They say knowledge is power, and that’s certainly accurate when talking about 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 general AC issues.

Learning how your AC works and the common 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 call a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into major repairs.

Your Air conditioning unit is a fundamental 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 Front Royal if you're unsure about any aspect of your AC's operation or maintenance.

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

1. How Do I Clean an Air Conditioner?

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

The most effective action you can take 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 particulates from the air circulating throughout your home. If your AC filter becomes choked with debris, the air conditioner has to work harder than it really should in order to pull air through the filter. A clean filter catches the airborne debris while still enabling air to flow freely through the system.

Replacement filters are available at most major home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be purchased from your local HVAC professional. A good way to make sure you get the correct filter is to look at your old one before you go shopping, taking care to write 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 wanting to buy something similar.

For thorough service of your air conditioner, contact the seasoned professionals like the crew at Dave's Diversified Services to do scheduled maintenance on your unit. They’ll look over your system, clean or lubricate parts that need cleaning and look for worn-out parts and potential issues.

2. How Do I Clean Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to ensuring your indoor air conditioner equipment is working efficiently, it’s important to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the exterior unit of your AC is an easy 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 brings down the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back inside your home so it can absorb more heat from the air in your home's interior. Cleansing the fins and the coils will help them release heat more effectively.

To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:

1) First, shut down power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to flip off the the on/off switch, instead of 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 strain any cords or attachments, safely move the top to the side.

3) Spray a cleaning solution on the fins, beginning at the top and moving down. Commercial coil cleaners are available and commonly found in both the canned aerosol spray from as well as in the form of foaming solutions that are sprayed on with an attachment to 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 dissolve the grime and then softly spray it off with a garden hose. Be cautious not to spray too 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 depends on the type of unit, its quality, how well it's maintained and how much 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 get maximum value from your system is through regular conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from Dave's Diversified Services consists of cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as replacing the filter and mending 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 Front Royal.

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

Selecting the correct sized air conditioner for your home is vital for keeping comfort and efficiency. Here are some factors 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 key factors. Larger spaces necessitate more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes retain cool air better, which could minimize your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you live in a hotter climate, you'll require a more powerful air conditioner compared to a person living in a cooler place.
  • Number of windows: Windows frequently let in heat, especially when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of occupants: More people in the house produce greater body heat, which can impact your cooling needs.
  • Current HVAC system: The size and productivity of your current system can provide a jumping off point for determining 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 Dave's Diversified Services, we take the time to completely understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other variables such as your home’s layout and size. This attention to detail and commitment to customer service is why Dave's Diversified Services is known for excellent air conditioning installation in Front Royal.

5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices vary depending on the kind 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. On the plus side, a benefit of air conditioning replacement is that new air conditioners are designed to be extremely 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 along with federal regulations that require modifications to the design.

Realize these are average costs and prices can differ. It's always a good idea to get several quotes from reliable HVAC companies before making a choice. If you’re contemplating air conditioning replacement in Front Royal, contact Dave's Diversified Services. We can provide you with a no-cost estimate, explain the process and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. Why Do Air Conditioners Freeze Up?

Air conditioning freezing up can be due to a variety of 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 common triggers for AC freezing up:

  • Inadequate 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, blocked return air ducts or a failing fan.
  • Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is starting to get low on refrigerant, it could become too cold and freeze up. This is often because of leaking in the refrigerant lines.
  • Very Chilly outdoor temperatures: Running your air conditioner when it's really cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Most units aren't designed to perform in temperatures of less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Malfunctioning thermostats, damaged blower motors and issues with the relay or control board can all contribute to an AC unit freezing up.

Dave's Diversified Services is the Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in Front Royal.

At Dave's Diversified Services, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and enjoyable place. Our knowledgeable technicians are up-to-date on the latest industry training and trends, and work on on a wide variety of systems. That’s why community members make us their first call for air conditioning repair in Front Royal and the surrounding areas.

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

Call Dave's Diversified Services today at 540-636-3396 to schedule an appointment or complimentary estimate!