They say knowledge is power, and that’s undoubtedly true when talking about your air conditioner. While complicated repairs are best left to professionals, it’s helpful to have a rudimentary understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve everyday AC issues.

Learning how your AC works and the typical problems it faces will enable you to tackle simple problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you dollars on minor service calls, but understanding when to reach out to a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into major 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 professional for air conditioning repair in Pacheco if you're unsure about any aspect of your air conditioning system’s operation or maintenance.

Here are several 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 works efficiently, and possibly could extend the life of your unit.

The most significant thing you can do 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 impurities from the air circulating inside your home. If your AC filter becomes choked with debris, the air conditioner has to work harder than it ought to in order to pull air through the filter. A clean filter removes the airborne debris while still enabling air to flow freely through the system.

Replacement filters are available at most popular home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be bought 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, 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 hoping to buy something similar.

For thorough service of your air conditioner, contact the experienced professionals like the crew at Clean Air HVAC to do scheduled maintenance on your AC. They’ll inspect your system, clean or lubricate parts that require attention and look for worn-out parts and potential issues.

2. How Do I Clean Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to making sure your indoor air conditioner equipment 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 boost 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 to the outdoors. This lowers the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back inside your home so it can soak up more heat from the air within your home. Washing the fins and the coils will help them release heat more easily.

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 enter the interior of the unit. Then, being cautious not to pull hard on any cords or attachments, safely set the top to the side.

3) Apply a cleaning solution on the fins, first at the top and working down. Commercial coil cleaners are sold 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 suggested 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 very hard, because that could harm the coils or fins!

5) Secure the top back on the unit and then wait for the components 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. That said, industry experts say you should start looking into air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.

One of the best ways to get maximum value from your HVAC is through AC conditioner maintenance. Routine checkups from Clean Air HVAC consists of cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as changing out the dirty filter and fixing any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating as long as possible, call us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Pacheco.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Finding the proper size of air conditioner for your home is vital for keeping comfort and efficiency. Here are some elements to take into account when deciding what size air conditioner to buy for your home:

  • Square footage: The total area of the space you want to cool is one of the most important factors. More expansive spaces require more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes preserve cool air better, which can reduce your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you reside in a hotter climate, you'll need a more powerful air conditioner compared to a person living in a cooler climate.
  • 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 produce additional body heat, which could impact your cooling needs.
  • Present HVAC system: The size and capability of your current system can provide a place to start for identifying what you need.

Due to the fact the size of your AC is so important to your home’s comfort, you will almost certainly want a professional opinion. At Clean Air HVAC, we take the time to completely 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 commitment to customer service is why Clean Air HVAC is known for superb air conditioning installation in Pacheco.

5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices vary depending on the kind 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 thing is that new air conditioners are crafted to be exceedingly efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.

The cost 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 necessitate changes to the design.

Note these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always a good idea to get several quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a choice. If you’re interested in air conditioning replacement in Pacheco, contact Clean Air HVAC. We will schedule an appointment to provide you with a complimentary estimate, make sure you understand the procedure and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. What Causes an Air Conditioner to Freeze Up?

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

Here are some common 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, blocked return air ducts or a failing fan.
  • Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is running low on refrigerant, it could grow too cold and freeze up. This is often a consequence of leaks in the refrigerant lines.
  • Cold outdoor temperatures: Operating the air conditioner when it's too cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Many units aren't designed to function in temperatures of less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Broken 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 Trusted Source for Air Conditioning Service in Pacheco.

At Clean Air HVAC, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and enjoyable place. Our experienced professionals 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 Pacheco and nearby towns.

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

Call Clean Air HVAC today at 925-233-6238 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!