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

Learning how your AC works and the typical problems it faces will enable 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 knowing when to call a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into major 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 Mission Viejo if you're unsure about any aspect of your air conditioner's operation or maintenance.

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

1. How Do I Clean an Air Conditioner?

Cleaning an air conditioner is a good way to make sure it operates efficiently, and possibly 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 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 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 are sold at most popular home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be purchased from your local HVAC specialist. A good way to make sure you get the right 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 trying to buy something similar.

For detailed service of your air conditioner, contact the experienced professionals like the crew at 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning to do regular maintenance on your unit. They’ll look over 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 functioning efficiently, it’s necessary to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the exterior unit of your AC is a quick 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 to the outdoors. This brings down the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back inside your home so it can take in more heat from the air within 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 off power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to disconnect it completely from power, rather than turning the thermostat off.

2) Lift off the top of the outdoor AC so you can reach the insides of the unit. Then, being cautious not to strain any cords or attachments, safely move 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 available 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 products, it's recommended that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a small period of time to loosen the grime and then carefully spray it off with a garden hose. Take care not to spray too hard, because that could harm the coils or fins!

5) Secure the top back on the unit and then wait for the unit 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 can vary based on the type of unit, its quality, if maintained and how often it's used. That said, pros say you should start getting ready for air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.

One of the best ways to get the most mileage out of your air conditioner is through AC conditioner maintenance. Tuneups from 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning features 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 possible, reach out to us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Mission Viejo.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Should I Have?

Picking out the proper size of air conditioner for your home is critical for maintaining 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 have to cool is one of the biggest factors. Larger spaces demand more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes retain cool air better, which can reduce 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 often let in heat, particularly when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of people: More people in the house produce additional body heat, which could affect your cooling needs.
  • Current HVAC system: The size and performance of your current system can provide a place to start for determining what you need.

Due to the fact the size of your air conditioner is so critical to your home’s comfort, you will likely want a professional opinion. At 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, we take the time to thoroughly 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 superb air conditioning installation in Mission Viejo.

5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices differ depending on the kind 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 news is that new air conditioners are designed to be exceptionally efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.

The cost of an air conditioner is influenced by several factors during the manufacturing process, such as the cost and availability of raw materials, manufacturing and labor costs in addition to federal regulations that necessitate changes to the design.

Note these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always smart to get numerous quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re contemplating air conditioning replacement in Mission Viejo, get in touch with 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning. We will provide you with a complimentary estimate, explain the procedure 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 a variety of factors, all of which boil down to the AC'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 triggers for AC freezing up:

  • Insufficient airflow: If the air isn't flowing properly 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 running low on refrigerant, it may grow too cold and freeze up. This is often because of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
  • Frosty outdoor temperatures: Operating an 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 lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Malfunctioning thermostats, damaged blower motors and issues with the relay or control board can all play a role in an AC unit freezing up.

1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning is the Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in Mission Viejo.

At 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and enjoyable place. Our qualified 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 the premier choice for air conditioning repair in Mission Viejo and neighboring areas.

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

Contact 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning today at 949-762-8644 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!