil down to the failure of your system to efficiently transfer heat. If your air conditioner is experiencing issues causing it to freeze up, it is most likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some typical triggers for AC freezing up:

• Inadequate airflow: If the air isn't flowing properly through your AC system, it can't adequately absorb heat. This could be due to a clogged air filter, blocked return air ducts or a failing fan.
• Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is getting low on refrigerant, it may become too cold and freeze up. This is frequently a consequence of leaking in the refrigerant lines.
• Frosty outdoor temperatures: Using an air conditioner when it's really cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Most units aren't designed to function in temperatures lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
• Mechanical failures: Faulty thermostats, damaged blower motors and trouble with the relay or control board can all result in an AC unit freezing up.

Central Heating & Plumbing is your Trusted Source for Air Conditioning Service in New Castle.

At Central Heating & Plumbing, we strive to make your home a comfortable and soothing place. Our experienced 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 their first call for air conditioning repair in New Castle and the surrounding areas.

If you’re wanting to upgrade or its time for a new unit, we’ve got you covered there too, with our first-rate air conditioning installation in New Castle. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!

Phone Central Heating & Plumbing today at 724-530-3753 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!