Do I need service if my air conditioner seems to be operating fine?

Yes. Simply because there is cool air blowing from your house air ducts does not mean you're getting all the cooling air conditioned comfort you're paying for.

What kinds of things can cause my air conditioner to operate inefficiently?

A dirty air filter, Improper refrigerant charge and air flow are the biggest culprits. Too much or too little refrigerant can cause your air conditioner to overwork. The same is true if the air flow across the inside coil is low, the coil may need to be cleaned.

Why is there ice on pipes going to the compressor unit outside & ice on the pipes going to AC coil attached to furnace or air handler inside.

You may have a dirty air filter or you are low on Freon. Turn the cooling off at the thermostat and turn the fan mode at thermostat to on and let it run for several hrs or till the ice is melted, replace filter if needed. Turn thermostat back to cool and monitor situation.

How often do you change air filter in air conditioner?

The air conditioner unit outside (condenser) does not have a filter in it. The only filter you change is the same filter that is inside in the furnace or air handler. It’s the same filter that you change in winter. The disposable cheaper filter (EZ flow brand $1 each) 1-2 months. 3M filter ($20 each) 2-3 months.

Is the air conditioning blower on but you are getting little airflow?

This is caused by a packed and dirty air filter, weak blower motor or dirty evaporator coil on furnace or air handler. Replace filter. First then check under belly of evaporator coil clean. If problem not solved its most likely the blower motor.

Can you run your AC without a filter?

Not a good idea, will cause evaporator coil on furnace/air handler to plug up restricting air flow and causing damage on AC system.