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

They say knowledge is power, and that’s undoubtedly the truth when it comes to your air conditioner. While complicated repairs are best left to specialists, it’s helpful to have a practical understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve general AC issues.

Knowing how your AC works and the typical problems it faces can empower 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 realizing when to call a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into catastrophic 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 Neptune City if you're not sure about any aspect of your air conditioning system’s operation or maintenance.

Here are some common 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 an effective way to make sure it operates efficiently, and very well could extend the life of your unit.

The most effective step you can take on your own is to change the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter captures dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those impurities from the air circulating inside your home. If your AC filter becomes plugged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it is supposed to in order to pull air through the filter. A clean filter removes the airborne debris while still permitting air to flow efficiently through the system.

Replacement filters can be purchased at most major home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be purchased 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 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 wanting to buy something similar.

For detailed service of your air conditioner, contact the seasoned professionals like the crew at Aggressive Mechanical to do scheduled maintenance on your unit. They’ll inspect 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 AC unit is operating efficiently, it’s important to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outside unit of your air conditioner 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 lowers the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back inside your home so it can absorb more heat from the air in your home's interior. Cleansing the fins and the coils will help them release heat more effectively.

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, as opposed to turning the thermostat off.

2) Lift off the top of the outdoor AC so you can reach the insides of the unit. Then, being cautious 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 sprayed on with your garden hose.

4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most cleaners, it's recommended that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a brief period of time to loosen the grime and then softly 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 components to dry before turning the power back on.

3. How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?

The life span of an air conditioner can vary based on the type of unit, its quality, how often it's maintained and how frequently it's used. However, experts say you should start getting ready for air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.

One of the best ways to get maximum value from your HVAC is through regular conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from Aggressive Mechanical features 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 a long time, reach out to us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Neptune City.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Selecting the correct sized air conditioner for your home is vital for achieving comfort and efficiency. Here are some elements to consider when deciding what size air conditioner to buy for your home:

• Square footage: The total area of the space you need to cool is one of the most important factors. More expansive spaces demand 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 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 produce additional body heat, which could impact your cooling needs.
• Current HVAC system: The size and effectiveness of your current system can provide a jumping off point for determining what you need.

Because the size of your AC is so important 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 variables such as your home’s design and size. This attention to detail and dedication to 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 differ depending on the size of the unit and your home’s unique specifications, a new AC generally costs between $5,000 and $12,500 to purchase and install. The good thing is that new air conditioners are designed 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 in addition to federal regulations that necessitate changes to the design.

Realize 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 thinking about air conditioning replacement in Neptune City, get in touch with Aggressive Mechanical. We will schedule an appointment to provide you with a no-cost estimate, describe the process 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 a variety of factors, all of which boil down to the system's inability 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 frequent triggers for AC freezing up:

• Insufficient airflow: If the air isn't flowing properly through your AC system, it can't effectively 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 running low on refrigerant, it may get too cold and freeze up. This is often because of leaking in the refrigerant lines.
• Very Chilly outdoor temperatures: Running an air conditioner when it's very cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Most units aren't designed to function in temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
• Mechanical failures: Malfunctioning thermostats, damaged blower motors and trouble with the relay or control board can all result in an AC unit freezing up.

Aggressive Mechanical is the Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in Neptune City.

At Aggressive Mechanical, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and soothing place. Our skilled specialists 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 premier choice for air conditioning repair in Neptune City and neighboring cities.

If you’re planning to upgrade or its time for a replacement, 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!

Call Aggressive Mechanical today at 732-502-9300 to schedule an appointment or complimentary estimate!