Reston AC Repair
Fixing Broken ACs in Reston Since 1975
After a long day out, you’re eager to return to a cool home, but when you open the door, the air inside feels as muggy as the outdoors. It looks like your heat pump or air conditioner might be the problem.
Summers in Reston and Herndon can be tough, making reliable air conditioning a must-have for many homebuyers. When your AC stops working, you quickly realize just how important it is. Instead of enduring the heat, give Dave’s Heating and Air Conditioning a call. Whether you need a quick AC repair or a full AC replacement, our local HVAC experts are here to help.
Ready to get your AC fixed? Call 571.346.3940 now to request an estimate for AC repair in Reston.
How to Tell When It’s Time to Call an AC Expert
You depend on your air conditioner to keep cool during Virginia’s hottest months. Without it, your home could quickly turn into a sticky sauna. Thankfully, your AC unit usually works well, pulling in and cooling air from outside while expelling heated air. Inside, it’s easy to forget how hot it is outside.
But sometimes, the AC process falters. Unless there’s a complete breakdown, many homeowners don’t realize when it’s time to call a Reston-area HVAC contractor. Here are some signs it’s time to call:
- The unit hums but doesn’t turn on
- The AC doesn’t respond to the thermostat
- You hear strange noises or feel vibrations
- You see water pooling around your air conditioner
- The fan runs, but the air stays hot
- The unit stops working suddenly
If you notice any of these issues, don’t worry. Our local HVAC experts are here to help! Call us at 571.346.3940 to schedule an AC repair appointment in Sterling or Reston.
The Most Common Causes of AC Failure
You might be wondering why your air conditioner in Reston needs repair. Perhaps it’s only a few years old, the summer has been mild, or you recently had a tune-up. This confusion is understandable, but these factors might not be the cause of your breakdown. Just like your car, there are many components that can cause your air conditioner to stop cooling, including air handlers, thermostats, and even your furnace’s blower motor.
However, like most things, there’s a tendency for the 80/20 rule. Most AC issues in Reston share similar root causes. After 49 years of HVAC experience, we can easily identify them. Common issues include:
- Faulty Electrical Components
- Refrigerant Leaks
- Frozen Coils
- Damaged Fan Blades
- Bad Compressors
- Faulty Thermostats
- Missed Maintenance Visits
- Old age and rust
While it might be tempting to search YouTube or Google to diagnose the problem, this can lead to wasted money on unnecessary parts or even a dangerous short in the system. Left unchecked, these mistakes can be hazardous. So, when you need AC repair in Reston, it’s best to reach out to a professional HVAC contractor in Reston instead.
We’re True AC Repair Experts
Every air conditioner is unique, with components in different locations and buttons that may function differently. That YouTube DIY AC repair video often doesn’t match what you find inside your unit. This is one reason we always recommend leaving cooling service in Reston to a licensed Reston HVAC professional.
You might be wondering if we can repair your air conditioner. Maybe it’s nearly 20 years old and sounds like a dinosaur, or perhaps it’s from a little-known European brand. Don’t worry! At Dave’s, we’ve spent years mastering the quirks and requirements of various AC models. We have the expertise to repair equipment from any brand, including well-known names like:
- American Standard
- Bryant
- Carrier
- Goodman
- Lennox
- Trane
- Rheem
- York
- Frigidaire
- Amana
- Coleman
- Daikin
- Mitsubishi
Even if your air conditioner is a less common brand or you think it’s an air handler or heat pump, we’ve got you covered. Our AC technicians are ready to repair almost any unit, offering prompt and expert service in Reston.
Trust Us to Fix Any AC Problem in the Reston Area
When you need AC repair in Reston, Sterling, or Herndon, Dave’s is the trusted company to call. With over 49 years of experience serving the local area, we’re uniquely qualified to handle any AC problem, big or small. Our contractors are skilled in servicing all makes and models, including Trane, American Standard, Carrier, and Goodman. We also prioritize treating every customer with the respect and autonomy they deserve. Contact us by phone or form to schedule your AC repair, maintenance, or installation in Reston!
How Much Will AC Service Cost Me?
Unfortunately, we cannot provide an AC repair quote without visiting your home. Many air conditioner issues can appear similar, making accurate remote diagnosis challenging. At Dave’s Heating and Air Conditioning, we prefer to avoid providing an incorrect estimate. For a typical AC repair in Herndon, you can expect to pay between $100 and $600. If this cost is outside your budget, we offer a variety of financing options with approved credit.
What Should I Look for in a Reston AC Repair Company?
When choosing a heating or cooling contractor in Reston, there are four key factors to consider:
- They have years of AC repair experience.
- The company is licensed and certified for the job.
- They offer comprehensive insurance coverage.
- They provide customer-friendly warranties and guarantees.
As you might expect, Dave’s Heating and Air Conditioning meets all of these criteria. Call us at 571.346.3940 to schedule heat pump or AC repair in Reston.
