They say knowledge is power, and that’s certainly the truth when it comes to your air conditioner. While complex 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 fix 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 contact a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into catastrophic repairs.

Your Air conditioning unit 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 Norco and surrounding parishes if you're not sure about any aspect of your air conditioning system’s operation or maintenance.

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

1. How Should I Clean My Air Conditioner?

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

The most significant 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 contaminants from the air circulating in your home. If your AC filter becomes plugged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it ought to in order to pull air through the filter. A clean filter traps the airborne debris while still permitting air to flow easily through the system.

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

For detailed service of your air conditioner, contact the skilled professionals like the crew at Mayeuxs AC & Heating to do regular maintenance on your unit. They’ll look over your system, clean or lubricate parts that require attention and look for worn-out parts and potential issues.

2. How Do I Clean Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to ensuring your indoor air conditioner equipment is operating efficiently, it’s also a good idea to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outdoor unit of your cooling system is an easy way to improve its efficiency and can extend the life of your entire system.

The coils, which include extensions called fins, are used to release heat from the refrigerant into the outside air. This cools the refrigerant, which then goes back inside your home so it can soak up more heat from the air inside your home. Washing the fins and the coils is a way to help them release heat more efficiently.

To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:

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

2) Lift off the top of the outdoor AC so you can reach the insides of the unit. Then, taking care not to strain any cords or attachments, safely set the top to the side.

3) Put a cleaning solution on the fins, starting at the top and then working your way down. Commercial coil cleaners are on the market and commonly found in both the canned aerosol spray from as well as in the form of foaming solutions that are applied 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 dissolve the grime and then carefully spray it off with a garden hose. Be careful not to spray very hard, because that could damage 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 depends on the type of unit, its quality, if maintained and how often 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 make the most of your HVAC is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Tuneups from Mayeuxs AC & Heating consists of 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, call us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Norco and surrounding parishes.

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

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

  • Square footage: The size of the space you have 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 can reduce your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you are living in a hotter climate, you'll require a more powerful air conditioner compared to someone living in a cooler climate.
  • Number of windows: Windows often let in heat, especially when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of residents: More people in the house produce additional body heat, which can impact your cooling needs.
  • Current HVAC system: The size and performance of your current system can provide a starting point for determining what you need.

Because the size of your air conditioner is so essential to your home’s comfort, you will probably want a professional opinion. At Mayeuxs AC & Heating, we take the time to completely 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 Mayeuxs AC & Heating is known for excellent air conditioning installation in Norco and surrounding parishes.

5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices differ depending on the kind of the unit and your home’s unique requirements, a new air conditioner generally costs between $5,000 and $12,500 to purchase and install. The good thing is that new air conditioners are designed to be exceedingly efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.

The price 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 as well as federal regulations that require modifications to the design.

Note these are average costs and prices can vary. It's always a good idea to get at least a few quotes from trusted HVAC companies before making a choice. If you’re interested in air conditioning replacement in Norco and surrounding parishes, get in touch with Mayeuxs AC & Heating. We will schedule an appointment to provide you with a complimentary estimate, describe the procedure and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?

An air conditioner freezing up can be due to multiple factors, all of which boil down to the AC's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your AC is suffering from issues causing it to freeze up, it is very likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some frequent causes of AC freezing up:

  • Poor airflow: If the air isn't flowing correctly through your AC system, it can't properly 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 starting to get low on refrigerant, it could become too cold and freeze up. This is often because of leaking in the refrigerant lines.
  • Frigid outdoor temperatures: Using your air conditioner when it's very cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Many units aren't designed to operate in temperatures below 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.

Mayeuxs AC & Heating is the Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in Norco and surrounding parishes.

At Mayeuxs AC & Heating, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and soothing place. Our qualified specialists are up-to-date on the latest industry training and trends, and are knowledgeable on a wide variety of systems. That’s why community members make us the premier choice for air conditioning repair in Norco and surrounding parishes and the surrounding towns.

If you’re seeking to upgrade or its time for a replacement, we’ve got you covered there too, with our first-class air conditioning installation in Norco and surrounding parishes. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!

Phone Mayeuxs AC & Heating today at (985) 764-2426 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!