They say knowledge is power, and that’s certainly true when it comes to your air conditioner. While complicated repairs are best left to professionals, 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 frequent problems it faces will enable you to fix little problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you money on minor service calls, but understanding when to reach out to a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into complex repairs.

Your Air conditioner is a fundamental 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 Derby if you're uncertain 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 a smart way to make sure it works efficiently, and possibly could extend the life of your unit.

The most significant action 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 impurities from the air circulating inside your home. If your AC filter becomes plugged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it ought to in order to force air through the filter. A clean filter removes the airborne debris while still enabling air to flow efficiently through the system.

Replacement filters can be purchased at most major home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be bought from your local HVAC professional. A good way to make sure you get the right filter is to look at your old one before you go shopping, 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 detailed service of your air conditioner, contact the experienced professionals like the crew at Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning to do scheduled maintenance on your unit. They’ll examine your system, clean or lubricate parts that require attention 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 outside unit of your AC is a simple way to increase 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 into the outside air. This cools the refrigerant, which then goes back inside your home so it can absorb more heat from the air inside your home. Cleaning the fins and the coils will help them release heat more effectively.

To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:

1) First, turn off power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to disconnect it completely from power, rather than turning the thermostat off.

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

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

4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most cleaners, 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 gently spray it off with a garden hose. Be cautious not to spray very 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. What Is the Average Lifespan of My Air Conditioner?

The life span of an air conditioner can vary based on the type of unit, its quality, how well it's maintained and how much it's used. However, industry experts say you should start looking into air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.

One of the best ways to make the most of your HVAC is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Routine checkups from Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning includes cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as replacing the filter and mending any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating as long as it can, reach out to us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Derby.

4. What's the Right Size of Air Conditioner?

Picking out the proper size of air conditioner for your home is crucial for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some factors to think about when deciding what size air conditioner is right for your home:

  • Square footage: The amount of space you need to cool is one of the most important factors. Larger spaces demand more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which could minimize your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you are living in a hotter climate, you'll need a more powerful air conditioner compared to a homeowner living in a cooler climate.
  • Number of windows: Windows can let in heat, in particular when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of residents: More people in the house create greater body heat, which could influence your cooling needs.
  • Current HVAC system: The size and capability of your current system can provide a jumping off point for determining what you need.

Due to the fact the size of your air conditioner is so critical to your home’s comfort, you will likely want a professional opinion. At Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning, 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 Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning is known for excellent air conditioning installation in Derby.

5. What Does My Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices fluctuate depending on the size of the unit and your home’s unique specifications, a new air conditioning system 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 cost of an air conditioner is impacted by several factors during the manufacturing process, such as the cost and availability of raw materials, manufacturing and labor costs as well as federal regulations that necessitate changes to the design.

Realize these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always smart to get at least a few quotes from trusted HVAC companies before making a choice. If you’re contemplating air conditioning replacement in Derby, reach out to Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning. We can provide you with a complimentary 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 caused by many factors, all of which boil down to the failure of your system to efficiently transfer heat. If your unit is experiencing issues causing it to freeze up, it is very likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some common reasons for AC freezing up:

  • Inadequate airflow: If the air isn't flowing properly 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 starting to get low on refrigerant, it could become too cold and freeze up. This is frequently the result of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
  • Cold outdoor temperatures: Operating your air conditioner when it's too cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Most units aren't designed to function in temperatures lower 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.

Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning is your Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in Derby.

At Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and pleasant place. Our skilled specialists 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 Derby and nearby 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 Derby. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!

Contact Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning today at 203-941-5099 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!