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

They say knowledge is power, and that’s undoubtedly accurate when talking about your air conditioner. While challenging repairs are best left to professionals, it’s helpful to have a practical understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve ordinary AC issues.

Learning how your AC works and the frequent problems it faces will allow 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 understanding when to reach out to a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into major repairs.

Your Air conditioning unit is a fundamental 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 Jefferson if you're uncertain about any aspect of your air conditioning system’s operation or maintenance.

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

The most effective action you can take on your own is to replace the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter traps dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those contaminants from the air circulating throughout your home. If your AC filter becomes plugged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it should in order to move 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 expert. A good way to make sure you get the correct filter is to look at your old one before you go shopping, jotting 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 comprehensive service of your air conditioner, contact the experienced professionals like the crew at Pratt Brothers to do scheduled maintenance on your system. They’ll look over 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 AC unit is working efficiently, it’s important to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the exterior unit of your AC is a simple way to increase 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 outside air. This lowers the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back inside your home so it can take in more heat from the air inside your home. Cleansing the fins and the coils can help them release heat more efficiently.

To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:

1) First, shut off power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to disconnect it completely from power, instead of turning the thermostat off.

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

3) Put a cleaning solution on the fins, starting at the top and working 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 advised that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a small period of time to dissolve the grime and then carefully spray it off with a garden hose. Take care not to spray too hard, because that could ruin the coils or fins!

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

3. How Long Can Air Conditioners Work?

The life span of an air conditioner can vary based on the type of unit, its quality, if maintained and how frequently it's used. Having said that, industry experts say you should start looking into air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.

One of the best ways to get the most mileage out of your air conditioner is through AC conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from Pratt Brothers features cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as replacing the filter and repairing any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating as long as it can, contact us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Jefferson.

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

Picking out the correct sized air conditioner for your home is critical for achieving comfort and efficiency. Here are some factors to think about when deciding what size air conditioner you need for your home:

• Square footage: The total area of the space you want to cool is one of the key factors. Larger spaces require more cooling power.
• Home insulation: Well-insulated homes preserve cool air better, which could decrease your cooling needs.
• Climate: If you live in a hotter climate, you'll require a more powerful air conditioner compared to someone living in a cooler climate.
• Number of windows: Windows frequently let in heat, especially when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
• Number of residents: More people in the house produce more body heat, which could affect your cooling needs.
• Existing HVAC system: The size and capability of your current system can provide a starting point for determining what you need.

Given that the size of your air conditioner is so critical to your home’s comfort, you will almost certainly want a professional opinion. At Pratt Brothers, 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 dedication to customer service is why Pratt Brothers is known for excellent air conditioning installation in Jefferson.

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

While prices differ depending on the brand of the unit and your home’s unique needs, a new AC generally costs between $5,000 and $12,500 to purchase and install. The good thing is that new air conditioners are crafted to be extremely 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 in addition to federal regulations that require modifications to the design.

Note these are average costs and prices can vary. It's always a good idea to get at least a few quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re contemplating air conditioning replacement in Jefferson, contact Pratt Brothers. We will provide you with a complimentary estimate, describe the process and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. Why Do Air Conditioners Freeze Up?

Air conditioning freezing up can be due to a variety of factors, all of which boil down to the system's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your unit is experiencing issues causing it to freeze up, it is more than likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some typical triggers for AC freezing up:

• Insufficient airflow: If the air isn't flowing properly through your AC system, it can't properly absorb heat. This could be due to a dirty 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 may get too cold and freeze up. This is usually a consequence of leaking in the refrigerant lines.
• Cold outdoor temperatures: Running your air conditioner when it's very cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Many units aren't designed to operate in temperatures of less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
• Mechanical failures: Malfunctioning thermostats, damaged blower motors and trouble with the relay or control board can all play a role in an AC unit freezing up.

Pratt Brothers is your Trusted Source for Air Conditioning Service in Jefferson.

At Pratt Brothers, we will make your home a comfortable and enjoyable place. Our qualified professionals 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 Jefferson and the surrounding areas.

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

Contact Pratt Brothers today at 920-545-1910 to schedule an appointment or complimentary estimate!