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

Learning how your AC works and the typical problems it faces can empower 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 understanding when to reach out to a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into major 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 specialist for air conditioning repair in Northridge if you're unsure about any aspect of your air conditioning system’s operation or maintenance.

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

1. How Do I Clean an Air Conditioner?

Cleaning an air conditioning system is a smart way to make sure it runs efficiently, and potentially could extend the life of your unit.

The most effective action you can take 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 contaminants from the air circulating throughout your home. If your AC filter becomes choked with debris, the air conditioner has to work harder than it really should in order to pull air through the filter. A clean filter removes the airborne debris while still allowing 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 expert. A good way to make sure you get the right filter is to look at your old one before you leave for the store, taking care to write down the size of the filter. If you’re not familiar with filters, it’s also a good idea 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 Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating to do regular maintenance on your unit. They’ll look over your system, clean or lubricate parts that need cleaning and look for worn-out parts and potential problems.

2. How Do I Clean Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to making certain that your indoor air conditioning unit is working efficiently, it’s also a good idea to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the exterior unit of your cooling system is a simple way to increase its efficiency and can extend the life of your entire system.

The coils, which are attached to 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 absorb more heat from the air in your home's interior. Cleaning 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 flip off the the on/off switch, instead of turning the thermostat off.

2) Lift off the top of the outdoor AC so you can access the interior of the unit. Then, taking care not to strain any cords or attachments, safely set the top to the side.

3) Spray a cleaning solution on the fins, starting at the top and then working your way 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 brands, it's recommended that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a brief period of time to attack the grime and then carefully 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 the unit back on.

3. How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?

The life span of an air conditioner depends on the type of unit, its quality, if maintained and how often it's used. That said, 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 HVAC is through AC conditioner maintenance. Routine checkups from Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating features cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as putting in a new filter and repairing any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating a long time, contact us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Northridge.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Choosing the proper size of air conditioner for your home is crucial for achieving 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 size of the space you want to cool is one of the key factors. More expansive spaces necessitate more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes retain cool air better, which should reduce your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you reside 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 people: More people in the house produce greater body heat, which could 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.

Given that the size of your AC is so critical 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 variables such as your home’s layout and size. This attention to detail and focus on 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 differ depending on the size of the unit and your home’s unique needs, a new air conditioning system 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 exceptionally efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.

The cost 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 in addition to federal regulations that necessitate changes to the design.

Know these are average costs and prices can fluctuate. It's always smart to get several quotes from reliable HVAC companies before making a decision. If you’re considering air conditioning replacement in Northridge, reach out to Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating. We will provide you with a no-cost estimate, make sure you understand the plan 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 AC's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your unit is suffering from issues causing it to freeze up, it is most likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some common triggers for 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 plugged air filter, obstructed return air ducts or a failing fan.
  • Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is starting to get low on refrigerant, it may become too cold and freeze up. This is frequently a consequence of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
  • Very Chilly outdoor temperatures: Operating an air conditioner when it's too cold outside can cause the system to freeze. The majority of units aren't designed to operate 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 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 the premier choice for air conditioning repair in Northridge and nearby areas.

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

Call Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating today at (818) 727-9993 to schedule an appointment or complimentary estimate!