They say knowledge is power, and that’s undoubtedly true when discussing your air conditioner. While complicated repairs are best left to experts, it’s helpful to have a practical understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve general AC issues.
Understanding how your AC works and the common problems it faces will allow you to deal with little problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you cash on minor service calls, but realizing when to call a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into catastrophic repairs.
Your AC is an important component of your home comfort. Because of that, you should always err on the side of caution and call a NATE-certified technician for air conditioning repair in Holdrege if you're unsure about any aspect of your air conditioning system’s operation or maintenance.
Here are several typical questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:
1. What Is the Best Way to Clean an Air Conditioner?
Cleaning an air conditioning system is a smart way to make sure it works efficiently, and very well could extend the life of your unit.
The most important thing you can do on your own is to replace the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter traps dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those particulates from the air circulating in your home. If your AC filter becomes choked with debris, the air conditioner has to work harder than it should in order to force air through the filter. A clean filter catches the airborne debris while still enabling air to flow easily through the system.
Replacement filters are sold at most leading home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be ordered from your local HVAC specialist. A good way to make sure you get the proper filter is to look at your old one before you leave for the store, noting 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 detailed service of your air conditioner, contact the seasoned professionals like the crew at Durable Service to do routine maintenance on your unit. They’ll examine your system, clean or lubricate parts that require attention and look for worn-out parts and potential trouble.
2. How Are the Coils on My Air Conditioner Cleaned?
In addition to ensuring your indoor AC unit is working efficiently, it’s important to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outside unit of your AC is an easy way to increase 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 inside your home so it can absorb more heat from the air within your home. Washing the fins and the coils will help them release heat more easily.
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, instead of turning the thermostat off.
2) Lift off the top of the outdoor AC so you can reach the insides of the unit. Then, taking care not to strain any cords or attachments, safely set the top to the side.
3) Apply a cleaning solution on the fins, beginning at the top and moving down. Commercial coil cleaners are on the market and commonly found in both the canned aerosol spray from as well as products foaming solutions that are applied with 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 softly spray it off with a garden hose. Take care not to spray really hard, because that could damage 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 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 much it's used. That said, pros 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 system is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Routine checkups from Durable Service consists of cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as changing out the dirty filter and fixing 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 Holdrege.
4. What's the Right Size of Air Conditioner?
Picking out the right size of air conditioner for your home is vital for keeping comfort and efficiency. Here are some factors to take into account when deciding what size air conditioner to buy for your home:
- Square footage: The total area of the space you need to cool is one of the most important factors. Larger spaces demand more cooling power.
- Home insulation: Well-insulated homes retain 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 someone living in a cooler environment.
- Number of windows: Windows often let in heat, in particular when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
- Number of occupants: More people in the house create additional body heat, which may affect your cooling needs.
- Current HVAC system: The size and effectiveness of your current system can provide a place to start for determining what you need.
Due to the fact the size of your AC is so critical to your home’s comfort, you will probably want a professional opinion. At Durable Service, we take the time to thoroughly 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 dedication to customer service is why Durable Service is known for superb air conditioning installation in Holdrege.
5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?
While prices differ depending on the size of the unit and your home’s unique specifications, 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 cost 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 in addition to federal regulations that necessitate changes to the design.
Realize these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always helpful to get several quotes from reliable HVAC companies before making a decision. If you’re thinking about air conditioning replacement in Holdrege, get in touch with Durable Service. We can 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?
An AC freezing up can be due to many factors, all of which boil down to the AC's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your air conditioner is suffering from issues causing it to freeze up, it is most likely time for air conditioning repair.
Here are some frequent triggers for AC freezing up:
- Insufficient airflow: If the air isn't flowing properly through your AC system, it can't sufficiently absorb heat. This could be due to a clogged air filter, blocked return air ducts or a failing fan.
- Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is getting low on refrigerant, it can grow too cold and freeze up. This is often a consequence of leaks in the refrigerant lines.
- Cold outdoor temperatures: Using the air conditioner when it's too 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: Malfunctioning thermostats, damaged blower motors and issues with the relay or control board can all play a role in an AC unit freezing up.
Durable Service is the Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in Holdrege.
At Durable Service, we will make your home a comfortable and pleasant place. Our knowledgeable professionals 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 their first call for air conditioning repair in Holdrege and nearby areas.
If you’re planning to upgrade or its time for a replacement, we’ve got you covered there too, with our first-rate air conditioning installation in Holdrege. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!
Call Durable Service today at 308-995-8177 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!
