They say knowledge is power, and that’s definitely true when discussing 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 common AC issues.

Knowing how your AC works and the typical problems it faces can empower 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 realizing when to reach out to a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into catastrophic repairs.

Your AC 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 specialist for air conditioning repair in Safford if you're not sure about any aspect of your AC's operation or maintenance.

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

1. How Do I Clean an Air Conditioner?

Cleaning an air conditioning system is a good way to make sure it operates 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 in your home. If your AC filter becomes plugged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it ought to in order to move air through the filter. A clean filter removes the airborne debris while still enabling air to flow efficiently through the system.

Replacement filters can be purchased at most leading home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be purchased 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, taking care to write 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 hoping to buy something similar.

For thorough service of your air conditioner, contact the experienced professionals like the crew at B&D Air Conditioning to do scheduled 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 Do I Clean Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to making certain that your indoor air conditioning unit is operating efficiently, it’s important to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outside unit of your air conditioner 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 to the outdoors. This lowers the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back into your home so it can soak up more heat from the air within 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 off the the on/off switch, instead of turning the thermostat off.

2) Take off the top of the outdoor AC so you can enter the interior of the unit. Then, taking care not to pull hard on any cords or attachments, safely move the top to the side.

3) Apply a cleaning solution on the fins, beginning at the top and moving 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 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. Take care not to spray too 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 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 often it's 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 make the most of your system is through regular conditioner maintenance. Routine checkups from B&D Air Conditioning features 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, contact us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Safford.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Finding the right size of air conditioner for your home is crucial for achieving comfort and efficiency. Here are some factors to take into account when deciding what size air conditioner you need for your home:

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

Due to the fact the size of your cooling system is so important to your home’s comfort, you will likely want a professional opinion. At B&D Air Conditioning, we take the time to thoroughly understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other factors such as your home’s insulation level and size. This attention to detail and dedication to customer service is why B&D Air Conditioning is known for excellent air conditioning installation in Safford.

5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices differ depending on the type of the unit and your home’s unique specifications, 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 designed to be extremely efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.

The price tag 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.

Know these are average costs and prices can vary. It's always a good idea to get at least a few quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a decision. If you’re interested in air conditioning replacement in Safford, get in touch with B&D Air Conditioning. We can provide you with a free estimate, explain the plan and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. What Causes an Air Conditioner to Freeze Up?

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

Here are some frequent causes of AC freezing up:

• Inadequate airflow: If the air isn't flowing properly through your AC system, it can't adequately absorb heat. This could be due to a clogged 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 may become too cold and freeze up. This is usually because of leaking in the refrigerant lines.
• Frigid outdoor temperatures: Using your air conditioner when it's too cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Most units aren't designed to operate in temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
• Mechanical failures: Broken thermostats, damaged blower motors and trouble with the relay or control board can all contribute to an AC unit freezing up.

B&D Air Conditioning is the Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in Safford.

At B&D Air Conditioning, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and pleasant 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 the premier choice for air conditioning repair in Safford and the surrounding cities.

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

Call B&D Air Conditioning today at 928-432-6018 to schedule an appointment or complimentary estimate!