Answered: Cleaning the AC and Other Cooling Questions

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

Understanding how your AC works and the frequent problems it faces can empower you to deal with simple problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you money on minor service calls, but realizing when to reach out to a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into major repairs.

Your Air conditioning unit is a fundamental component 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 McKinney and Frisco if you're uncertain about any aspect of your air conditioning system’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 conditioning system is a good way to make sure it operates efficiently, and possibly could extend the life of your unit.

The most significant step you can take on your own is to change the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter catches dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those contaminants from the air circulating inside your home. If your AC filter becomes choked with debris, the air conditioner has to work harder than it should in order to pull air through the filter. A clean filter catches the airborne debris while still permitting air to flow easily through the system.

Replacement filters are sold at most leading home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be bought from your local HVAC professional. A good way to make sure you get the correct filter is to look at your old one before you head out for the store, taking care to write 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 wanting to buy something similar.

For detailed service of your air conditioner, contact the seasoned professionals like the crew at Bell Mechanical Services to do routine 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 Do I Clean Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to making certain that your indoor air conditioner equipment is working efficiently, it’s necessary to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outdoor unit of your cooling system is a simple 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 into the outside air. This lowers the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back into your home so it can absorb more heat from the air within your home. Cleaning the fins and the coils is a way to 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 disconnect it completely from power, instead of turning the thermostat off.

2) Take off the top of the outdoor AC so you can access the interior of the unit. Then, being careful 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 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 an attachment to your garden hose.

4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most brands, it's advised that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a brief period of time to loosen the grime and then gently spray it off with a garden hose. Be careful not to spray really hard, because that could ruin the coils or fins!

5) Secure the top back on the unit and then wait for the unit to dry before turning the unit 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. That said, experts say you should start getting ready for air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.

One of the best ways to make the most of your air conditioner is through regular conditioner maintenance. Tuneups from Bell Mechanical Services features cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as replacing the filter and mending any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating as long as possible, call us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in McKinney and Frisco.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Should I Have?

Finding the correct sized air conditioner for your home is critical for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some points to consider when deciding what size air conditioner you need for your home:

• Square footage: The size of the space you want 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 can reduce your cooling needs.
• Climate: If you live 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, in particular when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
• Number of people: More people in the house means additional body heat, which may affect your cooling needs.
• Existing HVAC system: The size and productivity of your current system can provide a starting point for identifying what you need.

Because the size of your air conditioner is so critical to your home’s comfort, you will likely want a professional opinion. At Bell Mechanical Services, we take the time to fully understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other considerations such as your home’s insulation level and size. This attention to detail and focus on customer service is why Bell Mechanical Services is known for superb air conditioning installation in McKinney and Frisco.

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 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 crafted to be exceptionally efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.

The cost of an air conditioner is impacted by several factors during the manufacturing process, such as the cost and availability of raw materials, manufacturing and labor costs along with federal regulations that require modifications to the design.

Know these are average costs and prices can vary. It's always a good idea to get several quotes from trusted HVAC companies before making a decision. If you’re contemplating air conditioning replacement in McKinney and Frisco, get in touch with Bell Mechanical Services. We will provide you with a complimentary estimate, describe the plan and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?

An air conditioner freezing up can be brought on by a number of factors, all of which boil down to the failure of your system to efficiently transfer heat. If your AC is having issues causing it to freeze up, it is more than likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some frequent triggers for AC freezing up:

• Inadequate airflow: If the air isn't flowing properly 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 starting to get low on refrigerant, it may become too cold and freeze up. This is often because of leaks in the refrigerant lines.
• Frosty outdoor temperatures: Running your air conditioner when it's too cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Many units aren't designed to perform in temperatures of less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
• Mechanical failures: Faulty thermostats, damaged blower motors and trouble with the relay or control board can all play a role in an AC unit freezing up.

Bell Mechanical Services is the Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in McKinney and Frisco.

At Bell Mechanical Services, we strive to make your home a comfortable and pleasant place. Our knowledgeable specialists 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 McKinney and Frisco and neighboring areas.

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

Call Bell Mechanical Services today at 888-863-0560 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!