They say knowledge is power, and that’s undoubtedly the truth when talking about your air conditioner. While complex repairs are best left to specialists, it’s helpful to have a practical understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve everyday AC issues.
Understanding how your AC works and the typical problems it faces will allow you to tackle simple problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you dollars on minor service calls, but understanding when to reach out to a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into catastrophic repairs.
Your Air conditioning unit is an important component of your home comfort. Because of that, you should always err on the side of caution and call a NATE-certified specialist for air conditioning repair in Wisconsin Rapids if you're uncertain about any aspect of your AC's operation or maintenance.
Here are a few of the frequent questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:
1. What Is the Best Way to Clean an Air Conditioner?
Cleaning your AC is an effective way to make sure it operates efficiently, and very well could extend the life of your unit.
The most effective step you can take 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 contaminants from the air circulating throughout your home. If your AC filter becomes plugged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it ought to in order to pull air through the filter. A clean filter traps the airborne debris while still allowing air to flow freely through the system.
Replacement filters can be purchased at most leading home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be purchased 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 head out for the store, taking care to write 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 trying to buy something similar.
For thorough service of your air conditioner, contact the experienced professionals like the crew at Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc to do regular maintenance on your AC. They’ll look over your system, clean or lubricate parts that require attention and look for worn-out parts and potential issues.
2. How Are the Coils on My Air Conditioner Cleaned?
In addition to making certain that your indoor AC unit is working 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 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 lowers the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back into your home so it can take in more heat from the air inside your home. Cleaning the fins and the coils can 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 flip the power switch off, instead of turning the thermostat off.
2) Remove the top of the outdoor AC so you can access the interior of the unit. Then, being careful not to strain any cords or attachments, safely move the top to the side.
3) Spray 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 brands 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 recommended that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a brief period of time to dissolve the grime and then carefully 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 coils and fins to dry before turning it 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 often it's maintained and how much it's used. However, pros 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 system is through regular conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc includes cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as putting in a new filter and fixing any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating as long as possible, reach out to us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Wisconsin Rapids.
4. What Size Air Conditioner Should I Have?
Finding the correct sized air conditioner for your home is vital for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some points 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 biggest factors. Bigger spaces demand more cooling power.
- Home insulation: Well-insulated homes retain cool air better, which should minimize your cooling needs.
- Climate: If you live in a hotter climate, you'll require a more powerful air conditioner compared to someone living in a cooler place.
- Number of windows: Windows can let in heat, in particular when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
- Number of people: More people in the house means greater body heat, which could influence your cooling needs.
- Current HVAC system: The size and productivity of your current system can provide a starting point for deciding what you need.
Because the size of your AC is so critical to your home’s comfort, you will probably want a professional opinion. At Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc, we take the time to fully understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other factors such as your home’s design and size. This attention to detail and focus on customer service is why Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc is known for exceptional air conditioning installation in Wisconsin Rapids.
5. What Does My Air Conditioner Cost?
While prices differ depending on the size 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 designed to be extremely 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 can impact the design.
Realize these are average costs and prices can vary. It's always helpful to get at least a few quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a choice. If you’re interested in air conditioning replacement in Wisconsin Rapids, contact Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc. We can provide you with a free estimate, explain the plan 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 multiple factors, all of which boil down to the AC's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your unit is having issues causing it to freeze up, it is very likely time for air conditioning repair.
Here are some common reasons for AC freezing up:
- Insufficient airflow: If the air isn't flowing easily through your AC system, it can't effectively absorb heat. This could be due to a plugged air filter, obstructed return air ducts or a failing fan.
- Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is running low on refrigerant, it may become too cold and freeze up. This is often the result of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
- Frigid outdoor temperatures: Operating an air conditioner when it's very cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Many units aren't designed to perform in temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
- Mechanical failures: Malfunctioning thermostats, damaged blower motors and issues with the relay or control board can all result in an AC unit freezing up.
Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc is your Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in Wisconsin Rapids.
At Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and pleasant place. Our qualified 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 the premier choice for air conditioning repair in Wisconsin Rapids and nearby towns.
If you’re planning to upgrade or its time for a replacement, we’ve got you covered there too, with our first-rate air conditioning installation in Wisconsin Rapids. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!
Contact Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc today at 715-301-0256 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!