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

Knowing how your AC works and the typical problems it faces can empower 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 complex repairs.

Your Air conditioning unit is a fundamental element 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 Cache Valley if you're unsure about any aspect of your AC's operation or maintenance.

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

1. How Do I Clean an Air Conditioner?

Cleaning an air conditioner 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 replace the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter captures dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those impurities from the air circulating in your home. If your AC filter becomes plugged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it is supposed to in order to move air through the filter. A clean filter traps the airborne debris while still allowing air to flow easily through the system.

Replacement filters can be purchased 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, 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 hoping to buy something similar.

For detailed service of your air conditioner, contact the seasoned professionals like the crew at Western Mechanical, Inc. to do routine maintenance on your unit. They’ll look over your system, clean or lubricate parts that need cleaning and look for worn-out parts and potential problems.

2. How Should I Clean the Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to making sure your indoor air conditioner equipment is operating efficiently, it’s important to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the exterior unit of your air conditioner is an easy way to increase 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 into your home so it can soak up more heat from the air inside your home. Cleaning the fins and the coils is a way to help them release heat more efficiently.

To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:

1) First, turn off power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to flip off the the on/off switch, as opposed to turning the thermostat off.

2) Remove the top of the outdoor AC so you can access the interior of the unit. Then, being careful not to strain any cords or attachments, safely put the top to the side.

3) Apply a cleaning solution on the fins, beginning at the top and working down. Commercial coil cleaners are on the market 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 products, it's recommended that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a brief period of time to attack the grime and then carefully spray it off with a garden hose. Be cautious 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 components to dry before turning the power 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 well it's maintained and how often it's used. Having said that, pros 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 AC conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from Western Mechanical, Inc. consists of cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as replacing the filter and repairing any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating a long time, call us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Cache Valley.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Choosing the right size of air conditioner for your home is crucial for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some elements to think about when deciding what size air conditioner you need for your home:

  • Square footage: The amount of space you want to cool is one of the most important factors. Larger spaces necessitate more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes preserve cool air better, which should decrease your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you are living in a hotter climate, you'll require a more powerful air conditioner compared to a homeowner living in a cooler environment.
  • 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 produce more body heat, which could affect 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.

Because the size of your cooling system is so important to your home’s comfort, you will definitely want a professional opinion. At Western Mechanical, Inc., we take the time to fully 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 focus on customer service is why Western Mechanical, Inc. is known for exceptional air conditioning installation in Cache Valley.

5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices vary depending on the size of the unit and your home’s unique specifications, a new air conditioning system 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 designed to be extremely efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.

The price tag 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.

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 Cache Valley, get in touch with Western Mechanical, Inc.. We can provide you with a no-cost estimate, explain 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 a number of factors, all of which boil down to the failure of your system to efficiently transfer heat. If your AC is suffering from 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 correctly through your AC system, it can't properly absorb heat. This could be due to a clogged air filter, obstructed return air ducts or a failing fan.
  • Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is running low on refrigerant, it may grow too cold and freeze up. This is usually because of leaking in the refrigerant lines.
  • Frosty outdoor temperatures: Running the air conditioner when it's too cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Many units aren't designed to perform in temperatures below 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.

Western Mechanical, Inc. is the Trusted Source for Air Conditioning Service in Cache Valley.

At Western Mechanical, Inc., we strive to make your home a comfortable and soothing place. Our skilled specialists are up-to-date on the latest industry training and trends, and work on on a wide variety of systems. That’s why community members make us their first call for air conditioning repair in Cache Valley and nearby cities.

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

Phone Western Mechanical, Inc. today at 435-753-5515 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!