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

Knowing how your AC works and the typical problems it faces will enable you to tackle 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 reach out to a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into catastrophic repairs.

Your Air conditioning unit is an important element 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 Los Angeles if you're not sure about any aspect of your AC's operation or maintenance.

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

1. How Do I Clean an 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 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 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 pull 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 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 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 detailed service of your air conditioner, contact the skilled professionals like the crew at AZ Air Conditioning and Heating to do routine maintenance on your system. They’ll look over your system, clean or lubricate parts that need it and look for worn-out parts and potential issues.

2. How Do I Clean Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to ensuring your indoor AC unit is working efficiently, it’s necessary to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outdoor unit of your air conditioner 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 outside air. This brings down the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back into your home so it can absorb 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 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 access the interior of the unit. Then, taking care not to strain any cords or attachments, safely move the top to the side.

3) Put a cleaning solution on the fins, beginning at the top and moving down. Commercial coil cleaners are sold and commonly found in both the canned aerosol spray from as well as brands foaming solutions that are applied 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 small period of time to dissolve the grime and then gently spray it off with a garden hose. Be careful not to spray too hard, because that could ruin 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 power 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, if maintained and how much it's used. However, 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 AZ Air Conditioning and Heating features cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as changing out the dirty filter and fixing 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 Los Angeles.

4. What's the Right Size of Air Conditioner?

Choosing the proper size of air conditioner for your home is vital 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 need to cool is one of the biggest factors. Bigger spaces necessitate more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes preserve cool air better, which should minimize your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you reside in a hotter climate, you'll require a more powerful air conditioner compared to a homeowner living in a cooler climate.
  • Number of windows: Windows frequently 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 performance of your current system can provide a place to start for identifying what you need.

Due to the fact the size of your cooling system is so important to your home’s comfort, you will probably want a professional opinion. At AZ Air Conditioning and Heating, we take the time to fully understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other variables such as your home’s design and size. This attention to detail and commitment to customer service is why AZ Air Conditioning and Heating is known for superb air conditioning installation in Los Angeles.

5. What Does My Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices differ 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. The good thing is that new air conditioners are developed to be exceptionally efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.

The price tag of an air conditioner is affected 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 can impact the design.

Know these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always smart to get several quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a decision. If you’re considering air conditioning replacement in Los Angeles, reach out to AZ Air Conditioning and Heating. We will 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?

Air conditioning freezing up can be brought on by multiple factors, all of which boil down to the failure of your system to efficiently transfer heat. If your air conditioner is having 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 clogged 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 may grow too cold and freeze up. This is often a consequence of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
  • Frosty outdoor temperatures: Running an air conditioner when it's really 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.

AZ Air Conditioning and Heating is the Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in Los Angeles.

At AZ Air Conditioning and Heating, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and pleasant 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 Los Angeles and neighboring towns.

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 Los Angeles. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!

Phone AZ Air Conditioning and Heating today at 800-296-5088 to schedule an appointment or complimentary estimate!