They say knowledge is power, and that’s certainly accurate when talking about your air conditioner. While challenging repairs are best left to specialists, 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 frequent problems it faces will enable you to handle little problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you cash 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 part 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 Newark if you're not sure about any aspect of your air conditioning system’s operation or maintenance.

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

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

Cleaning your AC is a good 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 swap out 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 throughout your home. If your AC filter becomes clogged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it is supposed to in order to pull air through the filter. A clean filter traps the airborne debris while still enabling air to flow efficiently through the system.

Replacement filters are sold 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 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 a smart 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 seasoned professionals like the crew at Luikart Heating & Cooling to do scheduled maintenance on your unit. They’ll inspect your system, clean or lubricate parts that need it and look for worn-out parts and potential issues.

2. How Do I Clean Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to making certain that your indoor air conditioning unit is functioning efficiently, it’s also a good idea to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outdoor unit of your AC is a quick 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 absorb more heat from the air in your home's interior. Washing the fins and the coils can 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, as opposed to turning the thermostat off.

2) Lift off the top of the outdoor AC so you can access the insides of the unit. Then, being careful not to stress any cords or attachments, safely put the top to the side.

3) Spray a cleaning solution on the fins, first at the top and then working your way down. Commercial coil cleaners are on the market and commonly found in both the canned aerosol spray from as well as products 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 brief period of time to attack the grime and then carefully spray it off with a garden hose. Be cautious not to spray too hard, because that could damage 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 Can Air Conditioners Work?

The life span of an air conditioner depends on the type of unit, its quality, how well it's maintained and how frequently it's used. Having said that, 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 AC conditioner maintenance. Routine checkups from Luikart Heating & Cooling consists of cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as changing out the dirty 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 Newark.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Should I Have?

Picking out the correct sized air conditioner for your home is crucial for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some points to take into account 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 biggest factors. Larger spaces demand 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 require a more powerful air conditioner compared to a homeowner living in a cooler environment.
  • Number of windows: Windows frequently let in heat, in particular when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of occupants: More people in the house create additional body heat, which can influence your cooling needs.
  • Existing HVAC system: The size and productivity of your current system can provide a jumping off point for identifying what you need.

Due to the fact the size of your cooling system is so important to your home’s comfort, you will likely want a professional opinion. At Luikart Heating & Cooling, 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 focus on customer service is why Luikart Heating & Cooling is known for excellent air conditioning installation in Newark.

5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices fluctuate depending on the size of the unit and your home’s unique requirements, 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 developed to be exceedingly efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.

The price of an air conditioner is influenced 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.

Know these are average costs and prices can fluctuate. It's always smart to get at least a few quotes from reliable HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re interested in air conditioning replacement in Newark, get in touch with Luikart Heating & Cooling. We will provide you with a complimentary estimate, describe the plan and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. Why Do Air Conditioners Freeze Up?

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

Here are some frequent triggers for AC freezing up:

  • Poor 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, blocked return air ducts or a failing fan.
  • Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is starting to get low on refrigerant, it may grow too cold and freeze up. This is usually the result of leaks in the refrigerant lines.
  • Frosty outdoor temperatures: Using the air conditioner when it's really cold outside can cause the system to freeze. The majority of units aren't designed to function in temperatures of less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Malfunctioning thermostats, damaged blower motors and trouble with the relay or control board can all result in an AC unit freezing up.

Luikart Heating & Cooling is the Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in Newark.

At Luikart Heating & Cooling, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and pleasant place. Our knowledgeable technicians 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 Newark and neighboring areas.

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

Phone Luikart Heating & Cooling today at 740-344-5497 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!