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

They say knowledge is power, and that’s undoubtedly true when discussing your air conditioner. While complicated repairs are best left to specialists, it’s helpful to have a basic 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 handle little problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you cash on minor service calls, but realizing when to contact a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into complex repairs.

Your Air conditioner is an essential component 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 Columbia if you're uncertain about any aspect of your air conditioning system’s operation or maintenance.

Here are some typical questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:

1. How Should I Clean My Air Conditioner?

Cleaning an air conditioner is an effective way to make sure it runs efficiently, and possibly could extend the life of your unit.

The most effective action you can take on your own is to change 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 choked with debris, the air conditioner has to work harder than it is supposed to 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 popular home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be ordered from your local HVAC professional. A good way to make sure you get the right filter is to look at your old one before you head out for the store, 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 thorough service of your air conditioner, contact the skilled professionals like the crew at Watts Electric & AC to do regular maintenance on your AC. They’ll look over your system, clean or lubricate parts that need cleaning and look for worn-out parts and potential trouble.

2. How Do I Clean Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to making certain that your indoor AC unit is functioning efficiently, it’s important to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the exterior unit of your air conditioner is a simple 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 outside air. This brings down the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back inside your home so it can soak up more heat from the air in your home's interior. Cleaning 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, as opposed to turning the thermostat off.

2) Remove the top of the outdoor AC so you can access the interior of the unit. Then, being cautious not to strain any cords or attachments, safely move the top to the side.

3) Spray a cleaning solution on the fins, beginning at the top and moving down. Commercial coil cleaners are on the market 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 products, it's advised that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a short period of time to attack the grime and then carefully spray it off with a garden hose. Be careful 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 it 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 often it's used. Having said that, experts say you should start thinking about air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.

One of the best ways to make the most of your system is through AC conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from Watts Electric & AC consists of cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as replacing the filter and mending any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating as long as it can, reach out to us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Columbia.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Should I Have?

Finding the right size of air conditioner for your home is crucial for achieving comfort and efficiency. Here are some elements to think about when deciding what size air conditioner is right for your home:

• Square footage: The amount of space you need to cool is one of the key factors. More expansive spaces necessitate more cooling power.
• Home insulation: Well-insulated homes preserve cool air better, which can reduce your cooling needs.
• Climate: If you reside in a hotter climate, you'll need 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 occupants: More people in the house means greater body heat, which could affect your cooling needs.
• Existing HVAC system: The size and productivity of your current system can provide a jumping off point for identifying what you need.

Due to the fact the size of your cooling system is so critical to your home’s comfort, you will probably want a professional opinion. At Watts Electric & AC, we take the time to fully understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other variables such as your home’s design and size. This attention to detail and commitment to customer service is why Watts Electric & AC is known for excellent air conditioning installation in Columbia.

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 specifications, 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 exceedingly 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 can impact the design.

Realize these are average costs and prices can fluctuate. It's always smart to get numerous quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re thinking about air conditioning replacement in Columbia, get in touch with Watts Electric & AC. We can provide you with a no-cost estimate, describe the process and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?

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

Here are some typical causes of AC freezing up:

• Inadequate airflow: If the air isn't flowing correctly through your AC system, it can't adequately absorb heat. This could be due to a plugged air filter, obstructed return air ducts or a failing fan.
• Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is getting low on refrigerant, it may grow too cold and freeze up. This is usually a consequence of leaking in the refrigerant lines.
• Cold outdoor temperatures: Using the air conditioner when it's very cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Most units aren't designed to operate in temperatures of less 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.

Watts Electric & AC is your Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in Columbia.

At Watts Electric & AC, we will make your home a comfortable and pleasant place. Our skilled specialists are up-to-date on the latest industry training and trends, and are knowledgeable on a wide variety of systems. That’s why community members make us their first call for air conditioning repair in Columbia and neighboring cities.

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

Phone Watts Electric & AC today at 601-736-7362 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!