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

Knowing how your AC works and the typical problems it faces can empower you to fix 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 reach out to a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into catastrophic repairs.

Your Air conditioner is an important component 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 not sure about any aspect of your AC's operation or maintenance.

Here are several typical questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:

1. What Is the Best Way to Clean an Air Conditioner?

Cleaning your AC is an effective way to make sure it runs efficiently, and very well could extend the life of your unit.

The most significant thing you can do on your own is to replace 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 throughout your home. If your AC filter becomes plugged, 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 sold at most major home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be ordered 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 head out for the store, jotting 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 wanting 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 AC. They’ll inspect your system, clean or lubricate parts that require attention and look for worn-out parts and potential problems.

2. How Should I Clean the Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to ensuring your indoor air conditioning unit is working efficiently, it’s necessary to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outdoor unit of your air conditioner 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 cooler air outside. This lowers the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back in your home so it can soak up more heat from the air inside your home. Cleaning the fins and the coils can help them release heat more effectively.

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, instead of turning the thermostat off.

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

3) Put a cleaning solution on the fins, starting at the top and moving 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 an attachment to 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 brief period of time to dissolve 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 coils and fins to dry before turning the power 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, how well it's maintained and how much it's used. Having said that, 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 system is through AC conditioner maintenance. Routine checkups from Superior Comfort Systems features cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as changing out the dirty filter and repairing any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating a long time, contact us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Hendersonville.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Should I Have?

Picking out the right size of air conditioner for your home is critical 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 amount of space you have to cool is one of the biggest factors. More expansive spaces necessitate more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes retain cool air better, which should decrease 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 environment.
  • 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 means more body heat, which may impact your cooling needs.
  • Current HVAC system: The size and performance of your current system can provide a place to start for determining what you need.

Given that the size of your cooling system is so important to your home’s comfort, you will probably 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 layout and size. This attention to detail and focus on customer service is why Superior Comfort Systems is known for superb air conditioning installation in Hendersonville.

5. What Does My Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices fluctuate depending on the kind 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 thing is that new air conditioners are crafted to be extremely efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.

The price tag 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 can impact the design.

Note these are average costs and prices can vary. It's always helpful to get several quotes from trusted HVAC companies before making a choice. If you’re contemplating air conditioning replacement in Hendersonville, get in touch with Superior Comfort Systems. We will provide you with a no-cost estimate, describe the process and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. Why Do Air Conditioners Freeze Up?

An air conditioner freezing up can be due to multiple factors, all of which boil down to the system's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your AC is experiencing issues causing it to freeze up, it is more than likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some common reasons for AC freezing up:

  • Inadequate airflow: If the air isn't flowing correctly through your AC system, it can't adequately absorb heat. This could be due to a plugged air filter, something stopping air from flowing through the return air ducts or a failing fan.
  • Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is running low on refrigerant, it can grow too cold and freeze up. This is often because of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
  • Frigid outdoor temperatures: Running your air conditioner when it's too 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 issues with the relay or control board can all play a role in an AC unit freezing up.

Superior Comfort Systems is your Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in Hendersonville.

At Superior Comfort Systems, we will make your home a comfortable and soothing place. Our knowledgeable 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 first choice for air conditioning repair in Hendersonville and neighboring areas.

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

Contact Superior Comfort Systems today at 828-492-3596 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!