They say knowledge is power, and that’s undoubtedly the truth when talking about your air conditioner. While complicated repairs are best left to professionals, it’s helpful to have a rudimentary understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve ordinary AC issues.

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

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

Here are some common 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 operates efficiently, and potentially could extend the life of your unit.

The most effective thing you can do 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 in your home. If your AC filter becomes choked with debris, the air conditioner has to work harder than it should in order to force air through the filter. A clean filter traps the airborne debris while still permitting air to flow efficiently through the system.

Replacement filters can be purchased at most leading home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be bought 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 go shopping, jotting 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 trying to buy something similar.

For detailed service of your air conditioner, contact the skilled professionals like the crew at Air Houston Mechanical to do scheduled maintenance on your AC. They’ll examine 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 conditioning unit is working efficiently, it’s important to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outside unit of your cooling system 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 to the outdoors. This brings down the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back inside your home so it can absorb more heat from the air within your home. Washing the fins and the coils will help them release heat more effectively.

To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:

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

2) Take off the top of the outdoor AC so you can reach the inside of the unit. Then, being cautious not to stress any cords or attachments, safely move the top to the side.

3) Spray a cleaning solution on the fins, starting at the top and moving down. Commercial coil cleaners are available and commonly found in both the canned aerosol spray from as well as in the form of 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 advised that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a short period of time to attack the grime and then gently 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. What Is the Average Lifespan of My Air Conditioner?

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

One of the best ways to get the most mileage out of your system is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Routine checkups from Air Houston Mechanical consists of 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 it can, reach out to us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Conroe.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Should I Have?

Picking out the right size of air conditioner for your home is crucial for achieving comfort and efficiency. Here are some points to think about when deciding what size air conditioner to buy for your home:

  • Square footage: The amount of space you have to cool is one of the key factors. Larger spaces require more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which could minimize your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you live in a hotter climate, you'll require a more powerful air conditioner compared to someone living in a cooler place.
  • Number of windows: Windows can let in heat, especially when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of residents: More people in the house create greater body heat, which could affect your cooling needs.
  • Existing HVAC system: The size and capability of your current system can provide a starting point for identifying what you need.

Because the size of your cooling system is so essential to your home’s comfort, you will definitely want a professional opinion. At Air Houston Mechanical, we take the time to fully understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other factors such as your home’s design and size. This attention to detail and commitment to customer service is why Air Houston Mechanical is known for excellent air conditioning installation in Conroe.

5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices differ depending on the kind of the unit and your home’s unique needs, 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 crafted to be exceedingly efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.

The price 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 along with federal regulations that necessitate changes to the design.

Know these are average costs and prices can fluctuate. It's always smart to get numerous quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a decision. If you’re considering air conditioning replacement in Conroe, contact Air Houston Mechanical. We can provide you with a no-cost estimate, explain the procedure and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?

An air conditioner freezing up can be brought on by a variety 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 properly through your AC system, it can't properly absorb heat. This could be due to a dirty air filter, obstructed return air ducts or a failing fan.
  • Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is getting low on refrigerant, it could get too cold and freeze up. This is often because of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
  • Frigid outdoor temperatures: Running an air conditioner when it's very cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Most units aren't designed to function in temperatures below 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.

Air Houston Mechanical is your Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in Conroe.

At Air Houston Mechanical, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and enjoyable place. Our knowledgeable technicians 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 Conroe and neighboring cities.

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

Call Air Houston Mechanical today at 832-777-1521 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!