They say knowledge is power, and that’s certainly true when discussing 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 ordinary AC issues.
Learning how your AC works and the common problems it faces can empower you to fix little problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you cash on minor service calls, but knowing when to reach out to a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into major repairs.
Your Air conditioner is an essential component 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 Streamwood if you're uncertain about any aspect of your air conditioning system’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 your AC is an effective way to make sure it works efficiently, and potentially could extend the life of your unit.
The most effective thing you can do on your own is to swap out 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 clogged, 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 allowing air to flow efficiently through the system.
Replacement filters are available at most major home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be ordered from your local HVAC professional. A good way to make sure you get the proper filter is to look at your old one before you go shopping, taking care to write down the size of the filter. If you’re not familiar with filters, it’s also a good idea to note the filtration level of the current filter if you are wanting to buy something similar.
For thorough service of your air conditioner, contact the seasoned professionals like the crew at Pure Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning to do regular maintenance on your AC. They’ll inspect your system, clean or lubricate parts that require attention and look for worn-out parts and potential issues.
2. How Should I Clean the Air Conditioner Coils?
In addition to making certain that your indoor AC unit is functioning efficiently, it’s important to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outside unit of your cooling system is a quick way to increase 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 outside air. This lowers the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back in your home so it can soak up more heat from the air in your home's interior. Cleaning the fins and the coils will help them release heat more easily.
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) Lift off the top of the outdoor AC so you can access the inside of the unit. Then, being careful not to stress any cords or attachments, safely set the top to the side.
3) Put 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 sprayed on with an attachment to your garden hose.
4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most cleaners, it's suggested that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a short period of time to dissolve the grime and then gently spray it off with a garden hose. Be cautious 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 the unit back on.
3. What Is the Average Lifespan of My Air Conditioner?
The life span of an air conditioner changes depending on the type of unit, its quality, how often it's maintained and how often 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 make the most of your system is through AC conditioner maintenance. Routine checkups from Pure Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning 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, contact us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Streamwood.
4. What Size Air Conditioner Should I Have?
Finding the proper size of air conditioner for your home is vital for keeping comfort and efficiency. Here are some factors to consider 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 biggest factors. More expansive spaces necessitate more cooling power.
- Home insulation: Well-insulated homes retain cool air better, which should decrease your cooling needs.
- Climate: If you live in a hotter climate, you'll need a more powerful air conditioner compared to someone living in a cooler environment.
- Number of windows: Windows can let in heat, especially when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
- Number of occupants: More people in the house produce greater body heat, which can affect your cooling needs.
- Current HVAC system: The size and capability of your current system can provide a jumping off point for identifying what you need.
Because the size of your AC is so essential to your home’s comfort, you will definitely want a professional opinion. At Pure Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning, we take the time to thoroughly understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other factors such as your home’s layout and size. This attention to detail and focus on customer service is why Pure Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning is known for superb air conditioning installation in Streamwood.
5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?
While prices vary depending on the type of the unit and your home’s unique specifications, 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 designed to be extremely 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 fluctuate. It's always smart to get numerous quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a choice. If you’re interested in air conditioning replacement in Streamwood, contact Pure Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning. We will schedule an appointment to provide you with a no-cost estimate, make sure you understand the process and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.
6. Why Do Air Conditioners Freeze Up?
Air conditioning freezing up can be brought on by a number 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 more than likely time for air conditioning repair.
Here are some typical triggers for AC freezing up:
- Poor airflow: If the air isn't flowing properly through your AC system, it can't properly absorb heat. This could be due to a dirty air filter, blocked return air ducts or a failing fan.
- Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is getting low on refrigerant, it could become too cold and freeze up. This is usually a consequence of leaks in the refrigerant lines.
- Very Chilly outdoor temperatures: Operating the air conditioner when it's really cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Most units aren't designed to work in temperatures lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
- Mechanical failures: Faulty thermostats, damaged blower motors and trouble with the relay or control board can all result in an AC unit freezing up.
Pure Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning is the Trusted Source for Air Conditioning Service in Streamwood.
At Pure Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and soothing place. Our qualified technicians 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 their first call for air conditioning repair in Streamwood and the surrounding towns.
If you’re planning 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 Streamwood. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!
Contact Pure Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning today at 630-948-4591 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!