Answered: Cleaning the AC and Four Other Cooling Questions

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

Knowing how your AC works and the typical problems it faces will allow 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 understanding when to contact a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into complex 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 technician for air conditioning repair in Jefferson City if you're uncertain about any aspect of your air conditioning system’s operation or maintenance.

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

1. How Should I Clean My Air Conditioner?

Cleaning an air conditioning system is an effective way to make sure it runs efficiently, and very well could extend the life of your unit.

The most effective action 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 contaminants from the air circulating throughout your home. If your AC filter becomes clogged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it really should in order to pull air through the filter. A clean filter removes the airborne debris while still enabling air to flow efficiently through the system.

Replacement filters are sold at most leading home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be purchased 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 leave 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 trying to buy something similar.

For thorough service of your air conditioner, contact the seasoned professionals like the crew at Stieferman Heating Company Inc to do regular maintenance on your system. They’ll look over your system, clean or lubricate parts that need it 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 air conditioning unit is operating efficiently, it’s also a good idea to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the exterior unit of your AC is an easy 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 within 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, shut off power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to flip off the the on/off switch, rather than turning the thermostat off.

2) Lift off the top of the outdoor AC so you can enter the inside of the unit. Then, being careful not to pull hard on any cords or attachments, safely set the top to the side.

3) Apply a cleaning solution on the fins, first 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 sprayed on with your garden hose.

4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most products, it's recommended that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a brief period of time to dissolve the grime and then carefully 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 unit to dry before turning the power back on.

3. What Is the Average Lifespan of My Air Conditioner?

The life span of an air conditioner depends on the type of unit, its quality, if maintained and how much 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 maximum value from your system is through AC conditioner maintenance. Tuneups from Stieferman Heating Company Inc features cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as replacing the filter and repairing any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating a long time, call us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Jefferson City.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Choosing the right size of air conditioner for your home is crucial for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some factors to consider when deciding what size air conditioner you need for your home:

• Square footage: The total area of the space you need to cool is one of the biggest factors. More expansive spaces require more cooling power.
• Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold 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 person 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 residents: More people in the house produce additional body heat, which could affect your cooling needs.
• Existing HVAC system: The size and productivity of your current system can provide a place to start for determining what you need.

Given that the size of your air conditioner is so essential to your home’s comfort, you will probably want a professional opinion. At Stieferman Heating Company Inc, we take the time to thoroughly 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 dedication to customer service is why Stieferman Heating Company Inc is known for superb air conditioning installation in Jefferson City.

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

While prices differ depending on the size 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. On the plus side, a benefit of air conditioning replacement 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 tag 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 along with federal regulations that necessitate changes to the design.

Note these are average costs and prices can fluctuate. It's always a good idea to get at least a few quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re thinking about air conditioning replacement in Jefferson City, reach out to Stieferman Heating Company Inc. We can provide you with a free estimate, explain 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 a consequence of a number of factors, all of which boil down to the AC's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your air conditioner is experiencing issues causing it to freeze up, it is more than likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some frequent causes of AC freezing up:

• Poor 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, blocked return air ducts or a failing fan.
• Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is running low on refrigerant, it could grow too cold and freeze up. This is frequently the result of leaking in the refrigerant lines.
• Frigid outdoor temperatures: Operating an air conditioner when it's very cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Most units aren't designed to work 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.

Stieferman Heating Company Inc is your Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in Jefferson City.

At Stieferman Heating Company Inc, we strive to make your home a comfortable and pleasant place. Our knowledgeable 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 Jefferson City and the surrounding 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-rate air conditioning installation in Jefferson City. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!

Call Stieferman Heating Company Inc today at 573-635-3547 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!