Answered: Cleaning Your AC and Other Cooling Questions and 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 experts, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve ordinary AC issues.

Learning how your AC works and the frequent problems it faces will enable you to deal with little problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you dollars 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 an important 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 Beckley if you're not sure about any aspect of your air conditioner's operation or maintenance.

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

1. What Is the Best Way to Clean an Air Conditioner?

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

The most effective step you can take on your own is to change the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter traps dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those particulates 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 force air through the filter. A clean filter traps the airborne debris while still allowing air to flow efficiently through the system.

Replacement filters are available at most leading home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be ordered from your local HVAC expert. A good way to make sure you get the proper filter is to look at your old one before you go shopping, 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 trying to buy something similar.

For comprehensive service of your air conditioner, contact the skilled professionals like the crew at Appalachian Heating to do scheduled maintenance on your AC. They’ll examine your system, clean or lubricate parts that require attention and look for worn-out parts and potential trouble.

2. How Are the Coils on My Air Conditioner Cleaned?

In addition to making certain that your indoor AC unit is operating efficiently, it’s necessary to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the exterior unit of your air conditioner 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 into the cooler air outside. This brings down the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back into your home so it can soak up more heat from the air inside your home. Cleaning the fins and the coils is a way to 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, instead of turning the thermostat off.

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

3) Spray a cleaning solution on the fins, starting at the top and moving 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 products, it's advised that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a short period of time to attack the grime and then gently spray it off with a garden hose. Be cautious not to spray too hard, because that could ruin the coils or fins!

5) Secure the top back on the unit and then wait for the coils and fins to dry before turning the power 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 often it's used. That said, industry experts say you should start thinking about 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 regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from Appalachian Heating features cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as replacing the 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 Beckley.

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

Finding the correct sized air conditioner for your home is vital 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 amount of space you want to cool is one of the most important factors. More expansive 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 require 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 create more body heat, which could influence your cooling needs.
• Present HVAC system: The size and effectiveness of your current system can provide a place to start for determining what you need.

Because the size of your cooling system is so essential to your home’s comfort, you will likely want a professional opinion. At Appalachian Heating, we take the time to completely 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 Appalachian Heating is known for superb air conditioning installation in Beckley.

5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices fluctuate depending on the kind of the unit and your home’s unique needs, a new air conditioning system generally costs between $5,000 and $12,500 to purchase and install. The good news is that new air conditioners are crafted to be exceedingly efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.

The price 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 in addition to federal regulations that necessitate changes to the design.

Know these are average costs and prices can vary. It's always a good idea to get at least a few quotes from trusted HVAC companies before making a choice. If you’re interested in air conditioning replacement in Beckley, contact Appalachian Heating. We will provide you with a no-cost estimate, describe the process and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. What Causes an Air Conditioner to Freeze Up?

Air conditioning 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 unit is suffering from issues causing it to freeze up, it is very likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some typical causes of AC freezing up:

• Inadequate airflow: If the air isn't flowing correctly through your AC system, it can't effectively 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 may grow too cold and freeze up. This is usually the result of leaks in the refrigerant lines.
• Very Chilly outdoor temperatures: Operating your air conditioner when it's too cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Many units aren't designed to perform in temperatures of less than 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.

Appalachian Heating is your Trusted Source for Air Conditioning Service in Beckley.

At Appalachian Heating, we will make your home a comfortable and pleasant place. Our experienced technicians 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 Beckley and nearby towns.

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

Phone Appalachian Heating today at 304-707-0600 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!