They say knowledge is power, and that’s undoubtedly true when talking about your air conditioner. While complicated repairs are best left to professionals, it’s helpful to have a rudimentary understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve general AC issues.

Learning how your AC works and the common problems it faces can empower you to tackle simple 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 catastrophic repairs.

Your AC is an essential component of your home comfort. Because of that, you should always err on the side of caution and call a NATE-certified professional for air conditioning repair in Florissant and St. Charles if you're unsure about any aspect of your air conditioner's operation or maintenance.

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

1. How Do I Clean an Air Conditioner?

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

The most effective thing you can do on your own is to replace 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 plugged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it really should in order to move air through the filter. A clean filter traps the airborne debris while still permitting air to flow efficiently through the system.

Replacement filters are available at most major home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be purchased from your local HVAC professional. 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 wanting to buy something similar.

For thorough service of your air conditioner, contact the experienced professionals like the crew at B & B Heating & Cooling to do regular 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 Should I Clean the Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to making certain that your indoor air conditioner equipment is working efficiently, it’s necessary to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outside unit of your air conditioner is a quick way to improve its efficiency and can extend the life of your entire system.

The coils, which are attached to extensions called fins, are used to release heat from the refrigerant to the outdoors. This brings down the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back in your home so it can take in more heat from the air in your home's interior. Cleaning the fins and the coils will help them release heat more efficiently.

To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:

1) First, turn off 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 reach the inside of the unit. Then, being careful not to strain any cords or attachments, safely put the top to the side.

3) Apply a cleaning solution on the fins, first at the top and then working your way down. Commercial coil cleaners are on the market and commonly found in both the canned aerosol spray from as well as products foaming solutions that are sprayed on with your garden hose.

4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most products, it's advised that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a short period of time to dissolve the grime and then carefully spray it off with a garden hose. Be careful not to spray very hard, because that could damage the coils or fins!

5) Secure the top back on the unit and then wait for the components to dry before turning it 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 well it's maintained and how often it's used. That said, industry experts say you should start thinking about air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.

One of the best ways to get maximum value from your air conditioner is through regular conditioner maintenance. Routine checkups from B & B Heating & Cooling consists of cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as replacing the filter and repairing any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating a long time, contact us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Florissant and St. Charles.

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

Picking out the proper size of air conditioner for your home is critical for keeping comfort and efficiency. Here are some elements to think about when deciding what size air conditioner you need for your home:

  • Square footage: The amount of space you want to cool is one of the most important factors. More expansive spaces require more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which should decrease your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you live in a hotter climate, you'll require a more powerful air conditioner compared to a homeowner living in a cooler environment.
  • Number of windows: Windows often let in heat, especially when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of occupants: More people in the house create greater body heat, which can influence your cooling needs.
  • Present HVAC system: The size and effectiveness of your current system can provide a jumping off point for identifying what you need.

Because the size of your AC is so essential to your home’s comfort, you will almost certainly want a professional opinion. At B & B Heating & Cooling, we take the time to thoroughly understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other considerations such as your home’s design and size. This attention to detail and focus on customer service is why B & B Heating & Cooling is known for exceptional air conditioning installation in Florissant and St. Charles.

5. What Does My Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices fluctuate depending on the type 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 news is that new air conditioners are crafted to be extremely 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 as well as federal regulations that require modifications to the design.

Know these are average costs and prices can vary. It's always smart to get several quotes from trusted HVAC companies before making a choice. If you’re interested in air conditioning replacement in Florissant and St. Charles, get in touch with B & B Heating & Cooling. We will schedule an appointment to provide you with a complimentary estimate, explain the procedure and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?

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

Here are some common causes of AC freezing up:

  • Insufficient airflow: If the air isn't flowing correctly 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 starting to get low on refrigerant, it can grow too cold and freeze up. This is often because of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
  • Cold outdoor temperatures: Operating the air conditioner when it's very cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Many units aren't designed to perform in temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Broken thermostats, damaged blower motors and problems with the relay or control board can all contribute to an AC unit freezing up.

B & B Heating & Cooling is the Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in Florissant and St. Charles.

At B & B Heating & Cooling, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and pleasant place. Our knowledgeable technicians 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 Florissant and St. Charles and nearby areas.

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

Call B & B Heating & Cooling today at 314-325-7552 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!