They say knowledge is power, and that’s undoubtedly accurate when it comes to your air conditioner. While complicated 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 typical problems it faces will enable you to tackle 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 major 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 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 Do I Clean an Air Conditioner?

Cleaning an air conditioning system 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 change the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter traps dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those particulates from the air circulating inside your home. If your AC filter becomes choked with debris, the air conditioner has to work harder than it should in order to force air through the filter. A clean filter traps the airborne debris while still allowing air to flow easily through the system.

Replacement filters can be purchased at most leading home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be bought 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 leave 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 seasoned professionals like the crew at Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning to do scheduled maintenance on your unit. They’ll examine your system, clean or lubricate parts that need it and look for worn-out parts and potential problems.

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

In addition to making certain that 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 AC 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 brings down the temperature of 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 easily.

To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:

1) First, shut off power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to disconnect it completely from power, as opposed to turning the thermostat off.

2) Remove the top of the outdoor AC so you can enter the inside 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, 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 applied 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 small period of time to dissolve the grime and then softly spray it off with a garden hose. Be cautious not to spray really 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 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 much it's used. Having said that, experts say you should start getting ready for air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.

One of the best ways to get the most mileage out of your system is through regular conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning consists of 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 it can, reach out to us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Winnipeg.

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

Selecting 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 you need for your home:

  • Square footage: The total area of the space you have to cool is one of the key factors. Bigger spaces necessitate more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which could reduce your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you are living in a hotter climate, you'll need a more powerful air conditioner compared to someone 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 people: More people in the house means greater body heat, which can influence your cooling needs.
  • Existing HVAC system: The size and capability of your current system can provide a jumping off point for determining what you need.

Due to the fact the size of your air conditioner is so critical to your home’s comfort, you will definitely 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 considerations such as your home’s insulation level and size. This attention to detail and dedication to 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 differ depending on the type of the unit and your home’s unique specifications, a new air conditioner generally costs between $5,000 and $12,500 to purchase and install. The good news 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 in addition to federal regulations that require modifications to the design.

Note these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always a good idea to get numerous quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a choice. If you’re considering air conditioning replacement in Winnipeg, reach out to Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning. We can 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 caused by many factors, all of which boil down to the system's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your unit is having issues causing it to freeze up, it is very likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some typical reasons for AC freezing up:

  • Inadequate airflow: If the air isn't flowing properly 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 getting low on refrigerant, it could grow too cold and freeze up. This is frequently because of leaks in the refrigerant lines.
  • Frosty outdoor temperatures: Operating 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: Malfunctioning thermostats, damaged blower motors and trouble with the relay or control board can all contribute to 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 strive to make your home a comfortable and soothing place. Our knowledgeable technicians 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 nearby towns.

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

Phone Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning today at 204-272-8128 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!