They say knowledge is power, and that’s certainly true when talking about your air conditioner. While complex repairs are best left to specialists, it’s helpful to have a practical 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 tackle little problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you cash on minor service calls, but realizing when to call a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into complex repairs.

Your Air conditioner is an essential 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 Hendersonville if you're unsure about any aspect of your air conditioning system’s operation or maintenance.

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

1. How Do I Clean an Air Conditioner?

Cleaning an air conditioner is a smart way to make sure it runs efficiently, and possibly could extend the life of your unit.

The most significant step you can take on your own is to swap out the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter catches dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those impurities from the air circulating in your home. If your AC filter becomes clogged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it ought to in order to pull air through the filter. A clean filter removes 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 correct filter is to look at your old one before you go shopping, taking care to write down the size of the filter. If you’re not familiar with filters, it’s also a good idea to note the filtration level of the current filter if you are trying to buy something similar.

For thorough service of your air conditioner, contact the skilled professionals like the crew at Superior Comfort Systems to do scheduled maintenance on your unit. They’ll inspect your system, clean or lubricate parts that require attention and look for worn-out parts and potential issues.

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

In addition to ensuring your indoor AC unit is working efficiently, it’s necessary to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outdoor unit of your AC is a simple way to improve 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 soak up more heat from the air within your home. Washing the fins and the coils can 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 disconnect it completely from power, as opposed to turning the thermostat off.

2) Remove the top of the outdoor AC so you can access the interior of the unit. Then, being cautious not to stress any cords or attachments, safely move the top to the side.

3) Spray a cleaning solution on the fins, beginning at the top and then working your way 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 your garden hose.

4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most products, it's advised that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a brief 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 harm the coils or fins!

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

3. How Long Can Air Conditioners Work?

The life span of an air conditioner changes depending on the type of unit, its quality, if maintained and how much it's used. However, industry experts 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 Superior Comfort Systems 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 possible, call us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Hendersonville.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Should I Have?

Selecting the right size of air conditioner for your home is vital for achieving comfort and efficiency. Here are some elements to consider when deciding what size air conditioner is right for your home:

  • Square footage: The amount of space you have to cool is one of the key factors. Larger spaces necessitate more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes retain cool air better, which should decrease your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you are living in a hotter climate, you'll want a more powerful air conditioner compared to a homeowner living in a cooler environment.
  • Number of windows: Windows frequently let in heat, especially when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of residents: More people in the house create more body heat, which can impact your cooling needs.
  • Present HVAC system: The size and effectiveness of your current system can provide a jumping off 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 almost certainly want a professional opinion. At Superior Comfort Systems, we take the time to thoroughly understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other variables such as your home’s design and size. This attention to detail and focus on customer service is why Superior Comfort Systems is known for excellent air conditioning installation in Hendersonville.

5. What Is the Cost of a New Air Conditioner?

While prices fluctuate depending on the brand of the unit and your home’s unique requirements, a new air conditioner generally costs between $5,000 and $12,500 to purchase and install. The good thing is that new air conditioners are designed to be exceedingly efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.

The cost 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 necessitate changes to the design.

Note these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always helpful to get at least a few quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re contemplating air conditioning replacement in Hendersonville, reach out to Superior Comfort Systems. We will schedule an appointment to provide you with a complimentary estimate, describe the procedure and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. What Causes an Air Conditioner to Freeze Up?

An AC freezing up can be caused by a variety of factors, all of which boil down to the AC's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your unit is having 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 effectively absorb heat. This could be due to a dirty 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 can become too cold and freeze up. This is usually a consequence of leaking in the refrigerant lines.
  • Frosty outdoor temperatures: Running the air conditioner when it's really cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Many units aren't designed to function in temperatures of less 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.

Superior Comfort Systems is the Trusted Source for Air Conditioning Service in Hendersonville.

At Superior Comfort Systems, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and pleasant place. Our qualified professionals are up-to-date on the latest industry training and trends, and work on on a wide variety of systems. That’s why community members make us their first call for air conditioning repair in Hendersonville and nearby cities.

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

Phone Superior Comfort Systems today at 828-202-7025 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!