They say knowledge is power, and that’s definitely the truth when it comes to your air conditioner. While challenging repairs are best left to experts, it’s helpful to have a practical understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve general AC issues.

Knowing how your AC works and the common problems it faces will enable you to handle simple problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you dollars on minor service calls, but knowing when to reach out to a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into catastrophic repairs.

Your Air conditioner 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 New Castle if you're uncertain about any aspect of your air conditioner'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 an air conditioner is a good way to make sure it runs efficiently, and potentially could extend the life of your unit.

The most significant thing you can do on your own is to swap out 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 throughout your home. If your AC filter becomes clogged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it ought to in order to force air through the filter. A clean filter catches the airborne debris while still allowing air to flow easily through the system.

Replacement filters are available at most major home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be purchased from your local HVAC specialist. A good way to make sure you get the correct filter is to look at your old one before you head out for the store, 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 hoping to buy something similar.

For thorough service of your air conditioner, contact the experienced professionals like the crew at Central Heating & Plumbing to do scheduled maintenance on your AC. They’ll inspect your system, clean or lubricate parts that need it and look for worn-out parts and potential problems.

2. How Do I Clean Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to making certain that 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 AC is an easy 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 in your home so it can absorb more heat from the air inside your home. Washing the fins and the coils will 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 flip off the the on/off switch, rather than turning the thermostat off.

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

3) Spray a cleaning solution on the fins, starting at the top and working down. Commercial coil cleaners are available and commonly found in both the canned aerosol spray from as well as brands foaming solutions that are sprayed on with your garden hose.

4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most cleaners, it's suggested that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a small period of time to loosen the grime and then softly spray it off with a garden hose. Be careful 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 power back on.

3. What Is the Average Lifespan of My Air Conditioner?

The life span of an air conditioner changes depending on the type of unit, its quality, how well it's maintained and how frequently it's used. Having said that, pros 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 air conditioner is through AC conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from Central Heating & Plumbing includes 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 as long as it can, contact us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in New Castle.

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

Choosing the correct sized air conditioner for your home is crucial for keeping comfort and efficiency. Here are some elements to consider when deciding what size air conditioner you need for your home:

• Square footage: The total area of the space you want to cool is one of the most important factors. Larger spaces demand more cooling power.
• Home insulation: Well-insulated homes preserve cool air better, which should 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 climate.
• 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 create greater body heat, which may impact 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.

Given that the size of your AC is so critical to your home’s comfort, you will probably want a professional opinion. At Central Heating & Plumbing, we take the time to thoroughly understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other factors such as your home’s insulation level and size. This attention to detail and commitment to customer service is why Central Heating & Plumbing is known for excellent air conditioning installation in New Castle.

5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices vary 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. The good news is that new air conditioners are developed to be extremely 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 in addition to federal regulations that require modifications to the design.

Know these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always helpful to get several quotes from trusted HVAC companies before making a decision. If you’re considering air conditioning replacement in New Castle, contact Central Heating & Plumbing. We can provide you with a no-cost estimate, describe the process and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?

An AC freezing up can be due to many factors, all of which boil down to the failure of your system to efficiently transfer heat. If your AC is experiencing issues causing it to freeze up, it is most likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some typical reasons for AC freezing up:

• Inadequate airflow: If the air isn't flowing easily through your AC system, it can't effectively 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 grow too cold and freeze up. This is frequently because of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
• Frigid outdoor temperatures: Running an air conditioner when it's too cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Many units aren't designed to work in temperatures lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
• Mechanical failures: Malfunctioning thermostats, damaged blower motors and trouble with the relay or control board can all play a role in an AC unit freezing up.

Central Heating & Plumbing is the Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in New Castle.

At Central Heating & Plumbing, we strive to make your home a comfortable and pleasant 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 New Castle and nearby cities.

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

Contact Central Heating & Plumbing today at 724-401-1843 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!