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

Knowing how your AC works and the frequent problems it faces can empower you to tackle easy problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you dollars 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 a fundamental part 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 Northridge 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. What Is the Best Way to Clean an Air Conditioner?

Cleaning an air conditioning system is a good way to make sure it works efficiently, and very well could extend the life of your unit.

The most effective step you can take on your own is to swap out the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter traps dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those particulates from the air circulating in your home. If your AC filter becomes plugged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it is supposed to in order to move air through the filter. A clean filter traps the airborne debris while still enabling air to flow efficiently through the system.

Replacement filters are available 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 a smart idea to note the filtration level of the current filter if you are wanting to buy something similar.

For thorough service of your air conditioner, contact the experienced professionals like the crew at Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating to do routine maintenance on your AC. They’ll inspect 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 conditioner equipment is working efficiently, it’s important to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outside unit of your AC is a simple way to increase 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 in your home so it can soak up more heat from the air within your home. Cleaning the fins and the coils can help them release heat more easily.

To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:

1) First, turn off power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to flip the power switch off, as opposed to turning the thermostat off.

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

3) Apply a cleaning solution on the fins, first at the top and working down. Commercial coil cleaners are on the market 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 products, it's recommended that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a small period of time to attack the grime and then softly spray it off with a garden hose. Be careful 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 coils and fins to dry before turning the unit 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 often it's used. That said, experts say you should start thinking about 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. Tuneups from Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating includes cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as replacing the filter and repairing any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating as long as possible, contact us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Northridge.

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

Picking out the proper size of air conditioner for your home is vital for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some elements to consider when deciding what size air conditioner you need for your home:

  • Square footage: The size of the 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 require a more powerful air conditioner compared to someone living in a cooler place.
  • Number of windows: Windows can 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 may influence your cooling needs.
  • Present HVAC system: The size and productivity of your current system can provide a starting point for identifying what you need.

Because the size of your AC is so essential to your home’s comfort, you will definitely want a professional opinion. At Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating, we take the time to fully understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other considerations such as your home’s layout and size. This attention to detail and commitment to customer service is why Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating is known for excellent air conditioning installation in Northridge.

5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices fluctuate depending on the kind of the unit and your home’s unique needs, a new AC 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 designed to be exceptionally 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 can impact the design.

Note these are average costs and prices can vary. It's always helpful to get at least a few quotes from reliable HVAC companies before making a decision. If you’re interested in air conditioning replacement in Northridge, reach out to Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating. We can provide you with a complimentary estimate, explain the process and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. Why Do Air Conditioners Freeze Up?

An AC freezing up can be due to multiple factors, all of which boil down to the failure of your system to efficiently transfer heat. If your unit is experiencing issues causing it to freeze up, it is most likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some frequent causes of AC freezing up:

  • Inadequate airflow: If the air isn't flowing easily 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 starting to get low on refrigerant, it may grow too cold and freeze up. This is often because of leaks in the refrigerant lines.
  • Frigid outdoor temperatures: Using 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 of less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Malfunctioning thermostats, damaged blower motors and issues with the relay or control board can all contribute to an AC unit freezing up.

Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating is the Trusted Source for Air Conditioning Service in Northridge.

At Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating, we will make your home a comfortable and enjoyable place. Our qualified 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 the first choice for air conditioning repair in Northridge 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-class air conditioning installation in Northridge. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!

Phone Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating today at (818) 727-9993 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!