They say knowledge is power, and that’s undoubtedly true when it comes to your air conditioner. While complex repairs are best left to professionals, 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 will allow you to handle 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 major repairs.

Your Air conditioner is an essential component 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 Manassas if you're uncertain about any aspect of your air conditioning system’s operation or maintenance.

Here are some typical 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 possibly could extend the life of your unit.

The most significant step you can take on your own is to swap out 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 ought to in order to move air through the filter. A clean filter removes the airborne debris while still enabling air to flow easily through the system.

Replacement filters are available at most major home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be purchased 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 helpful to note the filtration level of the current filter if you are wanting to buy something similar.

For comprehensive service of your air conditioner, contact the seasoned professionals like the crew at Fire & Ice HVAC to do scheduled maintenance on your unit. They’ll examine your system, clean or lubricate parts that require attention 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 working efficiently, it’s necessary to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outdoor unit of your air conditioner 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 lowers the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back in your home so it can take in more heat from the air inside your home. Cleansing 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 flip off the the on/off switch, instead of turning the thermostat off.

2) Lift off the top of the outdoor AC so you can access the insides of the unit. Then, taking care 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 then working your way down. Commercial coil cleaners are sold and commonly found in both the canned aerosol spray from as well as products foaming solutions that are sprayed on 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 loosen the grime and then gently spray it off with a garden hose. Take care 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 unit to dry before turning the power back on.

3. How Long Can Air Conditioners Work?

The life span of an air conditioner changes depending on the type of unit, its quality, how often it's maintained and how frequently it's used. Having said that, experts say you should start getting ready for air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.

One of the best ways to get the most mileage out of your system is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from Fire & Ice HVAC includes 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, reach out to us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Manassas.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Finding the right size of air conditioner for your home is vital for achieving comfort and efficiency. Here are some factors to take into account when deciding what size air conditioner is right for your home:

  • Square footage: The size of the space you want to cool is one of the biggest 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 someone living in a cooler climate.
  • 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 produce additional body heat, which may affect your cooling needs.
  • Existing HVAC system: The size and performance of your current system can provide a starting point for identifying what you need.

Due to the fact the size of your air conditioner is so critical to your home’s comfort, you will probably want a professional opinion. At Fire & Ice HVAC, we take the time to completely 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 focus on customer service is why Fire & Ice HVAC is known for exceptional air conditioning installation in Manassas.

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

While prices vary depending on the brand 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. On the plus side, a benefit of air conditioning replacement is that new air conditioners are designed to be exceedingly efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.

The price of an air conditioner is impacted 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 can impact the design.

Know these are average costs and prices can vary. It's always helpful to get at least a few quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a choice. If you’re considering air conditioning replacement in Manassas, contact Fire & Ice HVAC. 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?

An air conditioner freezing up can be brought on by many factors, all of which boil down to the failure of your system to efficiently transfer heat. If your air conditioner is having issues causing it to freeze up, it is most likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some common triggers for AC freezing up:

  • Insufficient airflow: If the air isn't flowing properly 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 starting to get low on refrigerant, it could grow too cold and freeze up. This is frequently the result of leaks in the refrigerant lines.
  • Frosty 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 of less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Broken thermostats, damaged blower motors and issues with the relay or control board can all result in an AC unit freezing up.

Fire & Ice HVAC is the Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in Manassas.

At Fire & Ice HVAC, we will make your home a comfortable and pleasant place. Our knowledgeable 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 Manassas and neighboring cities.

If you’re seeking 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 Manassas. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!

Contact Fire & Ice HVAC today at 703-595-4157 to schedule an appointment or complimentary estimate!