They say knowledge is power, and that’s certainly accurate when discussing your air conditioner. While challenging repairs are best left to specialists, 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 can empower you to tackle simple problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you dollars on minor service calls, but understanding when to reach out to a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into catastrophic repairs.
Your Air conditioner is an essential 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 Winnipeg if you're unsure about any aspect of your AC's operation or maintenance.
Here are several common questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:
1. How Should I Clean My Air Conditioner?
Cleaning an air conditioning system is a smart way to make sure it works efficiently, and very well could extend the life of your unit.
The most important action you can take on your own is to swap out the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter captures dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those contaminants from the air circulating throughout your home. If your AC filter becomes choked with debris, the air conditioner has to work harder than it ought to in order to move air through the filter. A clean filter traps the airborne debris while still permitting air to flow easily through the system.
Replacement filters are available at most leading home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be purchased 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, 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 trying to buy something similar.
For comprehensive service of your air conditioner, contact the experienced professionals like the crew at Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning to do scheduled maintenance on your AC. They’ll examine your system, clean or lubricate parts that need cleaning 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 working efficiently, it’s necessary to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the exterior unit of your AC is an easy way to improve 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 soak up more heat from the air within your home. Washing the fins and the coils is a way to help them release heat more easily.
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, instead of turning the thermostat off.
2) Take off the top of the outdoor AC so you can reach the interior of the unit. Then, being careful not to stress any cords or attachments, safely put the top to the side.
3) Apply a cleaning solution on the fins, beginning 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 sprayed on with 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 short period of time to attack the grime and then carefully spray it off with a garden hose. Be careful 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 coils and fins to dry before turning the power back on.
3. How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?
The life span of an air conditioner changes depending on the type of unit, its quality, how well it's maintained and how much 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 Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning includes 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 Winnipeg.
4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?
Selecting the proper size of air conditioner for your home is vital for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some elements to consider when deciding what size air conditioner you need for your home:
- Square footage: The total area of the space you need to cool is one of the most important factors. More expansive spaces necessitate more cooling power.
- Home insulation: Well-insulated homes preserve cool air better, which should minimize your cooling needs.
- Climate: If you live in a hotter climate, you'll want a more powerful air conditioner compared to a person living in a cooler place.
- Number of windows: Windows can let in heat, especially when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
- Number of people: More people in the house create additional body heat, which may influence your cooling needs.
- Present 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 air conditioner is so essential to your home’s comfort, you will almost certainly want a professional opinion. At Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning, we take the time to thoroughly 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 focus on customer service is why Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning is known for superb air conditioning installation in Winnipeg.
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 tag of an air conditioner is influenced 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.
Note these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always smart to get at least a few quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re interested in air conditioning replacement in Winnipeg, reach out to Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning. We will provide you with a no-cost estimate, explain the procedure and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.
6. What Causes an Air Conditioner to Freeze Up?
An air conditioner freezing up can be brought on by a variety of factors, all of which boil down to the system's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your unit is suffering from issues causing it to freeze up, it is most likely time for air conditioning repair.
Here are some typical triggers for AC freezing up:
- Insufficient 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 starting to get low on refrigerant, it could get too cold and freeze up. This is usually because of leaks in the refrigerant lines.
- Frosty outdoor temperatures: Using an air conditioner when it's very cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Many units aren't designed to work in temperatures lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
- Mechanical failures: Faulty thermostats, damaged blower motors and problems with the relay or control board can all play a role in an AC unit freezing up.
Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning is the Trusted Source for Air Conditioning Service in Winnipeg.
At Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning, we will make your home a comfortable and soothing place. Our skilled 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 premier choice for air conditioning repair in Winnipeg and neighboring 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 Winnipeg. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!
Call Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning today at 204-813-7767 to schedule an appointment or complimentary estimate!
