They say knowledge is power, and that’s certainly true when talking about 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 general AC issues.

Understanding how your AC works and the common problems it faces will allow you to deal with easy problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you money on minor service calls, but understanding when to contact a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into complex 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 specialist for air conditioning repair in Crystal and Twin Cities if you're uncertain about any aspect of your AC's operation or maintenance.

Here are some common 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 runs efficiently, and potentially could extend the life of your unit.

The most significant action you can take on your own is to replace the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter catches dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those contaminants from the air circulating throughout your home. If your AC filter becomes plugged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it ought to in order to move air through the filter. A clean filter catches the airborne debris while still permitting air to flow freely through the system.

Replacement filters can be purchased at most leading home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be ordered 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 leave for the store, taking care to write down 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 seasoned professionals like the crew at GV Heating & Air to do regular maintenance on your system. They’ll look over your system, clean or lubricate parts that need it and look for worn-out parts and potential trouble.

2. How Do I Clean Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to making sure your indoor air conditioning unit is working efficiently, it’s also a good idea to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outdoor unit of your cooling system 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 in your home so it can soak up 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, shut off power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to flip off the the on/off switch, rather than turning the thermostat off.

2) Take off the top of the outdoor AC so you can access the inside of the unit. Then, taking care not to strain any cords or attachments, safely set 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 cleaners, it's advised that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a small period of time to attack the grime and then gently spray it off with a garden hose. Be cautious not to spray really hard, because that could damage 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 Do Air Conditioners Last?

The life span of an air conditioner can vary based on the type of unit, its quality, if maintained and how frequently 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 make the most of your air conditioner is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Tuneups from GV Heating & Air includes cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as changing out the dirty filter and fixing any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating as long as it can, call us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Crystal and Twin Cities.

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

Choosing the correct sized air conditioner for your home is crucial for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some elements to take into account when deciding what size air conditioner you need for your home:

  • Square footage: The total area of the space you have to cool is one of the most important factors. More expansive spaces necessitate more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes retain cool air better, which could minimize your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you are living in a hotter climate, you'll need a more powerful air conditioner compared to a homeowner living in a cooler climate.
  • Number of windows: Windows frequently let in heat, particularly when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of residents: More people in the house create additional body heat, which could affect your cooling needs.
  • Existing HVAC system: The size and performance of your current system can provide a starting point for determining what you need.

Due to the fact the size of your cooling system is so essential to your home’s comfort, you will probably want a professional opinion. At GV Heating & Air, we take the time to completely understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other variables such as your home’s layout and size. This attention to detail and commitment to customer service is why GV Heating & Air is known for superb air conditioning installation in Crystal and Twin Cities.

5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices vary depending on the type of the unit and your home’s unique needs, a new AC generally costs between $5,000 and $12,500 to purchase and install. The good thing is that new air conditioners are developed to be extremely 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 as well as federal regulations that can impact the design.

Know these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always smart to get several quotes from reliable HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re thinking about air conditioning replacement in Crystal and Twin Cities, get in touch with GV Heating & Air. We will schedule an appointment to provide you with a no-cost 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 brought on by a number of factors, all of which boil down to the system's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your air conditioner is suffering from issues causing it to freeze up, it is more than likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some common reasons for 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, 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 could get too cold and freeze up. This is frequently because 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 operate in temperatures lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Malfunctioning thermostats, damaged blower motors and issues with the relay or control board can all play a role in an AC unit freezing up.

GV Heating & Air is your Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in Crystal and Twin Cities.

At GV Heating & Air, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and enjoyable place. Our qualified specialists 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 the first choice for air conditioning repair in Crystal and Twin Cities and neighboring towns.

If you’re planning to upgrade or its time for a replacement, we’ve got you covered there too, with our top-notch air conditioning installation in Crystal and Twin Cities. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!

Call GV Heating & Air today at 763-535-2000 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!