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

They say knowledge is power, and that’s definitely the truth when discussing your air conditioner. While complex repairs are best left to specialists, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve common AC issues.

Knowing how your AC works and the common 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 knowing when to contact a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into major 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 Marshalltown if you're unsure about any aspect of your AC's operation or maintenance.

Here are a few of the common 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 a smart way to make sure it works efficiently, and potentially could extend the life of your unit.

The most effective step you can take on your own is to replace 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 in your home. If your AC filter becomes choked with debris, the air conditioner has to work harder than it really should in order to force air through the filter. A clean filter catches the airborne debris while still permitting air to flow easily through the system.

Replacement filters can be purchased at most leading home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be ordered from your local HVAC specialist. A good way to make sure you get the correct filter is to look at your old one before you go shopping, noting 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 wanting to buy something similar.

For thorough service of your air conditioner, contact the seasoned professionals like the crew at Kapaun & Brown to do routine 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 Are the Coils on My Air Conditioner Cleaned?

In addition to making sure your indoor air conditioning unit is working efficiently, it’s also a good idea to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outside unit of your AC is a simple way to improve 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 in your home so it can absorb more heat from the air in your home's interior. Cleaning the fins and the coils is a way to help them release heat more efficiently.

To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:

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

2) Lift off the top of the outdoor AC so you can reach the insides of the unit. Then, taking care not to stress 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 applied with your garden hose.

4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most cleaners, it's suggested that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a small period of time to dissolve the grime and then gently spray it off with a garden hose. Be careful not to spray very 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 the power back on.

3. How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?

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

One of the best ways to get the most mileage out of your HVAC is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from Kapaun & Brown consists of cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as changing out the dirty 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 Marshalltown.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Selecting the correct sized air conditioner for your home is critical for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some factors to think about when deciding what size air conditioner is right for your home:

• Square footage: The total area of the space you need to cool is one of the key factors. More expansive spaces necessitate more cooling power.
• Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which can minimize your cooling needs.
• Climate: If you are living 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, especially when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
• Number of residents: More people in the house create more body heat, which can impact your cooling needs.
• Current 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 critical to your home’s comfort, you will definitely want a professional opinion. At Kapaun & Brown, we take the time to fully understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other considerations such as your home’s design and size. This attention to detail and dedication to customer service is why Kapaun & Brown is known for excellent air conditioning installation in Marshalltown.

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

While prices differ depending on the kind 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 developed to be exceedingly 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 in addition to federal regulations that necessitate changes to the design.

Realize these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always smart to get several quotes from reliable HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re contemplating air conditioning replacement in Marshalltown, contact Kapaun & Brown. We will schedule an appointment to provide you with a free estimate, explain the procedure and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing 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 air conditioner is experiencing issues causing it to freeze up, it is more than likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some frequent triggers for AC freezing up:

• Insufficient airflow: If the air isn't flowing properly through your AC system, it can't sufficiently 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 a consequence of leaking in the refrigerant lines.
• Frosty outdoor temperatures: Operating your air conditioner when it's too cold outside can cause the system to freeze. The majority of units aren't designed to function in temperatures lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
• Mechanical failures: Faulty thermostats, damaged blower motors and trouble with the relay or control board can all play a role in an AC unit freezing up.

Kapaun & Brown is the Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in Marshalltown.

At Kapaun & Brown, we will make your home a comfortable and soothing place. Our knowledgeable 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 Marshalltown and nearby areas.

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

Phone Kapaun & Brown today at 641-812-2028 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!