Answered: How to Clean Your AC and Other Cooling Questions

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

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

Your Air conditioning unit is an essential element 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 Tomball if you're unsure about any aspect of your air conditioning system’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 an air conditioning system is an effective way to make sure it runs efficiently, and possibly could extend the life of your unit.

The most important 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 particulates from the air circulating inside your home. If your AC filter becomes plugged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it should in order to move air through the filter. A clean filter removes the airborne debris while still enabling air to flow freely through the system.

Replacement filters are sold at most leading home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be ordered from your local HVAC professional. A good way to make sure you get the right filter is to look at your old one before you head out for the store, jotting down 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 comprehensive service of your air conditioner, contact the seasoned professionals like the crew at Premium Air Services LLC to do scheduled 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 problems.

2. How Should I Clean the Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to making certain that your indoor air conditioner equipment is operating efficiently, it’s also a good idea to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outside unit of your cooling system is an easy way to improve 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 lowers the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back inside your home so it can take in more heat from the air in your home's interior. Cleansing the fins and the coils can help them release heat more easily.

To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:

1) First, shut 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 enter 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) Put 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 brands foaming solutions that are applied 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 short period of time to dissolve the grime and then softly spray it off with a garden hose. Be careful 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 coils and fins to dry before turning the power back on.

3. How Long Can Air Conditioners Work?

The life span of an air conditioner depends on the type of unit, its quality, if 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 maximum value from your HVAC is through regular conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from Premium Air Services LLC features 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, reach out to us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Tomball.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Should I Have?

Choosing the proper size of air conditioner for your home is crucial for achieving comfort and efficiency. Here are some elements to consider when deciding what size air conditioner to buy for your home:

• Square footage: The size of the space you need to cool is one of the most important factors. More expansive spaces demand more cooling power.
• Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which could reduce 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 environment.
• Number of windows: Windows frequently let in heat, particularly when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
• Number of occupants: More people in the house produce greater body heat, which could affect your cooling needs.
• Existing HVAC system: The size and effectiveness of your current system can provide a jumping off point for deciding what you need.

Because the size of your air conditioner is so important to your home’s comfort, you will likely want a professional opinion. At Premium Air Services LLC, we take the time to fully 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 dedication to customer service is why Premium Air Services LLC is known for excellent air conditioning installation in Tomball.

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

While prices differ depending on the brand 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 thing 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 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 require modifications to the design.

Note these are average costs and prices can vary. It's always smart to get several quotes from reliable HVAC companies before making a choice. If you’re thinking about air conditioning replacement in Tomball, reach out to Premium Air Services LLC. We will provide you with a free estimate, describe the procedure and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. What Causes an Air Conditioner to Freeze Up?

An AC freezing up can be brought on by a variety of factors, all of which boil down to the failure of your system to efficiently transfer heat. If your AC is experiencing issues causing it to freeze up, it is more than 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 clogged air filter, blocked return air ducts or a failing fan.
• Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is starting to get low on refrigerant, it may become too cold and freeze up. This is often because of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
• Frosty 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 lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
• Mechanical failures: Malfunctioning thermostats, damaged blower motors and problems with the relay or control board can all contribute to an AC unit freezing up.

Premium Air Services LLC is your Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in Tomball.

At Premium Air Services LLC, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and pleasant place. Our skilled 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 their first call for air conditioning repair in Tomball and nearby 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 Tomball. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!

Call Premium Air Services LLC today at 713-364-1078 to schedule an appointment or complimentary estimate!