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

Knowing how your AC works and the typical problems it faces can empower you to deal with simple problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you dollars on minor service calls, but realizing when to call a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into major repairs.

Your AC is an essential element of your home comfort. Because of that, you should always err on the side of caution and call a NATE-certified specialist for air conditioning repair in Marshalltown if you're not sure about any aspect of your air conditioner's operation or maintenance.

Here are several typical questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:

1. How Do I Clean an Air Conditioner?

Cleaning your AC is an effective way to make sure it runs efficiently, and possibly could extend the life of your unit.

The most important step you can take on your own is to change 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 throughout your home. If your AC filter becomes plugged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it should in order to move air through the filter. A clean filter traps the airborne debris while still allowing air to flow easily through the system.

Replacement filters are available at most popular home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be purchased 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 head out 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 hoping to buy something similar.

For thorough service of your air conditioner, contact the seasoned professionals like the crew at B & G HVAC to do scheduled maintenance on your system. They’ll look over your system, clean or lubricate parts that require attention and look for worn-out parts and potential problems.

2. How Do I Clean Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to ensuring your indoor air conditioning unit 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 quick way to boost 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 to the outdoors. This cools the refrigerant, which then goes back into your home so it can absorb more heat from the air in your home's interior. Washing 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 disconnect it completely from power, rather than turning the thermostat off.

2) Take off the top of the outdoor AC so you can access the interior of the unit. Then, being careful not to stress any cords or attachments, safely move the top to the side.

3) Put a cleaning solution on the fins, beginning at the top and moving 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 applied with your garden hose.

4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most products, it's suggested that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a small period of time to dissolve the grime and then softly spray it off with a garden hose. Be careful 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 it back on.

3. How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?

The life span of an air conditioner can vary based on the type of unit, its quality, how well it's maintained and how much it's used. Having said that, pros say you should start getting ready for air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.

One of the best ways to get the most mileage out of your HVAC is through regular conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from B & G HVAC consists of cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as replacing the filter and mending any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating a long time, reach out to us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Marshalltown.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Picking out the proper 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 total area of the space you want to cool is one of the biggest factors. Larger spaces require more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes preserve cool air better, which can reduce your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you reside in a hotter climate, you'll want a more powerful air conditioner compared to someone living in a cooler environment.
  • Number of windows: Windows frequently let in heat, in particular when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of people: More people in the house create greater body heat, which could affect your cooling needs.
  • Current HVAC system: The size and effectiveness of your current system can provide a jumping off point for determining what you need.

Given that the size of your air conditioner is so essential to your home’s comfort, you will probably want a professional opinion. At B & G HVAC, we take the time to fully 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 focus on customer service is why B & G HVAC is known for exceptional air conditioning installation in Marshalltown.

5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices fluctuate depending on the brand 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. On the plus side, a benefit of air conditioning replacement 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 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.

Realize these are average costs and prices can vary. It's always a good idea to get at least a few quotes from reliable HVAC companies before making a decision. If you’re thinking about air conditioning replacement in Marshalltown, reach out to B & G HVAC. We will schedule an appointment to provide you with a no-cost estimate, make sure you understand 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 due to many factors, all of which boil down to the AC's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your air conditioner is suffering from issues causing it to freeze up, it is very 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 sufficiently absorb heat. This could be due to a dirty air filter, obstructed return air ducts or a failing fan.
  • Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is getting low on refrigerant, it could become too cold and freeze up. This is usually a consequence of leaks in the refrigerant lines.
  • Cold outdoor temperatures: Operating an air conditioner when it's very cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Many units aren't designed to perform in temperatures lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Faulty thermostats, damaged blower motors and issues with the relay or control board can all result in an AC unit freezing up.

B & G HVAC is the Trusted Source for Air Conditioning Service in Marshalltown.

At B & G HVAC, we will make your home a comfortable and soothing place. Our experienced professionals 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 their first call for air conditioning repair in Marshalltown and nearby areas.

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

Phone B & G HVAC today at 641-316-3360 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!