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

Learning how your AC works and the common problems it faces can empower you to deal with 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 component 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 Marshalltown if you're uncertain about any aspect of your AC's operation or maintenance.

Here are some common questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:

1. How Do I Clean an Air Conditioner?

Cleaning an air conditioner is a smart way to make sure it operates efficiently, and very well could extend the life of your unit.

The most important step you can take on your own is to change the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter traps dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those contaminants from the air circulating inside your home. If your AC filter becomes clogged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it 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 are available at most major home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be bought 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, noting 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 comprehensive service of your air conditioner, contact the seasoned professionals like the crew at Kapaun & Brown to do routine maintenance on your AC. They’ll examine your system, clean or lubricate parts that require attention and look for worn-out parts and potential trouble.

2. How Do I Clean Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to ensuring your indoor air conditioner equipment is working efficiently, it’s necessary to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outside unit of your cooling system is a quick way to improve its efficiency and can extend the life of your entire system.

The coils, which include extensions called fins, are used to release heat from the refrigerant into the outside air. This lowers 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. Cleansing the fins and the coils will help them release heat more efficiently.

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, rather than turning the thermostat off.

2) Lift off the top of the outdoor AC so you can access the inside of the unit. Then, taking care not to pull hard on any cords or attachments, safely put the top to the side.

3) Apply a cleaning solution on the fins, beginning 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 products, it's advised that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a short period of time to attack the grime and then carefully spray it off with a garden hose. Be careful not to spray very hard, because that could ruin the coils or fins!

5) Secure the top back on the unit and then wait for the unit to dry before turning the unit 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 well it's maintained and how much it's used. Having said that, pros say you should start thinking about 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 regular conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from Kapaun & Brown features 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 possible, call us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Marshalltown.

4. What's the Right Size of Air Conditioner?

Finding the right size of air conditioner for your home is critical for achieving comfort and efficiency. Here are some elements to consider 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. Larger spaces necessitate more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which should minimize your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you live 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, especially when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of occupants: More people in the house means additional body heat, which could impact your cooling needs.
  • Current HVAC system: The size and capability of your current system can provide a jumping off point for determining what you need.

Given that the size of your cooling system is so important to your home’s comfort, you will definitely want a professional opinion. At Kapaun & Brown, we take the time to thoroughly understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other considerations such as your home’s insulation level and size. This attention to detail and commitment to customer service is why Kapaun & Brown is known for superb air conditioning installation in Marshalltown.

5. What Does My Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices vary depending on the type 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. The good news is that new air conditioners are crafted 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 as well as federal regulations that necessitate changes to the design.

Note these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always smart to get several quotes from trusted HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re thinking about air conditioning replacement in Marshalltown, contact Kapaun & Brown. We will schedule an appointment to provide you with a complimentary estimate, explain the process 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 multiple factors, all of which boil down to the system's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your air conditioner is suffering from issues causing it to freeze up, it is more than likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some common reasons for AC freezing up:

  • Inadequate airflow: If the air isn't flowing easily through your AC system, it can't effectively absorb heat. This could be due to a clogged air filter, something stopping air from flowing through the 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 usually a consequence of leaks in the refrigerant lines.
  • Cold outdoor temperatures: Running an air conditioner when it's very cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Many units aren't designed to perform 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 contribute to an AC unit freezing up.

Kapaun & Brown is your Trusted Source for Air Conditioning Service in Marshalltown.

At Kapaun & Brown, we will make your home a comfortable and enjoyable place. Our qualified professionals 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 Marshalltown and neighboring cities.

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

Call Kapaun & Brown today at 641-321-6747 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!