They say knowledge is power, and that’s undoubtedly true when it comes to your air conditioner. While complex repairs are best left to specialists, it’s helpful to have a practical understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve common AC issues.

Knowing how your AC works and the typical problems it faces will enable you to fix little 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 catastrophic 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 Fort Lauderdale if you're unsure about any aspect of your air conditioning system’s operation or maintenance.

Here are several frequent questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:

1. How Do I Clean an Air Conditioner?

Cleaning an air conditioner is a good way to make sure it runs efficiently, and very well 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 traps dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those contaminants from the air circulating throughout your home. If your AC filter becomes choked with debris, the air conditioner has to work harder than it really should in order to pull air through the filter. A clean filter traps the airborne debris while still allowing air to flow freely through the system.

Replacement filters are sold at most major home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be purchased from your local HVAC professional. A good way to make sure you get the proper filter is to look at your old one before you go shopping, 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 hoping to buy something similar.

For comprehensive service of your air conditioner, contact the seasoned professionals like the crew at Solar Air Inc. to do scheduled maintenance on your unit. They’ll examine 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 AC unit is functioning efficiently, it’s also a good idea to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the exterior unit of your air conditioner 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 cooler air outside. This brings down the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back inside your home so it can soak up more heat from the air within your home. Cleansing the fins and the coils is a way to 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) Lift off the top of the outdoor AC so you can access the insides of the unit. Then, being cautious not to stress any cords or attachments, safely set the top to the side.

3) Apply a cleaning solution on the fins, first at the top and moving 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 applied with your garden hose.

4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most products, it's recommended that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a small period of time to attack the grime and then softly spray it off with a garden hose. Be cautious not to spray too hard, because that could harm the coils or fins!

5) Secure the top back on the unit and then wait for the components to dry before turning the power 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, how often it's maintained and how often it's used. That said, 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. Routine checkups from Solar Air Inc. 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 as long as it can, call us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Fort Lauderdale.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Choosing the correct sized air conditioner for your home is critical for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some points to consider when deciding what size air conditioner is right for your home:

  • Square footage: The total area of the space you have to cool is one of the most important factors. Larger spaces necessitate more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which should minimize your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you are living in a hotter climate, you'll need 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 occupants: More people in the house means additional body heat, which may influence your cooling needs.
  • Current HVAC system: The size and effectiveness of your current system can provide a jumping off point for deciding what you need.

Due to the fact the size of your AC is so important to your home’s comfort, you will probably want a professional opinion. At Solar Air Inc., we take the time to completely understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other factors such as your home’s layout and size. This attention to detail and dedication to customer service is why Solar Air Inc. is known for exceptional air conditioning installation in Fort Lauderdale.

5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices differ depending on the size of the unit and your home’s unique needs, a new air conditioning system generally costs between $5,000 and $12,500 to purchase and install. The good thing is that new air conditioners are developed to be exceedingly 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 in addition to federal regulations that require modifications to the design.

Note these are average costs and prices can fluctuate. It's always a good idea to get several quotes from trusted HVAC companies before making a decision. If you’re considering air conditioning replacement in Fort Lauderdale, get in touch with Solar Air Inc.. We can provide you with a no-cost estimate, explain the procedure and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. What Causes an Air Conditioner to Freeze Up?

Air conditioning freezing up can be a consequence of many factors, all of which boil down to the failure of your system to efficiently transfer heat. If your AC is having issues causing it to freeze up, it is more than likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some typical triggers for AC freezing up:

  • Poor airflow: If the air isn't flowing easily through your AC system, it can't effectively absorb heat. This could be due to a dirty air filter, something stopping air from flowing through the return air ducts or a failing fan.
  • Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is getting low on refrigerant, it may get too cold and freeze up. This is frequently a consequence of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
  • Cold outdoor temperatures: Operating your air conditioner when it's really cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Many units aren't designed to function in temperatures of less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Malfunctioning thermostats, damaged blower motors and problems with the relay or control board can all play a role in an AC unit freezing up.

Solar Air Inc. is the Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in Fort Lauderdale.

At Solar Air Inc., we will make your home a comfortable and enjoyable place. Our skilled technicians are up-to-date on the latest industry training and trends, and are experienced on a wide variety of systems. That’s why community members make us the first choice for air conditioning repair in Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding areas.

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

Contact Solar Air Inc. today at 954-320-7398 to schedule an appointment or complimentary estimate!