They say knowledge is power, and that’s undoubtedly the truth when talking about your air conditioner. While complicated repairs are best left to specialists, it’s helpful to have a rudimentary understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve everyday AC issues.

Knowing how your AC works and the typical problems it faces will allow you to handle easy problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you cash on minor service calls, but realizing when to call a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into major repairs.

Your Air conditioning unit is an important element 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 Genoa if you're not sure about any aspect of your AC's operation or maintenance.

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

1. How Should I Clean My Air Conditioner?

Cleaning an air conditioning system is a smart way to make sure it works efficiently, and very well could extend the life of your unit.

The most significant action you can take on your own is to change the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter captures dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those particulates from the air circulating in your home. If your AC filter becomes clogged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it is supposed to in order to force air through the filter. A clean filter removes the airborne debris while still allowing air to flow freely through the system.

Replacement filters can be purchased at most major home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be purchased from your local HVAC expert. A good way to make sure you get the correct filter is to look at your old one before you go shopping, 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 detailed service of your air conditioner, contact the seasoned professionals like the crew at Assured Appliance & Heating & Air to do routine maintenance on your unit. 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 conditioning unit is functioning efficiently, it’s also a good idea to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outdoor unit of your air conditioner is a quick 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 into the cooler air outside. 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 off the the on/off switch, instead of turning the thermostat off.

2) Lift off the top of the outdoor AC so you can access the insides of the unit. Then, being cautious not to stress any cords or attachments, safely set the top to the side.

3) Apply a cleaning solution on the fins, first at the top and then working your way 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 applied with 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 softly spray it off with a garden hose. Be careful not to spray really 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. 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 frequently it's used. However, 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 HVAC is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from Assured Appliance & Heating & Air 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 it can, reach out to us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Genoa.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Should I Have?

Picking out the proper size of air conditioner for your home is critical 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 size of the space you want to cool is one of the most important factors. Larger spaces demand more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which could minimize your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you reside 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 frequently let in heat, especially when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of residents: More people in the house means additional body heat, which could impact your cooling needs.
  • Existing HVAC system: The size and performance of your current system can provide a jumping off point for deciding what you need.

Given that the size of your cooling system 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 fully 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 dedication to customer service is why Assured Appliance & Heating & Air is known for exceptional air conditioning installation in Genoa.

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

While prices vary depending on the brand of the unit and your home’s unique needs, 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 crafted to be extremely efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.

The price of an air conditioner is affected 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 can impact the design.

Note these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always smart to get several quotes from reliable HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re considering air conditioning replacement in Genoa, reach out to Assured Appliance & Heating & Air. We will schedule an appointment to provide you with a free estimate, describe the procedure and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?

An AC freezing up can be a consequence of a variety of factors, all of which boil down to the failure of your system 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 typical triggers for AC freezing up:

  • Insufficient airflow: If the air isn't flowing correctly through your AC system, it can't properly absorb heat. This could be due to a clogged 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 can grow too cold and freeze up. This is usually the result of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
  • Very Chilly outdoor temperatures: Operating an air conditioner when it's too cold outside can cause the system to freeze. The majority of units aren't designed to work in temperatures of less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Broken thermostats, damaged blower motors and issues with the relay or control board can all result in an AC unit freezing up.

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

At Assured Appliance & Heating & Air, we strive to make your home a comfortable and enjoyable place. Our experienced professionals 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 Genoa and nearby areas.

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 847-260-9583 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!