They say knowledge is power, and that’s certainly true when talking about your air conditioner. While complicated repairs are best left to professionals, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve everyday AC issues.

Knowing how your AC works and the typical problems it faces can empower you to handle little problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you money on minor service calls, but realizing when to reach out to a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into complex repairs.

Your AC 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 professional for air conditioning repair in Grass Valley if you're uncertain about any aspect of your AC's operation or maintenance.

Here are several 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 good way to make sure it runs efficiently, and possibly could extend the life of your unit.

The most significant step you can take on your own is to swap out the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter catches dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those particulates from the air circulating throughout your home. If your AC filter becomes plugged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it should in order to pull air through the filter. A clean filter catches the airborne debris while still enabling air to flow efficiently through the system.

Replacement filters are sold at most leading 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, noting the size of the filter. If you’re not familiar with filters, it’s also a good 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 experienced professionals like the crew at A&A Air Conditioning, Heating & Sheet Metal to do routine maintenance on your unit. They’ll look over your system, clean or lubricate parts that need cleaning and look for worn-out parts and potential trouble.

2. How Do I Clean Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to making certain that your indoor air conditioner equipment is working efficiently, it’s important to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the exterior unit of your AC is a quick way to boost 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 inside your home. Cleaning 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 off the the on/off switch, as opposed to turning the thermostat off.

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

3) Apply a cleaning solution on the fins, starting at the top and then working your way down. Commercial coil cleaners are sold 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 brands, it's suggested that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a short period of time to loosen the grime and then carefully spray it off with a garden hose. Take care not to spray really hard, because that could damage the coils or fins!

5) Secure the top back on the unit and then wait for the unit to dry before turning it 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 frequently 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 get the most mileage out of your HVAC is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from A&A Air Conditioning, Heating & Sheet Metal features 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, contact us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Grass Valley.

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

Finding the correct sized air conditioner for your home is vital for keeping comfort and efficiency. Here are some factors to think about 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 biggest factors. Larger spaces necessitate more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which can minimize your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you live in a hotter climate, you'll require a more powerful air conditioner compared to someone living in a cooler environment.
  • 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 means more body heat, which can affect your cooling needs.
  • Present HVAC system: The size and capability of your current system can provide a jumping off point for identifying what you need.

Due to the fact the size of your cooling system is so critical to your home’s comfort, you will definitely want a professional opinion. At A&A Air Conditioning, Heating & Sheet Metal, we take the time to fully understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other considerations such as your home’s design and size. This attention to detail and dedication to customer service is why A&A Air Conditioning, Heating & Sheet Metal is known for exceptional air conditioning installation in Grass Valley.

5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices differ depending on the brand of the unit and your home’s unique specifications, 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 crafted to be extremely 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 can impact the design.

Note these are average costs and prices can vary. It's always a good idea to get several quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re thinking about air conditioning replacement in Grass Valley, get in touch with A&A Air Conditioning, Heating & Sheet Metal. We will provide you with a free estimate, explain the process and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. Why Do Air Conditioners Freeze Up?

An air conditioner freezing up can be a consequence of multiple 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 most likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some frequent triggers for AC freezing up:

  • Inadequate airflow: If the air isn't flowing correctly through your AC system, it can't properly 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 running low on refrigerant, it could get too cold and freeze up. This is frequently because of leaking in the refrigerant lines.
  • Frosty outdoor temperatures: Using the air conditioner when it's very cold outside can cause the system to freeze. The majority of units aren't designed to operate in temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Faulty thermostats, damaged blower motors and problems with the relay or control board can all play a role in an AC unit freezing up.

A&A Air Conditioning, Heating & Sheet Metal is the Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in Grass Valley.

At A&A Air Conditioning, Heating & Sheet Metal, 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 their first call for air conditioning repair in Grass Valley and nearby towns.

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

Call A&A Air Conditioning, Heating & Sheet Metal today at 530-273-1301 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!