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

Understanding how your AC works and the frequent problems it faces will enable you to tackle little problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you cash on minor service calls, but understanding when to contact a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into catastrophic repairs.

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

Here are several frequent questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:

1. How Should I Clean My Air Conditioner?

Cleaning an air conditioning system is an effective way to make sure it runs efficiently, and possibly could extend the life of your unit.

The most significant action you can take on your own is to change the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter captures dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those contaminants from the air circulating throughout your home. If your AC filter becomes choked with debris, 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 enabling air to flow efficiently through the system.

Replacement filters are available at most major home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be bought from your local HVAC specialist. A good way to make sure you get the proper filter is to look at your old one before you leave for the store, taking care to write down the size of the filter. If you’re not familiar with filters, it’s also a smart idea 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 seasoned professionals like the crew at Covington Air Systems to do routine maintenance on your system. They’ll look over your system, clean or lubricate parts that require attention and look for worn-out parts and potential problems.

2. How Are the Coils on My Air Conditioner Cleaned?

In addition to ensuring 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 cooling system is an easy way to improve its efficiency and can extend the life of your entire system.

The coils, which have extensions called fins, are used to release heat from the refrigerant into the outside air. This cools the refrigerant, which then goes back in your home so it can absorb 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 the power switch off, as opposed to turning the thermostat off.

2) Remove the top of the outdoor AC so you can enter the interior 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, 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 sprayed on with your garden hose.

4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most products, it's suggested that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a small period of time to loosen the grime and then gently spray it off with a garden hose. Take care 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 components to dry before turning the power back on.

3. How Long Can Air Conditioners Work?

The life span of an air conditioner can vary based on the type of unit, its quality, how well it's maintained and how frequently it's used. However, industry experts say you should start getting ready for air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.

One of the best ways to make the most of your HVAC is through regular conditioner maintenance. Tuneups from Covington Air Systems features 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 as long as possible, contact us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Covington.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Should I Have?

Selecting the correct sized air conditioner for your home is crucial for achieving comfort and efficiency. Here are some points to consider when deciding what size air conditioner is right for your home:

  • Square footage: The size of the space you need to cool is one of the most important factors. Larger spaces require more cooling power.
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