They say knowledge is power, and that’s certainly accurate when talking about your air conditioner. While challenging repairs are best left to specialists, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve ordinary AC issues.

Understanding how your AC works and the frequent problems it faces can empower you to tackle easy problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you dollars on minor service calls, but knowing when to contact a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into catastrophic repairs.

Your Air conditioning unit is an important part 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 Holdrege if you're not sure about any aspect of your air conditioner'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 conditioner is an effective way to make sure it operates efficiently, and very well could extend the life of your unit.

The most important 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 particulates 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 permitting 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 right 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 hoping to buy something similar.

For comprehensive service of your air conditioner, contact the seasoned professionals like the crew at Durable Service to do scheduled maintenance on your system. They’ll inspect 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 ensuring your indoor air conditioning unit is working efficiently, it’s also a good idea to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the exterior unit of your AC is a simple way to improve 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 cooler air outside. This lowers the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back in your home so it can soak up more heat from the air inside your home. Cleaning the fins and the coils will help them release heat more efficiently.

To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:

1) First, shut down power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to disconnect it completely from power, instead of turning the thermostat off.

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

3) Spray a cleaning solution on the fins, first at the top and moving down. Commercial coil cleaners are available and commonly found in both the canned aerosol spray from as well as in the form of foaming solutions that are applied 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 small 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 ruin the coils or fins!

5) Secure the top back on the unit and then wait for the unit 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 well it's maintained and how often it's used. Having said that, pros 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 system is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from Durable Service includes cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as replacing the 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 Holdrege.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Selecting the proper size of air conditioner for your home is vital for keeping comfort and efficiency. Here are some elements to consider when deciding what size air conditioner is right for your home:

  • Square footage: The size of the space you need to cool is one of the biggest factors. Larger spaces demand more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes retain cool air better, which should minimize your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you are living in a hotter climate, you'll want a more powerful air conditioner compared to a person living in a cooler place.
  • 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 means more body heat, which can affect your cooling needs.
  • Existing HVAC system: The size and productivity of your current system can provide a jumping off point for deciding what you need.

Because the size of your AC is so essential to your home’s comfort, you will probably want a professional opinion. At Durable Service, we take the time to fully understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other considerations such as your home’s design and size. This attention to detail and commitment to customer service is why Durable Service is known for excellent air conditioning installation in Holdrege.

5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices fluctuate depending on the brand of the unit and your home’s unique requirements, a new AC generally costs between $5,000 and $12,500 to purchase and install. On the plus side, a benefit of air conditioning replacement is that new air conditioners are developed to be exceedingly efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.

The cost 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 necessitate changes to the design.

Know these are average costs and prices can vary. It's always helpful to get several quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a decision. If you’re interested in air conditioning replacement in Holdrege, get in touch with Durable Service. We can provide you with a free estimate, make sure you understand the process and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. What Causes an Air Conditioner to Freeze Up?

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

Here are some typical triggers for AC freezing up:

  • Poor airflow: If the air isn't flowing easily 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 starting to get low on refrigerant, it could grow too cold and freeze up. This is usually because of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
  • Very Chilly outdoor temperatures: Running an air conditioner when it's too cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Most units aren't designed to work in temperatures lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Malfunctioning thermostats, damaged blower motors and trouble with the relay or control board can all contribute to an AC unit freezing up.

Durable Service is the Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in Holdrege.

At Durable Service, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and soothing place. Our experienced 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 first choice for air conditioning repair in Holdrege and the surrounding cities.

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

Phone Durable Service today at 308-995-8177 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!