They say knowledge is power, and that’s definitely the truth when it comes to your air conditioner. While challenging repairs are best left to specialists, it’s helpful to have a rudimentary understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve general AC issues.
Knowing how your AC works and the common problems it faces will allow you to handle little 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 conditioning unit 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 technician for air conditioning repair in Mankato area if you're unsure about any aspect of your air conditioner's operation or maintenance.
Here are a few of the common questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:
1. How Do I Clean an Air Conditioner?
Cleaning an air conditioning system is a good way to make sure it runs efficiently, and potentially could extend the life of your unit.
The most effective thing you can do on your own is to replace the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter captures dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those contaminants from the air circulating throughout your home. If your AC filter becomes clogged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it is supposed to in order to move air through the filter. A clean filter removes the airborne debris while still allowing air to flow easily through the system.
Replacement filters are available at most leading home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be bought from your local HVAC expert. A good way to make sure you get the correct filter is to look at your old one before you leave for the store, taking care to write 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 wanting to buy something similar.
For thorough service of your air conditioner, contact the experienced professionals like the crew at Northern Comfort Inc 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 problems.
2. How Are the Coils on My Air Conditioner Cleaned?
In addition to ensuring your indoor AC unit is functioning efficiently, it’s necessary to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outside unit of your cooling system is an easy 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 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. Cleansing the fins and the coils will help them release heat more easily.
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 access the inside of the unit. Then, taking care not to pull hard on any cords or attachments, safely put the top to the side.
3) Apply 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 products foaming solutions that are sprayed on with an attachment to 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 small 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 the unit back on.
3. What Is the Average Lifespan of My Air Conditioner?
The life span of an air conditioner changes depending on the type of unit, its quality, how well it's maintained and how frequently it's used. Having said that, experts say you should start looking into air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.
One of the best ways to make the most of your air conditioner is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from Northern Comfort Inc features cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as changing out the dirty filter and repairing 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 Mankato area.
4. What Size Air Conditioner Should I Have?
Choosing the right size of air conditioner for your home is vital for achieving comfort and efficiency. Here are some elements to consider when deciding what size air conditioner is right for your home:
- Square footage: The amount of space you have to cool is one of the most important factors. More expansive spaces demand more cooling power.
- Home insulation: Well-insulated homes retain cool air better, which should 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 place.
- Number of windows: Windows frequently let in heat, in particular when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
- Number of residents: More people in the house produce greater body heat, which can affect your cooling needs.
- Existing HVAC system: The size and performance of your current system can provide a place to start for deciding what you need.
Given that the size of your AC is so important to your home’s comfort, you will likely want a professional opinion. At Northern Comfort Inc, we take the time to thoroughly understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other variables such as your home’s insulation level and size. This attention to detail and commitment to customer service is why Northern Comfort Inc is known for superb air conditioning installation in Mankato area.
5. What Is the Cost of a New Air Conditioner?
While prices differ depending on the type 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 news is that new air conditioners are developed to be exceptionally efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.
The price of an air conditioner is affected 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 can impact the design.
Note these are average costs and prices can vary. It's always a good idea to get numerous quotes from trusted HVAC companies before making a decision. If you’re thinking about air conditioning replacement in Mankato area, contact Northern Comfort Inc. We will provide you with a complimentary estimate, explain the process 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 a consequence of many factors, all of which boil down to the failure of your system to efficiently transfer heat. If your unit is experiencing 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 correctly through your AC system, it can't effectively absorb heat. This could be due to a dirty air filter, obstructed return air ducts or a failing fan.
- Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is starting to get low on refrigerant, it can grow too cold and freeze up. This is often a consequence of leaking in the refrigerant lines.
- Cold outdoor temperatures: Operating an air conditioner when it's very cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Many units aren't designed to perform in temperatures lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
- Mechanical failures: Faulty thermostats, damaged blower motors and problems with the relay or control board can all play a role in an AC unit freezing up.
Northern Comfort Inc is the Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in Mankato area.
At Northern Comfort Inc, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and soothing place. Our experienced technicians 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 the premier choice for air conditioning repair in Mankato area and neighboring cities.
If you’re wanting 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 Mankato area. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!
Phone Northern Comfort Inc today at 507-387-6596 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!
