They say knowledge is power, and that’s undoubtedly true when talking about your air conditioner. While complicated repairs are best left to experts, it’s helpful to have a practical understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve common AC issues.

Knowing how your AC works and the common problems it faces can empower you to fix 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 AC is a fundamental component of your home comfort. Because of that, you should always err on the side of caution and call a NATE-certified professional for air conditioning repair in Hodgenville if you're uncertain about any aspect of your AC's operation or maintenance.

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

1. How Do I Clean an Air Conditioner?

Cleaning your AC is a good way to make sure it operates efficiently, and potentially could extend the life of your unit.

The most important action 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 impurities from the air circulating in your home. If your AC filter becomes choked with debris, the air conditioner has to work harder than it really should in order to move air through the filter. A clean filter catches the airborne debris while still allowing air to flow freely 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 right 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 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 Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc. 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 issues.

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

In addition to making sure your indoor air conditioner equipment is operating efficiently, it’s also a good idea to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the exterior unit of your air conditioner is a quick 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 to the outdoors. This brings down the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back inside your home so it can absorb more heat from the air within your home. Washing the fins and the coils will help them release heat more easily.

To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:

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

2) Take off the top of the outdoor AC so you can reach the interior of the unit. Then, taking care not to strain any cords or attachments, safely put the top to the side.

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

4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most products, it's recommended that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a short period of time to loosen the grime and then carefully 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 components to dry before turning the power back on.

3. How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?

The life span of an air conditioner depends on the type of unit, its quality, how often it's maintained and how much it's used. That said, industry experts say you should start getting ready for air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.

One of the best ways to get maximum value from your HVAC is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Routine checkups from Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc. consists of cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as putting in a new filter and mending any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating a long time, reach out to us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Hodgenville.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Selecting the correct sized air conditioner for your home is critical for keeping 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 amount of space you need to cool is one of the key factors. More expansive spaces require more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold 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 climate.
  • Number of windows: Windows often let in heat, particularly when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of occupants: More people in the house produce additional body heat, which may impact your cooling needs.
  • Existing HVAC system: The size and capability of your current system can provide a place to start for determining what you need.

Due to the fact the size of your AC is so important to your home’s comfort, you will probably want a professional opinion. At Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc., we take the time to fully understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other considerations such as your home’s design and size. This attention to detail and focus on customer service is why Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc. is known for excellent air conditioning installation in Hodgenville.

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

While prices fluctuate depending on the size of the unit and your home’s unique needs, a new AC 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 crafted to be extremely 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 in addition to 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 reliable HVAC companies before making a decision. If you’re considering air conditioning replacement in Hodgenville, reach out to Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc.. We will provide you with a complimentary estimate, explain the plan 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 number of factors, all of which boil down to the failure of your system to efficiently transfer heat. If your air conditioner is suffering from issues causing it to freeze up, it is most likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some typical causes of AC freezing up:

  • Poor airflow: If the air isn't flowing properly through your AC system, it can't properly absorb heat. This could be due to a dirty air filter, obstructed return air ducts or a failing fan.
  • Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is getting low on refrigerant, it may get too cold and freeze up. This is often a consequence of leaks in the refrigerant lines.
  • Frigid outdoor temperatures: Using the air conditioner when it's really cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Many units aren't designed to function in temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Malfunctioning thermostats, damaged blower motors and problems with the relay or control board can all result in an AC unit freezing up.

Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc. is your Trusted Source for Air Conditioning Service in Hodgenville.

At Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc., we strive to make your home a comfortable and pleasant place. Our qualified professionals 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 Hodgenville and the surrounding areas.

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

Call Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc. today at 270-358-3167 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!