Answered: Cleaning the AC and Four Other Cooling Questions

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

Understanding how your AC works and the typical problems it faces can empower you to fix easy problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you money on minor service calls, but understanding when to reach out to a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into catastrophic repairs.

Your AC is an important 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 Brookfield if you're unsure about any aspect of your air conditioning system’s operation or maintenance.

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

1. How Do I Clean an Air Conditioner?

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

The most effective action you can take on your own is to swap out the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter captures dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those particulates from the air circulating in your home. If your AC filter becomes plugged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it ought to in order to force air through the filter. A clean filter removes the airborne debris while still allowing air to flow easily through the system.

Replacement filters can be purchased at most popular home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be ordered 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 smart idea to note the filtration level of the current filter if you are trying to buy something similar.

For detailed service of your air conditioner, contact the experienced professionals like the crew at Central Air LLC to do regular maintenance on your unit. They’ll inspect your system, clean or lubricate parts that need it and look for worn-out parts and potential issues.

2. How Do I Clean Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to making certain that your indoor air conditioner equipment is working efficiently, it’s important to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the exterior unit of your AC is an easy 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 to the outdoors. This cools the refrigerant, which then goes back in your home so it can absorb more heat from the air inside 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, rather than turning the thermostat off.

2) Lift 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 put the top to the side.

3) Spray a cleaning solution on the fins, beginning at the top and working 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 suggested that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a small period of time to dissolve the grime and then softly spray it off with a garden hose. Be careful not to spray very hard, because that could damage the coils or fins!

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

3. How Long Can Air Conditioners Work?

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. Having said that, 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 HVAC is through regular conditioner maintenance. Tuneups from Central Air LLC includes cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as putting in a new filter and repairing any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating as long as possible, contact us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Brookfield.

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

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

• Square footage: The size of the space you want to cool is one of the key factors. More expansive spaces require more cooling power.
• Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which could decrease your cooling needs.
• Climate: If you reside in a hotter climate, you'll need a more powerful air conditioner compared to someone living in a cooler climate.
• Number of windows: Windows can let in heat, in particular when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
• Number of people: More people in the house create more body heat, which may affect your cooling needs.
• Current HVAC system: The size and capability of your current system can provide a place to start for deciding what you need.

Due to the fact the size of your AC is so critical to your home’s comfort, you will likely want a professional opinion. At Central Air LLC, we take the time to fully understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other factors such as your home’s design and size. This attention to detail and focus on customer service is why Central Air LLC is known for exceptional air conditioning installation in Brookfield.

5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices vary 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 developed to be exceedingly 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 along with federal regulations that can impact the design.

Know these are average costs and prices can vary. It's always smart to get at least a few quotes from trusted HVAC companies before making a decision. If you’re thinking about air conditioning replacement in Brookfield, reach out to Central Air LLC. We will provide you with a free estimate, describe the plan and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?

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

Here are some frequent triggers for AC freezing up:

• Insufficient airflow: If the air isn't flowing correctly through your AC system, it can't properly 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 running low on refrigerant, it could get too cold and freeze up. This is usually because of leaking in the refrigerant lines.
• Frigid outdoor temperatures: Operating an air conditioner when it's really cold outside can cause the system to freeze. The majority of units aren't designed to function in temperatures lower 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.

Central Air LLC is your Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in Brookfield.

At Central Air LLC, we will make your home a comfortable and pleasant place. Our qualified 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 first choice for air conditioning repair in Brookfield and neighboring areas.

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

Contact Central Air LLC today at 203-403-6174 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!