Answered: How to Clean Your AC and Four Other Cooling Questions

They say knowledge is power, and that’s definitely the truth when talking about your air conditioner. While complex repairs are best left to professionals, it’s helpful to have a rudimentary understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve ordinary AC issues.

Knowing how your AC works and the frequent problems it faces can empower you to tackle little problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you dollars on minor service calls, but realizing when to contact a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into major repairs.

Your Air conditioner is an essential part of your home comfort. Because of that, you should always err on the side of caution and call a NATE-certified professional for air conditioning repair in Cache Valley if you're uncertain about any aspect of your air conditioning system’s operation or maintenance.

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

1. How Should I Clean My Air Conditioner?

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

The most important action 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 in your home. If your AC filter becomes clogged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it should in order to pull 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 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 good idea to note the filtration level of the current filter if you are hoping to buy something similar.

For comprehensive service of your air conditioner, contact the seasoned professionals like the crew at Western Mechanical, Inc. to do routine maintenance on your system. They’ll look over your system, clean or lubricate parts that need cleaning and look for worn-out parts and potential issues.

2. How Do I Clean Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to making sure your indoor air conditioner equipment is operating efficiently, it’s also a good idea to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the exterior unit of your air conditioner is an easy way to boost its efficiency and can extend the life of your entire system.

The coils, which have 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 inside your home so it can absorb more heat from the air inside your home. Cleansing the fins and the coils is a way to help them release heat more easily.

To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:

1) First, shut down power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to flip off the the on/off switch, instead of 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 pull hard on any cords or attachments, safely move the top to the side.

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

4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most cleaners, it's suggested that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a short period of time to loosen the grime and then carefully 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 power back on.

3. How Long Can Air Conditioners Work?

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

One of the best ways to get the most mileage out of your HVAC is through regular conditioner maintenance. Routine checkups from Western Mechanical, Inc. consists of cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as replacing the filter and fixing 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 Cache Valley.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Picking out the proper size of air conditioner for your home is vital for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some elements to think about when deciding what size air conditioner to buy for your home:

• Square footage: The total area of the space you have to cool is one of the biggest factors. Larger spaces necessitate more cooling power.
• Home insulation: Well-insulated homes retain cool air better, which should reduce your cooling needs.
• Climate: If you reside in a hotter climate, you'll require a more powerful air conditioner compared to a homeowner living in a cooler climate.
• Number of windows: Windows often let in heat, especially when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
• Number of occupants: More people in the house produce greater body heat, which may affect your cooling needs.
• Existing HVAC system: The size and performance of your current system can provide a place to start for identifying what you need.

Because the size of your AC is so essential to your home’s comfort, you will likely want a professional opinion. At Western Mechanical, Inc., we take the time to completely understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other considerations such as your home’s design and size. This attention to detail and focus on customer service is why Western Mechanical, Inc. is known for exceptional air conditioning installation in Cache Valley.

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

While prices fluctuate depending on the brand of the unit and your home’s unique requirements, a new AC 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 crafted to be exceptionally efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.

The cost of an air conditioner is influenced 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 can impact the design.

Note these are average costs and prices can vary. It's always smart to get at least a few quotes from trusted HVAC companies before making a decision. If you’re thinking about air conditioning replacement in Cache Valley, get in touch with Western Mechanical, Inc.. We can provide you with a no-cost estimate, explain the plan and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. Why Do Air Conditioners Freeze Up?

Air conditioning freezing up can be brought on by multiple factors, all of which boil down to the failure of your system to efficiently transfer heat. If your air conditioner is suffering from issues causing it to freeze up, it is most likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some typical causes of AC freezing up:

• Poor airflow: If the air isn't flowing easily through your AC system, it can't sufficiently absorb heat. This could be due to a clogged air filter, something stopping air from flowing through the return air ducts or a failing fan.
• Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is starting to get low on refrigerant, it can grow too cold and freeze up. This is often because of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
• Frigid outdoor temperatures: Using the air conditioner when it's very cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Most units aren't designed to perform in temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
• Mechanical failures: Malfunctioning thermostats, damaged blower motors and issues with the relay or control board can all result in an AC unit freezing up.

Western Mechanical, Inc. is the Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in Cache Valley.

At Western Mechanical, Inc., we will make your home a comfortable and enjoyable place. Our skilled professionals 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 Cache Valley and neighboring towns.

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

Call Western Mechanical, Inc. today at 435-753-5515 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!