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

Your AC is a fundamental 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 Dresden if you're not sure about any aspect of your air conditioner'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 works efficiently, and very well could extend the life of your unit.

The most effective thing you can do 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 impurities from the air circulating in your home. If your AC filter becomes plugged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it is supposed to in order to move air through the filter. A clean filter removes the airborne debris while still allowing air to flow easily through the system.

Replacement filters can be purchased at most leading 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, jotting down 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 comprehensive service of your air conditioner, contact the seasoned professionals like the crew at McFadden Heating & Cooling to do regular maintenance on your AC. They’ll inspect your system, clean or lubricate parts that require attention and look for worn-out parts and potential trouble.

2. How Do I Clean Air Conditioner Coils?

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 exterior unit of your air conditioner 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 in your home so it can take in more heat from the air within your home. Cleaning the fins and the coils can help them release heat more easily.

To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:

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

2) Take off the top of the outdoor AC so you can enter the inside of the unit. Then, being careful not to strain any cords or attachments, safely move the top to the side.

3) Spray a cleaning solution on the fins, starting at the top and moving down. Commercial coil cleaners are available and commonly found in both the canned aerosol spray from as well as in the form of foaming solutions that are applied 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 brief period of time to loosen the grime and then carefully spray it off with a garden hose. Be cautious 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 coils and fins to dry before turning the unit back on.

3. How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?

The life span of an air conditioner depends on the type of unit, its quality, how well it's maintained and how often it's used. However, experts 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 system is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Tuneups from McFadden Heating & Cooling consists of 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 a long time, call us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Dresden.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Picking out the proper size of air conditioner for your home is critical for keeping comfort and efficiency. Here are some elements to think about when deciding what size air conditioner is right for your home:

  • Square footage: The amount of space you want to cool is one of the key factors. More expansive spaces demand more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which should minimize your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you live in a hotter climate, you'll want a more powerful air conditioner compared to a person living in a cooler place.
  • Number of windows: Windows can let in heat, especially when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of occupants: More people in the house create more body heat, which could influence your cooling needs.
  • Present HVAC system: The size and productivity of your current system can provide a starting point for determining what you need.

Due to the fact the size of your air conditioner is so essential to your home’s comfort, you will almost certainly want a professional opinion. At McFadden Heating & Cooling, we take the time to thoroughly understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other factors such as your home’s layout and size. This attention to detail and focus on customer service is why McFadden Heating & Cooling is known for excellent air conditioning installation in Dresden.

5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices fluctuate depending on the type of the unit and your home’s unique requirements, 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 designed to be exceptionally efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.

The price 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 in addition to federal regulations that can impact the design.

Realize these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always helpful to get at least a few quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re thinking about air conditioning replacement in Dresden, get in touch with McFadden Heating & Cooling. We can provide you with a complimentary 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 a consequence of a number of factors, all of which boil down to the AC's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your unit is experiencing issues causing it to freeze up, it is more than likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some frequent reasons for AC freezing up:

  • Inadequate airflow: If the air isn't flowing easily through your AC system, it can't adequately absorb heat. This could be due to a dirty 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 can get too cold and freeze up. This is usually because of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
  • Very Chilly outdoor temperatures: Running your air conditioner when it's too 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 issues with the relay or control board can all play a role in an AC unit freezing up.

McFadden Heating & Cooling is the Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in Dresden.

At McFadden Heating & Cooling, we strive to make your home a comfortable and enjoyable place. Our experienced 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 the premier choice for air conditioning repair in Dresden and the surrounding towns.

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

Call McFadden Heating & Cooling today at 1-866-781-0111 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!