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

They say knowledge is power, and that’s certainly the truth when discussing your air conditioner. While complicated repairs are best left to experts, it’s helpful to have a practical understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve common AC issues.

Knowing how your AC works and the frequent problems it faces will allow you to handle simple 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 conditioning unit is an essential element of your home comfort. Because of that, you should always err on the side of caution and call a NATE-certified specialist for air conditioning repair in Frederick if you're unsure about any aspect of your air conditioner'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 an effective way to make sure it operates efficiently, and potentially could extend the life of your unit.

The most significant action you can take on your own is to swap out the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter catches dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those contaminants from the air circulating in 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 move air through the filter. A clean filter catches the airborne debris while still allowing air to flow efficiently through the system.

Replacement filters are sold at most popular 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, noting the size of the filter. If you’re not familiar with filters, it’s also helpful 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 seasoned professionals like the crew at America's Green Heating & Air Conditioning to do regular maintenance on your system. They’ll examine your system, clean or lubricate parts that require attention and look for worn-out parts and potential problems.

2. How Do I Clean Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to making sure your indoor air conditioner equipment is working efficiently, it’s also a good idea to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the exterior unit of your AC 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 to the outdoors. This lowers the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back into 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 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, rather than turning the thermostat off.

2) Take off the top of the outdoor AC so you can enter the inside 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, first at the top and then working your way down. Commercial coil cleaners are sold and commonly found in both the canned aerosol spray from as well as in the form of foaming solutions that are applied with your garden hose.

4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most products, it's suggested that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a brief period of time to attack 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 depends on the type of unit, its quality, how well it's maintained and how frequently it's used. That said, 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 America's Green Heating & Air Conditioning includes 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, contact us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Frederick.

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

Picking out the right size of air conditioner for your home is critical for keeping comfort and efficiency. Here are some elements to think about when deciding what size air conditioner you need for your home:

• Square footage: The size of the space you have to cool is one of the most important factors. More expansive spaces demand more cooling power.
• Home insulation: Well-insulated homes preserve cool air better, which could minimize your cooling needs.
• Climate: If you reside in a hotter climate, you'll want a more powerful air conditioner compared to a person living in a cooler place.
• 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 produce additional body heat, which may influence your cooling needs.
• Present HVAC system: The size and performance of your current system can provide a place to start for determining what you need.

Because the size of your air conditioner is so important to your home’s comfort, you will probably want a professional opinion. At America's Green Heating & Air Conditioning, we take the time to completely understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other factors such as your home’s insulation level and size. This attention to detail and commitment to customer service is why America's Green Heating & Air Conditioning is known for exceptional air conditioning installation in Frederick.

5. What Does My Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices differ depending on the kind 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. 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 tag 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 in addition to federal regulations that can impact the design.

Know these are average costs and prices can fluctuate. It's always a good idea to get several quotes from trusted HVAC companies before making a choice. If you’re considering air conditioning replacement in Frederick, reach out to America's Green Heating & Air Conditioning. We will schedule an appointment to provide you with a free estimate, describe the procedure and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. What Causes an Air Conditioner to Freeze Up?

Air conditioning freezing up can be brought on by a number of 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 common reasons for AC freezing up:

• Inadequate 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, blocked return air ducts or a failing fan.
• Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is getting low on refrigerant, it can become too cold and freeze up. This is often the result of leaks in the refrigerant lines.
• Very Chilly outdoor temperatures: Using the air conditioner when it's very cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Most units aren't designed to work in temperatures of less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
• Mechanical failures: Broken thermostats, damaged blower motors and trouble with the relay or control board can all play a role in an AC unit freezing up.

America's Green Heating & Air Conditioning is your Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in Frederick.

At America's Green Heating & Air Conditioning, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and soothing place. Our qualified technicians are up-to-date on the latest industry training and trends, and work on on a wide variety of systems. That’s why community members make us the premier choice for air conditioning repair in Frederick and neighboring towns.

If you’re planning 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 Frederick. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!

Call America's Green Heating & Air Conditioning today at 301-208-0800 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!