They say knowledge is power, and that’s certainly accurate when it comes to your air conditioner. While complex repairs are best left to specialists, it’s helpful to have a rudimentary understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve common AC issues.

Learning how your AC works and the frequent problems it faces can empower you to tackle little problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you dollars on minor service calls, but realizing when to call a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into major repairs.

Your AC is an essential element 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 Genoa if you're unsure about any aspect of your AC's operation or maintenance.

Here are some common questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:

1. How Do I Clean an Air Conditioner?

Cleaning your AC is an effective way to make sure it runs efficiently, and possibly 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 plugged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it should in order to pull air through the filter. A clean filter traps the airborne debris while still allowing air to flow efficiently through the system.

Replacement filters are sold at most major home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be bought 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 wanting to buy something similar.

For comprehensive service of your air conditioner, contact the skilled professionals like the crew at Assured Appliance & Heating & Air to do regular maintenance on your system. They’ll inspect 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 certain that your indoor AC unit is operating efficiently, it’s necessary to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outside unit of your AC is an easy way to improve 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 outside air. This brings down the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back into your home so it can take in more heat from the air within your home. Cleansing the fins and the coils is a way to help them release heat more efficiently.

To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:

1) First, shut down power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to disconnect it completely from power, rather than turning the thermostat off.

2) Remove the top of the outdoor AC so you can access the interior of the unit. Then, taking care not to pull hard on any cords or attachments, safely set the top to the side.

3) Spray a cleaning solution on the fins, beginning 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 an attachment to 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 loosen the grime and then carefully spray it off with a garden hose. Be cautious not to spray too hard, because that could ruin the coils or fins!

5) Secure the top back on the unit and then wait for the components 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 well it's maintained and how much it's used. Having said that, industry experts say you should start looking into air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.

One of the best ways to make the most of your system is through regular conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from Assured Appliance & Heating & Air consists of cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as changing out the dirty filter and fixing any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating as long as possible, contact us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Genoa.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Finding the correct sized air conditioner for your home is critical for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some factors to consider when deciding what size air conditioner is right for your home:

  • Square footage: The amount of space you need to cool is one of the key factors. More expansive spaces necessitate more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes preserve 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 a person living in a cooler environment.
  • Number of windows: Windows can let in heat, particularly when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of residents: More people in the house produce additional body heat, which can influence your cooling needs.
  • Current HVAC system: The size and capability of your current system can provide a place to start for deciding what you need.

Given that the size of your AC is so essential to your home’s comfort, you will definitely want a professional opinion. At Assured Appliance & Heating & Air, we take the time to completely 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 dedication to customer service is why Assured Appliance & Heating & Air is known for excellent air conditioning installation in Genoa.

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

While prices differ depending on the size of the unit and your home’s unique needs, 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 developed to be extremely 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 in addition to federal regulations that require modifications to the design.

Realize these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always a good idea to get several quotes from reliable HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re interested in air conditioning replacement in Genoa, contact Assured Appliance & Heating & Air. We will provide you with a free estimate, describe 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 brought on by a variety of factors, all of which boil down to the AC's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your air conditioner is having issues causing it to freeze up, it is very likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some frequent reasons 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 clogged air filter, blocked return air ducts or a failing fan.
  • Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is getting low on refrigerant, it can grow too cold and freeze up. This is usually a consequence of leaking in the refrigerant lines.
  • Very Chilly outdoor temperatures: Using an air conditioner when it's really cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Many units aren't designed to perform in temperatures of less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Malfunctioning thermostats, damaged blower motors and trouble with the relay or control board can all play a role in an AC unit freezing up.

Assured Appliance & Heating & Air is your Trusted Source for Air Conditioning Service in Genoa.

At Assured Appliance & Heating & Air, we strive to make your home a comfortable and pleasant place. Our qualified 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 their first call for air conditioning repair in Genoa and nearby cities.

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

Phone Assured Appliance & Heating & Air today at 847-306-8990 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!