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

Knowing how your AC works and the frequent problems it faces can empower you to fix little problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you dollars on minor service calls, but knowing when to reach out to a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into major repairs.

Your AC 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 Hodgenville if you're not sure about any aspect of your air conditioner's operation or maintenance.

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

1. How Do I Clean an Air Conditioner?

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

The most effective step you can take on your own is to change the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter catches dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those particulates 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 force air through the filter. A clean filter catches the airborne debris while still permitting air to flow efficiently through the system.

Replacement filters can be purchased at most popular home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be ordered from your local HVAC expert. A good way to make sure you get the correct filter is to look at your old one before you go shopping, jotting 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 wanting to buy something similar.

For comprehensive service of your air conditioner, contact the skilled professionals like the crew at Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc. to do routine 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 Do I Clean Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to ensuring your indoor AC unit is working efficiently, it’s important to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the exterior unit of your cooling system 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 to the outdoors. This cools the refrigerant, which then goes back inside your home so it can absorb 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 effectively.

To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:

1) First, shut down power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to flip the power switch off, rather than turning the thermostat off.

2) Remove the top of the outdoor AC so you can access the inside of the unit. Then, taking care not to stress any cords or attachments, safely put the top to the side.

3) Put a cleaning solution on the fins, beginning at the top and working down. Commercial coil cleaners are available 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 products, it's advised that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a short period of time to dissolve the grime and then softly spray it off with a garden hose. Take care 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 it 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, industry experts say you should start thinking about air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.

One of the best ways to get maximum value from your air conditioner is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Routine checkups from Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc. includes cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as putting in a new filter and repairing 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 proper size of air conditioner for your home is crucial for keeping comfort and efficiency. Here are some factors to take into account when deciding what size air conditioner is right for your home:

  • Square footage: The total area of the space you need to cool is one of the most important factors. Larger spaces demand more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes preserve cool air better, which can reduce your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you are living in a hotter climate, you'll require a more powerful air conditioner compared to a homeowner living in a cooler climate.
  • Number of windows: Windows often let in heat, especially when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of occupants: More people in the house produce more body heat, which can affect your cooling needs.
  • Present HVAC system: The size and capability of your current system can provide a starting point for identifying what you need.

Due to the fact the size of your AC is so important to your home’s comfort, you will almost certainly want a professional opinion. At Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc., we take the time to thoroughly understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other variables such as your home’s insulation level and size. This attention to detail and commitment to customer service is why Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc. is known for superb air conditioning installation in Hodgenville.

5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices differ depending on the size of the unit and your home’s unique needs, a new air conditioning system generally costs between $5,000 and $12,500 to purchase and install. The good news is that new air conditioners are developed to be exceptionally 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 along with federal regulations that can impact the design.

Know these are average costs and prices can vary. It's always a good idea to get numerous quotes from trusted HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re interested in air conditioning replacement in Hodgenville, contact Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc.. We will provide you with a complimentary estimate, make sure you understand the process and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. What Causes an Air Conditioner to Freeze Up?

Air conditioning freezing up can be caused by many factors, all of which boil down to the failure of your system to efficiently transfer heat. If your AC 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:

  • Inadequate airflow: If the air isn't flowing correctly through your AC system, it can't effectively absorb heat. This could be due to a plugged air filter, blocked return air ducts or a failing fan.
  • Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is running low on refrigerant, it may become too cold and freeze up. This is often because of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
  • Frigid outdoor temperatures: Using your air conditioner when it's too cold outside can cause the system to freeze. The majority of units aren't designed to work in temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Broken thermostats, damaged blower motors and issues with the relay or control board can all result in an AC unit freezing up.

Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc. is the Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in Hodgenville.

At Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc., we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and pleasant place. Our experienced 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 the first choice for air conditioning repair in Hodgenville and the surrounding towns.

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 Hodgenville. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!

Contact Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc. today at 270-358-3167 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!