Answered: Cleaning the AC and Other Cooling Questions

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

Learning how your AC works and the typical problems it faces will enable you to deal with little problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you cash on minor service calls, but understanding when to call a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into complex repairs.

Your Air conditioning unit is an essential part 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 Hasbrouck Heights if you're not sure about any aspect of your air conditioner's operation or maintenance.

Here are several frequent questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:

1. What Is the Best Way to Clean an Air Conditioner?

Cleaning an air conditioning system is a smart 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 swap out 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 should in order to move air through the filter. A clean filter removes the airborne debris while still enabling air to flow easily through the system.

Replacement filters are sold 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 right filter is to look at your old one before you leave for the store, taking care to write 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 comprehensive service of your air conditioner, contact the skilled professionals like the crew at ACE Solutions to do scheduled maintenance on your unit. They’ll look over your system, clean or lubricate parts that require attention and look for worn-out parts and potential trouble.

2. How Should I Clean the Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to ensuring your indoor air conditioning unit is operating efficiently, it’s important to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outside 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 include extensions called fins, are used to release heat from the refrigerant into the cooler air outside. This cools the refrigerant, which then goes back into your home so it can absorb more heat from the air inside your home. Cleaning the fins and the coils can 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 the power switch off, as opposed to turning the thermostat off.

2) Take off the top of the outdoor AC so you can enter 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) 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 in the form of foaming solutions that are sprayed on with your garden hose.

4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most products, it's advised that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a small 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 harm the coils or fins!

5) Secure the top back on the unit and then wait for the coils and fins to dry before turning it 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, if maintained and how frequently 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 HVAC is through regular conditioner maintenance. Tuneups from ACE Solutions 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 as long as possible, call us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Hasbrouck Heights.

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

Selecting the right size of 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 amount of space you have to cool is one of the most important factors. Bigger spaces require more cooling power.
• Home insulation: Well-insulated homes preserve cool air better, which should minimize 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 climate.
• Number of windows: Windows frequently let in heat, especially when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
• Number of residents: More people in the house create additional body heat, which may influence your cooling needs.
• Present HVAC system: The size and performance of your current system can provide a place to start for determining what you need.

Given that the size of your air conditioner is so essential to your home’s comfort, you will likely want a professional opinion. At ACE Solutions, we take the time to thoroughly 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 commitment to customer service is why ACE Solutions is known for excellent air conditioning installation in Hasbrouck Heights.

5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices differ depending on the size of the unit and your home’s unique requirements, a new air conditioning system generally costs between $5,000 and $12,500 to purchase and install. The good news is that new air conditioners are crafted to be exceedingly 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 as well as federal regulations that necessitate changes to the design.

Realize these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always helpful to get several quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a decision. If you’re considering air conditioning replacement in Hasbrouck Heights, contact ACE Solutions. We can provide you with a free estimate, explain 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 multiple factors, all of which boil down to the system's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your air conditioner is experiencing issues causing it to freeze up, it is more than likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some typical causes of AC freezing up:

• Inadequate 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, something stopping air from flowing through the 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 usually because of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
• Frosty outdoor temperatures: Using your air conditioner when it's too cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Many units aren't designed to function in temperatures lower than 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.

ACE Solutions is your Trusted Source for Air Conditioning Service in Hasbrouck Heights.

At ACE Solutions, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and pleasant 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 premier choice for air conditioning repair in Hasbrouck Heights and the surrounding cities.

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

Phone ACE Solutions today at 201-426-0650 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!