Summers in Baltimore can be hot and humid, with highs near the 90s. That’s why homeowners in the area need reliable and powerful cooling. But what AC system is best for your unique home? How will you know if your system needs professional repairs? And what can you do to help extend the lifespan of this major investment?

In this article, the HVAC experts at United Air Temp answer all of your most common air conditioning questions–from maintenance needs to system types–to ensure that you’re able to keep your home cool and your system working efficiently this summer.

How Do I Flush an Air Conditioning System?

Flushing your AC system is a critical part of maintenance, as it removes debris, old oil, and contaminants from drain lines. This is also a necessary task when replacing a compressor, after a system burnout, or if internal damage is suspected.

Homeowners will need a flush kit with solvent, compressed air, and safety gear. Then, follow these steps:

• Recover refrigerant using certified recovery equipment.
• Disconnect the lines to isolate the coils and refrigerant lines. Never flush the compressor or expansion valve.
• Flush each component with the flushing solvent. Then, blow out the remaining solvent and moisture.
• Replace system filters.
• Reassemble and recharge the system.

This job should be completed by a professional to ensure refrigerant is handled safely.

How Do I Maintain My Air Conditioning System?

There are a few critical tasks homeowners can complete to help maintain their AC system. In addition to scheduling annual professional tune-ups in the late spring, homeowners should change air filters every one to three months and clean their condenser and evaporator coils annually.

Can My Air Conditioning Make Me Sick?

Yes–poorly maintained AC systems can negatively impact your health. Not only can they circulate allergens and mold, but the cold, dry air can also trigger respiratory irritation for sensitive homeowners.

To prevent indoor air quality issues, complete regular filter changes so that your system can properly trap airborne particles, and consider a humidification system to reduce any health risks.

How Long Do Air Conditioning Units Last?

While most air conditioners last 12 to 15 years, they only last that long with proper maintenance.

Sealing leaky ductwork, using a programmable thermostat, and checking refrigerant levels regularly can all help extend the system’s life.

Frequent breakdowns, rising energy bills, and uneven cooling are signs that it may be time to replace your AC.

Why Is My Air Conditioning Unit Leaking Water?

A leaking air conditioner can cause water damage, mold growth, and a full system shutdown.

The most common causes include a clogged condensate drain line, frozen coils, and a dirty air filter.

Homeowners can troubleshoot these issues by replacing filters or clearing the condensate drain line. If this does not eliminate the issue, it’s time to call a technician.

How Do You Repair an Air Conditioning Unit?

A malfunctioning AC can compromise your health and comfort. That’s why fast and reliable repairs are key. Homeowners can attempt to solve issues themselves by adjusting thermostat settings, changing air filters, and checking for a tripped breaker.

If this doesn’t solve the problem, you may need to contact a licensed HVAC technician. The most common repair issues include refrigerant leaks, electrical faults, and faulty capacitors.

What Is Ductless Air Conditioning?

A ductless air conditioning system provides energy-efficient cooling for homes without the need for ductwork. This makes it an ideal choice for homes without ducts or for zone cooling in your home.

A single outdoor unit connects to multiple indoor air handlers that can be controlled separately to meet the needs of different areas of your home. Plus, with their customizable and flexible installation and quiet operation, they are a popular choice for many homeowners.

How Does Central Air Conditioning Work?

In a central AC system, warm air is pulled in and passed over an evaporator coil with refrigerant that absorbs the heat through heat transfer. The cooled air then travels through your duct system and into your home through vents.

While this happens, the now-warm refrigerant travels to the outdoor condenser unit, where the compressor pressurizes the refrigerant so that it cools and returns back to the evaporator coils to repeat the cycle. The thermostat in your home controls this process to provide whole-home cooling.

What Is a Mini-Split Air Conditioning Unit?

A mini-split system is ideal for room additions, garages, or zoned cooling as it allows you to control each indoor component separately from the others.

These indoor air handlers are connected to an outdoor component via refrigerant lines and can also offer heating for your home to provide dual-power comfort.

Can a Nest Thermostat Replace Heating and Air Conditioning Controls?

A Nest thermostat is a great upgrade to your current thermostat as it offers many advanced settings, including smart scheduling, remote access, and energy savings metrics.

While Nest systems are compatible with most HVAC systems, you’ll want to check your wiring requirements and schedule professional thermostat installation, especially for dual-fuel or complex setups.

How Do I Charge My Home Air Conditioning System?

AC systems may need to be charged if they have had a recent repair or a refrigerant leak. An EPA-certified technician can add refrigerant to your system.

Note that DIY refrigerant charging is not recommended due to environmental and safety laws. Contact an expert to recharge your AC if you experience symptoms of low refrigerant levels, such as warm air, hissing sounds, or ice on your coils.

Does Air Conditioning Reduce Humidity?

As your AC cools the air, it will naturally remove humidity from your home through the evaporator coil in the system.

However, it’s important to have the correct size AC system to ensure that it can effectively dehumidify your home. If you have a more serious issue, you may want to consider a whole-house dehumidifier to improve your comfort and indoor air quality.

How Do I Clean My Air Conditioning Coils?

Regular coil cleaning is an excellent way to keep your AC working at peak performance. Make sure to turn off the power before cleaning. In this indoor unit, use a soft brush to gently remove any dust or debris from the evaporator coils, and use a commercial coil cleaner for tougher buildup.

For your outdoor unit, clear away any leaves, dirt, or grass from the condenser coils and spay them gently with a hose set to a low-pressure setting. We recommend cleaning annually to maintain efficiency and prevent system strain.

How Much Does Air Conditioning Cost in Electricity?

There are many factors that impact the total electrical cost to run your AC, including your system’s SEER rating, usage habits, and local energy rates. However, the average cost for a central AC to run for a single hour is $0.06–$0.88.

There are a few ways that homeowners can reduce these costs. Using smart thermostats can be a great way to reduce wasted energy without compromising on comfort.

Ceiling fans can also make your home feel much cooler, allowing you to raise the thermostat slightly. Finally, regular maintenance is key for ensuring that your system doesn’t have to strain or work too hard to cool your home effectively. 

Do You Need Help with Your Air Conditioning System?

When you need superior AC services, turn to the team at United Air Temp. We’re proud to offer Baltimore homeowners comprehensive solutions, including:

• AC repair
• AC maintenance
• AC installation and replacement

Our highly trained technicians focus on building strong customer relationships and offer quality craftsmanship and personalized care. Plus, with 24-hour emergency repairs and a satisfaction guarantee, you can trust that we’ll handle all of your cooling needs at United Air Temp.

Call United Air Temp today to schedule AC services for your Baltimore home.

More Info on Air Conditioning

• What a SEER Rating Is & Why It Matters
• Do You Need an Air Conditioner for Summer in Baltimore?
• The 2025 Changes to Freon Requirements Explained for Maryland Homeowners
• 2024 HVAC Rebates for Maryland Residents
• What Is the Best Time to Schedule HVAC Maintenance in Baltimore?