Answered: Cleaning Your AC and Other Cooling Questions and Other Cooling Questions

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

Understanding how your AC works and the typical problems it faces will enable you to tackle little problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you money on minor service calls, but realizing when to contact a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into major repairs.

Your Air conditioning unit is an important component of your home comfort. Because of that, you should always err on the side of caution and call a NATE-certified specialist for air conditioning repair in Toledo if you're unsure about any aspect of your AC'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 an air conditioner is a smart way to make sure it operates efficiently, and possibly could extend the life of your unit.

The most effective thing you can do 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 plugged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it should in order to pull air through the filter. A clean filter removes the airborne debris while still permitting air to flow efficiently through the system.

Replacement filters are available at most major home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be bought from your local HVAC professional. A good way to make sure you get the correct filter is to look at your old one before you head out 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 wanting to buy something similar.

For detailed service of your air conditioner, contact the skilled professionals like the crew at Northwest Services to do routine maintenance on your AC. They’ll examine your system, clean or lubricate parts that need it and look for worn-out parts and potential issues.

2. How Should I Clean the Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to making certain that 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 outdoor unit of your air conditioner 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 into the cooler air outside. This cools the refrigerant, which then goes back in your home so it can take in more heat from the air inside your home. Cleansing 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, turn off power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to disconnect it completely from power, rather than turning the thermostat off.

2) Lift off the top of the outdoor AC so you can reach the insides of the unit. Then, taking care not to stress any cords or attachments, safely put the top to the side.

3) Apply a cleaning solution on the fins, beginning at the top and moving down. Commercial coil cleaners are on the market and commonly found in both the canned aerosol spray from as well as in the form of foaming solutions that are sprayed on with your garden hose.

4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most brands, it's advised that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a small period of time to attack the grime and then softly spray it off with a garden hose. Be careful not to spray very hard, because that could ruin the coils or fins!

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

3. How Long Can Air Conditioners Work?

The life span of an air conditioner can vary based 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 thinking about air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.

One of the best ways to get maximum value from your air conditioner is through regular conditioner maintenance. Tuneups from Northwest Services 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 a long time, call us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Toledo.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Selecting the correct sized air conditioner for your home is vital for achieving comfort and efficiency. Here are some elements to take into account when deciding what size air conditioner is right for your home:

• Square footage: The size of the space you have to cool is one of the key factors. More expansive spaces necessitate more cooling power.
• Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which can decrease your cooling needs.
• Climate: If you live in a hotter climate, you'll require a more powerful air conditioner compared to someone living in a cooler environment.
• Number of windows: Windows often let in heat, especially when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
• Number of occupants: More people in the house create greater body heat, which may influence your cooling needs.
• Present HVAC system: The size and performance of your current system can provide a jumping off point for determining what you need.

Due to the fact the size of your air conditioner is so important to your home’s comfort, you will likely want a professional opinion. At Northwest Services, 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 dedication to customer service is why Northwest Services is known for exceptional air conditioning installation in Toledo.

5. What Does My Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices vary depending on the type 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. The good news is that new air conditioners are developed 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 in addition to federal regulations that necessitate changes to the design.

Note these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always helpful to get numerous quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a decision. If you’re considering air conditioning replacement in Toledo, contact Northwest Services. We will schedule an appointment to provide you with a complimentary estimate, explain the procedure and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. What Causes an Air Conditioner to Freeze Up?

Air conditioning freezing up can be a consequence of multiple factors, all of which boil down to the AC's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your unit is suffering from issues causing it to freeze up, it is most likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some common triggers for AC freezing up:

• Insufficient airflow: If the air isn't flowing easily through your AC system, it can't sufficiently 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 become too cold and freeze up. This is often because of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
• Frigid outdoor temperatures: Operating your air conditioner when it's very cold outside can cause the system to freeze. The majority of units aren't designed to operate in temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
• Mechanical failures: Broken thermostats, damaged blower motors and issues with the relay or control board can all contribute to an AC unit freezing up.

Northwest Services is the Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in Toledo.

At Northwest Services, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and enjoyable place. Our skilled technicians 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 Toledo and neighboring areas.

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 Toledo. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!

Call Northwest Services today at 419-574-6033 to schedule an appointment or complimentary estimate!