Answered: Cleaning the AC and Four Other Cooling Questions

They say knowledge is power, and that’s definitely true when discussing your air conditioner. While complicated repairs are best left to professionals, 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 common problems it faces will allow you to handle easy problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you money on minor service calls, but understanding when to contact a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into catastrophic repairs.

Your AC is an important element 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 Dundas and Northfield if you're unsure about any aspect of your AC's operation or maintenance.

Here are several frequent 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 a good way to make sure it works efficiently, and potentially could extend the life of your unit.

The most important step you can take on your own is to change the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter captures dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those contaminants from the air circulating throughout your home. If your AC filter becomes choked with debris, 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 permitting air to flow efficiently through the system.

Replacement filters are sold at most leading home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be purchased from your local HVAC professional. A good way to make sure you get the proper filter is to look at your old one before you go shopping, taking care to write 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 wanting to buy something similar.

For thorough service of your air conditioner, contact the experienced professionals like the crew at Better Air to do regular maintenance on your system. They’ll inspect your system, clean or lubricate parts that need it and look for worn-out parts and potential issues.

2. How Are the Coils on My Air Conditioner Cleaned?

In addition to making sure your indoor air conditioning unit is functioning efficiently, it’s also a good idea to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the exterior unit of your AC 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 into the cooler air outside. This cools the refrigerant, which then goes back inside your home so it can take in more heat from the air inside your home. Cleaning the fins and the coils can 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, as opposed to turning the thermostat off.

2) Take off the top of the outdoor AC so you can access the insides of the unit. Then, being careful not to stress any cords or attachments, safely put the top to the side.

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

4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most cleaners, 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 gently spray it off with a garden hose. Take care not to spray very hard, because that could damage the coils or fins!

5) Secure the top back on the unit and then wait for the unit to dry before turning it back on.

3. How Long Can Air Conditioners Work?

The life span of an air conditioner changes depending on the type of unit, its quality, if maintained and how often it's used. Having said that, 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 system is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Routine checkups from Better Air consists of 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 Dundas and Northfield.

4. What's the Right Size of Air Conditioner?

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

• Square footage: The amount of space you want to cool is one of the most important factors. Larger spaces demand more cooling power.
• Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which can decrease your cooling needs.
• Climate: If you live 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 frequently let in heat, in particular when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
• Number of residents: More people in the house means greater body heat, which may influence your cooling needs.
• Existing 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 cooling system is so important to your home’s comfort, you will definitely want a professional opinion. At Better Air, we take the time to completely understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other factors such as your home’s layout and size. This attention to detail and dedication to customer service is why Better Air is known for exceptional air conditioning installation in Dundas and Northfield.

5. What Is the Cost of a New Air Conditioner?

While prices differ depending on the type of the unit and your home’s unique specifications, a new air conditioning system generally costs between $5,000 and $12,500 to purchase and install. The good news is that new air conditioners are developed to be exceptionally efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.

The price tag 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 as well as federal regulations that necessitate changes to the design.

Note these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always a good idea to get several quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a decision. If you’re interested in air conditioning replacement in Dundas and Northfield, contact Better Air. We will provide you with a no-cost estimate, make sure you understand the procedure and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. Why Do Air Conditioners Freeze Up?

Air conditioning freezing up can be a consequence of many factors, all of which boil down to the AC's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your AC is suffering from issues causing it to freeze up, it is most likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some common causes of AC freezing up:

• Poor 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, obstructed return air ducts or a failing fan.
• Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is getting low on refrigerant, it can get too cold and freeze up. This is usually a consequence of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
• Frosty outdoor temperatures: Using an air conditioner when it's really cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Many units aren't designed to operate in temperatures lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
• Mechanical failures: Broken thermostats, damaged blower motors and issues with the relay or control board can all play a role in an AC unit freezing up.

Better Air is the Trusted Source for Air Conditioning Service in Dundas and Northfield.

At Better Air, we will make your home a comfortable and enjoyable place. Our qualified technicians 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 Dundas and Northfield and nearby areas.

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

Contact Better Air today at 507-663-1208 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!