Answered: How to Clean Your AC and Other Cooling Questions

They say knowledge is power, and that’s certainly the truth when talking about your air conditioner. While challenging repairs are best left to specialists, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve common AC issues.

Knowing how your AC works and the common problems it faces will allow you to fix little problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you cash on minor service calls, but realizing when to contact a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into catastrophic repairs.

Your Air conditioner 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 Morgantown if you're not sure about any aspect of your AC's operation or maintenance.

Here are a few of the typical questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:

1. How Do I Clean an Air Conditioner?

Cleaning your AC is an effective way to make sure it operates efficiently, and potentially could extend the life of your unit.

The most effective action you can take on your own is to change the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter captures dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those contaminants from the air circulating inside your home. If your AC filter becomes plugged, 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 enabling air to flow easily through the system.

Replacement filters can be purchased at most popular home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be bought from your local HVAC professional. 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 a good idea to note the filtration level of the current filter if you are trying to buy something similar.

For comprehensive service of your air conditioner, contact the seasoned professionals like the crew at Mountain 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 trouble.

2. How Do I Clean Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to making certain that your indoor air conditioner equipment is functioning efficiently, it’s also a good idea to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outdoor 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 into the cooler air outside. This brings down the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back inside your home so it can take in 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 easily.

To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:

1) First, turn off power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to flip the power switch off, instead of turning the thermostat off.

2) Remove the top of the outdoor AC so you can reach the interior of the unit. Then, being cautious not to pull hard on any cords or attachments, safely set the top to the side.

3) Put a cleaning solution on the fins, first at the top and working 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 cleaners, 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 carefully spray it off with a garden hose. Be cautious not to spray very 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 it back on.

3. How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?

The life span of an air conditioner can vary based on the type of unit, its quality, how often it's 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 the most mileage out of your HVAC is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Routine checkups from Mountain Air features cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as changing out the dirty filter and repairing any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating as long as possible, reach out to us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Morgantown.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Finding the correct sized air conditioner for your home is vital 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 biggest factors. Bigger spaces demand more cooling power.
• Home insulation: Well-insulated homes retain cool air better, which could decrease your cooling needs.
• Climate: If you live in a hotter climate, you'll want a more powerful air conditioner compared to a homeowner living in a cooler place.
• Number of windows: Windows can let in heat, particularly when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
• Number of people: More people in the house produce additional body heat, which could affect your cooling needs.
• Present HVAC system: The size and capability of your current system can provide a starting point for deciding what you need.

Due to the fact the size of your cooling system is so critical to your home’s comfort, you will almost certainly want a professional opinion. At Mountain Air, we take the time to fully understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other factors such as your home’s layout and size. This attention to detail and commitment to customer service is why Mountain Air is known for exceptional air conditioning installation in Morgantown.

5. What Does My Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices fluctuate 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. On the plus side, a benefit of air conditioning replacement is that new air conditioners are developed to be exceedingly efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.

The cost 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 vary. It's always a good idea to get several quotes from trusted HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re interested in air conditioning replacement in Morgantown, get in touch with Mountain Air. We can provide you with a free estimate, describe the procedure and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?

Air conditioning freezing up can be caused by many 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 common reasons for AC freezing up:

• Insufficient airflow: If the air isn't flowing properly through your AC system, it can't sufficiently absorb heat. This could be due to a plugged 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 the result of leaking in the refrigerant lines.
• Cold outdoor temperatures: Operating your air conditioner when it's very 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: Faulty thermostats, damaged blower motors and issues with the relay or control board can all contribute to an AC unit freezing up.

Mountain Air is the Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in Morgantown.

At Mountain Air, we will make your home a comfortable and soothing place. Our knowledgeable 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 Morgantown and nearby towns.

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

Call Mountain Air today at 304-244-3530 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!