They say knowledge is power, and that’s undoubtedly true when it comes to your air conditioner. While challenging repairs are best left to experts, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve ordinary AC issues.
Learning how your AC works and the typical problems it faces can empower you to handle simple problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you dollars on minor service calls, but realizing when to contact a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into catastrophic repairs.
Your AC 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 Cedar Rapids if you're uncertain 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 your AC is a smart way to make sure it operates efficiently, and potentially could extend the life of your unit.
The most significant action you can take 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 impurities from the air circulating throughout your home. If your AC filter becomes clogged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it really should in order to move air through the filter. A clean filter catches the airborne debris while still allowing 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 correct filter is to look at your old one before you go shopping, taking care to write down 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 wanting to buy something similar.
For detailed service of your air conditioner, contact the experienced professionals like the crew at Ilten's to do routine maintenance on your AC. They’ll inspect your system, clean or lubricate parts that need cleaning and look for worn-out parts and potential trouble.
2. How Do I Clean Air Conditioner Coils?
In addition to making certain that your indoor air conditioning unit is operating efficiently, it’s necessary to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outdoor unit of your cooling system is a quick way to increase 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 brings down the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back into your home so it can absorb more heat from the air within your home. Cleaning the fins and the coils can help them release heat more effectively.
To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:
1) First, shut off power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to flip the power switch off, rather than turning the thermostat off.
2) Remove the top of the outdoor AC so you can access the interior of the unit. Then, being cautious not to pull hard on any cords or attachments, safely put the top to the side.
3) Put a cleaning solution on the fins, first at the top and working down. Commercial coil cleaners are sold and commonly found in both the canned aerosol spray from as well as brands foaming solutions that are sprayed on with 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 brief period of time to dissolve the grime and then carefully spray it off with a garden hose. Take care 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 unit to dry before turning it back on.
3. How Long Can Air Conditioners Work?
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. Having said that, industry 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 system is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Tuneups from Ilten's includes cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as putting in a new filter and mending any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating as long as possible, contact us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Cedar Rapids.
4. What's the Right Size of Air Conditioner?
Finding the right size of air conditioner for your home is critical for achieving comfort and efficiency. Here are some points to take into account when deciding what size air conditioner to buy for your home:
- Square footage: The total area of the space you have to cool is one of the most important factors. Larger spaces necessitate more cooling power.
- Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which can reduce your cooling needs.
- Climate: If you reside 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 frequently let in heat, in particular when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
- Number of people: More people in the house create more body heat, which may affect your cooling needs.
- Existing HVAC system: The size and capability of your current system can provide a place to start for determining what you need.
Given that the size of your cooling system is so essential to your home’s comfort, you will probably want a professional opinion. At Ilten's, we take the time to fully understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other factors such as your home’s layout and size. This attention to detail and commitment to customer service is why Ilten's is known for exceptional air conditioning installation in Cedar Rapids.
5. What Does My Air Conditioner Cost?
While prices vary depending on the kind 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 designed to be extremely efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.
The price of an air conditioner is impacted 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 numerous quotes from trusted HVAC companies before making a decision. If you’re thinking about air conditioning replacement in Cedar Rapids, get in touch with Ilten's. We will provide you with a complimentary estimate, explain the procedure and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.
6. Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?
Air conditioning freezing up can be brought on by a number of 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 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 properly 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 getting low on refrigerant, it may get too cold and freeze up. This is frequently because of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
- Cold outdoor temperatures: Using an air conditioner when it's too cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Most units aren't designed to perform in temperatures lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
- Mechanical failures: Malfunctioning thermostats, damaged blower motors and issues with the relay or control board can all contribute to an AC unit freezing up.
Ilten's is your Trusted Source for Air Conditioning Service in Cedar Rapids.
At Ilten's, we will make your home a comfortable and soothing place. Our experienced technicians 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 premier choice for air conditioning repair in Cedar Rapids and neighboring cities.
If you’re looking to upgrade or its time for a replacement, we’ve got you covered there too, with our top-notch air conditioning installation in Cedar Rapids. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!
Phone Ilten's today at 319-343-5158 to schedule an appointment or complimentary estimate!