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

Learning how your AC works and the frequent problems it faces will enable you to tackle little problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you dollars on minor service calls, but realizing when to call 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 uncertain about any aspect of your air conditioner's operation or maintenance.

Here are some typical questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:

1. How Do I Clean an Air Conditioner?

Cleaning an air conditioner is a good way to make sure it operates efficiently, and potentially could extend the life of your unit.

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

Replacement filters are sold at most leading home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be bought from your local HVAC specialist. A good way to make sure you get the proper filter is to look at your old one before you go shopping, noting the size of the filter. If you’re not familiar with filters, it’s also helpful to note the filtration level of the current filter if you are hoping to buy something similar.

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

2. How Are the Coils on My Air Conditioner Cleaned?

In addition to making sure your indoor air conditioner equipment is operating efficiently, it’s important to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the exterior unit of your air conditioner is an easy way to boost 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 outside air. 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. Cleansing the fins and the coils is a way to help them release heat more efficiently.

To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:

1) First, turn off power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to flip the power switch off, as opposed to turning the thermostat off.

2) Take off the top of the outdoor AC so you can enter the inside 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 working down. Commercial coil cleaners are sold and commonly found in both the canned aerosol spray from as well as in the form of foaming solutions that are sprayed on with an attachment to 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 short period of time to dissolve the grime and then gently spray it off with a garden hose. Take care not to spray too hard, because that could damage the coils or fins!

5) Secure the top back on the unit and then wait for the unit to dry before turning the power back on.

3. How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?

The life span of an air conditioner depends on the type of unit, its quality, how well it's maintained and how frequently 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 air conditioner is through AC conditioner maintenance. Tuneups from Interstate 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 as long as possible, reach out to us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Omaha.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Should I Have?

Finding the right size of air conditioner for your home is critical for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some points to think about when deciding what size air conditioner to buy for your home:

  • Square footage: The total area of the space you want to cool is one of the most important factors. More expansive spaces demand more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes preserve cool air better, which could decrease your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you reside in a hotter climate, you'll want a more powerful air conditioner compared to a person living in a cooler environment.
  • Number of windows: Windows frequently let in heat, in particular when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of people: More people in the house create more body heat, which may affect your cooling needs.
  • Current HVAC system: The size and productivity of your current system can provide a place to start for determining what you need.

Due to the fact the size of your cooling system is so critical to your home’s comfort, you will almost certainly want a professional opinion. At Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning, we take the time to fully understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other factors such as your home’s layout and size. This attention to detail and dedication to 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 vary depending on the brand 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 thing is that new air conditioners are designed to be extremely 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 can impact the design.

Know these are average costs and prices can fluctuate. It's always smart to get at least a few quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a decision. If you’re considering air conditioning replacement in Omaha, contact Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning. We can provide you with a free estimate, describe the plan and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?

Air conditioning freezing up can be due to a variety of factors, all of which boil down to the system's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your AC is having issues causing it to freeze up, it is very likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some common causes of AC freezing up:

  • Inadequate airflow: If the air isn't flowing properly through your AC system, it can't adequately absorb heat. This could be due to a clogged air filter, obstructed 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 usually the result of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
  • Cold outdoor temperatures: Using the air conditioner when it's really cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Many units aren't designed to perform in temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Faulty thermostats, damaged blower motors and issues with the relay or control board can all result in an AC unit freezing up.

Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning is your Trusted Source for Air Conditioning Service in Omaha.

At Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning, we will make your home a comfortable and pleasant place. Our experienced 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 the first choice for air conditioning repair in Omaha and the surrounding cities.

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

Phone Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning today at 402-581-9641 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!