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

They say knowledge is power, and that’s undoubtedly the truth when talking about your air conditioner. While challenging repairs are best left to experts, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve ordinary AC issues.

Understanding how your AC works and the typical problems it faces will enable you to fix 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 Air conditioner is an essential 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 Richmond if you're not sure about any aspect of your air conditioner's operation or maintenance.

Here are several typical questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:

1. What Is the Best Way to Clean an Air Conditioner?

Cleaning an air conditioner is a smart way to make sure it works efficiently, and very well 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 contaminants from the air circulating inside your home. If your AC filter becomes choked with debris, the air conditioner has to work harder than it really should in order to move air through the filter. A clean filter traps the airborne debris while still permitting air to flow freely through the system.

Replacement filters are available 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 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 trying to buy something similar.

For comprehensive service of your air conditioner, contact the experienced professionals like the crew at Refrigeration Systems Ltd. to do regular maintenance on your AC. They’ll look over your system, clean or lubricate parts that need cleaning and look for worn-out parts and potential problems.

2. How Should I Clean the Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to making sure your indoor air conditioner equipment is working efficiently, it’s necessary to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the exterior unit of your cooling system is an easy way to increase its efficiency and can extend the life of your entire system.

The coils, which have extensions called fins, are used to release heat from the refrigerant into the cooler air outside. This brings down the temperature of 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 flip the power switch off, rather than turning the thermostat off.

2) Remove the top of the outdoor AC so you can reach the interior 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, 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 brands foaming solutions that are sprayed on with your garden hose.

4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most cleaners, it's advised that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a short period of time to dissolve the grime and then carefully spray it off with a garden hose. Be careful not to spray too hard, because that could damage 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. What Is the Average Lifespan of My Air Conditioner?

The life span of an air conditioner changes depending on the type of unit, its quality, if maintained and how frequently it's used. However, industry experts say you should start looking into air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.

One of the best ways to get the most mileage out of your air conditioner is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from Refrigeration Systems Ltd. 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 as long as possible, call us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Richmond.

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

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

• Square footage: The amount of space you want to cool is one of the biggest factors. Larger spaces require more cooling power.
• Home insulation: Well-insulated homes retain cool air better, which could decrease your cooling needs.
• Climate: If you are living in a hotter climate, you'll need 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 people: More people in the house create additional body heat, which could impact your cooling needs.
• Current HVAC system: The size and performance of your current system can provide a jumping off point for identifying what you need.

Because the size of your cooling system is so critical to your home’s comfort, you will definitely want a professional opinion. At Refrigeration Systems Ltd., we take the time to completely understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other variables such as your home’s insulation level and size. This attention to detail and commitment to customer service is why Refrigeration Systems Ltd. is known for superb air conditioning installation in Richmond.

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

While prices fluctuate depending on the size 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 news is that new air conditioners are developed to be exceptionally 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 can impact the design.

Know these are average costs and prices can vary. It's always smart to get at least a few quotes from reliable HVAC companies before making a choice. If you’re interested in air conditioning replacement in Richmond, contact Refrigeration Systems Ltd.. We will provide you with a no-cost estimate, describe the process and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?

An AC 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 having issues causing it to freeze up, it is very likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some common triggers for AC freezing up:

• Poor airflow: If the air isn't flowing properly 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 starting to get low on refrigerant, it could become too cold and freeze up. This is frequently because of leaking in the refrigerant lines.
• Very Chilly outdoor temperatures: Operating the air conditioner when it's very cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Most units aren't designed to operate in temperatures of less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
• Mechanical failures: Malfunctioning thermostats, damaged blower motors and trouble with the relay or control board can all play a role in an AC unit freezing up.

Refrigeration Systems Ltd. is your Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in Richmond.

At Refrigeration Systems Ltd., we will make your home a comfortable and enjoyable place. Our skilled professionals 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 Richmond and the surrounding cities.

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

Call Refrigeration Systems Ltd. today at 778-764-2026 to schedule an appointment or complimentary estimate!