They say knowledge is power, and that’s definitely true when discussing your air conditioner. While complex repairs are best left to professionals, it’s helpful to have a rudimentary understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve common AC issues.

Knowing how your AC works and the common problems it faces will enable you to tackle easy problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you cash on minor service calls, but realizing when to contact a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into catastrophic repairs.

Your Air conditioner is a fundamental 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 Omaha if you're unsure 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. How Should I Clean My Air Conditioner?

Cleaning an air conditioning system is a good way to make sure it works efficiently, and very well could extend the life of your unit.

The most important action 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 impurities from the air circulating inside 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 catches the airborne debris while still enabling air to flow easily through the system.

Replacement filters can be purchased at most major home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be bought from your local HVAC expert. 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 wanting to buy something similar.

For detailed service of your air conditioner, contact the skilled professionals like the crew at Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning to do regular maintenance on your system. They’ll inspect your system, clean or lubricate parts that require attention and look for worn-out parts and potential trouble.

2. How Should I Clean the Air Conditioner Coils?

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

The coils, which include extensions called fins, are used to release heat from the refrigerant to the outdoors. This cools the refrigerant, which then goes back inside your home so it can soak up more heat from the air within your home. Washing the fins and the coils can help them release heat more effectively.

To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:

1) First, shut off power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to flip the power switch off, instead of turning the thermostat off.

2) Take off the top of the outdoor AC so you can reach the insides of the unit. Then, being careful not to strain any cords or attachments, safely put the top to the side.

3) Put a cleaning solution on the fins, beginning at the top and moving 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 recommended that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a short period of time to dissolve the grime and then softly spray it off with a garden hose. Be cautious not to spray too hard, because that could ruin 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 frequently it's used. However, experts say you should start looking into air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.

One of the best ways to make the most of your system is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Tuneups from Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning features cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as changing out the dirty filter and repairing any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating as long as possible, call us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Omaha.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Choosing the proper size of air conditioner for your home is critical for achieving comfort and efficiency. Here are some points to take into account when deciding what size air conditioner is right for your home:

  • Square footage: The total area of the space you need to cool is one of the key factors. Bigger spaces necessitate more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which should decrease your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you are living in a hotter climate, you'll require a more powerful air conditioner compared to a homeowner living in a cooler place.
  • Number of windows: Windows frequently let in heat, especially when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of occupants: More people in the house produce more body heat, which can influence your cooling needs.
  • Existing HVAC system: The size and performance of your current system can provide a starting point for deciding what you need.

Due to the fact the size of your cooling system is so essential to your home’s comfort, you will probably want a professional opinion. At Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning, we take the time to thoroughly understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other considerations such as your home’s design and size. This attention to detail and focus on customer service is why Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning is known for exceptional air conditioning installation in Omaha.

5. What Is the Cost of a New Air Conditioner?

While prices fluctuate depending on the type of the unit and your home’s unique needs, 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 crafted 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 as well as federal regulations that require modifications to the design.

Note these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always helpful to get several quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a choice. If you’re contemplating air conditioning replacement in Omaha, contact Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning. We will schedule an appointment to provide you with a free estimate, make sure you understand the plan and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. What Causes an Air Conditioner to Freeze Up?

Air conditioning freezing up can be a consequence of many factors, all of which boil down to the failure of your system to efficiently transfer heat. If your air conditioner is suffering from issues causing it to freeze up, it is most likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some frequent causes of AC freezing up:

  • Inadequate airflow: If the air isn't flowing properly through your AC system, it can't sufficiently 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 may get too cold and freeze up. This is frequently the result of leaks in the refrigerant lines.
  • Cold outdoor temperatures: Running your air conditioner when it's very cold outside can cause the system to freeze. The majority of units aren't designed to operate in temperatures lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Malfunctioning thermostats, damaged blower motors and issues with the relay or control board can all play a role in an AC unit freezing up.

Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning is the Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in Omaha.

At Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning, we strive to make your home a comfortable and pleasant place. Our skilled specialists are up-to-date on the latest industry training and trends, and are knowledgeable on a wide variety of systems. That’s why community members make us their first call for air conditioning repair in Omaha and the surrounding towns.

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

Call Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning today at 402-509-5940 to schedule an appointment or complimentary estimate!