They say knowledge is power, and that’s certainly accurate when talking about 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 everyday AC issues.

Understanding how your AC works and the typical problems it faces will allow you to deal with easy 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 catastrophic repairs.

Your Air conditioner is a fundamental part of your home comfort. Because of that, you should always err on the side of caution and call a NATE-certified specialist for air conditioning repair in Laurel if you're uncertain 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 conditioning system is a smart way to make sure it runs efficiently, and very well could extend the life of your unit.

The most significant step you can take 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 plugged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it ought to in order to pull air through the filter. A clean filter catches the airborne debris while still enabling 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 proper 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 comprehensive service of your air conditioner, contact the seasoned professionals like the crew at H&C Heating and Cooling to do routine maintenance on your unit. They’ll examine your system, clean or lubricate parts that need it and look for worn-out parts and potential issues.

2. How Are the Coils on My Air Conditioner Cleaned?

In addition to making certain that your indoor air conditioning unit is working efficiently, it’s necessary to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the exterior unit of your AC is an easy 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 into the outside air. This brings down the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back into your home so it can take in more heat from the air inside your home. Cleaning the fins and the coils can 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 disconnect it completely from power, rather than turning the thermostat off.

2) Remove the top of the outdoor AC so you can enter the inside of the unit. Then, taking care not to strain any cords or attachments, safely move the top to the side.

3) Put a cleaning solution on the fins, first at the top and then working your way 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 brands, it's recommended that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a brief period of time to dissolve the grime and then gently spray it off with a garden hose. Take care not to spray really 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 power back on.

3. What Is the Average Lifespan of My Air Conditioner?

The life span of an air conditioner changes depending on the type of unit, its quality, if maintained and how much it's used. However, experts say you should start getting ready for air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.

One of the best ways to get maximum value from your system is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Tuneups from H&C Heating and Cooling features cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as replacing the filter and repairing any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating as long as it can, contact us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Laurel.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Picking out the proper size of air conditioner for your home is crucial for achieving comfort and efficiency. Here are some points to think about when deciding what size air conditioner to buy for your home:

  • Square footage: The total area of the space you need to cool is one of the key factors. Bigger spaces require more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which should decrease your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you reside in a hotter climate, you'll want a more powerful air conditioner compared to a homeowner living in a cooler place.
  • Number of windows: Windows frequently let in heat, particularly when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of residents: More people in the house means greater body heat, which could influence your cooling needs.
  • Present HVAC system: The size and productivity of your current system can provide a starting point for determining what you need.

Given that the size of your air conditioner 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 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 dedication to customer service is why H&C Heating and Cooling is known for superb air conditioning installation in Laurel.

5. What Does My Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices vary depending on the type of the unit and your home’s unique specifications, 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 price 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 as well as federal regulations that necessitate changes to the design.

Realize these are average costs and prices can differ. 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 Laurel, contact H&C Heating and Cooling. We will schedule an appointment to provide you with a no-cost estimate, describe the plan and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. Why Do Air Conditioners Freeze Up?

An AC freezing up can be brought on by 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 most likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some typical reasons for AC freezing up:

  • Inadequate airflow: If the air isn't flowing easily through your AC system, it can't properly absorb heat. This could be due to a plugged air filter, obstructed return air ducts or a failing fan.
  • Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is getting low on refrigerant, it can become too cold and freeze up. This is often a consequence of leaking in the refrigerant lines.
  • Very Chilly outdoor temperatures: Using your air conditioner when it's really cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Most 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 contribute to an AC unit freezing up.

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

At H&C Heating and Cooling, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and soothing place. Our skilled 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 their first call for air conditioning repair in Laurel 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 top-notch air conditioning installation in Laurel. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!

Phone H&C Heating and Cooling today at 301-960-3247 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!