They say knowledge is power, and that’s undoubtedly true when discussing 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 general AC issues.

Learning how your AC works and the typical problems it faces will enable you to fix easy problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you dollars on minor service calls, but understanding when to call a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into catastrophic 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 specialist for air conditioning repair in Kearney if you're not sure about any aspect of your AC's operation or maintenance.

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

1. How Should I Clean My Air Conditioner?

Cleaning an air conditioner is a smart way to make sure it runs efficiently, and very well could extend the life of your unit.

The most effective 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 inside your home. If your AC filter becomes choked with debris, the air conditioner has to work harder than it should in order to pull air through the filter. A clean filter traps the airborne debris while still enabling air to flow easily through the system.

Replacement filters can be purchased at most popular home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be purchased from your local HVAC specialist. A good way to make sure you get the right 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 a smart idea to note the filtration level of the current filter if you are hoping to buy something similar.

For detailed service of your air conditioner, contact the skilled professionals like the crew at Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning to do scheduled maintenance on your unit. They’ll look over 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 making sure your indoor air conditioning unit is operating efficiently, it’s also a good idea to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outside 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 into the outside air. This brings down 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 is a way to help them release heat more efficiently.

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, instead of turning the thermostat off.

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

3) Put a cleaning solution on the fins, first at the top and moving down. Commercial coil cleaners are on the market and commonly found in both the canned aerosol spray from as well as products foaming solutions that are sprayed on with an attachment to your garden hose.

4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most products, it's recommended that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a small period of time to loosen the grime and then carefully spray it off with a garden hose. Be cautious 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 the power 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, if maintained and how often it's used. Having said that, industry 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 system is through regular conditioner maintenance. Tuneups from Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning features cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as putting in a new filter and mending any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating as long as possible, contact us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Kearney.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

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

  • Square footage: The size of the space you have to cool is one of the key factors. Bigger spaces require more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes retain cool air better, which can minimize your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you are living in a hotter climate, you'll need a more powerful air conditioner compared to a homeowner living in a cooler place.
  • 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 additional body heat, which can influence your cooling needs.
  • Existing HVAC system: The size and productivity of your current system can provide a jumping off point for deciding what you need.

Because the size of your cooling system is so essential to your home’s comfort, you will definitely want a professional opinion. At Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning, we take the time to fully understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other factors such as your home’s design and size. This attention to detail and dedication to customer service is why Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning is known for superb air conditioning installation in Kearney.

5. What Is the Cost of a New Air Conditioner?

While prices fluctuate depending on the kind 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 crafted to be extremely efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.

The price tag 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 along with federal regulations that require modifications to the design.

Know these are average costs and prices can fluctuate. It's always smart to get at least a few quotes from reliable HVAC companies before making a choice. If you’re considering air conditioning replacement in Kearney, contact Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning. We will schedule an appointment to provide you with a complimentary 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 multiple factors, all of which boil down to the AC's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your air conditioner is experiencing issues causing it to freeze up, it is more than likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some typical causes of AC freezing up:

  • Insufficient 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, something stopping air from flowing through the return air ducts or a failing fan.
  • Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is getting low on refrigerant, it could get too cold and freeze up. This is usually because of leaking in the refrigerant lines.
  • Frosty outdoor temperatures: Using an air conditioner when it's very cold outside can cause the system to freeze. The majority of units aren't designed to perform in temperatures of less than 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.

Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning is the Trusted Source for Air Conditioning Service in Kearney.

At Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning, we strive to make your home a comfortable and pleasant place. Our experienced technicians 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 Kearney and nearby towns.

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

Phone Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning today at 308-270-3765 to schedule an appointment or complimentary estimate!