They say knowledge is power, and that’s definitely the truth when discussing your air conditioner. While challenging repairs are best left to experts, it’s helpful to have a practical understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve everyday AC issues.
Understanding how your AC works and the typical problems it faces will allow 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 understanding when to reach out to a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into complex repairs.
Your Air conditioner 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 specialist for air conditioning repair in Rockford 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 Should I Clean My Air Conditioner?
Cleaning an air conditioning system 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 change the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter catches dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those impurities from the air circulating inside your home. If your AC filter becomes clogged, 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 enabling air to flow efficiently through the system.
Replacement filters are available at most major home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be ordered 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 leave for the store, noting the size of the filter. If you’re not familiar with filters, it’s also helpful 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 experienced professionals like the crew at Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling to do scheduled maintenance on your system. They’ll look over your system, clean or lubricate parts that need it and look for worn-out parts and potential trouble.
2. How Are the Coils on My Air Conditioner Cleaned?
In addition to making sure your indoor air conditioning 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 cooler air outside. This cools 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 easily.
To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:
1) First, shut down power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to flip off the the on/off switch, instead of turning the thermostat off.
2) Remove the top of the outdoor AC so you can enter the interior of the unit. Then, being cautious not to strain any cords or attachments, safely move the top to the side.
3) Put a cleaning solution on the fins, starting at the top and moving down. Commercial coil cleaners are sold and commonly found in both the canned aerosol spray from as well as in the form of foaming solutions that are sprayed on with your garden hose.
4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most products, it's suggested that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a short period of time to attack the grime and then gently spray it off with a garden hose. Take care not to spray very 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 power back on.
3. How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?
The life span of an air conditioner changes depending on the type of unit, its quality, how often it's maintained and how often it's used. However, pros say you should start thinking about air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.
One of the best ways to get maximum value from your HVAC is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling consists of cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as changing out the dirty filter and mending any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating a long time, contact us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Rockford.
4. What's the Right Size of Air Conditioner?
Selecting the right size of air conditioner for your home is crucial for keeping comfort and efficiency. Here are some elements to think about when deciding what size air conditioner you need for your home:
- Square footage: The amount of space you need to cool is one of the most important factors. More expansive spaces require more cooling power.
- Home insulation: Well-insulated homes preserve cool air better, which should decrease your cooling needs.
- Climate: If you reside in a hotter climate, you'll need a more powerful air conditioner compared to someone living in a cooler climate.
- Number of windows: Windows frequently let in heat, in particular when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
- Number of people: More people in the house means more body heat, which can affect your cooling needs.
- Present HVAC system: The size and productivity of your current system can provide a place to start for deciding what you need.
Due to the fact the size of your cooling system is so important to your home’s comfort, you will almost certainly want a professional opinion. At Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling, we take the time to fully understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other variables such as your home’s layout and size. This attention to detail and commitment to customer service is why Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling is known for superb air conditioning installation in Rockford.
5. What Is the Cost of a New Air Conditioner?
While prices differ depending on the kind 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 thing 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 as well as federal regulations that necessitate changes to the design.
Realize these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always a good idea to get numerous quotes from trusted HVAC companies before making a choice. If you’re thinking about air conditioning replacement in Rockford, get in touch with Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling. We will schedule an appointment to provide you with a free estimate, describe 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 caused by multiple factors, all of which boil down to the failure of your system to efficiently transfer heat. If your unit is suffering from issues causing it to freeze up, it is very likely time for air conditioning repair.
Here are some common reasons for AC freezing up:
- Insufficient airflow: If the air isn't flowing correctly through your AC system, it can't sufficiently absorb heat. This could be due to a plugged 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 could grow too cold and freeze up. This is often the result of leaking in the refrigerant lines.
- Frosty outdoor temperatures: Using the air conditioner when it's too cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Many 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.
Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling is your Trusted Source for Air Conditioning Service in Rockford.
At Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and pleasant place. Our knowledgeable professionals 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 Rockford and nearby areas.
If you’re looking to upgrade or its time for a new unit, we’ve got you covered there too, with our first-class air conditioning installation in Rockford. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!
Call Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling today at (815) 914-6197 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!