They say knowledge is power, and that’s certainly the truth when it comes to your air conditioner. While complicated repairs are best left to experts, 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 common problems it faces will enable you to handle easy problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you dollars on minor service calls, but realizing when to reach out to a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into catastrophic repairs.

Your AC 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 professional for air conditioning repair in Cottonwood & Prescott if you're uncertain about any aspect of your AC's operation or maintenance.

Here are a few of the frequent questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:

1. How Do I Clean an Air Conditioner?

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

The most effective 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 contaminants from the air circulating inside your home. If your AC filter becomes choked with debris, the air conditioner has to work harder than it ought to in order to force air through the filter. A clean filter removes the airborne debris while still permitting air to flow efficiently through the system.

Replacement filters are available at most popular home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be ordered from your local HVAC professional. A good way to make sure you get the correct filter is to look at your old one before you go shopping, noting 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 comprehensive service of your air conditioner, contact the skilled professionals like the crew at Connolly Electric & Mechanical to do regular maintenance on your AC. They’ll look over your system, clean or lubricate parts that need cleaning and look for worn-out parts and potential issues.

2. How Are the Coils on My Air Conditioner Cleaned?

In addition to ensuring your indoor AC unit is functioning efficiently, it’s necessary to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the exterior unit of your AC is an easy way to increase 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 in your home so it can absorb more heat from the air in your home's interior. Cleansing the fins and the coils is a way to help them release heat more effectively.

To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:

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

2) Remove the top of the outdoor AC so you can enter the inside of the unit. Then, being cautious not to stress any cords or attachments, safely set the top to the side.

3) Spray a cleaning solution on the fins, first at the top and then working your way 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 brands, it's suggested that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a short period of time to attack the grime and then carefully spray it off with a garden hose. Be cautious not to spray very hard, because that could harm the coils or fins!

5) Secure the top back on the unit and then wait for the coils and fins to dry before turning the unit back on.

3. How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?

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

One of the best ways to make the most of your HVAC is through AC conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from Connolly Electric & Mechanical 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 a long time, reach out to us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Cottonwood & Prescott.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Should I Have?

Choosing the right 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 you need for your home:

  • Square footage: The amount of space you want to cool is one of the key factors. More expansive spaces demand more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes preserve cool air better, which should reduce your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you live in a hotter climate, you'll want a more powerful air conditioner compared to someone living in a cooler place.
  • Number of windows: Windows often let in heat, especially when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of residents: More people in the house means more body heat, which may impact your cooling needs.
  • Current HVAC system: The size and effectiveness of your current system can provide a starting point for deciding what you need.

Given that the size of your air conditioner is so critical to your home’s comfort, you will almost certainly want a professional opinion. At Connolly Electric & Mechanical, we take the time to completely 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 Connolly Electric & Mechanical is known for superb air conditioning installation in Cottonwood & Prescott.

5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices fluctuate depending on the kind of the unit and your home’s unique requirements, a new AC 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 cost of an air conditioner is influenced 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 fluctuate. It's always smart to get at least a few quotes from reliable HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re considering air conditioning replacement in Cottonwood & Prescott, get in touch with Connolly Electric & Mechanical. 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?

An air conditioner freezing up can be caused by a number of factors, all of which boil down to the system's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your unit is experiencing issues causing it to freeze up, it is more than likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some typical reasons 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 plugged air filter, obstructed 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 the result of leaks in the refrigerant lines.
  • Frigid outdoor temperatures: Using your air conditioner when it's very cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Many units aren't designed to work in temperatures of less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Faulty thermostats, damaged blower motors and problems with the relay or control board can all result in an AC unit freezing up.

Connolly Electric & Mechanical is the Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in Cottonwood & Prescott.

At Connolly Electric & Mechanical, we will make your home a comfortable and pleasant place. Our knowledgeable technicians are up-to-date on the latest industry training and trends, and are knowledgeable on a wide variety of systems. That’s why community members make us their first call for air conditioning repair in Cottonwood & Prescott and the surrounding areas.

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 Cottonwood & Prescott. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!

Contact Connolly Electric & Mechanical today at 928-862-5977 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!