Answered: Cleaning Your AC and Other Cooling Questions and Four Other Cooling Questions

They say knowledge is power, and that’s certainly true when discussing your air conditioner. While challenging 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 frequent problems it faces can empower you to deal with little problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you dollars on minor service calls, but realizing when to call a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into catastrophic repairs.

Your Air conditioner 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 specialist for air conditioning repair in Pocatello if you're not sure about any aspect of your air conditioning system’s operation or maintenance.

Here are some frequent questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:

1. How Do I Clean an Air Conditioner?

Cleaning your AC is a smart way to make sure it operates efficiently, and very well could extend the life of your unit.

The most significant thing you can do 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 in your home. If your AC filter becomes clogged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it should in order to move air through the filter. A clean filter catches 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 purchased 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, jotting 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 wanting to buy something similar.

For thorough service of your air conditioner, contact the experienced professionals like the crew at Vogts Heating & Air to do scheduled maintenance on your system. They’ll examine your system, clean or lubricate parts that need it and look for worn-out parts and potential issues.

2. How Should I Clean the Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to ensuring your indoor AC unit is functioning efficiently, it’s important to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the exterior unit of your AC is a simple way to improve 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 in your home's interior. Cleaning the fins and the coils can help them release heat more effectively.

To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:

1) First, turn off power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to disconnect it completely from power, rather than turning the thermostat off.

2) Lift off the top of the outdoor AC so you can access the inside of the unit. Then, being careful not to strain any cords or attachments, safely move the top to the side.

3) Spray a cleaning solution on the fins, beginning at the top and working down. Commercial coil cleaners are sold 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 suggested that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a brief period of time to loosen the grime and then carefully spray it off with a garden hose. Be careful 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 coils and fins to dry before turning it back on.

3. How Long Can Air Conditioners Work?

The life span of an air conditioner depends on the type of unit, its quality, how often it's maintained and how much it's used. Having said that, industry experts say you should start thinking about air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.

One of the best ways to get maximum value from your HVAC is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Tuneups from Vogts Heating & Air includes cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as changing out the dirty 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 Pocatello.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Should I Have?

Choosing the proper size of air conditioner for your home is critical for achieving comfort and efficiency. Here are some factors to think about when deciding what size air conditioner is right for your home:

• Square footage: The size of the space you have to cool is one of the biggest factors. More expansive spaces necessitate more cooling power.
• Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which should minimize your cooling needs.
• Climate: If you live in a hotter climate, you'll need a more powerful air conditioner compared to a person living in a cooler climate.
• Number of windows: Windows can let in heat, in particular when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
• Number of occupants: More people in the house means more body heat, which may affect your cooling needs.
• Current HVAC system: The size and effectiveness of your current system can provide a jumping off point for identifying what you need.

Because the size of your air conditioner is so critical to your home’s comfort, you will definitely want a professional opinion. At Vogts Heating & Air, 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 dedication to customer service is why Vogts Heating & Air is known for superb air conditioning installation in Pocatello.

5. What Is the Cost of a New Air Conditioner?

While prices vary depending on the type of the unit and your home’s unique needs, a new air conditioning system generally costs between $5,000 and $12,500 to purchase and install. The good thing 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 necessitate changes to the design.

Note these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always smart to get several quotes from trusted HVAC companies before making a choice. If you’re interested in air conditioning replacement in Pocatello, contact Vogts Heating & Air. We can provide you with a free estimate, describe the procedure 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 variety of factors, all of which boil down to the AC's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your AC is suffering from issues causing it to freeze up, it is most likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some common reasons 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 clogged 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 leakages in the refrigerant lines.
• Frigid outdoor temperatures: Operating your air conditioner when it's too cold outside can cause the system to freeze. The majority of units aren't designed to work in temperatures lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
• Mechanical failures: Broken thermostats, damaged blower motors and trouble with the relay or control board can all contribute to an AC unit freezing up.

Vogts Heating & Air is the Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in Pocatello.

At Vogts Heating & Air, we strive to make your home a comfortable and soothing place. Our qualified 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 the premier choice for air conditioning repair in Pocatello and nearby areas.

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

Phone Vogts Heating & Air today at 208-621-0129 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!