They say knowledge is power, and that’s definitely true when it comes to your air conditioner. While complicated repairs are best left to professionals, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve general AC issues.
Knowing how your AC works and the typical problems it faces will enable you to fix easy problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you dollars on minor service calls, but realizing when to reach out to a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into complex repairs.
Your Air conditioning unit is a fundamental component of your home comfort. Because of that, you should always err on the side of caution and call a NATE-certified professional for air conditioning repair in South Beloit and Belvidere if you're uncertain about any aspect of your AC's operation or maintenance.
Here are a few of the frequent questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:
1. How Do I Clean an Air Conditioner?
Cleaning your AC is a smart way to make sure it runs efficiently, and possibly could extend the life of your unit.
The most effective action you can take on your own is to replace 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 choked with debris, the air conditioner has to work harder than it really should in order to force air through the filter. A clean filter removes the airborne debris while still allowing air to flow efficiently through the system.
Replacement filters can be purchased at most major home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be ordered from your local HVAC expert. A good way to make sure you get the right filter is to look at your old one before you head out for the store, jotting 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 trying to buy something similar.
For thorough service of your air conditioner, contact the seasoned professionals like the crew at Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc to do routine maintenance on your system. They’ll look over your system, clean or lubricate parts that require attention and look for worn-out parts and potential problems.
2. How Are the Coils on My Air Conditioner Cleaned?
In addition to making certain that your indoor air conditioner equipment is operating efficiently, it’s important to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outdoor unit of your air conditioner is a simple 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 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 in your home's interior. Cleansing the fins and the coils can 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 the power switch off, instead of turning the thermostat off.
2) Take off the top of the outdoor AC so you can reach the insides of the unit. Then, taking care not to stress any cords or attachments, safely set the top to the side.
3) Apply a cleaning solution on the fins, starting at the top and then working your way down. Commercial coil cleaners are on the market and commonly found in both the canned aerosol spray from as well as in the form of foaming solutions that are sprayed on with an attachment to your garden hose.
4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most products, it's advised that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a short period of time to dissolve the grime and then carefully spray it off with a garden hose. Be careful not to spray very hard, because that could harm the coils or fins!
5) Secure the top back on the unit and then wait for the components to dry before turning it back on.
3. What Is the Average Lifespan of My Air Conditioner?
The life span of an air conditioner depends on the type of unit, its quality, if maintained and how often it's used. Having said that, experts 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 air conditioner is through regular conditioner maintenance. Routine checkups from Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc consists of cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as replacing the 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 South Beloit and Belvidere.
4. What Size Air Conditioner Should I Have?
Selecting the correct sized air conditioner for your home is vital for keeping comfort and efficiency. Here are some elements to think about 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 key factors. Larger spaces require more cooling power.
- Home insulation: Well-insulated homes preserve 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 can let in heat, in particular when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
- Number of people: More people in the house create greater body heat, which may affect your cooling needs.
- Current HVAC system: The size and productivity of your current system can provide a place to start for identifying what you need.
Because the size of your AC is so important to your home’s comfort, you will probably want a professional opinion. At Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc, we take the time to completely 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 focus on customer service is why Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc is known for superb air conditioning installation in South Beloit and Belvidere.
5. What Is the Cost of a New Air Conditioner?
While prices fluctuate depending on the kind 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. On the plus side, a benefit of air conditioning replacement is that new air conditioners are designed to be exceedingly efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.
The price tag 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 can impact the design.
Realize these are average costs and prices can fluctuate. It's always helpful to get several quotes from trusted HVAC companies before making a choice. If you’re considering air conditioning replacement in South Beloit and Belvidere, contact Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. We can provide you with a complimentary estimate, describe the plan and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.
6. Why Do Air Conditioners Freeze Up?
An AC freezing up can be caused by many factors, all of which boil down to the failure of your system to efficiently transfer heat. If your air conditioner is experiencing issues causing it to freeze up, it is more than likely time for air conditioning repair.
Here are some typical triggers for AC freezing up:
- Inadequate airflow: If the air isn't flowing correctly through your AC system, it can't adequately absorb heat. This could be due to a dirty air filter, blocked return air ducts or a failing fan.
- Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is starting to get low on refrigerant, it could get too cold and freeze up. This is usually because of leaking in the refrigerant lines.
- Very Chilly outdoor temperatures: Operating an air conditioner when it's too cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Many units aren't designed to function in temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
- Mechanical failures: Broken thermostats, damaged blower motors and issues with the relay or control board can all contribute to an AC unit freezing up.
Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc is the Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in South Beloit and Belvidere.
At Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc, we strive to make your home a comfortable and soothing place. Our qualified specialists 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 South Beloit and Belvidere and the surrounding cities.
If you’re seeking to upgrade or its time for a replacement, we’ve got you covered there too, with our first-class air conditioning installation in South Beloit and Belvidere. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!
Call Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc today at 877-389-2465 to schedule an appointment or complimentary estimate!
