Answered: Cleaning Your AC and Other Cooling Questions 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 experts, 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 frequent problems it faces can empower you to deal with little problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you money on minor service calls, but knowing when to contact a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into major repairs.

Your Air conditioner is an important 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 Bridgeport if you're uncertain 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. How Do I Clean an Air Conditioner?

Cleaning an air conditioner is a good way to make sure it runs efficiently, and very well could extend the life of your unit.

The most effective thing you can do on your own is to change 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 throughout your home. If your AC filter becomes choked with debris, the air conditioner has to work harder than it ought to 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 available at most leading home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be purchased from your local HVAC professional. A good way to make sure you get the correct 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 helpful to note the filtration level of the current filter if you are hoping to buy something similar.

For thorough service of your air conditioner, contact the skilled professionals like the crew at Custom Air Systems to do scheduled maintenance on your unit. They’ll look over your system, clean or lubricate parts that need cleaning and look for worn-out parts and potential problems.

2. How Are the Coils on My Air Conditioner Cleaned?

In addition to ensuring your indoor air conditioning unit is working efficiently, it’s important to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outside unit of your AC is a quick 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 to the outdoors. This cools the refrigerant, which then goes back into your home so it can soak up more heat from the air inside your home. Cleaning the fins and the coils can help them release heat more efficiently.

To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:

1) First, turn off power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to flip off the the on/off switch, rather than turning the thermostat off.

2) Take off the top of the outdoor AC so you can reach the interior of the unit. Then, being cautious not to strain any cords or attachments, safely set the top to the side.

3) Put a cleaning solution on the fins, starting at the top and working down. Commercial coil cleaners are sold and commonly found in both the canned aerosol spray from as well as products foaming solutions that are sprayed on with 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 small period of time to loosen the grime and then softly spray it off with a garden hose. Be careful 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 unit to dry before turning the power 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, if maintained and how much it's used. However, pros say you should start looking into air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.

One of the best ways to make the most of your air conditioner is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Tuneups from Custom Air Systems consists of cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as putting in a new filter and fixing any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating a long time, reach out to us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Bridgeport.

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

Choosing the proper size of air conditioner for your home is critical for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some factors to take into account 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. Bigger spaces require more cooling power.
• Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which could minimize your cooling needs.
• Climate: If you are living in a hotter climate, you'll require a more powerful air conditioner compared to someone living in a cooler place.
• Number of windows: Windows frequently let in heat, especially 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.
• Present HVAC system: The size and productivity of your current system can provide a starting point for deciding what you need.

Because the size of your AC is so important to your home’s comfort, you will almost certainly want a professional opinion. At Custom Air Systems, we take the time to thoroughly understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other variables such as your home’s design and size. This attention to detail and commitment to customer service is why Custom Air Systems is known for excellent air conditioning installation in Bridgeport.

5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices differ depending on the kind of the unit and your home’s unique specifications, a new AC 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 exceptionally efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.

The cost 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 as well as federal regulations that necessitate changes to the design.

Realize these are average costs and prices can vary. It's always a good idea to get several quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re interested in air conditioning replacement in Bridgeport, contact Custom Air Systems. We can provide you with a complimentary estimate, explain the procedure 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 caused by many factors, all of which boil down to the system's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your air conditioner is experiencing issues causing it to freeze up, it is very likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some frequent reasons for AC freezing up:

• Insufficient airflow: If the air isn't flowing properly through your AC system, it can't properly 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 running low on refrigerant, it may become too cold and freeze up. This is often the result of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
• Very Chilly outdoor temperatures: Using the air conditioner when it's too cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Many units aren't designed to function 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 result in an AC unit freezing up.

Custom Air Systems is the Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in Bridgeport.

At Custom Air Systems, we will make your home a comfortable and pleasant 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 Bridgeport and neighboring cities.

If you’re wanting 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 Bridgeport. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!

Contact Custom Air Systems today at (203) 333-1906 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!