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

Knowing how your AC works and the frequent problems it faces can empower you to tackle easy 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 an important component 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 Laurel if you're not sure about any aspect of your AC's operation or maintenance.

Here are a few of the frequent questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:

1. How Do I Clean an Air Conditioner?

Cleaning your AC is an effective way to make sure it works efficiently, and possibly could extend the life of your unit.

The most effective action you can take on your own is to swap out the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter traps dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those impurities from the air circulating in your home. If your AC filter becomes choked with debris, the air conditioner has to work harder than it should in order to force air through the filter. A clean filter traps the airborne debris while still permitting air to flow efficiently through the system.

Replacement filters are sold at most leading home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be ordered 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 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 a good idea to note the filtration level of the current filter if you are trying to buy something similar.

For comprehensive service of your air conditioner, contact the experienced professionals like the crew at H&C Heating and Cooling to do regular maintenance on your unit. They’ll examine 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 AC unit is operating efficiently, it’s important to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outside unit of your AC is a simple way to increase its efficiency and can extend the life of your entire system.

The coils, which are attached to 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 take in more heat from the air in your home's interior. Cleaning the fins and the coils can help them release heat more efficiently.

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, rather than turning the thermostat off.

2) Take off the top of the outdoor AC so you can access the interior of the unit. Then, being cautious not to stress any cords or attachments, safely put the top to the side.

3) Put a cleaning solution on the fins, beginning at the top and working down. Commercial coil cleaners are available and commonly found in both the canned aerosol spray from as well as brands foaming solutions that are applied with your garden hose.

4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most brands, it's suggested that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a short 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 damage 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 depends on the type of unit, its quality, how well it's maintained and how much it's used. However, pros say you should start getting ready for air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.

One of the best ways to get the most mileage out of your air conditioner is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from H&C Heating and Cooling 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, reach out to us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Laurel.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Choosing the proper size of air conditioner for your home is crucial for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some points to consider when deciding what size air conditioner to buy for your home:

  • Square footage: The size of the space you need to cool is one of the biggest factors. More expansive spaces demand more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which can decrease your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you reside in a hotter climate, you'll need a more powerful air conditioner compared to someone living in a cooler place.
  • Number of windows: Windows often let in heat, especially when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of people: More people in the house means additional body heat, which may impact your cooling needs.
  • Present HVAC system: The size and productivity of your current system can provide a starting point for identifying what you need.

Due to the fact the size of your cooling system is so important to your home’s comfort, you will likely want a professional opinion. At H&C Heating and Cooling, we take the time to completely understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other variables such as your home’s insulation level and size. This attention to detail and commitment to customer service is why H&C Heating and Cooling is known for superb air conditioning installation in Laurel.

5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices fluctuate depending on the type of the unit and your home’s unique needs, a new AC generally costs between $5,000 and $12,500 to purchase and install. On the plus side, a benefit of air conditioning replacement is that new air conditioners are developed 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 in addition to federal regulations that require modifications to the design.

Know these are average costs and prices can vary. It's always smart to get numerous quotes from reliable HVAC companies before making a decision. If you’re interested in air conditioning replacement in Laurel, get in touch with H&C Heating and Cooling. We will provide you with a no-cost estimate, describe the plan and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. What Causes an Air Conditioner to Freeze Up?

Air conditioning freezing up can be a consequence of many factors, all of which boil down to the system'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 typical triggers for AC freezing up:

  • Insufficient airflow: If the air isn't flowing easily 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 getting low on refrigerant, it can grow too cold and freeze up. This is often the result of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
  • Very Chilly outdoor temperatures: Using your air conditioner when it's too cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Most units aren't designed to work in temperatures of less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Malfunctioning thermostats, damaged blower motors and problems with the relay or control board can all play a role in an AC unit freezing up.

H&C Heating and Cooling is the Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in Laurel.

At H&C Heating and Cooling, we strive to make your home a comfortable and enjoyable place. Our qualified 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 Laurel 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 Laurel. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!

Contact H&C Heating and Cooling today at 301-960-3247 to schedule an appointment or complimentary estimate!