They say knowledge is power, and that’s certainly the truth when discussing your air conditioner. While complex repairs are best left to specialists, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve general AC issues.

Understanding how your AC works and the frequent 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 knowing when to contact a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into catastrophic repairs.

Your AC is an essential element 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 Mobile if you're uncertain about any aspect of your AC's operation or maintenance.

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

1. How Should I Clean My Air Conditioner?

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

The most important 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 contaminants from the air circulating throughout your home. If your AC filter becomes choked with debris, the air conditioner has to work harder than it should in order to pull air through the filter. A clean filter removes the airborne debris while still allowing air to flow easily through the system.

Replacement filters are sold at most popular home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be purchased 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 trying to buy something similar.

For comprehensive service of your air conditioner, contact the experienced professionals like the crew at Farnell Heating & Air Conditioning Inc to do scheduled maintenance on your unit. They’ll look over your system, clean or lubricate parts that require attention 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 conditioning unit is operating efficiently, it’s important to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outdoor unit of your AC is a quick way to increase 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 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 within your home. Washing the fins and the coils is a way to help them release heat more easily.

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, instead of turning the thermostat off.

2) Lift off the top of the outdoor AC so you can access the interior of the unit. Then, taking care not to pull hard on any cords or attachments, safely set the top to the side.

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

4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most products, it's advised 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 too 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 Can Air Conditioners Work?

The life span of an air conditioner changes depending on the type of unit, its quality, if maintained and how frequently it's used. Having said that, 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. Maintenance service from Farnell Heating & Air Conditioning Inc consists of cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as putting in a new filter and repairing any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating as long as it can, call us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Mobile.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Should I Have?

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

  • Square footage: The size of the space you need to cool is one of the most important factors. Bigger spaces necessitate more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which can reduce your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you are living 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 can let in heat, in particular when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of occupants: More people in the house produce greater body heat, which could affect your cooling needs.
  • Present HVAC system: The size and performance of your current system can provide a jumping off point for identifying what you need.

Due to the fact the size of your AC is so essential to your home’s comfort, you will definitely want a professional opinion. At Farnell Heating & Air Conditioning Inc, we take the time to thoroughly 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 commitment to customer service is why Farnell Heating & Air Conditioning Inc is known for superb air conditioning installation in Mobile.

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 specifications, 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 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 impacted 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 can impact the design.

Realize these are average costs and prices can fluctuate. It's always a good idea to get numerous quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re thinking about air conditioning replacement in Mobile, get in touch with Farnell Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. We can provide you with a free estimate, make sure you understand the process and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?

Air conditioning freezing up can be due to multiple factors, all of which boil down to the AC's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your air conditioner is suffering from issues causing it to freeze up, it is more than likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some common causes of AC freezing up:

  • Insufficient airflow: If the air isn't flowing easily through your AC system, it can't sufficiently absorb heat. This could be due to a plugged air filter, blocked return air ducts or a failing fan.
  • Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is getting low on refrigerant, it could become too cold and freeze up. This is often because of leaks in the refrigerant lines.
  • Frosty outdoor temperatures: Using an air conditioner when it's really cold outside can cause the system to freeze. The majority of units aren't designed to operate in temperatures lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Faulty thermostats, damaged blower motors and issues with the relay or control board can all result in an AC unit freezing up.

Farnell Heating & Air Conditioning Inc is your Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in Mobile.

At Farnell Heating & Air Conditioning Inc, we will make your home a comfortable and enjoyable place. Our knowledgeable professionals 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 Mobile and neighboring areas.

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

Contact Farnell Heating & Air Conditioning Inc today at 251-471-2674 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!