They say knowledge is power, and that’s certainly accurate when discussing 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.

Understanding how your AC works and the typical problems it faces will enable you to deal with 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 reach out to a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into complex repairs.

Your AC 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 Moline if you're uncertain about any aspect of your air conditioner's operation or maintenance.

Here are some 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 smart way to make sure it works efficiently, and very well could extend the life of your unit.

The most important 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 particulates 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 traps the airborne debris while still permitting air to flow easily through the system.

Replacement filters are available 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 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 a smart idea to note the filtration level of the current filter if you are trying to buy something similar.

For detailed service of your air conditioner, contact the seasoned professionals like the crew at Freed Heating & Air Conditioning to do regular maintenance on your unit. They’ll inspect your system, clean or lubricate parts that need cleaning and look for worn-out parts and potential trouble.

2. How Do I Clean Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to making certain that your indoor AC unit is operating efficiently, it’s necessary to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outdoor unit of your AC is a simple way to boost 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 soak up more heat from the air within your home. Cleansing the fins and the coils can 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 flip the power switch off, as opposed to turning the thermostat off.

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

3) Spray a cleaning solution on the fins, first at the top and working down. Commercial coil cleaners are available 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 cleaners, it's suggested that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a small period of time to attack the grime and then softly spray it off with a garden hose. Take care not to spray very hard, because that could ruin 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. How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?

The life span of an air conditioner changes depending on the type of unit, its quality, how well it's maintained and how often it's used. That said, industry experts say you should start thinking about air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.

One of the best ways to get the most mileage out of your HVAC is through AC conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from Freed Heating & Air Conditioning includes 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, call us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Moline.

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

Choosing the correct sized air conditioner for your home is vital for achieving 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 key factors. More expansive spaces demand more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes retain cool air better, which should minimize your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you live in a hotter climate, you'll need a more powerful air conditioner compared to someone 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 residents: More people in the house means additional body heat, which may 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.

Due to the fact the size of your air conditioner is so important to your home’s comfort, you will likely want a professional opinion. At Freed Heating & Air Conditioning, we take the time to thoroughly understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other considerations such as your home’s layout and size. This attention to detail and commitment to customer service is why Freed Heating & Air Conditioning is known for superb air conditioning installation in Moline.

5. What Does My Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices differ 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 crafted to be extremely 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 can impact the design.

Note these are average costs and prices can fluctuate. It's always a good idea to get several quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a decision. If you’re contemplating air conditioning replacement in Moline, contact Freed Heating & Air Conditioning. We will provide you with a no-cost estimate, make sure you understand the plan and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. Why Do Air Conditioners Freeze Up?

An air conditioner 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 unit is experiencing issues causing it to freeze up, it is more than likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some frequent reasons for AC freezing up:

  • Poor 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, blocked return air ducts or a failing fan.
  • Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is running low on refrigerant, it may become too cold and freeze up. This is frequently a consequence of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
  • Frosty outdoor temperatures: Running an air conditioner when it's too cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Most units aren't designed to perform in temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Broken thermostats, damaged blower motors and trouble with the relay or control board can all result in an AC unit freezing up.

Freed Heating & Air Conditioning is your Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in Moline.

At Freed Heating & Air Conditioning, we strive to make your home a comfortable and soothing place. Our knowledgeable 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 Moline and neighboring towns.

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

Phone Freed Heating & Air Conditioning today at 309-323-9584 to schedule an appointment or complimentary estimate!