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

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

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

Your AC is an important element 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 Newton if you're uncertain 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 a smart way to make sure it works efficiently, and potentially could extend the life of your unit.

The most effective step 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 particulates from the air circulating throughout your home. If your AC filter becomes clogged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it is supposed to in order to force air through the filter. A clean filter catches the airborne debris while still allowing air to flow freely through the system.

Replacement filters are sold at most major home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be ordered from your local HVAC expert. A good way to make sure you get the right filter is to look at your old one before you go shopping, jotting 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 thorough service of your air conditioner, contact the seasoned professionals like the crew at Brookwood Inc to do scheduled maintenance on your AC. They’ll inspect 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 certain that your indoor air conditioning unit is working efficiently, it’s important to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the exterior unit of your cooling system is a simple way to boost 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 to the outdoors. This cools the refrigerant, which then goes back in 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 effectively.

To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:

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

2) Lift off the top of the outdoor AC so you can reach the interior of the unit. Then, being careful not to stress any cords or attachments, safely set the top to the side.

3) Apply a cleaning solution on the fins, starting 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 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 short 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 harm 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 often it's maintained and how much it's used. However, experts say you should start getting ready for air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.

One of the best ways to get the most mileage out of your air conditioner is through regular conditioner maintenance. Tuneups from Brookwood Inc consists of 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, reach out to us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Newton.

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

Finding the right size of air conditioner for your home is critical for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some elements to take into account when deciding what size air conditioner to buy for your home:

• Square footage: The amount of space you need to cool is one of the key factors. Bigger spaces necessitate more cooling power.
• Home insulation: Well-insulated homes retain cool air better, which can minimize your cooling needs.
• Climate: If you live in a hotter climate, you'll want a more powerful air conditioner compared to a person living in a cooler climate.
• Number of windows: Windows often let in heat, particularly when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
• Number of occupants: More people in the house means 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 determining what you need.

Because the size of your AC is so essential to your home’s comfort, you will almost certainly want a professional opinion. At Brookwood Inc, we take the time to fully understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other considerations such as your home’s layout and size. This attention to detail and focus on customer service is why Brookwood Inc is known for excellent air conditioning installation in Newton.

5. What Does My Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices differ depending on the brand 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. The good thing 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 affected 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.

Note 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 choice. If you’re considering air conditioning replacement in Newton, reach out to Brookwood Inc. We will schedule an appointment to provide you with a no-cost estimate, make sure you understand the procedure and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. What Causes an Air Conditioner to Freeze Up?

An air conditioner freezing up can be due to many factors, all of which boil down to the failure of your system 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 typical triggers for AC freezing up:

• Insufficient airflow: If the air isn't flowing easily through your AC system, it can't properly absorb heat. This could be due to a plugged air filter, something stopping air from flowing through the return air ducts or a failing fan.
• Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is running low on refrigerant, it can get too cold and freeze up. This is often the result of leaking in the refrigerant lines.
• Very Chilly outdoor temperatures: Running an air conditioner when it's really cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Many units aren't designed to function in temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
• Mechanical failures: Faulty thermostats, damaged blower motors and problems with the relay or control board can all contribute to an AC unit freezing up.

Brookwood Inc is your Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in Newton.

At Brookwood Inc, we strive to make your home a comfortable and soothing place. Our experienced 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 first choice for air conditioning repair in Newton and the surrounding cities.

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

Contact Brookwood Inc today at 641-693-6216 to schedule an appointment or complimentary estimate!