They say knowledge is power, and that’s certainly true when discussing your air conditioner. While complex repairs are best left to specialists, it’s helpful to have a practical understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve common AC issues.

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

Your Air conditioner 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 Buellton if you're unsure about any aspect of your AC'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 possibly could extend the life of your unit.

The most significant action you can take on your own is to change the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter catches dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those impurities from the air circulating throughout your home. If your AC filter becomes plugged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it is supposed to in order to force air through the filter. A clean filter removes the airborne debris while still enabling air to flow easily through the system.

Replacement filters are sold at most leading home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be purchased from your local HVAC professional. A good way to make sure you get the correct filter is to look at your old one before you head out 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 wanting to buy something similar.

For thorough service of your air conditioner, contact the experienced professionals like the crew at Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning to do routine maintenance on your system. They’ll examine your system, clean or lubricate parts that require attention and look for worn-out parts and potential problems.

2. How Should I Clean the 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 an easy 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 lowers the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back in your home so it can absorb more heat from the air inside your home. Cleansing 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 disconnect it completely from power, rather than turning the thermostat off.

2) Lift off the top of the outdoor AC so you can reach the interior of the unit. Then, being cautious 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 in the form of foaming solutions that are applied with your garden hose.

4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most cleaners, it's suggested that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a short period of time to attack the grime and then softly spray it off with a garden hose. Take care not to spray really hard, because that could damage 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 Can Air Conditioners Work?

The life span of an air conditioner can vary based on the type of unit, its quality, if maintained and how much it's used. That said, industry experts 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 air conditioner is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Routine checkups from Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning consists of 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 it can, contact us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Buellton.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Finding the proper size of air conditioner for your home is crucial for maintaining 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 amount of space you want to cool is one of the biggest factors. Bigger spaces require more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes retain cool air better, which can 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 residents: More people in the house produce more body heat, which may affect your cooling needs.
  • Present HVAC system: The size and effectiveness of your current system can provide a place to start for identifying what you need.

Given that the size of your air conditioner is so important to your home’s comfort, you will almost certainly want a professional opinion. At Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning, we take the time to thoroughly 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 commitment to customer service is why Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning is known for excellent air conditioning installation in Buellton.

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

While prices fluctuate depending on the type of the unit and your home’s unique needs, a new air conditioner generally costs between $5,000 and $12,500 to purchase and install. The good thing is that new air conditioners are designed to be exceedingly efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.

The cost of an air conditioner is influenced 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.

Note 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 purchase. If you’re interested in air conditioning replacement in Buellton, get in touch with Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning. We will schedule an appointment to provide you with a free estimate, explain the process and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?

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

Here are some common causes of AC freezing up:

  • Inadequate airflow: If the air isn't flowing correctly through your AC system, it can't effectively 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 get too cold and freeze up. This is often a consequence of leaking in the refrigerant lines.
  • Cold outdoor temperatures: Using the air conditioner when it's too cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Most units aren't designed to work 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 result in an AC unit freezing up.

Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning is the Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in Buellton.

At Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning, we strive to make your home a comfortable and pleasant place. Our qualified technicians are up-to-date on the latest industry training and trends, and are experienced on a wide variety of systems. That’s why community members make us their first call for air conditioning repair in Buellton and nearby towns.

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

Call Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning today at 805-242-9638 to schedule an appointment or complimentary estimate!