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

They say knowledge is power, and that’s undoubtedly true when it comes to your air conditioner. While challenging repairs are best left to professionals, 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 common problems it faces will enable you to tackle simple problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you cash on minor service calls, but knowing when to contact a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into complex repairs.

Your AC is a fundamental 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 Naples if you’re unsure about any aspect of your air conditioning system’s operation or maintenance.

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

1. How Do I Clean an Air Conditioner?

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

The most effective action 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 throughout your home. If your AC filter becomes plugged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it ought to in order to pull air through the filter. A clean filter removes 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 right 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 good idea to note the filtration level of the current filter if you are trying to buy something similar.

For detailed service of your air conditioner, contact the seasoned professionals like the crew at Speedy Air Conditioning to do regular maintenance on your system. They’ll look over your system, clean or lubricate parts that require attention and look for worn-out parts and potential trouble.

2. How Should I Clean the Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to ensuring 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 exterior unit of your cooling system is a simple 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 cools the refrigerant, which then goes back in your home so it can absorb more heat from the air inside your home. Cleaning the fins and the coils is a way to 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, as opposed to 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 strain any cords or attachments, safely move the top to the side.

3) Spray 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 products foaming solutions that are sprayed on with an attachment to 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 softly spray it off with a garden hose. Be cautious not to spray really hard, because that could damage the coils or fins!

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

3. How Long Can Air Conditioners Work?

The life span of an air conditioner changes depending on the type of unit, its quality, if maintained and how often it’s used. Having said that, industry experts say you should start thinking about air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.

One of the best ways to make the most of your air conditioner is through regular conditioner maintenance. Routine checkups from Speedy Air Conditioning consists of 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, call us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Naples.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Should I Have?

Selecting the right size of air conditioner for your home is critical for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some points to think about when deciding what size air conditioner you need for your home:

• Square footage: The total area of the space you want to cool is one of the most important factors. Bigger spaces necessitate more cooling power.
• Home insulation: Well-insulated homes retain cool air better, which should decrease 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 can let in heat, in particular when they’re south-facing or not well-insulated.
• Number of people: More people in the house means greater body heat, which can affect your cooling needs.
• Existing HVAC system: The size and capability of your current system can provide a starting point for identifying what you need.

Due to the fact the size of your air conditioner is so essential to your home’s comfort, you will almost certainly want a professional opinion. At Speedy Air Conditioning, we take the time to fully 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 commitment to customer service is why Speedy Air Conditioning is known for superb air conditioning installation in Naples.

5. What Does My Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices fluctuate depending on the type of the unit and your home’s unique requirements, a new AC generally costs between $5,000 and $12,500 to purchase and install. The good thing is that new air conditioners are crafted to be exceptionally 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 require modifications to the design.

Know these are average costs and prices can vary. It’s always helpful to get numerous quotes from trusted HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re thinking about air conditioning replacement in Naples, contact Speedy Air Conditioning. We can provide you with a complimentary estimate, explain the process and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. What Causes an Air Conditioner to Freeze Up?

An air conditioner freezing up can be brought on by a variety of 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 more than likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some frequent reasons for AC freezing up:

• Poor 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 can get too cold and freeze up. This is frequently because of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
• Frigid outdoor temperatures: Running your air conditioner when it’s really cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Most units aren’t designed to perform in temperatures lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
• Mechanical failures: Faulty thermostats, damaged blower motors and problems with the relay or control board can all play a role in an AC unit freezing up.

Speedy Air Conditioning is your Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in Naples.

At Speedy Air Conditioning, we will make your home a comfortable and enjoyable place. Our qualified 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 Naples and nearby areas.

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

Contact Speedy Air Conditioning today at 239-244-3439 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!