They say knowledge is power, and that’s undoubtedly true when it comes to your air conditioner. While complex repairs are best left to experts, it’s helpful to have a rudimentary 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 fix easy problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you dollars on minor service calls, but realizing when to call a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into complex 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 technician for air conditioning repair in Wyandotte if you're not sure about any aspect of your air conditioning system’s operation or maintenance.

Here are some typical questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:

1. How Do I Clean an Air Conditioner?

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

The most important 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 particulates from the air circulating throughout your home. If your AC filter becomes plugged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it really should in order to move air through the filter. A clean filter catches the airborne debris while still enabling air to flow easily through the system.

Replacement filters can be purchased at most leading home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be ordered from your local HVAC expert. A good way to make sure you get the proper filter is to look at your old one before you head out 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 detailed service of your air conditioner, contact the skilled professionals like the crew at Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning to do routine maintenance on your AC. They’ll inspect your system, clean or lubricate parts that need it and look for worn-out parts and potential issues.

2. How Do I Clean Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to making sure your indoor AC unit is working efficiently, it’s necessary to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outside unit of your AC is an easy way to increase 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 brings down the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back into your home so it can absorb more heat from the air in your home's interior. Washing the fins and the coils will 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, instead of turning the thermostat off.

2) Lift off the top of the outdoor AC so you can enter the insides of the unit. Then, being careful not to pull hard on any cords or attachments, safely move the top to the side.

3) Spray a cleaning solution on the fins, starting at the top and moving 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 applied with your garden hose.

4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most brands, it's advised that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a brief period of time to loosen the grime and then carefully spray it off with a garden hose. Take care not to spray really 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. 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 make the most of your system is through regular conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning includes cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as changing out the dirty filter and mending 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 Wyandotte.

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

Choosing the correct sized air conditioner for your home is crucial for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some factors to think about when deciding what size air conditioner to buy for your home:

  • Square footage: The amount of space you want to cool is one of the biggest factors. Larger spaces require more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which can decrease 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 climate.
  • Number of windows: Windows frequently let in heat, particularly when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of people: More people in the house means more body heat, which could influence your cooling needs.
  • Present HVAC system: The size and productivity of your current system can provide a jumping off point for identifying what you need.

Due to the fact the size of your AC is so critical to your home’s comfort, you will definitely want a professional opinion. At Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning, we take the time to fully understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other considerations such as your home’s layout and size. This attention to detail and focus on customer service is why Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning is known for exceptional air conditioning installation in Wyandotte.

5. What Does My Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices differ depending on the brand of the unit and your home’s unique needs, a new air conditioning system generally costs between $5,000 and $12,500 to purchase and install. The good thing is that new air conditioners are developed to be exceptionally efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.

The price of an air conditioner is impacted 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.

Know these are average costs and prices can fluctuate. It's always helpful to get numerous quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a choice. If you’re considering air conditioning replacement in Wyandotte, get in touch with Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning. We can provide you with a no-cost estimate, make sure you understand the plan and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. Why Do Air Conditioners Freeze Up?

An AC freezing up can be caused by many factors, all of which boil down to the failure of your system to efficiently transfer heat. If your air conditioner is having issues causing it to freeze up, it is most likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some frequent reasons for AC freezing up:

  • Inadequate airflow: If the air isn't flowing correctly through your AC system, it can't properly 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 getting low on refrigerant, it can become too cold and freeze up. This is frequently a consequence of leaks in the refrigerant lines.
  • Frigid outdoor temperatures: Using an air conditioner when it's really cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Most units aren't designed to function in temperatures lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Malfunctioning thermostats, damaged blower motors and trouble with the relay or control board can all contribute to an AC unit freezing up.

Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning is the Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in Wyandotte.

At Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning, we strive to make your home a comfortable and soothing place. Our qualified 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 Wyandotte and the surrounding cities.

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

Contact Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning today at 734-284-1224 to schedule an appointment or complimentary estimate!