They say knowledge is power, and that’s definitely the truth when talking about 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 everyday AC issues.

Understanding how your AC works and the frequent problems it faces will allow you to deal with easy problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you cash on minor service calls, but realizing when to reach out to a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into complex 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 professional for air conditioning repair in Wilmington if you're unsure about any aspect of your air conditioning system’s operation or maintenance.

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

1. How Should I Clean My Air Conditioner?

Cleaning your AC is a smart way to make sure it runs efficiently, and very well could extend the life of your unit.

The most significant step you can take on your own is to change 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 clogged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it ought to in order to force air through the filter. A clean filter removes the airborne debris while still permitting 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 right filter is to look at your old one before you leave for the store, jotting 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 detailed service of your air conditioner, contact the experienced professionals like the crew at Brandywine Heating & Air to do scheduled maintenance on your AC. They’ll inspect your system, clean or lubricate parts that require attention and look for worn-out parts and potential trouble.

2. How Do I Clean Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to making certain that your indoor AC unit is working efficiently, it’s important 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 have extensions called fins, are used to release heat from the refrigerant into the outside air. This lowers the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back in your home so it can soak up more heat from the air inside your home. Cleaning the fins and the coils can help them release heat more easily.

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, instead of turning the thermostat off.

2) Take off the top of the outdoor AC so you can access the inside of the unit. Then, being careful not to pull hard on any cords or attachments, safely put the top to the side.

3) Put a cleaning solution on the fins, first at the top and moving down. Commercial coil cleaners are available 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 cleaners, 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 gently spray it off with a garden hose. Be careful 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. How Long Can Air Conditioners Work?

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, industry experts say you should start looking into air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.

One of the best ways to get the most mileage out of your system is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Tuneups from Brandywine Heating & Air includes cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as putting in a new filter and mending any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating as long as possible, call us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Wilmington.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Should I Have?

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

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

Given that the size of your air conditioner is so critical to your home’s comfort, you will almost certainly want a professional opinion. At Brandywine Heating & Air, 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 commitment to customer service is why Brandywine Heating & Air is known for superb air conditioning installation in Wilmington.

5. What Is the Cost of a New Air Conditioner?

While prices vary depending on the brand of the unit and your home’s unique needs, 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 extremely efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.

The price 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 along with federal regulations that necessitate changes to 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 decision. If you’re thinking about air conditioning replacement in Wilmington, reach out to Brandywine Heating & Air. 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 due to a number of factors, all of which boil down to the system's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your unit is having issues causing it to freeze up, it is more than likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some common triggers for AC freezing up:

  • Inadequate 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, blocked return air ducts or a failing fan.
  • Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is getting low on refrigerant, it may get too cold and freeze up. This is often the result of leaks in the refrigerant lines.
  • Very Chilly outdoor temperatures: Operating your air conditioner when it's too cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Most units aren't designed to perform in temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Malfunctioning thermostats, damaged blower motors and trouble with the relay or control board can all play a role in an AC unit freezing up.

Brandywine Heating & Air is your Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in Wilmington.

At Brandywine Heating & Air, we will make your home a comfortable and soothing place. Our skilled specialists 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 Wilmington and neighboring towns.

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

Call Brandywine Heating & Air today at 302-261-3596 to schedule an appointment or complimentary estimate!