They say knowledge is power, and that’s certainly the truth when talking about your air conditioner. While complicated repairs are best left to specialists, 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 will allow you to handle simple problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you money on minor service calls, but realizing when to contact a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into catastrophic repairs.

Your AC 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 Buellton if you're uncertain about any aspect of your AC's operation or maintenance.

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

1. How Should I Clean My Air Conditioner?

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

The most significant step you can take on your own is to change the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter captures dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those particulates from the air circulating in your home. If your AC filter becomes clogged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it is supposed to in order to pull air through the filter. A clean filter traps the airborne debris while still allowing air to flow freely through the system.

Replacement filters are available at most popular home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be bought 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, 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 detailed service of your air conditioner, contact the seasoned professionals like the crew at Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning to do routine maintenance on your system. They’ll look over your system, clean or lubricate parts that need cleaning and look for worn-out parts and potential trouble.

2. How Should I Clean the Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to ensuring your indoor air conditioner equipment is functioning efficiently, it’s important to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outdoor unit of your air conditioner is a quick way to improve 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 to the outdoors. This cools 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 easily.

To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:

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

2) Lift off the top of the outdoor AC so you can access the interior of the unit. Then, being cautious not to pull hard on any cords or attachments, safely set the top to the side.

3) Put a cleaning solution on the fins, first at the top and then working your way 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 your garden hose.

4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most brands, it's suggested that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a short period of time to dissolve the grime and then gently spray it off with a garden hose. Be cautious not to spray really 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 Can Air Conditioners Work?

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

One of the best ways to get the most mileage out of your HVAC is through AC conditioner maintenance. Routine checkups from Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning features 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 Buellton.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Should I Have?

Choosing the correct sized air conditioner for your home is critical 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 total area of the space you need to cool is one of the key factors. More expansive spaces require more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes retain cool air better, which can minimize your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you live in a hotter climate, you'll want a more powerful air conditioner compared to a homeowner living in a cooler environment.
  • 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 additional body heat, which may affect your cooling needs.
  • Existing HVAC system: The size and performance of your current system can provide a place to start for deciding what you need.

Due to the fact the size of your cooling system is so critical to your home’s comfort, you will likely 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 considerations such as your home’s layout and size. This attention to detail and commitment to customer service is why Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning is known for superb air conditioning installation in Buellton.

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

While prices vary depending on the type 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. The good thing is that new air conditioners are developed to be extremely 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 along with federal regulations that require modifications to the design.

Know these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always smart to get at least a few quotes from reliable HVAC companies before making a choice. If you’re interested in air conditioning replacement in Buellton, contact Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning. We will schedule an appointment to provide you with a no-cost estimate, explain the procedure and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?

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

Here are some common triggers for AC freezing up:

  • Inadequate airflow: If the air isn't flowing properly through your AC system, it can't adequately absorb heat. This could be due to a clogged air filter, blocked return air ducts or a failing fan.
  • Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is running low on refrigerant, it could get too cold and freeze up. This is frequently a consequence of leaks in the refrigerant lines.
  • Very Chilly outdoor temperatures: Using an air conditioner when it's very cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Many units aren't designed to function in temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Faulty thermostats, damaged blower motors and problems with the relay or control board can all result in an AC unit freezing up.

Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning is your Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in Buellton.

At Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning, we will make your home a comfortable and soothing place. Our experienced specialists 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 the premier choice for air conditioning repair in Buellton and neighboring cities.

If you’re looking to upgrade or its time for a new air conditioner, we’ve got you covered there too, with our first-class 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 no-cost estimate!