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

Knowing how your AC works and the typical 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 complex repairs.

Your Air conditioner is an important element 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 Omaha if you're not sure 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 your AC is a smart way to make sure it works efficiently, and potentially could extend the life of your unit.

The most significant thing you can do on your own is to replace 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 throughout your home. If your AC filter becomes choked with debris, the air conditioner has to work harder than it is supposed to in order to move air through the filter. A clean filter catches the airborne debris while still allowing air to flow efficiently through the system.

Replacement filters can be purchased at most popular home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be bought from your local HVAC specialist. A good way to make sure you get the correct filter is to look at your old one before you head out 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 hoping to buy something similar.

For thorough service of your air conditioner, contact the skilled professionals like the crew at The Frazier Company to do routine maintenance on your unit. They’ll examine your system, clean or lubricate parts that need cleaning 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 also a good idea 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 have extensions called fins, are used to release heat from the refrigerant into the outside air. This lowers the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back in your home so it can absorb more heat from the air within your home. Washing the fins and the coils can help them release heat more easily.

To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:

1) First, shut down power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to disconnect it completely from power, 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 cautious not to pull hard on any cords or attachments, safely set the top to the side.

3) Spray a cleaning solution on the fins, starting at the top and working down. Commercial coil cleaners are sold and commonly found in both the canned aerosol spray from as well as in the form of foaming solutions that are sprayed on with an attachment to 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 brief period of time to dissolve the grime and then gently spray it off with a garden hose. Be cautious not to spray very 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 the power back on.

3. How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?

The life span of an air conditioner depends on the type of unit, its quality, how often it's maintained and how often it's used. However, 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 system is through regular conditioner maintenance. Tuneups from The Frazier Company consists of cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as changing out the dirty filter and mending any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating as long as it can, call us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Omaha.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Should I Have?

Picking out the right size of air conditioner for your home is critical for keeping comfort and efficiency. Here are some points to take into account when deciding what size air conditioner to buy for your home:

  • Square footage: The amount of space you want to cool is one of the biggest factors. More expansive spaces require more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes preserve cool air better, which should decrease your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you are living in a hotter climate, you'll want a more powerful air conditioner compared to a homeowner living in a cooler climate.
  • Number of windows: Windows often let in heat, in particular when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of residents: More people in the house produce greater body heat, which may affect your cooling needs.
  • Present HVAC system: The size and productivity 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 important to your home’s comfort, you will almost certainly want a professional opinion. At The Frazier Company, we take the time to completely understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other variables such as your home’s layout and size. This attention to detail and dedication to customer service is why The Frazier Company is known for superb air conditioning installation in Omaha.

5. What Does My Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices fluctuate 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 developed to be exceedingly efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.

The price 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 can impact the design.

Realize 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 choice. If you’re thinking about air conditioning replacement in Omaha, contact The Frazier Company. We will schedule an appointment to provide you with a no-cost estimate, describe the process 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 brought on by a variety of factors, all of which boil down to the system's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your air conditioner is having issues causing it to freeze up, it is very likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some typical causes of AC freezing up:

  • Poor airflow: If the air isn't flowing easily through your AC system, it can't effectively 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 can become too cold and freeze up. This is often a consequence of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
  • Very Chilly outdoor temperatures: Operating the air conditioner when it's really cold outside can cause the system to freeze. The majority of units aren't designed to perform in temperatures lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Faulty thermostats, damaged blower motors and trouble with the relay or control board can all contribute to an AC unit freezing up.

The Frazier Company is the Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in Omaha.

At The Frazier Company, we strive to make your home a comfortable and pleasant place. Our skilled technicians are up-to-date on the latest industry training and trends, and are knowledgeable on a wide variety of systems. That’s why community members make us the premier choice for air conditioning repair in Omaha and the surrounding areas.

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

Contact The Frazier Company today at 402-581-9502 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!