They say knowledge is power, and that’s undoubtedly accurate when talking about your air conditioner. While challenging 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.

Understanding how your AC works and the common problems it faces will allow you to handle easy problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you cash on minor service calls, but understanding when to reach out to a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into major repairs.

Your Air conditioning unit is an important element 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 Milledgeville and Middle Georgia if you're unsure about any aspect of your air conditioner's operation or maintenance.

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

1. How Do I Clean an Air Conditioner?

Cleaning an air conditioning system is a good way to make sure it works efficiently, and very well could extend the life of your unit.

The most effective 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 particulates from the air circulating throughout your home. If your AC filter becomes clogged, 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 easily 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 right filter is to look at your old one before you go shopping, taking care to write 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 comprehensive service of your air conditioner, contact the skilled professionals like the crew at Air Concepts of Middle Georgia to do regular maintenance on your AC. They’ll examine your system, clean or lubricate parts that need it and look for worn-out parts and potential problems.

2. How Do I Clean Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to making sure your indoor AC unit is functioning efficiently, it’s necessary to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outdoor unit of your cooling system is a quick way to boost 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 lowers the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back into your home so it can soak up more heat from the air inside your home. Cleansing the fins and the coils can help them release heat more effectively.

To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:

1) First, shut off power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to flip the power switch off, rather than 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 stress any cords or attachments, safely set the top to the side.

3) Apply a cleaning solution on the fins, beginning at the top and moving 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 short period of time to dissolve the grime and then gently 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 unit back on.

3. How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?

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

One of the best ways to get maximum value from your HVAC is through regular conditioner maintenance. Tuneups from Air Concepts of Middle Georgia includes cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as putting in a new filter and fixing any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating a long time, reach out to us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Milledgeville and Middle Georgia.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Choosing the proper size of air conditioner for your home is crucial for achieving comfort and efficiency. Here are some factors to consider when deciding what size air conditioner you need for your home:

  • Square footage: The amount of space you have to cool is one of the key factors. Larger spaces necessitate more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes preserve cool air better, which can minimize your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you reside in a hotter climate, you'll need a more powerful air conditioner compared to a homeowner living in a cooler environment.
  • Number of windows: Windows frequently let in heat, particularly when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of residents: More people in the house create more body heat, which may affect your cooling needs.
  • Existing HVAC system: The size and productivity of your current system can provide a place to start for identifying what you need.

Because the size of your cooling system is so important to your home’s comfort, you will almost certainly want a professional opinion. At Air Concepts of Middle Georgia, we take the time to completely understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other variables such as your home’s insulation level and size. This attention to detail and dedication to customer service is why Air Concepts of Middle Georgia is known for exceptional air conditioning installation in Milledgeville and Middle Georgia.

5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices fluctuate depending on the brand of the unit and your home’s unique needs, a new AC generally costs between $5,000 and $12,500 to purchase and install. The good thing is that new air conditioners are crafted to be exceedingly 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 necessitate changes to the design.

Note these are average costs and prices can fluctuate. It's always helpful to get at least a few quotes from trusted HVAC companies before making a choice. If you’re thinking about air conditioning replacement in Milledgeville and Middle Georgia, reach out to Air Concepts of Middle Georgia. We will schedule an appointment to provide you with a no-cost estimate, explain the plan and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. What Causes an Air Conditioner to Freeze Up?

Air conditioning freezing up can be caused by multiple factors, all of which boil down to the failure of your system to efficiently transfer heat. If your air conditioner is suffering from issues causing it to freeze up, it is more than likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some common reasons for AC freezing up:

  • Poor airflow: If the air isn't flowing easily through your AC system, it can't effectively absorb heat. This could be due to a plugged air filter, blocked return air ducts or a failing fan.
  • Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is running low on refrigerant, it can get too cold and freeze up. This is often a consequence of leaking in the refrigerant lines.
  • Frigid outdoor temperatures: Using your air conditioner when it's really cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Many units aren't designed to work in temperatures lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Broken thermostats, damaged blower motors and problems with the relay or control board can all result in an AC unit freezing up.

Air Concepts of Middle Georgia is the Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in Milledgeville and Middle Georgia.

At Air Concepts of Middle Georgia, we strive to make your home a comfortable and soothing place. Our skilled professionals 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 Milledgeville and Middle Georgia and nearby areas.

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

Call Air Concepts of Middle Georgia today at 478-200-5689 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!