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 complex repairs are best left to specialists, it’s helpful to have a practical understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve ordinary AC issues.

Understanding how your AC works and the typical problems it faces will allow you to deal with easy problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you money on minor service calls, but knowing when to contact a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into complex 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 technician for air conditioning repair in Mount Horeb if you're not sure about any aspect of your air conditioning system’s operation or maintenance.

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

1. How Do I Clean an Air Conditioner?

Cleaning an air conditioner is a good way to make sure it runs efficiently, and possibly could extend the life of your unit.

The most significant thing you can do on your own is to replace 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 really should in order to force air through the filter. A clean filter traps the airborne debris while still permitting air to flow freely through the system.

Replacement filters are sold at most leading home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be bought from your local HVAC specialist. A good way to make sure you get the proper 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 a good 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 experienced professionals like the crew at JW Brager Heating and Cooling to do regular maintenance on your system. They’ll inspect your system, clean or lubricate parts that need it and look for worn-out parts and potential issues.

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

In addition to making sure your indoor air conditioning unit is operating efficiently, it’s necessary to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outside unit of your AC is a quick way to boost its efficiency and can extend the life of your entire system.

The coils, which are attached to extensions called fins, are used to release heat from the refrigerant into the outside air. This brings down the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back inside your home so it can soak up more heat from the air inside your home. Cleansing 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 disconnect it completely from power, rather than turning the thermostat off.

2) Remove the top of the outdoor AC so you can access the insides of the unit. Then, taking care not to pull hard on any cords or attachments, safely set the top to the side.

3) Spray a cleaning solution on the fins, first at the top and moving down. Commercial coil cleaners are available and commonly found in both the canned aerosol spray from as well as products foaming solutions that are sprayed on with an attachment to your garden hose.

4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most cleaners, it's suggested that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a small period of time to loosen the grime and then softly spray it off with a garden hose. Take care 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 coils and fins 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 frequently it's used. Having said that, industry experts say you should start getting ready for air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.

One of the best ways to make the most of your system is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Routine checkups from JW Brager Heating and Cooling includes cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as replacing the filter and mending any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating as long as possible, contact us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Mount Horeb.

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

Choosing the correct sized air conditioner for your home is crucial for achieving comfort and efficiency. Here are some points to take into account when deciding what size air conditioner to buy for your home:

• Square footage: The total area of the space you want to cool is one of the most important factors. More expansive spaces necessitate more cooling power.
• Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which should minimize your cooling needs.
• Climate: If you reside in a hotter climate, you'll need a more powerful air conditioner compared to a person living in a cooler place.
• Number of windows: Windows often let in heat, particularly when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
• Number of residents: More people in the house produce additional body heat, which may affect your cooling needs.
• Current HVAC system: The size and performance of your current system can provide a place to start for determining what you need.

Because the size of your air conditioner is so important to your home’s comfort, you will almost certainly want a professional opinion. At JW Brager Heating and Cooling, we take the time to thoroughly 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 JW Brager Heating and Cooling is known for superb air conditioning installation in Mount Horeb.

5. What Is the Cost of a New Air Conditioner?

While prices vary depending on the type of the unit and your home’s unique requirements, 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 impacted 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 numerous quotes from trusted HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re contemplating air conditioning replacement in Mount Horeb, reach out to JW Brager Heating and Cooling. We can provide you with a no-cost estimate, describe the process and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. Why Do Air Conditioners Freeze Up?

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

Here are some common causes of AC freezing up:

• Insufficient airflow: If the air isn't flowing easily through your AC system, it can't adequately absorb heat. This could be due to a clogged air filter, blocked 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 frequently because of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
• Very Chilly outdoor temperatures: Using your air conditioner when it's too cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Most units aren't designed to perform 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 play a role in an AC unit freezing up.

JW Brager Heating and Cooling is the Trusted Source for Air Conditioning Service in Mount Horeb.

At JW Brager Heating and Cooling, we will make your home a comfortable and soothing 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 premier choice for air conditioning repair in Mount Horeb and neighboring cities.

If you’re planning to upgrade or its time for a replacement, we’ve got you covered there too, with our top-notch air conditioning installation in Mount Horeb. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!

Call JW Brager Heating and Cooling today at 608-523-9293 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!