They say knowledge is power, and that’s certainly accurate when it comes to your air conditioner. While challenging repairs are best left to specialists, it’s helpful to have a basic 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 understanding when to call a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into catastrophic repairs.

Your Air conditioner is a fundamental component 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 Lawrence if you're unsure about any aspect of your air conditioning system’s operation or maintenance.

Here are several frequent questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:

1. How Do I Clean an Air Conditioner?

Cleaning your AC is a smart way to make sure it works efficiently, and potentially could extend the life of your unit.

The most important step you can take on your own is to swap out the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter traps dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those impurities from the air circulating inside your home. If your AC filter becomes choked with debris, the air conditioner has to work harder than it really should in order to force air through the filter. A clean filter traps the airborne debris while still permitting air to flow efficiently through the system.

Replacement filters can be purchased at most major home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be bought 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, 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 trying to buy something similar.

For detailed service of your air conditioner, contact the experienced professionals like the crew at Scott Temperature to do routine maintenance on your AC. They’ll examine your system, clean or lubricate parts that need cleaning and look for worn-out parts and potential issues.

2. How Should I Clean the Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to making sure your indoor air conditioning unit is functioning efficiently, it’s necessary to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outside unit of your air conditioner is a simple way to increase 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 cooler air outside. This brings down the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back in your home so it can take in more heat from the air inside your home. Cleaning 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 flip the power switch off, rather than turning the thermostat off.

2) Lift off the top of the outdoor AC so you can reach the interior of the unit. Then, taking care not to strain any cords or attachments, safely move the top to the side.

3) Apply a cleaning solution on the fins, starting at the top and then working your way down. Commercial coil cleaners are sold 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 brands, it's recommended 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. 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 components 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 depends on the type of unit, its quality, how well it's maintained and how often it's used. That said, 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 HVAC is through AC conditioner maintenance. Tuneups from Scott Temperature 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, contact us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Lawrence.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Finding the correct sized air conditioner for your home is critical for keeping comfort and efficiency. Here are some factors to think about when deciding what size air conditioner is right for your home:

  • Square footage: The amount of space you have to cool is one of the most important factors. Larger spaces necessitate more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which should decrease your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you live in a hotter climate, you'll want a more powerful air conditioner compared to someone living in a cooler environment.
  • Number of windows: Windows frequently let in heat, especially when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of residents: More people in the house create more body heat, which may influence your cooling needs.
  • Present HVAC system: The size and capability of your current system can provide a starting point for determining what you need.

Given that the size of your AC is so critical to your home’s comfort, you will almost certainly want a professional opinion. At Scott Temperature, we take the time to fully understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other variables such as your home’s insulation level and size. This attention to detail and dedication to customer service is why Scott Temperature is known for superb air conditioning installation in Lawrence.

5. What Does My Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices fluctuate depending on the type of the unit and your home’s unique requirements, a new air conditioning system generally costs between $5,000 and $12,500 to purchase and install. The good news is that new air conditioners are developed to be exceptionally 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 in addition to federal regulations that require modifications to the design.

Know these are average costs and prices can fluctuate. It's always a good idea to get several quotes from reliable HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re considering air conditioning replacement in Lawrence, get in touch with Scott Temperature. We can provide you with a no-cost estimate, describe 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 brought on by a number of factors, all of which boil down to the AC's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your unit is having issues causing it to freeze up, it is most likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some frequent causes of AC freezing up:

  • Poor airflow: If the air isn't flowing correctly through your AC system, it can't sufficiently absorb heat. This could be due to a clogged air filter, blocked 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 usually because of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
  • Frosty outdoor temperatures: Using your air conditioner when it's really cold outside can cause the system to freeze. The majority of units aren't designed to function in temperatures lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Broken thermostats, damaged blower motors and issues with the relay or control board can all result in an AC unit freezing up.

Scott Temperature is your Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in Lawrence.

At Scott Temperature, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and enjoyable place. Our experienced 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 premier choice for air conditioning repair in Lawrence and nearby areas.

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

Call Scott Temperature today at 785-503-3712 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!