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

Understanding how your AC works and the common problems it faces will enable you to handle little problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you dollars on minor service calls, but understanding when to call a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into complex repairs.

Your Air conditioning unit is a fundamental 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 Omaha if you're uncertain about any aspect of your air conditioning system’s operation or maintenance.

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

1. How Should I Clean My Air Conditioner?

Cleaning an air conditioner is an effective way to make sure it works efficiently, and very well could extend the life of your unit.

The most important step you can take on your own is to replace the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter captures dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those impurities from the air circulating in your home. If your AC filter becomes plugged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it should in order to pull air through the filter. A clean filter catches the airborne debris while still allowing air to flow freely through the system.

Replacement filters are sold at most popular home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be ordered from your local HVAC professional. 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 thorough service of your air conditioner, contact the experienced professionals like the crew at Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning to do scheduled maintenance on your system. They’ll inspect your system, clean or lubricate parts that require attention and look for worn-out parts and potential trouble.

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

In addition to making sure your indoor air conditioning unit is working efficiently, it’s important to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outdoor unit of your cooling system is a quick way to boost 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 into your home so it can take in more heat from the air within your home. Cleansing the fins and the coils will help them release heat more efficiently.

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, rather than turning the thermostat off.

2) Remove the top of the outdoor AC so you can access the insides of the unit. Then, taking care not to pull hard on any cords or attachments, safely set the top to the side.

3) Put a cleaning solution on the fins, beginning at the top and moving down. Commercial coil cleaners are available and commonly found in both the canned aerosol spray from as well as brands foaming solutions that are sprayed on with an attachment to your garden hose.

4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most brands, it's advised that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a small period of time to loosen the grime and then softly spray it off with a garden hose. Be cautious 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 it 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, how often it's maintained and how frequently it's used. However, pros say you should start getting ready for air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.

One of the best ways to make the most of your HVAC is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Routine checkups from Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning features cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as putting in a new filter and fixing any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating as long as possible, call us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Omaha.

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 factors to take into account when deciding what size air conditioner is right for your home:

  • Square footage: The amount of space you want to cool is one of the biggest factors. More expansive spaces necessitate more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes retain cool air better, which can decrease your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you live 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, in particular when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of occupants: More people in the house produce greater body heat, which can 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.

Given that the size of your cooling system is so essential to your home’s comfort, you will almost certainly want a professional opinion. At Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning, we take the time to completely understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other factors such as your home’s insulation level and size. This attention to detail and focus on customer service is why Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning is known for exceptional air conditioning installation in Omaha.

5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?

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

The price 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 in addition to federal regulations that necessitate changes to the design.

Realize these are average costs and prices can vary. 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 Omaha, reach out to Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning. We will provide you with a no-cost estimate, explain the plan and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. Why Do Air Conditioners Freeze Up?

Air conditioning freezing up can be a consequence of a number of factors, all of which boil down to the system'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 common triggers for AC freezing up:

  • Insufficient airflow: If the air isn't flowing easily through your AC system, it can't properly 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 running low on refrigerant, it may get too cold and freeze up. This is often because of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
  • Frigid outdoor temperatures: Using an air conditioner when it's too cold outside can cause the system to freeze. The majority of units aren't designed to operate in temperatures of less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Broken thermostats, damaged blower motors and issues with the relay or control board can all play a role in an AC unit freezing up.

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

At Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning, we will make your home a comfortable and pleasant place. Our skilled professionals are up-to-date on the latest industry training and trends, and are experienced on a wide variety of systems. That’s why community members make us their first call for air conditioning repair in Omaha and the surrounding towns.

If you’re seeking 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!

Contact Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning today at 402-509-5940 to schedule an appointment or complimentary estimate!