Answered: How to Clean Your AC and Four Other Cooling Questions

They say knowledge is power, and that’s definitely accurate when it comes to your air conditioner. While complicated 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 typical problems it faces can empower you to tackle easy problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you money on minor service calls, but understanding when to call a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into complex repairs.

Your Air conditioning unit 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 Delray Beach if you're not sure about any aspect of your air conditioner's operation or maintenance.

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

1. How Should I Clean My Air Conditioner?

Cleaning your AC is an effective way to make sure it operates efficiently, and potentially could extend the life of your unit.

The most important step 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 choked with debris, the air conditioner has to work harder than it really should in order to pull air through the filter. A clean filter traps the airborne debris while still enabling air to flow easily 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 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 hoping to buy something similar.

For comprehensive service of your air conditioner, contact the skilled professionals like the crew at Kilbourne Heating & AC to do scheduled maintenance on your AC. They’ll inspect your system, clean or lubricate parts that require attention and look for worn-out parts and potential problems.

2. How Do I Clean Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to ensuring your indoor air conditioning unit is functioning 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 a quick 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 cools the refrigerant, which then goes back inside your home so it can absorb more heat from the air inside your home. Washing the fins and the coils can help them release heat more efficiently.

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) Take off the top of the outdoor AC so you can enter the inside of the unit. Then, taking care not to strain any cords or attachments, safely set the top to the side.

3) Spray a cleaning solution on the fins, starting at the top and then working your way 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 brands, it's suggested 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 too hard, because that could harm the coils or fins!

5) Secure the top back on the unit and then wait for the unit to dry before turning it 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 much it's used. However, pros 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 HVAC is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Tuneups from Kilbourne Heating & AC includes cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as putting in a new filter and repairing any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating as long as it can, call us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Delray Beach.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Should I Have?

Selecting the proper size of air conditioner for your home is vital for achieving comfort and efficiency. Here are some elements to think about when deciding what size air conditioner is right for your home:

• Square footage: The size of the space you need to cool is one of the biggest factors. Bigger spaces require more cooling power.
• Home insulation: Well-insulated homes preserve 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 homeowner living in a cooler place.
• Number of windows: Windows frequently let in heat, particularly when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
• Number of residents: More people in the house means additional body heat, which could influence your cooling needs.
• Existing HVAC system: The size and capability of your current system can provide a place to start for determining what you need.

Because the size of your AC is so important to your home’s comfort, you will probably want a professional opinion. At Kilbourne Heating & AC, we take the time to completely 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 Kilbourne Heating & AC is known for superb air conditioning installation in Delray Beach.

5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?

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 news is that new air conditioners are crafted to be exceptionally efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.

The cost of an air conditioner is affected by several factors during the manufacturing process, such as the cost and availability of raw materials, manufacturing and labor costs as well as federal regulations that necessitate changes to the design.

Know these are average costs and prices can fluctuate. It's always a good idea to get several quotes from reliable HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re considering air conditioning replacement in Delray Beach, reach out to Kilbourne Heating & AC. We will schedule an appointment to provide you with a free estimate, explain the process and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?

An air conditioner freezing up can be brought on by many factors, all of which boil down to the failure of your system to efficiently transfer heat. If your unit is having issues causing it to freeze up, it is most likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some common reasons for AC freezing up:

• Poor airflow: If the air isn't flowing correctly through your AC system, it can't properly absorb heat. This could be due to a plugged air filter, obstructed return air ducts or a failing fan.
• Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is getting low on refrigerant, it can grow too cold and freeze up. This is frequently the result of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
• Frosty outdoor temperatures: Running your air conditioner when it's too cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Most 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.

Kilbourne Heating & AC is the Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in Delray Beach.

At Kilbourne Heating & AC, we will make your home a comfortable and enjoyable 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 their first call for air conditioning repair in Delray Beach and neighboring towns.

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

Contact Kilbourne Heating & AC today at 561-287-7071 to schedule an appointment or complimentary estimate!