They say knowledge is power, and that’s undoubtedly the truth when it comes to 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 common AC issues.

Knowing how your AC works and the common problems it faces can empower you to tackle 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 call a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into complex repairs.

Your AC is an essential component 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 Mount Pleasant if you're unsure about any aspect of your air conditioning system’s operation or maintenance.

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

1. What Is the Best Way to Clean an Air Conditioner?

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

The most effective thing you can do on your own is to change the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter traps dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those impurities from the air circulating in your home. If your AC filter becomes clogged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it is supposed to in order to pull air through the filter. A clean filter traps the airborne debris while still enabling air to flow freely through the system.

Replacement filters can be purchased 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 correct filter is to look at your old one before you leave for the store, jotting down 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 wanting to buy something similar.

For thorough service of your air conditioner, contact the seasoned professionals like the crew at Olde Towne Heating & Air to do regular maintenance on your system. They’ll examine your system, clean or lubricate parts that need cleaning and look for worn-out parts and potential problems.

2. How Should I Clean the Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to making certain that 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 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 cooler air outside. This cools the refrigerant, which then goes back inside your home so it can take in more heat from the air within your home. Cleaning the fins and the coils can help them release heat more effectively.

To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:

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

2) Take off the top of the outdoor AC so you can enter the insides of the unit. Then, being careful not to pull hard on any cords or attachments, safely set the top to the side.

3) Apply a cleaning solution on the fins, starting at the top and moving 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 products, it's advised 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 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 unit 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, how often it's maintained and how often 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 maximum value from your system is through regular conditioner maintenance. Tuneups from Olde Towne Heating & Air includes cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as putting in a new filter and mending any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating a long time, call us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Mount Pleasant.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

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

  • Square footage: The amount of space you need to cool is one of the biggest factors. More expansive spaces demand more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes retain 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 climate.
  • Number of windows: Windows often let in heat, in particular when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of occupants: More people in the house produce additional body heat, which may influence your cooling needs.
  • Current HVAC system: The size and performance of your current system can provide a place to start for deciding what you need.

Given that the size of your AC is so essential to your home’s comfort, you will likely want a professional opinion. At Olde Towne Heating & Air, we take the time to fully understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other considerations such as your home’s insulation level and size. This attention to detail and focus on customer service is why Olde Towne Heating & Air is known for superb air conditioning installation in Mount Pleasant.

5. What Does My Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices differ depending on the type 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. On the plus side, a benefit of air conditioning replacement is that new air conditioners are crafted 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 as well as federal regulations that can impact the design.

Realize these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always smart to get numerous quotes from reliable HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re thinking about air conditioning replacement in Mount Pleasant, reach out to Olde Towne Heating & Air. We will provide you with a no-cost estimate, make sure you understand the plan and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?

An air conditioner freezing up can be caused by multiple factors, all of which boil down to the AC'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 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, obstructed return air ducts or a failing fan.
  • Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is running low on refrigerant, it could become too cold and freeze up. This is often a consequence of leaking in the refrigerant lines.
  • Frigid outdoor temperatures: Using your air conditioner when it's really cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Most units aren't designed to operate in temperatures of less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Broken thermostats, damaged blower motors and trouble with the relay or control board can all result in an AC unit freezing up.

Olde Towne Heating & Air is the Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in Mount Pleasant.

At Olde Towne Heating & Air, we are focusing on making 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 Mount Pleasant and the surrounding towns.

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

Call Olde Towne Heating & Air today at 843-485-0967 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!