They say knowledge is power, and that’s definitely accurate when it comes to your air conditioner. While complicated repairs are best left to professionals, it’s helpful to have a rudimentary understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve common AC issues.

Understanding how your AC works and the typical problems it faces will enable you to handle simple problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you cash on minor service calls, but understanding when to call a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into catastrophic repairs.

Your AC is an essential 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 Albuquerque if you're not sure about any aspect of your air conditioner'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 an effective 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 particulates from the air circulating inside 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 permitting air to flow freely through the system.

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

For detailed service of your air conditioner, contact the seasoned professionals like the crew at I-Deal HVAC to do scheduled maintenance on your system. They’ll look over your system, clean or lubricate parts that require attention and look for worn-out parts and potential issues.

2. How Do I Clean Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to ensuring your indoor air conditioning unit is operating efficiently, it’s important to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the exterior unit of your air conditioner is a simple way to improve 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 into the outside air. This cools the refrigerant, which then goes back in your home so it can absorb more heat from the air inside your home. Washing the fins and the coils will help them release heat more efficiently.

To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:

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

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

3) Apply a cleaning solution on the fins, beginning at the top and moving 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 cleaners, it's advised 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. Take care 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 depends on the type of unit, its quality, how often it's maintained and how often it's used. Having said that, industry experts say you should start getting ready for air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.

One of the best ways to make the most of your air conditioner is through regular conditioner maintenance. Routine checkups from I-Deal HVAC features cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as replacing the filter and mending any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating a long time, contact us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Albuquerque.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Picking out the right size of air conditioner for your home is crucial 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 amount of space you want to cool is one of the most important factors. Larger spaces require more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes preserve cool air better, which can decrease your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you live in a hotter climate, you'll want a more powerful air conditioner compared to a person living in a cooler environment.
  • Number of windows: Windows can let in heat, especially when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of residents: More people in the house create more body heat, which could impact your cooling needs.
  • Existing HVAC system: The size and productivity of your current system can provide a starting point for determining what you need.

Given that the size of your AC is so important to your home’s comfort, you will likely want a professional opinion. At I-Deal HVAC, we take the time to completely understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other variables such as your home’s design and size. This attention to detail and focus on customer service is why I-Deal HVAC is known for superb air conditioning installation in Albuquerque.

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

While prices vary depending on the kind 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 news is that new air conditioners are designed to be exceptionally efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.

The cost 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 as well as federal regulations that necessitate changes to the design.

Note these are average costs and prices can differ. 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 Albuquerque, get in touch with I-Deal HVAC. We will provide you with a free estimate, make sure you understand 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 due to a number of factors, all of which boil down to the AC's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your air conditioner is suffering from issues causing it to freeze up, it is very likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some common causes of AC freezing up:

  • Insufficient 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 grow too cold and freeze up. This is often a consequence of leakages in the refrigerant lines.
  • Frosty outdoor temperatures: Operating your air conditioner when it's too cold outside can cause the system to freeze. The majority of units aren't designed to work in temperatures of less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Faulty thermostats, damaged blower motors and issues with the relay or control board can all contribute to an AC unit freezing up.

I-Deal HVAC is your Trusted Source for Air Conditioning Service in Albuquerque.

At I-Deal HVAC, we strive to make your home a comfortable and soothing place. Our skilled technicians are up-to-date on the latest industry training and trends, and are knowledgeable on a wide variety of systems. That’s why community members make us the premier choice for air conditioning repair in Albuquerque and the surrounding areas.

If you’re seeking 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 Albuquerque. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!

Contact I-Deal HVAC today at 505-317-9598 to schedule an appointment or complimentary estimate!