They say knowledge is power, and that’s undoubtedly true when talking about your air conditioner. While complicated repairs are best left to experts, it’s helpful to have a practical understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve common AC issues.

Understanding how your AC works and the typical problems it faces can empower you to tackle simple problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you money on minor service calls, but knowing when to reach out to a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into catastrophic repairs.

Your AC is an essential part 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 Thedford if you're not sure about any aspect of your air conditioner's operation or maintenance.

Here are a few of the frequent 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 potentially could extend the life of your unit.

The most significant step you can take on your own is to change the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter traps dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those particulates from the air circulating throughout your home. If your AC filter becomes plugged, 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 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 leave for the store, noting 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 hoping to buy something similar.

For thorough service of your air conditioner, contact the skilled professionals like the crew at Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning to do scheduled maintenance on your AC. They’ll examine your system, clean or lubricate parts that require attention and look for worn-out parts and potential issues.

2. How Do I Clean Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to making sure your indoor air conditioner equipment is functioning efficiently, it’s important to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outside 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 have extensions called fins, are used to release heat from the refrigerant to the outdoors. This cools the refrigerant, which then goes back in your home so it can absorb more heat from the air in your home's interior. Cleansing 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) Lift off the top of the outdoor AC so you can access 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 available 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 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 gently 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 components 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 can vary based on the type of unit, its quality, how well it's maintained and how frequently it's used. That said, experts say you should start looking into air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.

One of the best ways to get maximum value from your HVAC is through regular conditioner maintenance. Routine checkups from Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning features cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as replacing the filter and fixing 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 Thedford.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Selecting the proper size of air conditioner for your home is crucial for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some points to take into account when deciding what size air conditioner you need for your home:

  • Square footage: The size of the space you need to cool is one of the key factors. Bigger spaces necessitate more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which can minimize 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 often let in heat, especially when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of people: More people in the house create greater body heat, which could influence your cooling needs.
  • Present HVAC system: The size and effectiveness 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 almost certainly want a professional opinion. At Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning, we take the time to fully understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other considerations such as your home’s layout and size. This attention to detail and dedication to customer service is why Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning is known for superb air conditioning installation in Thedford.

5. What Is the Cost of a New Air Conditioner?

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 exceedingly 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 as well as federal regulations that require modifications to the design.

Note these are average costs and prices can vary. It's always smart to get at least a few quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a choice. If you’re contemplating air conditioning replacement in Thedford, contact Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning. We can provide you with a no-cost estimate, make sure you understand the procedure and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. What Causes an Air Conditioner to Freeze Up?

Air conditioning freezing up can be due to multiple factors, all of which boil down to the system's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your unit is suffering from issues causing it to freeze up, it is most likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some frequent reasons for AC freezing up:

  • Poor airflow: If the air isn't flowing correctly 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 starting to get low on refrigerant, it could get too cold and freeze up. This is frequently a consequence of leaks in the refrigerant lines.
  • Cold outdoor temperatures: Using your air conditioner when it's really cold outside can cause the system to freeze. The majority of units aren't designed to operate in temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Malfunctioning thermostats, damaged blower motors and trouble with the relay or control board can all result in an AC unit freezing up.

Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning is the Trusted Source for Air Conditioning Service in Thedford.

At Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and enjoyable place. Our experienced technicians 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 the first choice for air conditioning repair in Thedford and the surrounding areas.

If you’re wanting to upgrade or its time for a new unit, we’ve got you covered there too, with our first-class air conditioning installation in Thedford. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!

Contact Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning today at 519-296-4437 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!