They say knowledge is power, and that’s definitely true when it comes to your air conditioner. While complex repairs are best left to professionals, it’s helpful to have a rudimentary understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve ordinary AC issues.
Knowing how your AC works and the typical problems it faces will enable you to deal with simple problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you cash on minor service calls, but realizing when to reach out to 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 professional for air conditioning repair in Manassas if you're uncertain about any aspect of your air conditioning system’s operation or maintenance.
Here are several frequent questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:
1. What Is the Best Way to Clean an Air Conditioner?
Cleaning your AC is a good way to make sure it operates efficiently, and possibly could extend the life of your unit.
The most effective 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 impurities from the air circulating throughout your home. If your AC filter becomes plugged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it should in order to force air through the filter. A clean filter traps the airborne debris while still permitting air to flow freely through the system.
Replacement filters are sold 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 proper filter is to look at your old one before you leave 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 wanting to buy something similar.
For thorough service of your air conditioner, contact the experienced professionals like the crew at Air-Right Energy Design to do routine maintenance on your system. They’ll examine your system, clean or lubricate parts that require attention and look for worn-out parts and potential trouble.
2. How Should I Clean the Air Conditioner Coils?
In addition to ensuring your indoor air conditioner equipment is operating efficiently, it’s necessary to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the exterior unit of your cooling system is a quick way to boost 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 brings down the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back inside your home so it can absorb more heat from the air within your home. Washing the fins and the coils will help them release heat more effectively.
To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:
1) First, shut off power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to flip the power switch off, rather than turning the thermostat off.
2) Remove the top of the outdoor AC so you can enter the insides of the unit. Then, being careful not to pull hard on any cords or attachments, safely set the top to the side.
3) Spray a cleaning solution on the fins, first at the top and moving down. Commercial coil cleaners are sold 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 cleaners, it's recommended that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a short period of time to loosen the grime and then gently spray it off with a garden hose. Be careful not to spray really hard, because that could harm the coils or fins!
5) Secure the top back on the unit and then wait for the components to dry before turning the power back on.
3. How Long Can Air Conditioners Work?
The life span of an air conditioner can vary based on the type of unit, its quality, how well it's maintained and how often it's used. That said, pros say you should start thinking about air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.
One of the best ways to get maximum value from your air conditioner is through regular conditioner maintenance. Routine checkups from Air-Right Energy Design features cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as putting in a new filter and repairing any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating as long as it can, call us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Manassas.
4. What's the Right Size of Air Conditioner?
Choosing the right size of air conditioner for your home is critical 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 most important factors. Bigger spaces require more cooling power.
- Home insulation: Well-insulated homes preserve cool air better, which could minimize your cooling needs.
- Climate: If you reside in a hotter climate, you'll require a more powerful air conditioner compared to a homeowner living in a cooler environment.
- Number of windows: Windows can let in heat, particularly when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
- Number of occupants: More people in the house create additional body heat, which may influence your cooling needs.
- Present HVAC system: The size and performance of your current system can provide a jumping off point for deciding what you need.
Given that the size of your cooling system is so critical to your home’s comfort, you will probably want a professional opinion. At Air-Right Energy Design, we take the time to completely understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other considerations such as your home’s design and size. This attention to detail and commitment to customer service is why Air-Right Energy Design is known for excellent air conditioning installation in Manassas.
5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?
While prices vary depending on the type of the unit and your home’s unique needs, a new AC 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 developed to be exceedingly efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.
The price tag 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 along with federal regulations that can impact the design.
Realize these are average costs and prices can vary. It's always a good idea to get numerous quotes from trusted HVAC companies before making a choice. If you’re thinking about air conditioning replacement in Manassas, get in touch with Air-Right Energy Design. We will provide you with a no-cost estimate, make sure you understand the procedure 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 a number of 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 very likely time for air conditioning repair.
Here are some typical triggers for AC freezing up:
- Inadequate airflow: If the air isn't flowing properly through your AC system, it can't properly absorb heat. This could be due to a plugged air filter, blocked return air ducts or a failing fan.
- Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is starting to get low on refrigerant, it can become too cold and freeze up. This is usually because of leaks in the refrigerant lines.
- Frosty outdoor temperatures: Running an air conditioner when it's really cold outside can cause the system to freeze. The majority of units aren't designed to perform in temperatures lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
- Mechanical failures: Faulty thermostats, damaged blower motors and issues with the relay or control board can all result in an AC unit freezing up.
Air-Right Energy Design is the Trusted Source for Air Conditioning Service in Manassas.
At Air-Right Energy Design, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and enjoyable place. Our qualified specialists 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 their first call for air conditioning repair in Manassas and neighboring towns.
If you’re seeking to upgrade or its time for a new unit, we’ve got you covered there too, with our first-rate air conditioning installation in Manassas. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!
Call Air-Right Energy Design today at 703-260-1148 to schedule an appointment or no-cost estimate!
