Answered: How to Clean Your AC and Other Cooling Questions

They say knowledge is power, and that’s undoubtedly accurate when discussing 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 common AC issues.

Knowing how your AC works and the common problems it faces will allow you to handle easy problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you dollars on minor service calls, but realizing when to reach out to a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into catastrophic repairs.

Your AC 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 professional for air conditioning repair in Neptune City if you're not sure about any aspect of your air conditioning system’s operation or maintenance.

Here are some 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 possibly could extend the life of your unit.

The most important thing you can do on your own is to replace the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter captures dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those contaminants from the air circulating throughout your home. If your AC filter becomes plugged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it really should in order to pull air through the filter. A clean filter removes the airborne debris while still allowing air to flow efficiently through the system.

Replacement filters are available at most major home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be purchased from your local HVAC expert. A good way to make sure you get the correct filter is to look at your old one before you leave for the store, 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 Aggressive Mechanical to do routine maintenance on your AC. They’ll inspect your system, clean or lubricate parts that need it and look for worn-out parts and potential issues.

2. How Do I Clean Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to making certain that your indoor AC unit 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 improve 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 outside air. This lowers the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back inside your home so it can take in more heat from the air inside your home. Washing 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 disconnect it completely from power, instead of 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 pull hard on any cords or attachments, safely set the top to the side.

3) Put a cleaning solution on the fins, beginning at the top and working 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 brands, it's recommended that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a short period of time to loosen the grime and then gently spray it off with a garden hose. Be cautious not to spray too hard, because that could ruin 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 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 frequently it's used. However, industry experts say you should start getting ready for 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 Aggressive Mechanical features cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as replacing the filter and mending any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating as long as it can, reach out to us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Neptune City.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Choosing the proper size of air conditioner for your home is crucial for keeping comfort and efficiency. Here are some factors to take into account when deciding what size air conditioner is right for your home:

• Square footage: The size of the space you have to cool is one of the biggest factors. Larger spaces require more cooling power.
• Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which could decrease your cooling needs.
• Climate: If you reside in a hotter climate, you'll need a more powerful air conditioner compared to a homeowner 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 residents: More people in the house means greater body heat, which may impact your cooling needs.
• Present HVAC system: The size and productivity of your current system can provide a starting point for deciding what you need.

Due to the fact the size of your cooling system is so critical to your home’s comfort, you will definitely want a professional opinion. At Aggressive Mechanical, we take the time to fully understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other considerations such as your home’s layout and size. This attention to detail and focus on customer service is why Aggressive Mechanical is known for exceptional air conditioning installation in Neptune City.

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

While prices fluctuate depending on the brand of the unit and your home’s unique needs, a new air conditioner 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 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 can impact the design.

Realize these are average costs and prices can fluctuate. It's always helpful to get several quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a decision. If you’re contemplating air conditioning replacement in Neptune City, get in touch with Aggressive Mechanical. We will provide you with a no-cost estimate, describe the plan and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?

An air conditioner freezing up can be caused by a variety of factors, all of which boil down to the system's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your AC is having issues causing it to freeze up, it is very likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some frequent triggers for AC freezing up:

• Insufficient airflow: If the air isn't flowing correctly through your AC system, it can't adequately absorb heat. This could be due to a clogged air filter, obstructed 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 usually because of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
• Cold outdoor temperatures: Operating an air conditioner when it's very cold outside can cause the system to freeze. The majority of units aren't designed to operate in temperatures lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
• Mechanical failures: Broken thermostats, damaged blower motors and trouble with the relay or control board can all contribute to an AC unit freezing up.

Aggressive Mechanical is your Trusted Source for Air Conditioning Service in Neptune City.

At Aggressive Mechanical, we will make your home a comfortable and enjoyable place. Our experienced technicians are up-to-date on the latest industry training and trends, and are experienced on a wide variety of systems. That’s why community members make us the first choice for air conditioning repair in Neptune City and the surrounding areas.

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

Phone Aggressive Mechanical today at 732-502-9300 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!