Answered: Cleaning the AC and Four Other Cooling Questions

They say knowledge is power, and that’s definitely true when it comes to your air conditioner. While complicated repairs are best left to specialists, it’s helpful to have a rudimentary understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve general AC issues.

Understanding how your AC works and the frequent problems it faces can empower you to deal with simple problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you cash on minor service calls, but understanding when to call a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into major repairs.

Your AC 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 technician for air conditioning repair in Columbus if you're not sure about any aspect of your air conditioner's operation or maintenance.

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

1. How Should I Clean My Air Conditioner?

Cleaning your AC is a good way to make sure it works efficiently, and possibly could extend the life of your unit.

The most significant action you can take on your own is to replace 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 throughout your home. If your AC filter becomes clogged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it ought to in order to move air through the filter. A clean filter catches the airborne debris while still permitting air to flow freely 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 leave for the store, 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 thorough service of your air conditioner, contact the experienced professionals like the crew at Classic Air to do regular maintenance on your system. They’ll examine 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 air conditioning unit is functioning 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 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 brings down the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back into your home so it can absorb more heat from the air within your home. Washing the fins and the coils will help them release heat more efficiently.

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) Take off the top of the outdoor AC so you can enter the inside of the unit. Then, taking care not to strain any cords or attachments, safely set the top to the side.

3) Put a cleaning solution on the fins, starting at the top and moving down. Commercial coil cleaners are available 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 advised that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a small period of time to dissolve the grime and then gently spray it off with a garden hose. Be cautious not to spray really hard, because that could damage 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 Do Air Conditioners Last?

The life span of an air conditioner changes depending on the type of unit, its quality, how well it's maintained and how much it's used. That said, pros 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 HVAC is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from Classic Air includes cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as putting in a new 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 Columbus.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Should I Have?

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

• Square footage: The total area of the space you want to cool is one of the biggest factors. Bigger spaces necessitate more cooling power.
• Home insulation: Well-insulated homes retain cool air better, which could decrease 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 environment.
• Number of windows: Windows often let in heat, particularly when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
• Number of residents: More people in the house means more body heat, which could affect your cooling needs.
• Current HVAC system: The size and capability of your current system can provide a place to start for determining what you need.

Given that the size of your air conditioner is so important to your home’s comfort, you will probably want a professional opinion. At Classic Air, we take the time to completely understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other variables such as your home’s layout and size. This attention to detail and commitment to customer service is why Classic Air is known for exceptional air conditioning installation in Columbus.

5. What Does My Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices vary depending on the brand of the unit and your home’s unique requirements, a new air conditioner 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 extremely efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.

The price of an air conditioner is impacted 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 necessitate changes to the design.

Note these are average costs and prices can fluctuate. It's always a good idea to get at least a few quotes from trusted HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re interested in air conditioning replacement in Columbus, reach out to Classic Air. We will provide you with a no-cost estimate, explain the plan and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?

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

Here are some typical triggers for AC freezing up:

• Insufficient airflow: If the air isn't flowing correctly through your AC system, it can't sufficiently 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 could get too cold and freeze up. This is often a consequence of leaking in the refrigerant lines.
• Cold outdoor temperatures: Operating an air conditioner when it's too cold outside can cause the system to freeze. The majority of units aren't designed to function in temperatures of less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
• Mechanical failures: Faulty thermostats, damaged blower motors and trouble with the relay or control board can all play a role in an AC unit freezing up.

Classic Air is the Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in Columbus.

At Classic Air, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and pleasant place. Our qualified specialists 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 the first choice for air conditioning repair in Columbus and neighboring areas.

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

Contact Classic Air today at 614-739-1627 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!