They say knowledge is power, and that’s definitely the truth when talking about your air conditioner. While complicated repairs are best left to professionals, 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 common problems it faces will allow you to tackle little problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you cash on minor service calls, but understanding when to contact a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into catastrophic 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 Lincoln if you're uncertain about any aspect of your air conditioning system’s operation or maintenance.

Here are a few of the typical questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:

1. How Should I Clean My Air Conditioner?

Cleaning an air conditioner is a smart way to make sure it works efficiently, and possibly could extend the life of your unit.

The most effective step you can take on your own is to replace the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter catches dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those particulates from the air circulating inside your home. If your AC filter becomes choked with debris, the air conditioner has to work harder than it ought to in order to force air through the filter. A clean filter catches the airborne debris while still enabling air to flow efficiently through the system.

Replacement filters are sold at most leading home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be ordered from your local HVAC specialist. A good way to make sure you get the right filter is to look at your old one before you head out for the store, jotting 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 skilled professionals like the crew at AW Heating & Air Conditioning to do routine maintenance on your system. They’ll inspect 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 making sure your indoor air conditioning unit is functioning efficiently, it’s also a good idea to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the exterior unit of your cooling system is a simple way to increase 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 into the cooler air outside. This brings down the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back into your home so it can soak up more heat from the air in your home's interior. Washing the fins and the coils is a way to help them release heat more easily.

To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:

1) First, shut off power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to disconnect it completely from power, instead of turning the thermostat off.

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

3) Apply a cleaning solution on the fins, beginning at the top and then working your way 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 products, 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. Take care not to spray very 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 power back on.

3. How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?

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

One of the best ways to get maximum value from your air conditioner is through regular conditioner maintenance. Tuneups from AW Heating & Air Conditioning includes cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as replacing the filter and repairing any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating a long time, reach out to us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Lincoln.

4. What's the Right Size of Air Conditioner?

Picking out the right size of air conditioner for your home is vital for achieving comfort and efficiency. Here are some points to take into account when deciding what size air conditioner you need for your home:

  • Square footage: The total area of the space you have 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 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 person living in a cooler place.
  • Number of windows: Windows often let in heat, particularly when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of residents: More people in the house means greater body heat, which could impact your cooling needs.
  • Existing HVAC system: The size and productivity of your current system can provide a place to start for determining what you need.

Given that the size of your AC is so important to your home’s comfort, you will definitely want a professional opinion. At AW Heating & Air Conditioning, we take the time to fully understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other considerations such as your home’s insulation level and size. This attention to detail and commitment to customer service is why AW Heating & Air Conditioning is known for excellent air conditioning installation in Lincoln.

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

While prices differ depending on the type of the unit and your home’s unique requirements, a new air conditioner generally costs between $5,000 and $12,500 to purchase and install. The good news is that new air conditioners are developed to be exceedingly efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.

The cost 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 can impact the design.

Know these are average costs and prices can fluctuate. It's always a good idea to get several quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a decision. If you’re considering air conditioning replacement in Lincoln, reach out to AW Heating & Air Conditioning. We can provide you with a complimentary estimate, make sure you understand the process and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. What Causes an Air Conditioner to Freeze Up?

An air conditioner freezing up can be due to many 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 most likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some typical reasons for AC freezing up:

  • Insufficient 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 starting to get low on refrigerant, it can grow too cold and freeze up. This is usually a consequence of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
  • Frosty outdoor temperatures: Operating an air conditioner when it's too cold outside can cause the system to freeze. The majority of units aren't designed to work 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 play a role in an AC unit freezing up.

AW Heating & Air Conditioning is your Trusted Source for Air Conditioning Service in Lincoln.

At AW Heating & Air Conditioning, we will make your home a comfortable and enjoyable place. Our knowledgeable professionals 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 the first choice for air conditioning repair in Lincoln and neighboring towns.

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

Call AW Heating & Air Conditioning today at 402-438-7992 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!