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

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

Knowing how your AC works and the common problems it faces will enable 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 knowing when to contact a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into complex repairs.

Your AC is a fundamental component 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 Reinholds if you're not sure about any aspect of your AC's operation or maintenance.

Here are several typical 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 runs efficiently, and potentially could extend the life of your unit.

The most effective thing you can do 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 choked with debris, the air conditioner has to work harder than it ought to in order to move air through the filter. A clean filter removes the airborne debris while still permitting air to flow freely through the system.

Replacement filters can be purchased at most leading home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be ordered from your local HVAC specialist. A good way to make sure you get the right 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 helpful 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 experienced professionals like the crew at County Line Mechanical LLC to do routine maintenance on your AC. They’ll look over your system, clean or lubricate parts that require attention 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 air conditioning unit is operating efficiently, it’s important to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outside unit of your cooling system is a simple way to improve 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 outside air. This brings down the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back inside your home so it can absorb more heat from the air in your home's interior. Cleansing 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) Lift off the top of the outdoor AC so you can reach the inside of the unit. Then, taking care not to stress any cords or attachments, safely put the top to the side.

3) Apply a cleaning solution on the fins, beginning 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 brands foaming solutions that are sprayed on with your garden hose.

4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most brands, it's advised that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a small period of time to loosen the grime and then gently spray it off with a garden hose. Be cautious not to spray really hard, because that could harm the coils or fins!

5) Secure the top back on the unit and then wait for the unit to dry before turning the power 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. However, pros say you should start looking into air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.

One of the best ways to get maximum value from your air conditioner is through regular conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from County Line Mechanical LLC includes cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as changing out the dirty filter and fixing any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating a long time, reach out to us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Reinholds.

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

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

• Square footage: The size of the space you need to cool is one of the most important factors. Larger spaces require more cooling power.
• Home insulation: Well-insulated homes preserve cool air better, which should decrease 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 frequently let in heat, particularly when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
• Number of residents: More people in the house create additional body heat, which can influence your cooling needs.
• Existing HVAC system: The size and effectiveness of your current system can provide a jumping off point for identifying what you need.

Because the size of your air conditioner is so important to your home’s comfort, you will likely want a professional opinion. At County Line Mechanical LLC, we take the time to fully understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other considerations such as your home’s insulation level and size. This attention to detail and focus on customer service is why County Line Mechanical LLC is known for exceptional air conditioning installation in Reinholds.

5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices differ depending on the size of the unit and your home’s unique needs, a new air conditioner generally costs between $5,000 and $12,500 to purchase and install. The good news is that new air conditioners are crafted 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.

Realize these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always a good idea to get numerous quotes from trusted HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re contemplating air conditioning replacement in Reinholds, contact County Line Mechanical LLC. We will provide you with a complimentary estimate, make sure you understand the procedure and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. Why Do Air Conditioners Freeze Up?

An air conditioner freezing up can be brought on by a number of factors, all of which boil down to the AC's inability 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 common reasons for AC freezing up:

• Insufficient airflow: If the air isn't flowing easily through your AC system, it can't effectively absorb heat. This could be due to a dirty air filter, obstructed return air ducts or a failing fan.
• Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is starting to get low on refrigerant, it can get too cold and freeze up. This is usually a consequence of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
• Very Chilly outdoor temperatures: Running an air conditioner when it's really cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Most units aren't designed to function in temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
• Mechanical failures: Broken thermostats, damaged blower motors and problems with the relay or control board can all play a role in an AC unit freezing up.

County Line Mechanical LLC is the Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in Reinholds.

At County Line Mechanical LLC, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and enjoyable place. Our experienced 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 the premier choice for air conditioning repair in Reinholds and neighboring areas.

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

Call County Line Mechanical LLC today at 717-583-8648 to schedule an appointment or complimentary estimate!