They say knowledge is power, and that’s definitely true when it comes to 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 general AC issues.

Knowing how your AC works and the typical problems it faces will enable 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 realizing when to call a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into major repairs.

Your Air conditioning unit 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 professional for air conditioning repair in Monroe if you're unsure about any aspect of your air conditioner's operation or maintenance.

Here are some typical questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:

1. How Do I 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 important thing you can do 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 impurities from the air circulating in your home. If your AC filter becomes choked with debris, the air conditioner has to work harder than it is supposed to in order to pull air through the filter. A clean filter traps the airborne debris while still allowing air to flow efficiently through the system.

Replacement filters are available 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 leave for the store, 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 wanting to buy something similar.

For thorough service of your air conditioner, contact the experienced professionals like the crew at Lanz Furnace and Fireplace to do routine maintenance on your unit. They’ll examine your system, clean or lubricate parts that need cleaning and look for worn-out parts and potential problems.

2. How Should I Clean the Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to making sure your indoor AC unit is operating 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 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 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 inside your home. Washing the fins and the coils will 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 the power switch off, rather than turning the thermostat off.

2) Remove the top of the outdoor AC so you can reach the interior of the unit. Then, taking care not to pull hard on any cords or attachments, safely set the top to the side.

3) Apply 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 products 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 advised that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a short period of time to loosen the grime and then softly spray it off with a garden hose. Take care 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 depends on the type of unit, its quality, how often it's maintained and how frequently it's used. Having said that, industry experts 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 AC conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from Lanz Furnace and Fireplace consists of 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 a long time, contact us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Monroe.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Should I Have?

Selecting the right size of air conditioner for your home is critical for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some points to think about when deciding what size air conditioner is right for your home:

  • Square footage: The amount of space you want to cool is one of the key factors. More expansive spaces demand more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which could 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 place.
  • Number of windows: Windows often let in heat, in particular when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of people: More people in the house create greater body heat, which may affect your cooling needs.
  • Existing HVAC system: The size and effectiveness of your current system can provide a starting point for identifying what you need.

Given that the size of your cooling system is so essential to your home’s comfort, you will almost certainly want a professional opinion. At Lanz Furnace and Fireplace, we take the time to fully understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other variables such as your home’s layout and size. This attention to detail and dedication to customer service is why Lanz Furnace and Fireplace is known for superb air conditioning installation in Monroe.

5. What Does My Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices fluctuate depending on the size 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 crafted to be exceptionally 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 in addition to federal regulations that can impact the design.

Know these are average costs and prices can fluctuate. It's always smart to get numerous quotes from trusted HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re thinking about air conditioning replacement in Monroe, reach out to Lanz Furnace and Fireplace. We will schedule an appointment to provide you with a free estimate, make sure you understand the procedure and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. What Causes an Air Conditioner to Freeze Up?

An AC freezing up can be caused by many factors, all of which boil down to the failure of your system to efficiently transfer heat. If your air conditioner 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:

  • Inadequate airflow: If the air isn't flowing correctly through your AC system, it can't properly 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 getting low on refrigerant, it could get too cold and freeze up. This is often the result of leaking in the refrigerant lines.
  • Cold outdoor temperatures: Using the air conditioner when it's very cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Most units aren't designed to function in temperatures lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Broken thermostats, damaged blower motors and problems with the relay or control board can all play a role in an AC unit freezing up.

Lanz Furnace and Fireplace is the Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in Monroe.

At Lanz Furnace and Fireplace, we strive to make your home a comfortable and soothing place. Our experienced 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 Monroe and nearby cities.

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

Phone Lanz Furnace and Fireplace today at 608-325-8922 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!