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

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

Your Air conditioner 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 Waunakee if you're uncertain about any aspect of your AC's operation or maintenance.

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

1. What Is the Best Way to Clean an Air Conditioner?

Cleaning an air conditioner is an effective way to make sure it works efficiently, and possibly 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 contaminants from the air circulating inside your home. If your AC filter becomes choked with debris, the air conditioner has to work harder than it really should in order to force air through the filter. A clean filter catches the airborne debris while still permitting air to flow efficiently through the system.

Replacement filters are available at most major home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be bought from your local HVAC specialist. A good way to make sure you get the proper filter is to look at your old one before you leave for the store, jotting 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 skilled professionals like the crew at Home Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning LLC to do regular maintenance on your system. They’ll look over your system, clean or lubricate parts that need it and look for worn-out parts and potential issues.

2. How Do I Clean Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to ensuring your indoor air conditioning unit is operating efficiently, it’s important to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the exterior unit of your AC is a quick way to improve its efficiency and can extend the life of your entire system.

The coils, which are attached to extensions called fins, are used to release heat from the refrigerant into the cooler air outside. This lowers the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back in your home so it can absorb more heat from the air in your home's interior. Cleaning 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, turn off 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 enter the interior of the unit. Then, taking care not to stress any cords or attachments, safely put the top to the side.

3) Apply a cleaning solution on the fins, beginning at the top and moving down. Commercial coil cleaners are on the market 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 recommended that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a short period of time to loosen the grime and then gently spray it off with a garden hose. Take care not to spray too hard, because that could damage 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. How Long Can Air Conditioners Work?

The life span of an air conditioner depends on the type of unit, its quality, if maintained and how much it's used. However, pros say you should start thinking about air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.

One of the best ways to get the most mileage out of your HVAC is through AC conditioner maintenance. Tuneups from Home Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning LLC 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 as long as it can, reach out to us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Waunakee.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Finding the proper size of air conditioner for your home is critical for keeping comfort and efficiency. Here are some points to think about when deciding what size air conditioner to buy for your home:

  • Square footage: The size of the space you want to cool is one of the most important factors. More expansive spaces require more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes retain cool air better, which can reduce your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you are living in a hotter climate, you'll need a more powerful air conditioner compared to a homeowner 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 people: More people in the house produce greater body heat, which may impact your cooling needs.
  • Current HVAC system: The size and effectiveness of your current system can provide a jumping off point for determining what you need.

Because the size of your cooling system is so important to your home’s comfort, you will definitely want a professional opinion. At Home Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning LLC, 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 focus on customer service is why Home Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning LLC is known for exceptional air conditioning installation in Waunakee.

5. What Does My Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices fluctuate depending on the type of the unit and your home’s unique needs, a new air conditioning system generally costs between $5,000 and $12,500 to purchase and install. The good thing is that new air conditioners are designed to be exceedingly 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 along with federal regulations that require modifications to the design.

Note these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always a good idea to get numerous quotes from reliable HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re thinking about air conditioning replacement in Waunakee, contact Home Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning LLC. We will schedule an appointment to provide you with a no-cost estimate, explain the process and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. Why Do Air Conditioners Freeze Up?

An air conditioner 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 unit is experiencing issues causing it to freeze up, it is most likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some common reasons for AC freezing up:

  • Poor airflow: If the air isn't flowing easily 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 getting low on refrigerant, it could grow too cold and freeze up. This is usually a consequence of leaking in the refrigerant lines.
  • Very Chilly outdoor temperatures: Running your air conditioner when it's too cold outside can cause the system to freeze. The majority of units aren't designed to operate in temperatures of less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Broken thermostats, damaged blower motors and trouble with the relay or control board can all result in an AC unit freezing up.

Home Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning LLC is your Trusted Source for Air Conditioning Service in Waunakee.

At Home Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning LLC, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and pleasant place. Our knowledgeable professionals 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 their first call for air conditioning repair in Waunakee and the surrounding areas.

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

Phone Home Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning LLC today at 608-850-9498 to schedule an appointment or complimentary estimate!