They say knowledge is power, and that’s undoubtedly true when discussing 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.

Understanding how your AC works and the typical problems it faces can empower you to tackle little problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you cash on minor service calls, but realizing when to reach out to a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into major repairs.

Your Air conditioner is an important 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 Justin if you're not sure about any aspect of your air conditioning system’s operation or maintenance.

Here are several 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 good 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 catches dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those particulates from the air circulating throughout your home. If your AC filter becomes choked with debris, the air conditioner has to work harder than it is supposed to in order to move air through the filter. A clean filter catches the airborne debris while still allowing air to flow easily through the system.

Replacement filters can be purchased at most major home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be bought 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 leave for the store, taking care to write down the size of the filter. If you’re not familiar with filters, it’s also a smart 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 seasoned professionals like the crew at Pepper AC & Heat to do routine maintenance on your AC. They’ll inspect your system, clean or lubricate parts that need cleaning and look for worn-out parts and potential issues.

2. How Do I Clean Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to making sure your indoor air conditioner equipment is operating efficiently, it’s necessary 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 are attached to 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 take in more heat from the air inside your home. Cleansing the fins and the coils can help them release heat more easily.

To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:

1) First, shut off power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to flip off the the on/off switch, instead of turning the thermostat off.

2) Lift off the top of the outdoor AC so you can reach the insides of the unit. Then, being careful not to pull hard on any cords or attachments, safely set the top to the side.

3) Put a cleaning solution on the fins, starting at the top and working down. Commercial coil cleaners are sold 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 brands, it's recommended that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a short period of time to loosen the grime and then carefully spray it off with a garden hose. Take care not to spray very 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 Do Air Conditioners Last?

The life span of an air conditioner can vary based 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 the most mileage out of your HVAC is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Routine checkups from Pepper AC & Heat includes 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 a long time, reach out to us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Justin.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Selecting the proper size of air conditioner for your home is critical for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some factors to consider when deciding what size air conditioner is right for your home:

  • Square footage: The amount of space you have to cool is one of the most important factors. More expansive spaces demand more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which could decrease your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you live in a hotter climate, you'll require a more powerful air conditioner compared to a person 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 residents: More people in the house create additional body heat, which can influence your cooling needs.
  • Current HVAC system: The size and effectiveness of your current system can provide a starting point for identifying 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 Pepper AC & Heat, 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 focus on customer service is why Pepper AC & Heat is known for exceptional air conditioning installation in Justin.

5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices fluctuate depending on the kind 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. The good news is that new air conditioners are crafted to be exceptionally efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.

The cost 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 can impact the design.

Note these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always helpful to get several quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re contemplating air conditioning replacement in Justin, get in touch with Pepper AC & Heat. We will schedule an appointment to provide you with a free estimate, describe the plan and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. What Causes an Air Conditioner to Freeze Up?

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

Here are some frequent causes of AC freezing up:

  • Inadequate airflow: If the air isn't flowing correctly 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 starting to get low on refrigerant, it can become too cold and freeze up. This is frequently the result of leakages 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 perform in temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Faulty thermostats, damaged blower motors and issues with the relay or control board can all contribute to an AC unit freezing up.

Pepper AC & Heat is the Trusted Source for Air Conditioning Service in Justin.

At Pepper AC & Heat, we will make your home a comfortable and enjoyable place. Our experienced 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 first choice for air conditioning repair in Justin and the surrounding towns.

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

Contact Pepper AC & Heat today at 940-202-1184 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!