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

Learning how your AC works and the common problems it faces can empower you to fix simple problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you money on minor service calls, but understanding when to call a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into catastrophic repairs.

Your Air conditioning unit is an important part 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 Pacheco 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 an effective way to make sure it runs efficiently, and potentially 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 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 ought to in order to force 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 leading home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be purchased from your local HVAC professional. A good way to make sure you get the right filter is to look at your old one before you go shopping, jotting down 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 detailed service of your air conditioner, contact the skilled professionals like the crew at Clean Air HVAC to do regular maintenance on your unit. They’ll inspect your system, clean or lubricate parts that need cleaning and look for worn-out parts and potential trouble.

2. How Should I Clean the Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to making sure your indoor AC unit is operating efficiently, it’s important to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outdoor 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 absorb more heat from the air in your home's interior. 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 flip off the the on/off switch, as opposed to turning the thermostat off.

2) Remove the top of the outdoor AC so you can enter the inside of the unit. Then, being careful not to pull hard on any cords or attachments, safely put the top to the side.

3) Apply a cleaning solution on the fins, beginning at the top and moving down. Commercial coil cleaners are available 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 cleaners, it's advised that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a short period of time to loosen the grime and then carefully spray it off with a garden hose. Be careful not to spray really hard, because that could harm the coils or fins!

5) Secure the top back on the unit and then wait for the unit to dry before turning it 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 much it's used. However, pros say you should start thinking about air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.

One of the best ways to get maximum value from your system is through regular conditioner maintenance. Tuneups from Clean Air HVAC includes 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, contact us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Pacheco.

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

Selecting the correct sized air conditioner for your home is vital for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some elements to think about when deciding what size air conditioner you need for your home:

  • Square footage: The size of the space you need to cool is one of the key factors. Larger spaces necessitate more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes preserve cool air better, which should decrease your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you are living in a hotter climate, you'll want a more powerful air conditioner compared to someone living in a cooler environment.
  • 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 means greater body heat, which may affect your cooling needs.
  • Present HVAC system: The size and performance of your current system can provide a starting point for deciding what you need.

Due to the fact the size of your air conditioner is so essential to your home’s comfort, you will likely want a professional opinion. At Clean Air HVAC, we take the time to thoroughly understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other factors such as your home’s insulation level and size. This attention to detail and dedication to customer service is why Clean Air HVAC is known for excellent air conditioning installation in Pacheco.

5. What Does My Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices vary depending on the size 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 extremely efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.

The price 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 can impact the design.

Note these are average costs and prices can fluctuate. It's always smart to get at least a few quotes from trusted HVAC companies before making a decision. If you’re interested in air conditioning replacement in Pacheco, reach out to Clean Air HVAC. We will provide you with a free estimate, describe the procedure and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. Why Do Air Conditioners Freeze Up?

Air conditioning freezing up can be due to 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 correctly through your AC system, it can't sufficiently 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 getting low on refrigerant, it may become too cold and freeze up. This is often the result of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
  • Frigid outdoor temperatures: Operating the air conditioner when it's really cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Most units aren't designed to perform in temperatures lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Malfunctioning thermostats, damaged blower motors and problems with the relay or control board can all result in an AC unit freezing up.

Clean Air HVAC is the Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in Pacheco.

At Clean Air HVAC, we will make your home a comfortable and enjoyable place. Our qualified technicians are up-to-date on the latest industry training and trends, and work on on a wide variety of systems. That’s why community members make us the premier choice for air conditioning repair in Pacheco and nearby cities.

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

Phone Clean Air HVAC today at 925-233-6238 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!