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

Knowing how your AC works and the common problems it faces will allow 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 knowing when to contact a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into major repairs.

Your Air conditioner is an important component of your home comfort. Because of that, you should always err on the side of caution and call a NATE-certified technician for air conditioning repair in Lodi if you’re uncertain about any aspect of your air conditioner’s operation or maintenance.

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

• 1. How Do I Clean an Air Conditioner?
  Cleaning your AC is an effective way to make sure it works efficiently, and possibly could extend the life of your unit.
  The most effective thing you can do 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 impurities from the air circulating inside your home. If your AC filter becomes choked with debris, the air conditioner has to work harder than it ought to in order to move air through the filter. A clean filter traps the airborne debris while still allowing air to flow easily through the system.
  Replacement filters are sold at most major home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be bought from your local HVAC expert. 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 helpful 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 Tokay Heating & Air 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 making certain that your indoor AC unit is working efficiently, it’s necessary to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the exterior unit of your cooling system is an easy 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 into the cooler air outside. This lowers the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back inside your home so it can soak up more heat from the air within your home. 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, shut off power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to disconnect it completely from power, rather than turning the thermostat off.
  2. Lift off the top of the outdoor AC so you can reach the interior of the unit. Then, being cautious not to pull hard on any cords or attachments, safely move the top to the side.
  3. Spray 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 applied with your garden hose.
  4. Follow directions on the product to apply. For most brands, 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. 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 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 changes depending on the type of unit, its quality, how well it’s maintained and how frequently it’s used. However, experts say you should start thinking about air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.
  One of the best ways to make the most of your HVAC is through regular conditioner maintenance. Routine checkups from Tokay Heating & Air 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 a long time, call us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Lodi.
• What Size Air Conditioner Should I Have?
  Choosing the correct sized air conditioner for your home is crucial for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some elements to think about when deciding what size air conditioner is right for your home:
  1. Square footage: The amount of space you want to cool is one of the most important factors. More expansive spaces necessitate more cooling power.
  2. Home insulation: Well-insulated homes preserve cool air better, which can reduce your cooling needs.
  3. Climate: If you reside in a hotter climate, you’ll need a more powerful air conditioner compared to a person living in a cooler climate.
  4. Number of windows: Windows can let in heat, especially when they’re south-facing or not well-insulated.
  5. Number of residents: More people in the house produce additional body heat, which may affect your cooling needs.
  6. Existing HVAC system: The size and performance of your current system can provide a starting point for determining what you need.

Because the size of your cooling system is so essential to your home’s comfort, you will likely want a professional opinion. At Tokay Heating & Air, we take the time to fully understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other factors such as your home’s layout and size. This attention to detail and dedication to customer service is why Tokay Heating & Air is known for excellent air conditioning installation in Lodi.

• How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?
  While prices vary depending on the brand of the unit and your home’s unique needs, 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 cost of an air conditioner is influenced by several factors during the manufacturing process, such as the cost and availability of raw materials, manufacturing and labor costs in addition to federal regulations that require modifications to the design.
  Note these are average costs and prices can vary. It’s always smart to get at least a few quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a purchase. If you’re considering air conditioning replacement in Lodi, get in touch with Tokay Heating & Air. We will schedule an appointment to provide you with a free estimate, describe the procedure and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.
• What Causes an Air Conditioner to Freeze Up?
  An air conditioner freezing up can be due to multiple factors, all of which boil down to the failure of your system to efficiently transfer heat. If your unit is having issues causing it to freeze up, it is most likely time for air conditioning repair.
  Here are some frequent reasons for AC freezing up:
  1. Inadequate airflow: If the air isn’t flowing properly through your AC system, it can’t effectively absorb heat. This could be due to a clogged air filter, obstructed return air ducts or a failing fan.
  2. Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is getting low on refrigerant, it could grow too cold and freeze up. This is frequently the result of leaks in the refrigerant lines.
  3. Frosty outdoor temperatures: Operating your air conditioner when it’s very cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Many units aren’t designed to function in temperatures lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  4. Mechanical failures: Malfunctioning thermostats, damaged blower motors and problems with the relay or control board can all result in an AC unit freezing up.