They say knowledge is power, and that’s undoubtedly 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 everyday AC issues.

Understanding how your AC works and the typical problems it faces can empower you to fix easy problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you money on minor service calls, but realizing when to call a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into major repairs.

Your Air conditioning unit 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 professional for air conditioning repair in Haines City if you're not sure 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 your AC is an effective way to make sure it works efficiently, and potentially could extend the life of your unit.

The most effective action 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 plugged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it is supposed to in order to force air through the filter. A clean filter catches the airborne debris while still allowing air to flow efficiently through the system.

Replacement filters can be purchased at most major home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be purchased 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 go shopping, 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 experienced professionals like the crew at Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co. to do scheduled maintenance on your AC. They’ll examine your system, clean or lubricate parts that need it and look for worn-out parts and potential problems.

2. How Are the Coils on My Air Conditioner Cleaned?

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 cooling system is a quick way to boost 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 brings down the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back in your home so it can take in more heat from the air in your home's interior. Cleaning the fins and the coils is a way to 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 the power switch off, rather than turning the thermostat off.

2) Take off the top of the outdoor AC so you can access the inside 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 moving down. Commercial coil cleaners are available and commonly found in both the canned aerosol spray from as well as brands foaming solutions that are sprayed on with 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 short period of time to dissolve the grime and then carefully spray it off with a garden hose. Take care not to spray very hard, because that could harm the coils or fins!

5) Secure the top back on the unit and then wait for the components to dry before turning it back on.

3. What Is the Average Lifespan of My Air Conditioner?

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. That said, pros say you should start getting ready for air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.

One of the best ways to get maximum value from your HVAC is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Tuneups from Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co. includes cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as putting in a new filter and fixing any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating as long as it can, call us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Haines City.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Picking out the right 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 amount of space you need to cool is one of the most important factors. Larger spaces demand more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which should minimize your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you reside in a hotter climate, you'll need a more powerful air conditioner compared to someone living in a cooler environment.
  • Number of windows: Windows often let in heat, especially when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of residents: More people in the house means additional body heat, which could affect your cooling needs.
  • Present HVAC system: The size and productivity of your current system can provide a jumping off point for identifying what you need.

Because the size of your air conditioner is so critical to your home’s comfort, you will almost certainly want a professional opinion. At Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co., we take the time to thoroughly understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other factors such as your home’s insulation level and size. This attention to detail and commitment to customer service is why Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co. is known for excellent air conditioning installation in Haines City.

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 requirements, a new air conditioner 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 along with federal regulations that require modifications to the design.

Note these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always a good idea to get at least a few quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re considering air conditioning replacement in Haines City, contact Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co.. We can provide you with a complimentary estimate, describe the procedure and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. Why Do Air Conditioners Freeze Up?

An air conditioner freezing up can be brought on by many factors, all of which boil down to the AC's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your unit 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:

  • Poor airflow: If the air isn't flowing correctly 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 getting low on refrigerant, it can become too cold and freeze up. This is usually because of leaks in the refrigerant lines.
  • Frigid outdoor temperatures: Running the air conditioner when it's very cold outside can cause the system to freeze. The majority of units aren't designed to work in temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Malfunctioning thermostats, damaged blower motors and problems with the relay or control board can all play a role in an AC unit freezing up.

Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co. is the Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in Haines City.

At Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co., we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and pleasant place. Our skilled specialists 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 their first call for air conditioning repair in Haines City and nearby towns.

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

Call Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co. today at 863-216-2923 to schedule an appointment or complimentary estimate!