Answered: How to Clean Your AC and Other Cooling Questions

They say knowledge is power, and that’s certainly true when talking about your air conditioner. While complicated 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.

Knowing how your AC works and the common problems it faces can empower you to handle little problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you money on minor service calls, but knowing when to reach out to a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into complex repairs.

Your AC 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 specialist for air conditioning repair in Menomonie and western Wisconsin if you're unsure 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 Should I Clean My Air Conditioner?

Cleaning an air conditioning system is a smart way to make sure it works efficiently, and potentially could extend the life of your unit.

The most significant action you can take on your own is to replace the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter captures dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those particulates 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 move air through the filter. A clean filter traps the airborne debris while still enabling 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 right filter is to look at your old one before you go shopping, noting 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 detailed service of your air conditioner, contact the experienced professionals like the crew at Halverson Brothers Inc to do regular maintenance on your AC. They’ll look over 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 making sure your indoor air conditioner equipment is functioning efficiently, it’s necessary to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the exterior unit of your air conditioner is a quick 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 cooler air outside. This lowers the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back in your home so it can absorb more heat from the air in your home's interior. Washing the fins and the coils will 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 inside of the unit. Then, taking care not to stress any cords or attachments, safely put the top to the side.

3) Spray a cleaning solution on the fins, first at the top and working down. Commercial coil cleaners are available and commonly found in both the canned aerosol spray from as well as products foaming solutions that are sprayed on with an attachment to your garden hose.

4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most cleaners, it's advised that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a small period of time to attack the grime and then gently spray it off with a garden hose. Be cautious 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 coils and fins to dry before turning it back on.

3. How Long Can Air Conditioners Work?

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 get maximum value from your air conditioner is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Routine checkups from Halverson Brothers Inc features cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as changing out the dirty filter and repairing any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating as long as possible, call us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Menomonie and western Wisconsin.

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

Finding the correct sized air conditioner for your home is critical for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some points to take into account when deciding what size air conditioner to buy for your home:

• Square footage: The size of the space you have to cool is one of the most important factors. Larger spaces require more cooling power.
• Home insulation: Well-insulated homes retain cool air better, which should decrease 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, particularly when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
• Number of occupants: More people in the house create more body heat, which could affect your cooling needs.
• Existing HVAC system: The size and productivity of your current system can provide a place to start for determining what you need.

Because the size of your cooling system is so important to your home’s comfort, you will likely want a professional opinion. At Halverson Brothers Inc, we take the time to fully 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 dedication to customer service is why Halverson Brothers Inc is known for superb air conditioning installation in Menomonie and western Wisconsin.

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 air conditioner 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 extremely efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.

The price tag 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 require modifications to the design.

Note 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 purchase. If you’re considering air conditioning replacement in Menomonie and western Wisconsin, reach out to Halverson Brothers Inc. We will schedule an appointment to provide you with a no-cost estimate, describe the procedure and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. Why Do Air Conditioners Freeze Up?

An AC freezing up can be caused by a variety of factors, all of which boil down to the system's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your AC is experiencing issues causing it to freeze up, it is very likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some common reasons for AC freezing up:

• Insufficient airflow: If the air isn't flowing properly through your AC system, it can't effectively 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 may get too cold and freeze up. This is frequently the result of leaks in the refrigerant lines.
• Cold outdoor temperatures: Using your air conditioner when it's too cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Most units aren't designed to operate in temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
• Mechanical failures: Malfunctioning thermostats, damaged blower motors and trouble with the relay or control board can all result in an AC unit freezing up.

Halverson Brothers Inc is the Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in Menomonie and western Wisconsin.

At Halverson Brothers Inc, 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 the first choice for air conditioning repair in Menomonie and western Wisconsin and the surrounding cities.

If you’re wanting to upgrade or its time for a replacement, we’ve got you covered there too, with our top-notch air conditioning installation in Menomonie and western Wisconsin. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!

Phone Halverson Brothers Inc today at 715-578-8046 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!