They say knowledge is power, and that’s definitely true 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.

Learning how your AC works and the common problems it faces will enable you to fix little problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you money on minor service calls, but realizing when to reach out to a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into major repairs.

Your Air conditioner 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 Wilkes Barre and Scranton if you're unsure about any aspect of your air conditioner's operation or maintenance.

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

1. How Do I Clean an Air Conditioner?

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

The most effective thing you can do 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 choked with debris, the air conditioner has to work harder than it should in order to pull air through the filter. A clean filter catches the airborne debris while still enabling air to flow easily through the system.

Replacement filters are available at most major home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be bought 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, jotting down the size of the filter. If you’re not familiar with filters, it’s also a smart idea to note the filtration level of the current filter if you are trying to buy something similar.

For thorough service of your air conditioner, contact the skilled professionals like the crew at GLR Mechanical to do regular maintenance on your unit. They’ll look over your system, clean or lubricate parts that need cleaning and look for worn-out parts and potential issues.

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 cooling system is a quick way to increase 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 brings down the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back in your home so it can take in more heat from the air within your home. Washing the fins and the coils is a way to 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 off the the on/off switch, instead of turning the thermostat off.

2) Take off the top of the outdoor AC so you can reach the inside of the unit. Then, being cautious not to stress any cords or attachments, safely put the top to the side.

3) Put a cleaning solution on the fins, first at the top and working 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 advised that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a brief period of time to loosen the grime and then softly spray it off with a garden hose. Be cautious 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 coils and fins to dry before turning it back on.

3. How Long Can Air Conditioners Work?

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. That said, industry experts say you should start getting ready for air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.

One of the best ways to get the most mileage out of your air conditioner is through AC conditioner maintenance. Tuneups from GLR Mechanical consists of cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as putting in a new 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 Wilkes Barre and Scranton.

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

Selecting the correct sized air conditioner for your home is critical for achieving comfort and efficiency. Here are some elements to take into account when deciding what size air conditioner is right for your home:

  • Square footage: The total area of the space you have to cool is one of the key factors. Larger spaces demand more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes retain cool air better, which could decrease your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you are living 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 often let in heat, especially when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of residents: More people in the house produce greater body heat, which could influence your cooling needs.
  • Present HVAC system: The size and performance of your current system can provide a place to start for identifying what you need.

Due to the fact the size of your air conditioner is so critical to your home’s comfort, you will definitely want a professional opinion. At GLR Mechanical, 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 dedication to customer service is why GLR Mechanical is known for superb air conditioning installation in Wilkes Barre and Scranton.

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

While prices vary depending on the size of the unit and your home’s unique requirements, 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 designed to be exceptionally 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 can impact the design.

Know these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always a good idea to get several quotes from trusted HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re interested in air conditioning replacement in Wilkes Barre and Scranton, contact GLR Mechanical. We will provide you with a complimentary estimate, describe the procedure and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?

Air conditioning freezing up can be due to a number of factors, all of which boil down to the AC's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your AC is having issues causing it to freeze up, it is very likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some common causes of AC freezing up:

  • Poor airflow: If the air isn't flowing properly through your AC system, it can't sufficiently absorb heat. This could be due to a dirty air filter, something stopping air from flowing through the return air ducts or a failing fan.
  • Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is running low on refrigerant, it can grow too cold and freeze up. This is often because of leaks in the refrigerant lines.
  • Very Chilly outdoor temperatures: Running 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 lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Faulty thermostats, damaged blower motors and trouble with the relay or control board can all result in an AC unit freezing up.

GLR Mechanical is the Trusted Source for Air Conditioning Service in Wilkes Barre and Scranton.

At GLR Mechanical, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and soothing place. Our qualified technicians are up-to-date on the latest industry training and trends, and are experienced on a wide variety of systems. That’s why community members make us the first choice for air conditioning repair in Wilkes Barre and Scranton and the surrounding towns.

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

Call GLR Mechanical today at 570-569-1873 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!