They say knowledge is power, and that’s definitely true when discussing your air conditioner. While complex 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 frequent problems it faces will enable you to handle easy problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you cash on minor service calls, but realizing when to call a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into complex 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 Highlands Ranch if you're not sure 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 your AC is a smart way to make sure it runs efficiently, and very well could extend the life of your unit.

The most effective step you can take 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 impurities from the air circulating in your home. If your AC filter becomes choked with debris, the air conditioner has to work harder than it is supposed to in order to move air through the filter. A clean filter traps the airborne debris while still allowing air to flow freely through the system.

Replacement filters can be purchased at most leading home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be bought 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 helpful 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 seasoned professionals like the crew at PS Cool Heat to do regular maintenance on your system. They’ll inspect your system, clean or lubricate parts that need it and look for worn-out parts and potential trouble.

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

In addition to ensuring your indoor air conditioning unit is operating efficiently, it’s necessary to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outside unit of your AC is a quick way to boost 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 in your home so it can absorb more heat from the air inside your home. Cleaning the fins and the coils will help them release heat more effectively.

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, instead of 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 pull hard on any cords or attachments, safely set the top to the side.

3) Apply a cleaning solution on the fins, first at the top and then working your way down. Commercial coil cleaners are available and commonly found in both the canned aerosol spray from as well as products foaming solutions that are sprayed on with an attachment to your garden hose.

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

5) Secure the top back on the unit and then wait for the unit to dry before turning the unit 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, how well it's maintained and how much it's used. However, pros 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 HVAC is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Tuneups from PS Cool Heat includes cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as replacing the filter and repairing 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 Highlands Ranch.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Should I Have?

Finding the proper size of air conditioner for your home is critical for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some points to think about when deciding what size air conditioner you need for your home:

  • Square footage: The total area of the space you need to cool is one of the most important factors. Larger spaces demand more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which should decrease 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, particularly when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of residents: More people in the house create additional body heat, which could impact your cooling needs.
  • Present HVAC system: The size and productivity 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 essential to your home’s comfort, you will definitely want a professional opinion. At PS Cool Heat, we take the time to fully understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other considerations such as your home’s layout and size. This attention to detail and dedication to customer service is why PS Cool Heat is known for superb air conditioning installation in Highlands Ranch.

5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices vary depending on the brand 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 news is that new air conditioners are developed to be exceedingly efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.

The price 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 as well as federal regulations that necessitate changes to the design.

Realize these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always a good idea to get numerous quotes from reliable HVAC companies before making a choice. If you’re thinking about air conditioning replacement in Highlands Ranch, contact PS Cool Heat. We will 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?

Air conditioning freezing up can be a consequence of a variety of factors, all of which boil down to the AC's inability 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 common triggers for AC freezing up:

  • Inadequate airflow: If the air isn't flowing properly through your AC system, it can't sufficiently absorb heat. This could be due to a plugged 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 can get too cold and freeze up. This is frequently the result of leaks in the refrigerant lines.
  • Frigid outdoor temperatures: Operating an air conditioner when it's too cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Most units aren't designed to operate in temperatures lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Broken thermostats, damaged blower motors and problems with the relay or control board can all play a role in an AC unit freezing up.

PS Cool Heat is the Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in Highlands Ranch.

At PS Cool Heat, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and enjoyable place. Our experienced professionals 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 Highlands Ranch and neighboring cities.

If you’re looking 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 Highlands Ranch. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!

Contact PS Cool Heat today at 720-613-2210 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!