They say knowledge is power, and that’s undoubtedly the truth when discussing your air conditioner. While complicated repairs are best left to professionals, it’s helpful to have a rudimentary understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve ordinary AC issues.

Learning how your AC works and the frequent problems it faces will enable 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 call a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into major repairs.

Your Air conditioning unit 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 technician for air conditioning repair in Seymour if you're not sure about any aspect of your AC's operation or maintenance.

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

1. How Do I Clean an Air Conditioner?

Cleaning an air conditioner is a smart way to make sure it works efficiently, and potentially 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 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 ought to in order to pull air through the filter. A clean filter removes the airborne debris while still allowing air to flow easily through the system.

Replacement filters are sold at most leading 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, 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 skilled professionals like the crew at Diedrick's Heating and Air Conditioning to do scheduled maintenance on your unit. They’ll inspect your system, clean or lubricate parts that require attention and look for worn-out parts and potential trouble.

2. How Do I Clean Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to ensuring your indoor AC unit is operating 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 an easy 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 cooler air outside. This cools the refrigerant, which then goes back inside your home so it can take in more heat from the air in your home's interior. Cleaning the fins and the coils is a way to 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, as opposed to turning the thermostat off.

2) Lift off the top of the outdoor AC so you can enter the inside of the unit. Then, being cautious not to strain any cords or attachments, safely move the top to the side.

3) Apply a cleaning solution on the fins, first at the top and working 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 applied with 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 small period of time to dissolve the grime and then carefully spray it off with a garden hose. Be careful 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 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 well it's maintained and how often it's used. Having said that, pros 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 air conditioner is through regular conditioner maintenance. Tuneups from Diedrick's Heating and Air Conditioning features cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as putting in a new filter and repairing any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating as long as it can, reach out to us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Seymour.

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

Selecting the correct sized air conditioner for your home is crucial for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some points to consider when deciding what size air conditioner is right for your home:

  • Square footage: The total area of the space you have to cool is one of the biggest factors. Larger spaces require more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which should minimize your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you reside in a hotter climate, you'll need a more powerful air conditioner compared to someone living in a cooler place.
  • Number of windows: Windows can let in heat, particularly when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of occupants: More people in the house produce greater body heat, which may affect your cooling needs.
  • Existing HVAC system: The size and productivity of your current system can provide a jumping off point for deciding what you need.

Given that the size of your air conditioner is so important to your home’s comfort, you will probably want a professional opinion. At Diedrick's Heating and Air Conditioning, 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 dedication to customer service is why Diedrick's Heating and Air Conditioning is known for excellent air conditioning installation in Seymour.

5. What Does My Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices fluctuate depending on the brand of the unit and your home’s unique requirements, 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 exceptionally 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.

Note these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always a good idea to get several quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a choice. If you’re contemplating air conditioning replacement in Seymour, contact Diedrick's Heating and Air Conditioning. We will provide you with a complimentary estimate, describe the procedure and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. Why Do Air Conditioners Freeze Up?

An AC freezing up can be brought on by multiple factors, all of which boil down to the AC's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your unit is experiencing issues causing it to freeze up, it is most likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some frequent triggers for AC freezing up:

  • Poor airflow: If the air isn't flowing correctly through your AC system, it can't adequately 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 frequently a consequence of leaks in the refrigerant lines.
  • Frigid outdoor temperatures: Operating your air conditioner when it's very cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Most units aren't designed to function in temperatures of less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Faulty thermostats, damaged blower motors and issues with the relay or control board can all contribute to an AC unit freezing up.

Diedrick's Heating and Air Conditioning is your Trusted Source for Air Conditioning Service in Seymour.

At Diedrick's Heating and Air Conditioning, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and enjoyable place. Our knowledgeable professionals 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 Seymour and the surrounding areas.

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 Seymour. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!

Phone Diedrick's Heating and Air Conditioning today at 920-833-7967 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!