They say knowledge is power, and that’s certainly true when talking about your air conditioner. While complicated repairs are best left to experts, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve common AC issues.

Learning 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 reach out to a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into complex repairs.

Your AC is an important 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 Carpentersville if you're uncertain about any aspect of your air conditioner's operation or maintenance.

Here are a few of the frequent questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:

1. What Is the Best Way to Clean an Air Conditioner?

Cleaning an air conditioning system is an effective way to make sure it runs efficiently, and potentially 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 captures dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those contaminants from the air circulating in your home. If your AC filter becomes choked with debris, the air conditioner has to work harder than it really should in order to move air through the filter. A clean filter traps the airborne debris while still permitting air to flow easily 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 leave for the store, noting 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 trying to buy something similar.

For comprehensive service of your air conditioner, contact the seasoned professionals like the crew at Controlled Comfort HVAC to do regular maintenance on your AC. They’ll examine your system, clean or lubricate parts that require attention and look for worn-out parts and potential issues.

2. How Should I Clean the Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to ensuring your indoor air conditioning unit is working efficiently, it’s important to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outdoor unit of your cooling system is a simple way to improve 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 in your home so it can take in more heat from the air in your home's interior. 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, shut off power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to flip off the the on/off switch, rather than turning the thermostat off.

2) Remove the top of the outdoor AC so you can access the interior of the unit. Then, taking care not to stress any cords or attachments, safely move the top to the side.

3) Apply 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 recommended that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a short period of time to loosen the grime and then softly spray it off with a garden hose. Be cautious not to spray too 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. What Is the Average Lifespan of My Air Conditioner?

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

One of the best ways to make the most of your air conditioner is through AC conditioner maintenance. Routine checkups from Controlled Comfort HVAC consists of cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as putting in a new filter and fixing any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating as long as it can, contact us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Carpentersville.

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

Choosing the right size of air conditioner for your home is critical for achieving comfort and efficiency. Here are some factors to take into account when deciding what size air conditioner to buy for your home:

  • Square footage: The total area of the space you have to cool is one of the biggest factors. Larger spaces demand more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes preserve cool air better, which can decrease your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you live in a hotter climate, you'll want a more powerful air conditioner compared to a person living in a cooler environment.
  • Number of windows: Windows often let in heat, particularly when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of occupants: More people in the house means greater body heat, which could affect your cooling needs.
  • Current HVAC system: The size and effectiveness of your current system can provide a starting point for deciding what you need.

Due to the fact the size of your AC is so important to your home’s comfort, you will probably want a professional opinion. At Controlled Comfort HVAC, we take the time to thoroughly 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 Controlled Comfort HVAC is known for excellent air conditioning installation in Carpentersville.

5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices differ 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. 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 as well as federal regulations that necessitate changes to the design.

Realize these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always a good idea to get several quotes from trusted HVAC companies before making a decision. If you’re interested in air conditioning replacement in Carpentersville, reach out to Controlled Comfort HVAC. We can provide you with a free estimate, describe the procedure and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. Why Do Air Conditioners Freeze Up?

An air conditioner freezing up can be due to a variety of factors, all of which boil down to the system's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your unit is having issues causing it to freeze up, it is most likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some frequent causes of AC freezing up:

  • Poor airflow: If the air isn't flowing correctly 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 starting to get low on refrigerant, it could get too cold and freeze up. This is frequently a consequence of leaks in the refrigerant lines.
  • Frosty outdoor temperatures: Operating the air conditioner when it's really cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Most units aren't designed to work 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 play a role in an AC unit freezing up.

Controlled Comfort HVAC is the Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in Carpentersville.

At Controlled Comfort HVAC, we strive to make your home a comfortable and enjoyable place. Our qualified 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 premier choice for air conditioning repair in Carpentersville and neighboring towns.

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

Call Controlled Comfort HVAC today at 224-335-9783 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!