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

Understanding how your AC works and the typical problems it faces will allow you to fix 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 catastrophic repairs.

Your Air conditioning unit is a fundamental 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 Corpus Christi if you're uncertain about any aspect of your air conditioning system’s operation or maintenance.

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

1. How Do I Clean an Air Conditioner?

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

The most significant action you can take on your own is to replace 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 really should in order to pull air through the filter. A clean filter traps the airborne debris while still permitting 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 specialist. A good way to make sure you get the correct filter is to look at your old one before you go shopping, jotting 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 wanting to buy something similar.

For thorough service of your air conditioner, contact the seasoned professionals like the crew at Total Assurance AC & Heating to do regular maintenance on your unit. They’ll examine your system, clean or lubricate parts that require attention and look for worn-out parts and potential problems.

2. How Should I Clean the Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to making sure your indoor air conditioner equipment is functioning efficiently, it’s important to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outside unit of your air conditioner is an easy way to increase 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 cools the refrigerant, which then goes back inside your home so it can soak up more heat from the air within 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 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 interior of the unit. Then, taking care not to strain any cords or attachments, safely put the top to the side.

3) Apply a cleaning solution on the fins, beginning 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 sprayed on with an attachment to your garden hose.

4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most brands, it's suggested that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a brief period of time to dissolve the grime and then softly spray it off with a garden hose. Be careful 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. What Is the Average Lifespan of My Air Conditioner?

The life span of an air conditioner depends on the type of unit, its quality, how often it's maintained and how frequently it's used. However, experts say you should start thinking about air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.

One of the best ways to make the most of your system is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from Total Assurance AC & Heating features cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as putting in a new 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 Corpus Christi.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Picking out the right size of air conditioner for your home is vital for keeping comfort and efficiency. Here are some points to think about when deciding what size air conditioner is right for your home:

  • Square footage: The total area of the space you want to cool is one of the key factors. Bigger spaces necessitate more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes preserve cool air better, which should decrease your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you reside in a hotter climate, you'll need a more powerful air conditioner compared to a person living in a cooler place.
  • Number of windows: Windows can let in heat, especially when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of occupants: More people in the house means greater body heat, which could affect your cooling needs.
  • Present HVAC system: The size and productivity of your current system can provide a place to start for deciding what you need.

Due to the fact the size of your cooling system is so important to your home’s comfort, you will definitely want a professional opinion. At Total Assurance AC & Heating, we take the time to thoroughly understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other considerations such as your home’s insulation level and size. This attention to detail and focus on customer service is why Total Assurance AC & Heating is known for exceptional air conditioning installation in Corpus Christi.

5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices fluctuate depending on the brand of the unit and your home’s unique requirements, a new air conditioner generally costs between $5,000 and $12,500 to purchase and install. The good news is that new air conditioners are crafted 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 can impact the design.

Realize these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always helpful to get several quotes from reliable HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re contemplating air conditioning replacement in Corpus Christi, get in touch with Total Assurance AC & Heating. We will provide you with a free estimate, explain the plan and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?

Air conditioning freezing up can be a consequence of many factors, all of which boil down to the failure of your system to efficiently transfer heat. If your AC is suffering from issues causing it to freeze up, it is most likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some frequent causes of AC freezing up:

  • Poor airflow: If the air isn't flowing easily through your AC system, it can't sufficiently absorb heat. This could be due to a plugged 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 a consequence of leaks in the refrigerant lines.
  • Frosty outdoor temperatures: Running an air conditioner when it's very cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Many units aren't designed to operate in temperatures lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Faulty thermostats, damaged blower motors and trouble with the relay or control board can all play a role in an AC unit freezing up.

Total Assurance AC & Heating is your Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in Corpus Christi.

At Total Assurance AC & Heating, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and soothing place. Our experienced professionals are up-to-date on the latest industry training and trends, and work on on a wide variety of systems. That’s why community members make us their first call for air conditioning repair in Corpus Christi and nearby cities.

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

Call Total Assurance AC & Heating today at 361-217-7080 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!