They say knowledge is power, and that’s undoubtedly true when it comes to your air conditioner. While challenging 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.

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

Your Air conditioning unit 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 technician for air conditioning repair in Georgetown if you're not sure about any aspect of your air conditioner'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 conditioner is a smart way to make sure it works efficiently, and very well 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 impurities from the air circulating in 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 removes the airborne debris while still allowing air to flow easily through the system.

Replacement filters can be purchased at most popular home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be ordered 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, 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 thorough service of your air conditioner, contact the skilled professionals like the crew at Miller Climate Control LLC to do routine maintenance on your AC. They’ll examine your system, clean or lubricate parts that need cleaning and look for worn-out parts and potential trouble.

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

In addition to making sure your indoor AC unit is functioning efficiently, it’s also a good idea to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outside unit of your cooling system is a simple 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 into the outside air. 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 will 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) Take off the top of the outdoor AC so you can enter the inside of the unit. Then, being careful not to stress any cords or attachments, safely set 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 in the form of foaming solutions that are sprayed on with your garden hose.

4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most brands, 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 gently 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 the unit back on.

3. What Is the Average Lifespan of My Air Conditioner?

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

One of the best ways to get maximum value from your system is through AC conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from Miller Climate Control LLC consists of cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as changing out the dirty 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 Georgetown.

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

Selecting the proper size of air conditioner for your home is vital for achieving comfort and efficiency. Here are some elements to take into account when deciding what size air conditioner is right for your home:

  • Square footage: The amount of space you have to cool is one of the biggest factors. Larger spaces necessitate more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes retain cool air better, which could decrease your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you reside in a hotter climate, you'll require a more powerful air conditioner compared to a homeowner living in a cooler place.
  • Number of windows: Windows can let in heat, particularly when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of occupants: More people in the house produce greater body heat, which may influence your cooling needs.
  • Existing HVAC system: The size and effectiveness of your current system can provide a jumping off point for determining what you need.

Due to the fact the size of your AC is so essential to your home’s comfort, you will probably want a professional opinion. At Miller Climate Control LLC, we take the time to fully understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other variables such as your home’s layout and size. This attention to detail and dedication to customer service is why Miller Climate Control LLC is known for exceptional air conditioning installation in Georgetown.

5. What Does My Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices fluctuate depending on the kind of the unit and your home’s unique specifications, a new air conditioner generally costs between $5,000 and $12,500 to purchase and install. On the plus side, a benefit of air conditioning replacement 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 tag 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.

Realize these are average costs and prices can vary. It's always helpful to get several quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re thinking about air conditioning replacement in Georgetown, reach out to Miller Climate Control LLC. 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. Why Do Air Conditioners Freeze Up?

An air conditioner freezing up can be brought on by a number of factors, all of which boil down to the failure of your system to efficiently transfer heat. If your unit is suffering from issues causing it to freeze up, it is very likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some typical triggers for AC freezing up:

  • Insufficient airflow: If the air isn't flowing properly through your AC system, it can't adequately absorb heat. This could be due to a dirty air filter, something stopping air from flowing through the return air ducts or a failing fan.
  • Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is getting low on refrigerant, it can grow too cold and freeze up. This is usually a consequence of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
  • Frosty outdoor temperatures: Using the air conditioner when it's too cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Most units aren't designed to function in temperatures of less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Broken thermostats, damaged blower motors and problems with the relay or control board can all play a role in an AC unit freezing up.

Miller Climate Control LLC is the Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in Georgetown.

At Miller Climate Control LLC, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and soothing place. Our knowledgeable specialists 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 first choice for air conditioning repair in Georgetown and the surrounding areas.

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 Georgetown. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!

Contact Miller Climate Control LLC today at 512-379-6873 to schedule an appointment or complimentary estimate!