They say knowledge is power, and that’s definitely the truth when it comes to your air conditioner. While challenging repairs are best left to experts, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve ordinary AC issues.

Knowing how your AC works and the common problems it faces will allow you to fix simple problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you money on minor service calls, but understanding when to contact a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into catastrophic repairs.

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

Here are a few of the typical questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:

1. What Is the Best Way to Clean an Air Conditioner?

Cleaning an air conditioner is an effective way to make sure it works efficiently, and potentially could extend the life of your unit.

The most significant thing you can do on your own is to change the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter catches 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 ought to in order to move air through the filter. A clean filter catches the airborne debris while still permitting air to flow easily through the system.

Replacement filters can be purchased at most leading 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, noting 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 hoping to buy something similar.

For detailed service of your air conditioner, contact the seasoned professionals like the crew at May's Heating & Air to do scheduled maintenance on your AC. They’ll look over your system, clean or lubricate parts that need it and look for worn-out parts and potential issues.

2. How Should I Clean the Air Conditioner Coils?

In addition to making certain that your indoor air conditioner equipment is functioning efficiently, it’s also a good idea to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the outside unit of your AC is a quick way to increase 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 cools the refrigerant, which then goes back in your home so it can soak up 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, turn off power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to flip the power switch off, as opposed to turning the thermostat off.

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

3) Apply 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 products foaming solutions that are applied with your garden hose.

4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most cleaners, it's advised that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a brief period of time to attack the grime and then carefully 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 coils and fins to dry before turning the power 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 often it's maintained and how much it's used. That said, experts say you should start looking into air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.

One of the best ways to make the most of your air conditioner is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from May's Heating & Air consists of 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 Frederick.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Should I Have?

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

  • Square footage: The total area of the space you have to cool is one of the most important factors. Larger spaces demand more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes retain cool air better, which can reduce your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you reside 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, in particular when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of residents: More people in the house produce greater body heat, which could impact your cooling needs.
  • Current HVAC system: The size and capability of your current system can provide a starting point for identifying what you need.

Because the size of your air conditioner is so critical to your home’s comfort, you will definitely want a professional opinion. At May's Heating & Air, 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 dedication to customer service is why May's Heating & Air is known for superb air conditioning installation in Frederick.

5. How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost?

While prices differ 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 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 along with federal regulations that necessitate changes to the design.

Know these are average costs and prices can vary. It's always a good idea to get numerous quotes from reliable HVAC companies before making a decision. If you’re thinking about air conditioning replacement in Frederick, reach out to May's Heating & Air. We will schedule an appointment to provide you with a complimentary estimate, make sure you understand the procedure and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?

Air conditioning 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 air conditioner is suffering from issues causing it to freeze up, it is most likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some common triggers for AC freezing up:

  • Poor airflow: If the air isn't flowing correctly through your AC system, it can't sufficiently 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 running low on refrigerant, it could become too cold and freeze up. This is often because of leaks in the refrigerant lines.
  • Frigid outdoor temperatures: Using the air conditioner when it's too cold outside can cause the system to freeze. The majority of units aren't designed to function in temperatures of less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Broken thermostats, damaged blower motors and trouble with the relay or control board can all play a role in an AC unit freezing up.

May's Heating & Air is your Trustworthy Source for Air Conditioning Service in Frederick.

At May's Heating & Air, we are focusing on making your home a comfortable and pleasant place. Our skilled 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 premier choice for air conditioning repair in Frederick and neighboring towns.

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

Call May's Heating & Air today at 301-834-1468 to schedule an appointment or free estimate!