They say knowledge is power, and that’s certainly the truth when it comes to your air conditioner. While complex repairs are best left to professionals, it’s helpful to have a rudimentary understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve common AC issues.

Understanding how your AC works and the typical problems it faces will allow you to handle simple 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 catastrophic repairs.

Your Air conditioner 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 Lafayette if you're not sure about any aspect of your air conditioning system’s operation or maintenance.

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

1. How Do I Clean an Air Conditioner?

Cleaning your AC is a smart way to make sure it runs efficiently, and potentially could extend the life of your unit.

The most significant action you can take 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 contaminants from the air circulating inside your home. If your AC filter becomes clogged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it really should in order to force air through the filter. A clean filter removes the airborne debris while still permitting 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 professional. A good way to make sure you get the correct filter is to look at your old one before you leave for the store, 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 wanting to buy something similar.

For detailed service of your air conditioner, contact the seasoned professionals like the crew at AC Sales to do regular maintenance on your unit. They’ll examine 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 ensuring your indoor AC unit is operating efficiently, it’s important to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the exterior unit of your cooling system is a quick 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 to the outdoors. This lowers the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back into your home so it can soak up more heat from the air inside 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 disconnect it completely from power, instead of turning the thermostat off.

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

3) Apply a cleaning solution on the fins, beginning at the top and then working your way 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 suggested that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a short period of time to loosen the grime and then gently spray it off with a garden hose. Take care not to spray really hard, because that could damage the coils or fins!

5) Secure the top back on the unit and then wait for the coils and fins 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 much it's used. However, industry 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 HVAC is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from AC Sales features 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 Lafayette.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Choosing the right size of air conditioner for your home is crucial for keeping comfort and efficiency. Here are some factors to take into account when deciding what size air conditioner you need for your home:

• Square footage: The amount of space you want to cool is one of the key factors. Larger spaces necessitate more cooling power.
• Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which can reduce your cooling needs.
• Climate: If you reside in a hotter climate, you'll need a more powerful air conditioner compared to a person 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 occupants: More people in the house produce more body heat, which may influence your cooling needs.
• Existing HVAC system: The size and performance of your current system can provide a starting point for deciding what you need.

Due to the fact the size of your air conditioner is so essential to your home’s comfort, you will probably want a professional opinion. At AC Sales, we take the time to completely 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 dedication to customer service is why AC Sales is known for excellent air conditioning installation in Lafayette.

5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices differ depending on the kind of the unit and your home’s unique specifications, a new air conditioner generally costs between $5,000 and $12,500 to purchase and install. The good news is that new air conditioners are crafted to be exceedingly efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.

The price tag of an air conditioner is affected 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 require modifications to the design.

Know these are average costs and prices can fluctuate. It's always a good idea to get numerous quotes from reliable HVAC companies before making a decision. If you’re thinking about air conditioning replacement in Lafayette, reach out to AC Sales. We will provide you with a complimentary estimate, describe the plan and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. What Causes an Air Conditioner to Freeze Up?

An air conditioner freezing up can be caused by multiple factors, all of which boil down to the AC's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your unit is having 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 properly through your AC system, it can't sufficiently absorb heat. This could be due to a clogged air filter, obstructed 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 a consequence of leaking in the refrigerant lines.
• Cold outdoor temperatures: Using the air conditioner when it's really cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Many units aren't designed to operate in temperatures lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
• Mechanical failures: Malfunctioning thermostats, damaged blower motors and issues with the relay or control board can all play a role in an AC unit freezing up.

AC Sales is the Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in Lafayette.

At AC Sales, we will make your home a comfortable and enjoyable place. Our experienced 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 first choice for air conditioning repair in Lafayette and neighboring cities.

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 Lafayette. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!

Contact AC Sales today at (337) 234-2345 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!