They say knowledge is power, and that’s certainly true when it comes to 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 everyday AC issues.

Understanding how your AC works and the typical problems it faces will enable you to fix easy problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you cash on minor service calls, but realizing when to contact a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into catastrophic 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 Pella if you're not sure about any aspect of your air conditioning system’s operation or maintenance.

Here are some common 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 smart way to make sure it operates efficiently, and possibly could extend the life of your unit.

The most significant 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 clogged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it is supposed to in order to move air through the filter. A clean filter removes the airborne debris while still permitting air to flow efficiently through the system.

Replacement filters are available at most popular home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be purchased from your local HVAC specialist. A good way to make sure you get the proper filter is to look at your old one before you leave for the store, taking care to write 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 thorough service of your air conditioner, contact the seasoned professionals like the crew at Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating to do regular maintenance on your AC. They’ll inspect your system, clean or lubricate parts that need it and look for worn-out parts and potential trouble.

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

In addition to making sure your indoor AC unit is functioning efficiently, it’s necessary to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outdoor unit of your air conditioner is a quick way to boost its efficiency and can extend the life of your entire system.

The coils, which include extensions called fins, are used to release heat from the refrigerant into the cooler air outside. This cools the refrigerant, which then goes back in your home so it can soak up more heat from the air within your home. Cleaning the fins and the coils will help them release heat more easily.

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, rather than turning the thermostat off.

2) Remove the top of the outdoor AC so you can enter the interior of the unit. Then, being careful not to strain any cords or attachments, safely put the top to the side.

3) Put a cleaning solution on the fins, starting at the top and moving down. Commercial coil cleaners are on the market and commonly found in both the canned aerosol spray from as well as in the form of foaming solutions that are applied 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 brief period of time to dissolve the grime and then carefully spray it off with a garden hose. Be careful 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 power back on.

3. What Is the Average Lifespan of My Air Conditioner?

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, pros 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. Maintenance service from Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating consists of 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 Pella.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Finding the proper size of air conditioner for your home is critical for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some points to consider when deciding what size air conditioner is right for your home:

  • Square footage: The size of the space you want to cool is one of the most important factors. More expansive spaces necessitate more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which could 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 often let in heat, especially when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of residents: More people in the house means greater body heat, which could influence your cooling needs.
  • Current HVAC system: The size and productivity of your current system can provide a place to start for deciding what you need.

Given that the size of your AC is so critical to your home’s comfort, you will definitely want a professional opinion. At Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating, we take the time to fully 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 commitment to customer service is why Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating is known for superb air conditioning installation in Pella.

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

While prices vary 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 extremely efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.

The cost 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 require modifications to the design.

Know these are average costs and prices can vary. It's always smart to get at least a few quotes from reliable HVAC companies before making a choice. If you’re considering air conditioning replacement in Pella, get in touch with Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating. We can provide you with a free estimate, explain the procedure and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?

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

Here are some typical triggers for AC freezing up:

  • Poor airflow: If the air isn't flowing properly through your AC system, it can't adequately absorb heat. This could be due to a clogged 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 could grow too cold and freeze up. This is frequently the result of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
  • Cold outdoor temperatures: Running the air conditioner when it's really cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Most units aren't designed to work in temperatures of less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Broken thermostats, damaged blower motors and issues with the relay or control board can all contribute to an AC unit freezing up.

Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating is the Trusted Source for Air Conditioning Service in Pella.

At Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and enjoyable place. Our knowledgeable professionals are up-to-date on the latest industry training and trends, and are experienced on a wide variety of systems. That’s why community members make us the premier choice for air conditioning repair in Pella and the surrounding areas.

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

Phone Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating today at 641-628-3621 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!