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

Learning how your AC works and the typical problems it faces can empower you to tackle simple problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you dollars on minor service calls, but knowing when to reach out to a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into major repairs.

Your Air conditioner 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 technician for air conditioning repair in Rapid City if you're unsure about any aspect of your air conditioning system’s operation or maintenance.

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

1. How Should I Clean My Air Conditioner?

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

The most effective thing you can do on your own is to replace the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter captures dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those contaminants from the air circulating inside your home. If your AC filter becomes choked with debris, 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 permitting air to flow freely through the system.

Replacement filters are available at most leading home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be purchased from your local HVAC specialist. A good way to make sure you get the right 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 hoping to buy something similar.

For thorough service of your air conditioner, contact the experienced professionals like the crew at Precision Mechanical to do regular 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 problems.

2. How Should I Clean the Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to making sure your indoor air conditioner equipment is functioning efficiently, it’s necessary to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outside unit of your air conditioner 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 to the outdoors. This lowers the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back inside 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 easily.

To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:

1) First, shut off power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to flip off the the on/off switch, rather than turning the thermostat off.

2) Take off the top of the outdoor AC so you can reach the insides of the unit. Then, being cautious not to stress any cords or attachments, safely put the top to the side.

3) Spray 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 sprayed on 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 brief period of time to loosen the grime and then softly spray it off with a garden hose. Be careful not to spray very 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 Can Air Conditioners Work?

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, pros say you should start looking into air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.

One of the best ways to get maximum value from your air conditioner is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Tuneups from Precision Mechanical includes 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, call us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Rapid City.

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

Picking out the right size of air conditioner for your home is crucial for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some elements to take into account when deciding what size air conditioner you need for your home:

  • Square footage: The size of the space you have to cool is one of the biggest factors. Bigger spaces necessitate more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes retain cool air better, which could decrease your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you reside in a hotter climate, you'll want a more powerful air conditioner compared to a homeowner living in a cooler place.
  • Number of windows: Windows frequently let in heat, in particular when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of people: More people in the house create additional body heat, which may influence your cooling needs.
  • Current HVAC system: The size and performance of your current system can provide a starting point for deciding what you need.

Given that the size of your AC is so important to your home’s comfort, you will almost certainly want a professional opinion. At Precision Mechanical, we take the time to completely understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other considerations such as your home’s layout and size. This attention to detail and commitment to customer service is why Precision Mechanical is known for exceptional air conditioning installation in Rapid City.

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

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

The cost 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 in addition to federal regulations that can impact the design.

Know these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always smart to get several quotes from reliable HVAC companies before making a choice. If you’re contemplating air conditioning replacement in Rapid City, reach out to Precision Mechanical. We can provide you with a free estimate, describe the plan and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?

An air conditioner freezing up can be caused by many factors, all of which boil down to the failure of your system to efficiently transfer heat. If your AC 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:

  • Insufficient airflow: If the air isn't flowing correctly through your AC system, it can't sufficiently absorb heat. This could be due to a plugged air filter, obstructed return air ducts or a failing fan.
  • Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is getting low on refrigerant, it could grow too cold and freeze up. This is frequently because of leaks in the refrigerant lines.
  • Very Chilly outdoor temperatures: Operating the air conditioner when it's really 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: Faulty thermostats, damaged blower motors and problems with the relay or control board can all contribute to an AC unit freezing up.

Precision Mechanical is the Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in Rapid City.

At Precision Mechanical, 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 experienced on a wide variety of systems. That’s why community members make us the first choice for air conditioning repair in Rapid City and the surrounding areas.

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

Contact Precision Mechanical today at 605-206-3766 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!