They say knowledge is power, and that’s definitely accurate when it comes to your air conditioner. While complicated repairs are best left to experts, it’s helpful to have a rudimentary understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve everyday AC issues.

Knowing how your AC works and the frequent problems it faces will allow you to tackle easy problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you money on minor service calls, but knowing when to contact a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into catastrophic repairs.

Your AC is an essential 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 Sarasota if you're unsure about any aspect of your air conditioning system’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 an air conditioning system is a good way to make sure it works efficiently, and possibly could extend the life of your unit.

The most effective action you can take on your own is to swap out the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter captures dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those contaminants from the air circulating inside your home. If your AC filter becomes plugged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it should in order to force air through the filter. A clean filter removes the airborne debris while still enabling air to flow freely through the system.

Replacement filters are sold at most leading home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be bought 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, taking care to write down the size of the filter. If you’re not familiar with filters, it’s also a good idea 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 seasoned professionals like the crew at Airtech Cooling & Heating to do routine maintenance on your unit. They’ll examine your system, clean or lubricate parts that require attention and look for worn-out parts and potential trouble.

2. How Should I Clean the Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to making certain that your indoor air conditioner equipment is functioning efficiently, it’s necessary to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outdoor unit of your cooling system is a simple way to increase 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. 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, turn off power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to flip off the the on/off switch, as opposed to turning the thermostat off.

2) Take off the top of the outdoor AC so you can reach the inside of the unit. Then, being careful not to pull hard on any cords or attachments, safely put the top to the side.

3) Put a cleaning solution on the fins, first at the top and working 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 sprayed on with your garden hose.

4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most cleaners, it's recommended that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a short period of time to attack the grime and then gently 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 coils and fins to dry before turning the unit 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 frequently it's used. That said, industry experts say you should start getting ready for air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.

One of the best ways to get maximum value from your system is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Routine checkups from Airtech Cooling & Heating includes cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as putting in a new filter and mending any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating as long as possible, call us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Sarasota.

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

Choosing the correct sized air conditioner for your home is vital for keeping comfort and efficiency. Here are some factors to think about when deciding what size air conditioner you need for your home:

  • Square footage: The amount of space you need to cool is one of the key factors. Bigger spaces necessitate more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes preserve cool air better, which can minimize your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you are living in a hotter climate, you'll need a more powerful air conditioner compared to a person living in a cooler climate.
  • Number of windows: Windows frequently let in heat, particularly when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of people: More people in the house create greater body heat, which may affect your cooling needs.
  • Current HVAC system: The size and effectiveness 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 essential to your home’s comfort, you will probably want a professional opinion. At Airtech Cooling & Heating, we take the time to completely 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 focus on customer service is why Airtech Cooling & Heating is known for exceptional air conditioning installation in Sarasota.

5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices fluctuate depending on the kind of the unit and your home’s unique needs, a new AC generally costs between $5,000 and $12,500 to purchase and install. The good news 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 in addition to federal regulations that require modifications to the design.

Know these are average costs and prices can fluctuate. It's always helpful to get numerous quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a choice. If you’re interested in air conditioning replacement in Sarasota, contact Airtech Cooling & Heating. We can provide you with a no-cost estimate, describe 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 brought on by many factors, all of which boil down to the AC's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your AC is having 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:

  • Inadequate airflow: If the air isn't flowing properly through your AC system, it can't properly 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 getting low on refrigerant, it may get too cold and freeze up. This is frequently the result of leaks in the refrigerant lines.
  • Frigid outdoor temperatures: Operating your air conditioner when it's too cold outside can cause the system to freeze. The majority of units aren't designed to perform 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 result in an AC unit freezing up.

Airtech Cooling & Heating is the Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in Sarasota.

At Airtech Cooling & Heating, we strive to make your home a comfortable and soothing place. Our qualified specialists 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 their first call for air conditioning repair in Sarasota and the surrounding areas.

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

Phone Airtech Cooling & Heating today at 941-377-7956 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!