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

Learning how your AC works and the common problems it faces will allow you to tackle 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 contact a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into catastrophic 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 specialist for air conditioning repair in Lodi if you're unsure about any aspect of your air conditioning system’s operation or maintenance.

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

1. How Do I Clean an Air Conditioner?

Cleaning an air conditioner is a good way to make sure it operates efficiently, and possibly 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 catches dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those impurities from the air circulating throughout your home. If your AC filter becomes clogged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it really should in order to move air through the filter. A clean filter removes the airborne debris while still permitting air to flow efficiently through the system.

Replacement filters are sold at most popular home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be ordered from your local HVAC specialist. A good way to make sure you get the correct filter is to look at your old one before you leave for the store, jotting 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 hoping to buy something similar.

For comprehensive service of your air conditioner, contact the seasoned professionals like the crew at Tokay to do regular maintenance on your system. They’ll examine 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 making sure your indoor air conditioning unit is working efficiently, it’s important to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the exterior unit of your AC is a quick 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 cooler air outside. This cools 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 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, instead of turning the thermostat off.

2) Remove the top of the outdoor AC so you can access the interior of the unit. Then, being cautious not to stress any cords or attachments, safely put the top to the side.

3) Apply a cleaning solution on the fins, beginning at the top and working down. Commercial coil cleaners are on the market and commonly found in both the canned aerosol spray from as well as brands foaming solutions that are applied 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 small period of time to loosen the grime and then gently spray it off with a garden hose. Be cautious 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 unit to dry before turning the power back on.

3. How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?

The life span of an air conditioner changes depending on the type of unit, its quality, if maintained and how frequently 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 regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Routine checkups from Tokay 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, contact us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Lodi.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Picking out the proper size of air conditioner for your home is crucial for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some factors to consider when deciding what size air conditioner is right for your home:

  • Square footage: The total area of the space you have to cool is one of the most important factors. More expansive spaces require more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes hold cool air better, which could reduce your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you reside in a hotter climate, you'll want a more powerful air conditioner compared to someone living in a cooler environment.
  • Number of windows: Windows frequently let in heat, particularly when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of residents: More people in the house create more body heat, which can influence your cooling needs.
  • Existing HVAC system: The size and productivity of your current system can provide a jumping off point for determining what you need.

Due to the fact the size of your cooling system is so important to your home’s comfort, you will definitely want a professional opinion. At Tokay, we take the time to thoroughly 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 commitment to customer service is why Tokay is known for exceptional air conditioning installation in Lodi.

5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices differ depending on the size 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. The good thing 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 as well as federal regulations that require modifications to the design.

Realize these are average costs and prices can fluctuate. It's always helpful to get numerous quotes from reliable HVAC companies before making a decision. If you’re thinking about air conditioning replacement in Lodi, reach out to Tokay. 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. What Causes an Air Conditioner to Freeze Up?

Air conditioning 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 unit is experiencing issues causing it to freeze up, it is very likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some common causes of 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 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 getting low on refrigerant, it can get too cold and freeze up. This is frequently because of leaking in the refrigerant lines.
  • Frigid outdoor temperatures: Running 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 trouble with the relay or control board can all play a role in an AC unit freezing up.

Tokay is the Trusted Source for Air Conditioning Service in Lodi.

At Tokay, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and pleasant place. Our experienced 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 the premier choice for air conditioning repair in Lodi and the surrounding areas.

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

Phone Tokay today at 209-257-3156 to schedule an appointment or complimentary estimate!