They say knowledge is power, and that’s undoubtedly the truth when talking about your air conditioner. While complex repairs are best left to specialists, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve common AC issues.

Knowing how your AC works and the typical problems it faces will allow you to fix simple problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you dollars on minor service calls, but understanding when to call a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into major repairs.

Your Air conditioner 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 specialist for air conditioning repair in Saint Louis if you're uncertain about any aspect of your air conditioner's operation or maintenance.

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

1. How Should I Clean My Air Conditioner?

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

The most significant action you can take on your own is to swap out the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter traps dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those contaminants from the air circulating throughout 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 allowing air to flow freely 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 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 good idea to note the filtration level of the current filter if you are wanting to buy something similar.

For comprehensive service of your air conditioner, contact the seasoned professionals like the crew at Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating to do scheduled maintenance on your AC. They’ll inspect your system, clean or lubricate parts that need it and look for worn-out parts and potential trouble.

2. How Should I Clean the Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to making certain that your indoor AC unit is operating efficiently, it’s important to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outside unit of your AC is a simple way to boost 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 in your home so it can take in more heat from the air within your home. Cleansing the fins and the coils will help them release heat more efficiently.

To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:

1) First, shut off power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to flip off the the on/off switch, rather than turning the thermostat off.

2) Remove the top of the outdoor AC so you can enter the insides of the unit. Then, being careful not to stress any cords or attachments, safely move the top to the side.

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

4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most cleaners, it's recommended 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 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 the unit back on.

3. How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?

The life span of an air conditioner depends on the type of unit, its quality, how often it's maintained and how often it's used. Having said that, industry 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 HVAC is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Routine checkups from Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating 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 a long time, reach out to us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Saint Louis.

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

Selecting the proper size of air conditioner for your home is vital for maintaining 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 total area of the space you need to cool is one of the key factors. Bigger spaces require more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes retain cool air better, which could reduce your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you live in a hotter climate, you'll need a more powerful air conditioner compared to someone living in a cooler climate.
  • Number of windows: Windows often let in heat, particularly when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of occupants: More people in the house means more body heat, which could influence your cooling needs.
  • Current HVAC system: The size and capability of your current system can provide a starting point for deciding what you need.

Given that the size of your cooling system is so important to your home’s comfort, you will probably want a professional opinion. At Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating, we take the time to completely understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other variables such as your home’s design and size. This attention to detail and focus on customer service is why Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating is known for excellent air conditioning installation in Saint Louis.

5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices fluctuate 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. The good thing is that new air conditioners are designed to be exceedingly efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.

The price tag 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 along with federal regulations that necessitate changes to the design.

Realize these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always helpful to get at least a few quotes from reliable HVAC companies before making a choice. If you’re thinking about air conditioning replacement in Saint Louis, get in touch with Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating. We will provide you with a no-cost estimate, explain the procedure 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 many factors, all of which boil down to the system's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your AC is suffering from issues causing it to freeze up, it is very likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some common reasons for AC freezing up:

  • Poor airflow: If the air isn't flowing easily through your AC system, it can't effectively absorb heat. This could be due to a plugged 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 can become too cold and freeze up. This is usually because of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
  • Frosty outdoor temperatures: Using the air conditioner when it's really cold outside can cause the system to freeze. The majority of units aren't designed to operate 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 result in an AC unit freezing up.

Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating is the Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in Saint Louis.

At Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating, we strive to make your home a comfortable and soothing place. Our skilled specialists are up-to-date on the latest industry training and trends, and are knowledgeable on a wide variety of systems. That’s why community members make us their first call for air conditioning repair in Saint Louis and the surrounding towns.

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

Contact Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating today at 314-262-4541 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!