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

Understanding how your AC works and the frequent problems it faces will allow you to deal with simple problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you money on minor service calls, but realizing when to reach out to a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into catastrophic repairs.

Your AC is an essential element of your home comfort. Because of that, you should always err on the side of caution and call a NATE-certified technician for air conditioning repair in Litchfield Park 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 a smart way to make sure it runs efficiently, and possibly could extend the life of your unit.

The most effective action you can take on your own is to change the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter traps dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those particulates from the air circulating in 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 removes the airborne debris while still permitting air to flow freely through the system.

Replacement filters are sold at most popular home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be bought from your local HVAC expert. A good way to make sure you get the right filter is to look at your old one before you leave for the store, jotting 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 comprehensive service of your air conditioner, contact the experienced professionals like the crew at Cooler Tymes LLC to do regular maintenance on your unit. They’ll inspect your system, clean or lubricate parts that need cleaning and look for worn-out parts and potential issues.

2. How Do I Clean Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to making sure your indoor AC unit is working efficiently, it’s necessary to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the exterior unit of your AC is an easy way to improve 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 cools the refrigerant, which then goes back into your home so it can take in more heat from the air within your home. Washing the fins and the coils can 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 disconnect it completely from power, 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 cautious not to pull hard on any cords or attachments, safely move the top to the side.

3) Put a cleaning solution on the fins, starting 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 products foaming solutions that are sprayed on 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 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 the unit back on.

3. How Long Can Air Conditioners Work?

The life span of an air conditioner can vary based on the type of unit, its quality, if maintained and how much 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 get the most mileage out of your system is through regular conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from Cooler Tymes LLC consists of cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as changing out the dirty filter and mending any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating a long time, call us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Litchfield Park.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Should I Have?

Finding the right size of air conditioner for your home is crucial for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some factors to take into account when deciding what size air conditioner you need for your home:

• Square footage: The amount of space you need to cool is one of the key factors. Bigger spaces necessitate more cooling power.
• Home insulation: Well-insulated homes preserve cool air better, which could decrease your cooling needs.
• Climate: If you are living in a hotter climate, you'll want a more powerful air conditioner compared to someone living in a cooler place.
• Number of windows: Windows often let in heat, especially when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
• Number of residents: More people in the house means greater body heat, which can affect your cooling needs.
• Present HVAC system: The size and effectiveness of your current system can provide a jumping off point for determining what you need.

Given that the size of your AC is so critical to your home’s comfort, you will definitely want a professional opinion. At Cooler Tymes LLC, we take the time to completely 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 Cooler Tymes LLC is known for exceptional air conditioning installation in Litchfield Park.

5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices vary 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. On the plus side, a benefit of air conditioning replacement is that new air conditioners are developed to be exceptionally efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.

The price tag of an air conditioner is influenced 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 necessitate changes to the design.

Realize these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always helpful to get numerous quotes from reliable HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re thinking about air conditioning replacement in Litchfield Park, contact Cooler Tymes LLC. We will provide you with a free estimate, explain the plan and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing 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 experiencing 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:

• Insufficient airflow: If the air isn't flowing properly through your AC system, it can't sufficiently absorb heat. This could be due to a clogged 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 may grow too cold and freeze up. This is frequently a consequence of leaks in the refrigerant lines.
• Frosty outdoor temperatures: Running an air conditioner when it's too cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Many units aren't designed to work in temperatures of less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
• Mechanical failures: Faulty thermostats, damaged blower motors and problems with the relay or control board can all contribute to an AC unit freezing up.

Cooler Tymes LLC is your Trusted Source for Air Conditioning Service in Litchfield Park.

At Cooler Tymes LLC, we strive to make your home a comfortable and soothing place. Our skilled 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 their first call for air conditioning repair in Litchfield Park and neighboring areas.

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

Call Cooler Tymes LLC today at 623-208-6444 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!