Why Do I Have to Keep Adding Refrigerant?
If you find yourself constantly adding refrigerant, there’s a leak in your system. Air conditioners are closed systems, so the refrigerant level should stay consistent unless there’s a problem. A persistent refrigerant leak is not only harmful to the environment but also makes it increasingly difficult to top up the system. Instead of repeatedly charging the system, we recommend contacting our AC professionals. We’ll quickly locate the leak and provide solutions. If your system is older and uses phased-out refrigerant, a new AC is often the best option. The initial cost can be offset by energy savings, rebates, and peace of mind.
Why is My AC Unit Freezing Up?
You walk outside to find your air conditioner encased in ice. What’s going on? While there are several potential causes, the most common reason for a system freeze-up is an airflow problem or a refrigerant leak. The airflow issue is often easy to fix by changing the filter. If that doesn’t solve the problem, check to make sure nothing is blocking your air return. If the issue persists, pick up the phone and dial Dave’s—Reston’s AC repair experts are here to help.
What Should I Check Before Calling for Service?
Before you panic over a broken Reston air conditioner, take a deep breath. There are a number of problems you can fix on your own. Before calling to schedule AC repair in Reston, make sure that:
- Nothing in the breaker box is flipped
- Your filter is clean
- The temperature is set correctly
- Your thermostat is set to cool
- The switch on your furnace is on
- Your thermostat has new batteries
- Nothing is obstructing the outdoor AC unit
If none of the above works, give us a call at 571.346.3940. Our HVAC experts will soon set you back on the road to comfort.
What Can I Do to Prevent AC Repairs in Herndon?
There’s nothing you can do to completely eliminate the risk of AC breakdown, but there are steps you can take to lessen its likelihood. If prevention is your goal, then regular heating and AC maintenance is your solution. During routine HVAC check-ups, our technician will examine your system for signs of damage and malfunction. By making sure your AC unit is working properly, mid-season breakdowns can be prevented. Call us to learn more about our HVAC maintenance options in Reston.
My AC is On but Won't Cool. What Gives?
You notice your air conditioner running, but the thermostat reading keeps rising. Checking a nearby vent, the air feels barely cool. This issue likely has three causes:
- Condenser Problems: Condensers, often located outside in Reston, can get blocked by debris like plant material or seasonal tree shedding. Clear away obstructions and keep the area around the condenser at least three feet clear.
- Dirty Filters: You should change your furnace filter monthly, even during AC season. Check your filter now—if it’s darker than light gray, replace it. Afterward, allow the unit to adjust.
- Evaporator Coil Issues: The evaporator coil, filled with refrigerant, removes heat from the air. If you spot ice on it, the coil may be the problem.
If these steps don’t solve the issue, contact us at 571.346.3940.
The Outside Unit is Leaking. Is that an Issue?
Small puddles under your AC unit are normal, as the evaporator coil cools incoming air, creating condensation. However, a large puddle or constant dripping likely means your air conditioner needs servicing. Excess water can harm sensitive components if not addressed. Common causes of AC leaks in Reston include clogged drain lines or a damaged drain pan.
How Cold Should the Air from My AC Be?
The air from your AC should usually be 15 to 20 degrees cooler than the outdoor air. If your air conditioner in Reston is blowing warm air, there’s likely an issue. Before deciding, let the unit run for at least 15 minutes to reach optimal performance. Common causes of warm air include dirty filters or evaporator problems.
Why's My AC Unit Making so Much Noise?
Modern air conditioners are designed to be relatively quiet, so unusual noises are hard to miss. If you notice any, call the AC repair specialists at Dave’s right away. Common culprits include broken parts, a faulty blower, a damaged compressor, unbalanced fan blades, or defective controls. Pinpointing the issue requires an in-person inspection.
What's Making My Air Conditioner Smell?
Noticing a strange odor from your outdoor air conditioner? If you’re unsure of the cause, it’s time to call Dave’s. We’re familiar with all brands of air conditioning equipment and can quickly identify the issue. Often, a simple AC tune-up in Reston can eliminate the smell. In most cases, mold or mildew is to blame.
Why Won't My Air Conditioner Shut Off?
It’s been hours, and while your home feels cool, your AC unit won’t turn off. First, check that the system is set to ‘Auto’ instead of ‘On’. If that’s correct and your unit still short cycles or won’t shut off, contact a local HVAC expert. This issue can be due to a dirty filter but might also indicate a poorly installed HVAC system. Often, we find that the unit is too large for the space it’s cooling, which can lead to humidity problems.
How Can I Make My AC Unit More Efficient?
Here are some tips to boost your air conditioner’s efficiency in Reston. First, keep your vents open — closing them can actually increase energy costs. Second, schedule regular AC maintenance in Reston to keep your system clean and eco-friendly. Third, install blackout curtains to block out heat and light, making it easier for your AC to work. Finally, consider adding a ceiling fan—redistributing air can help you stay comfortable when temperatures are milder in Herndon and Reston.