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

Knowing how your AC works and the frequent problems it faces can empower you to deal with easy 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 Air conditioning unit is a fundamental component 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 Mission Viejo if you're uncertain about any aspect of your air conditioning system’s operation or maintenance.

Here are some typical questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:

1. How Should I Clean My Air Conditioner?

Cleaning an air conditioning system is a smart way to make sure it operates efficiently, and potentially could extend the life of your unit.

The most important thing you can do on your own is to change 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 in your home. If your AC filter becomes plugged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it ought to in order to force air through the filter. A clean filter removes the airborne debris while still allowing 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 head out 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 wanting to buy something similar.

For detailed service of your air conditioner, contact the skilled professionals like the crew at 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning to do regular maintenance on your unit. They’ll inspect your system, clean or lubricate parts that need it and look for worn-out parts and potential trouble.

2. How Do I Clean Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to making sure your indoor air conditioner equipment is working efficiently, it’s important to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outside unit of your AC is an easy way to increase 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 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 in your home's interior. Cleansing the fins and the coils is a way to help them release heat more effectively.

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) 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 set the top to the side.

3) Apply a cleaning solution on the fins, first at the top and working down. Commercial coil cleaners are available and commonly found in both the canned aerosol spray from as well as in the form of foaming solutions that are sprayed on 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 attack the grime and then softly spray it off with a garden hose. Be careful not to spray really hard, because that could harm the coils or fins!

5) Secure the top back on the unit and then wait for the coils and fins to dry before turning it back on.

3. How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?

The life span of an air conditioner depends on the type of unit, its quality, how often it's maintained and how much it's used. Having said that, pros say you should start looking into air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.

One of the best ways to make the most of your air conditioner is through regular conditioner maintenance. Routine checkups from 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning includes 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 as long as possible, contact us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Mission Viejo.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Picking out the proper size of air conditioner for your home is vital for achieving comfort and efficiency. Here are some elements to consider when deciding what size air conditioner to buy for your home:

  • Square footage: The amount of space you have to cool is one of the most important factors. Larger spaces necessitate more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes retain cool air better, which could reduce your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you are living in a hotter climate, you'll need a more powerful air conditioner compared to a person 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 create more body heat, which may impact your cooling needs.
  • Present HVAC system: The size and performance of your current system can provide a jumping off point for deciding what you need.

Due to the fact the size of your air conditioner is so important to your home’s comfort, you will definitely want a professional opinion. At 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, we take the time to fully 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 focus on customer service is why 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning is known for exceptional air conditioning installation in Mission Viejo.

5. What Is the Cost of a New Air Conditioner?

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

The cost 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.

Know these are average costs and prices can fluctuate. It's always helpful to get numerous quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a choice. If you’re thinking about air conditioning replacement in Mission Viejo, get in touch with 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning. We can provide you with a free estimate, describe the procedure and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. What Causes an Air Conditioner to Freeze Up?

An AC freezing up can be due to many factors, all of which boil down to the system's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your unit is having issues causing it to freeze up, it is most likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some common causes of AC freezing up:

  • Poor airflow: If the air isn't flowing easily through your AC system, it can't adequately 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 become too cold and freeze up. This is frequently the result of leaks in the refrigerant lines.
  • Very Chilly outdoor temperatures: Using your air conditioner when it's really cold outside can cause the system to freeze. The majority of units aren't designed to operate in temperatures of less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Faulty thermostats, damaged blower motors and issues with the relay or control board can all contribute to an AC unit freezing up.

1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning is your Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in Mission Viejo.

At 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, we will make your home a comfortable and pleasant 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 premier choice for air conditioning repair in Mission Viejo and neighboring cities.

If you’re wanting to upgrade or its time for a replacement, we’ve got you covered there too, with our top-notch air conditioning installation in Mission Viejo. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!

Call 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning today at 949-204-0859 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!