They say knowledge is power, and that’s certainly accurate when talking about your air conditioner. While complex repairs are best left to experts, it’s helpful to have a practical understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve ordinary AC issues.
Understanding how your AC works and the common 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 understanding when to call 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 specialist for air conditioning repair in Newark if you're uncertain about any aspect of your air conditioning system’s operation or maintenance.
Here are some common questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:
1. How Should I Clean My Air Conditioner?
Cleaning an air conditioner is an effective way to make sure it works efficiently, and potentially 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 catches dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those particulates from the air circulating throughout your home. If your AC filter becomes choked with debris, the air conditioner has to work harder than it ought to in order to pull 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 leading 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 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 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 experienced professionals like the crew at Luikart Heating & Cooling to do scheduled maintenance on your unit. They’ll look over your system, clean or lubricate parts that require attention and look for worn-out parts and potential trouble.
2. How Do I Clean Air Conditioner Coils?
In addition to making sure your indoor air conditioner equipment is functioning efficiently, it’s also a good idea to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outdoor unit of your cooling system is a quick 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 cools the refrigerant, which then goes back into your home so it can absorb more heat from the air in your home's interior. Cleansing the fins and the coils will 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, as opposed to turning the thermostat off.
2) Remove the top of the outdoor AC so you can enter the insides of the unit. Then, being cautious not to stress any cords or attachments, safely put the top to the side.
3) Apply a cleaning solution on the fins, beginning at the top and working 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 sprayed on with your garden hose.
4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most brands, it's suggested that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a short period of time to loosen the grime and then carefully spray it off with a garden hose. Be careful not to spray too 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. How Long Can Air Conditioners Work?
The life span of an air conditioner can vary based on the type of unit, its quality, if maintained and how often it's used. Having said that, experts 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 HVAC is through regular conditioner maintenance. Routine checkups from Luikart Heating & Cooling consists of cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as replacing the filter and repairing any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating as long as possible, contact us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Newark.
4. What's the Right Size of Air Conditioner?
Choosing the proper size of air conditioner for your home is vital for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some elements to take into account when deciding what size air conditioner is right for your home:
- Square footage: The amount of space you want to cool is one of the key factors. Larger spaces require more cooling power.
- Home insulation: Well-insulated homes preserve cool air better, which can reduce your cooling needs.
- Climate: If you live in a hotter climate, you'll require a more powerful air conditioner compared to a person living in a cooler environment.
- 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 produce additional body heat, which may impact your cooling needs.
- Present HVAC system: The size and productivity of your current system can provide a jumping off point for identifying what you need.
Due to the fact the size of your cooling system is so essential to your home’s comfort, you will probably want a professional opinion. At Luikart Heating & Cooling, we take the time to thoroughly understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other factors such as your home’s insulation level and size. This attention to detail and focus on customer service is why Luikart Heating & Cooling is known for superb air conditioning installation in Newark.
5. What Is the Cost of a New Air Conditioner?
While prices vary depending on the size of the unit and your home’s unique specifications, a new air conditioning system 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 exceptionally 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 can impact the design.
Note these are average costs and prices can fluctuate. It's always a good idea to get at least a few quotes from reliable HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re thinking about air conditioning replacement in Newark, get in touch with Luikart Heating & Cooling. We will schedule an appointment to provide you with a no-cost estimate, make sure you understand the procedure and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.
6. Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?
An air conditioner freezing up can be a consequence of multiple factors, all of which boil down to the system's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your AC is having issues causing it to freeze up, it is most likely time for air conditioning repair.
Here are some typical causes of AC freezing up:
- Poor airflow: If the air isn't flowing easily through your AC system, it can't sufficiently absorb heat. This could be due to a dirty 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 get too cold and freeze up. This is often a consequence of leaks in the refrigerant lines.
- Cold outdoor temperatures: Using an air conditioner when it's too cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Many units aren't designed to function in temperatures of less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
- Mechanical failures: Broken thermostats, damaged blower motors and problems with the relay or control board can all result in an AC unit freezing up.
Luikart Heating & Cooling is the Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in Newark.
At Luikart Heating & Cooling, we strive to make your home a comfortable and soothing place. Our experienced specialists 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 Newark and nearby cities.
If you’re wanting to upgrade or its time for a new unit, we’ve got you covered there too, with our top-notch air conditioning installation in Newark. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!
Contact Luikart Heating & Cooling today at 740-344-5497 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!