They say knowledge is power, and that’s definitely true when talking about your air conditioner. While challenging repairs are best left to experts, it’s helpful to have a rudimentary understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve ordinary AC issues.
Understanding how your AC works and the frequent problems it faces will allow you to fix simple problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you dollars on minor service calls, but knowing when to contact a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into catastrophic repairs.
Your Air conditioner is a fundamental 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 Milwaukee if you're unsure about any aspect of your air conditioner's operation or maintenance.
Here are several typical questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:
1. How Should I Clean My Air Conditioner?
Cleaning an air conditioner is a good way to make sure it runs efficiently, and potentially 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 traps dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those impurities 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 freely through the system.
Replacement filters can be purchased at most popular home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be bought 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, 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 Done Right Air to do regular maintenance on your AC. They’ll look over your system, clean or lubricate parts that need it and look for worn-out parts and potential issues.
2. How Are the Coils on My Air Conditioner Cleaned?
In addition to making sure your indoor AC unit is working 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 increase 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 inside your home so it can absorb more heat from the air in your home's interior. Washing the fins and the coils can 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, rather than turning the thermostat off.
2) Take off the top of the outdoor AC so you can reach the interior 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, starting 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 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 coils and fins to dry before turning the unit 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, how well it's maintained and how much it's used. However, experts say you should start getting ready for air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.
One of the best ways to get the most mileage out of your system is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Tuneups from Done Right Air consists of 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 a long time, call us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Milwaukee.
4. What Size Air Conditioner Should I Have?
Picking out the proper size of air conditioner for your home is crucial for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some factors to think about when deciding what size air conditioner to buy for your home:
- Square footage: The amount of space you need to cool is one of the key factors. Larger spaces demand more cooling power.
- Home insulation: Well-insulated homes preserve cool air better, which can minimize your cooling needs.
- Climate: If you are living in a hotter climate, you'll require a more powerful air conditioner compared to a person 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 occupants: More people in the house means more body heat, which could influence your cooling needs.
- Current HVAC system: The size and productivity of your current system can provide a place to start for deciding what you need.
Given that the size of your air conditioner is so essential to your home’s comfort, you will almost certainly want a professional opinion. At Done Right Air, we take the time to fully understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other variables such as your home’s design and size. This attention to detail and focus on customer service is why Done Right Air is known for excellent air conditioning installation in Milwaukee.
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 specifications, a new AC generally costs between $5,000 and $12,500 to purchase and install. The good thing is that new air conditioners are crafted to be exceedingly efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.
The price tag 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 along with federal regulations that require modifications to the design.
Know these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always a good idea to get at least a few quotes from reliable HVAC companies before making a choice. If you’re interested in air conditioning replacement in Milwaukee, get in touch with Done Right Air. We can provide you with a no-cost estimate, make sure you understand the process and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.
6. What Causes an Air Conditioner to Freeze Up?
An AC freezing up can be due to a variety of factors, all of which boil down to the AC's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your AC is suffering from issues causing it to freeze up, it is very likely time for air conditioning repair.
Here are some common reasons for AC freezing up:
- Inadequate airflow: If the air isn't flowing easily through your AC system, it can't sufficiently 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 running low on refrigerant, it may grow too cold and freeze up. This is usually a consequence of leaking in the refrigerant lines.
- Cold outdoor temperatures: Running your air conditioner when it's really cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Many units aren't designed to operate in temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
- Mechanical failures: Broken thermostats, damaged blower motors and trouble with the relay or control board can all play a role in an AC unit freezing up.
Done Right Air is the Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in Milwaukee.
At Done Right Air, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and pleasant place. Our skilled 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 premier choice for air conditioning repair in Milwaukee and nearby cities.
If you’re planning to upgrade or its time for a replacement, we’ve got you covered there too, with our top-notch air conditioning installation in Milwaukee. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!
Phone Done Right Air today at 414-207-4034 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!