A/C Designs of St. Augustine, LLC Blog: Archive for the ‘AC Maintenance’ Category

HVAC Tips and Tricks for New Homeowners

Monday, May 9th, 2022

Finding your new home is an exciting time—and with so much to consider, the HVAC system isn’t usually at the top of your mind. But if your new home’s AC system isn’t working properly, you’ll be stuck feeling hot, humid, and uncomfortable. Here’s our top advice for new homeowners to ensure your AC runs properly from move-in day and lasts for years to come.

Review Your HVAC Unit’s History

Check the AC Warranty

The first step when buying your new home is to check if the AC unit has a warranty and review its terms and conditions. New homeowners will want to keep a copy of this warranty on hand in case any issues arise.

Review Past AC Maintenance History

To get a clear picture of your HVAC system’s history, ask if the previous homeowner will share past AC maintenance and inspection findings. This will tell you whether there were problems in the past and what to expect for the future. 

Schedule Your Own AC Maintenance

If the previous homeowner can’t share a warranty or past maintenance records, it’s best to schedule a professional AC maintenance check as soon as possible. Your certified HVAC technician will identify any issues or needed repairs before they become a problem. That way, you won’t be caught without a working cooling system in the heat of summer.

Consider New AC Installation

Prepare yourself for the possibility that your new home’s AC system may need to be replaced. Our Florida weather is hot and humid year-round, putting extra strain on units. Don’t be fooled by the unit’s age, either. If the unit wasn’t maintained properly, or if the wrong size of unit was installed in the first place, it could wear out before its time.

AC Installation for a New System

In case you do decide to install a new unit at move-in, you’ll need to consider a variety of factors to ensure you get the right heating and cooling system for your home.

Choose the Right Type of System

Whether your home is older or newer, you’ll have to decide on the type of system that’s a match for the space. Options include a single central air conditioner, multiple systems, or a primary system with smaller units throughout the home. This is especially important when building a new home, because you’ll need to budget for the cost of a new HVAC system.

Consider Energy Efficiency

Budgeting goes beyond the initial cost for HVAC installation, too. We recommend taking a close look at the HVAC unit’s efficiency rating to save you money on energy bills in the long run. 

Getting familiar with efficiency ratings can also help. They include SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio), EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio), AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency specific to furnaces, water heaters, and boilers), or HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor specific to heat pumps).

DIY AC Maintenance

To save money, you can perform your own AC maintenance. The good news is that there are several things you can do to ensure your AC is running efficiently. Don’t let your unit work too hard by fluctuating the temperature or running it too high or low. 

Set Your Thermostat for Energy Efficiency

The AC owner’s manual may show a recommended energy-efficient temperature range. If not, the next time you have an AC inspection, ask the service technician what they recommend. Then, consider getting a programmable thermostat to keep your house at the right temperature even when you’re away.

Change Your AC Filter Regularly

Particle buildup clogs your ac filters, so we recommend changing them at least every 30–90 days. Proper airflow can be affected by your outdoor unit as well. Keep up yard maintenance around your unit to remove any obstructions near the air intake. 

Ensure Proper Airflow

But what happens when there’s improper airflow? Seal any areas of your home that cause a draft, such as doorways or cracks around windows. Otherwise, the leaks will lower your HVAC efficiency. 

It may also seem efficient to close vents to cool off other areas of your home quicker, but did you know that it can actually cause your unit to work harder? Keep all your vents open and remove any chairs, bookshelves, etc., that may be blocking the vent registers.

Schedule Professional HVAC Maintenance

The simplest way to keep your system running smoothly is to have a qualified HVAC service company perform regular AC maintenance.

Enroll in an AC Maintenance Plan

It’s a best practice to schedule a certified HVAC technician to run an AC inspection on your unit twice per year. When searching for an AC company in Jacksonville, FL, or an AC company in St. Augustine, FL, look for one that has served your area for years, like AC Designs. We provide custom system design, in-house energy calculations, and customizable maintenance.

Our technicians will treat you like a person and care for your unit like it’s our own. With AC Designs’ Preferred Customer Maintenance Program, you’ll benefit from regular HVAC maintenance on your unit to keep your home comfortable without worry. On top of that, joining our maintenance program helps save you money on HVAC costs in the long run.

HVAC Tips & Tricks Takeaways:

  • Know Your Unit’s History
    • For inherited units, get the maintenance report from the former owner. 
    • If there’s a warranty, understand its terms and conditions.
  • Maintain the Unit
    • Make sure there are no obstructions to airflow.
    • Replace your filters every 30–90 days.
    • Utilize a programmable thermostat to keep the temperature at recommended levels.
  • Hire a Trusted HVAC Company
    • Find a local company that has a long history of happy customers.
    • Choose a maintenance plan that saves you time and money.

Are you ready to get your recommended AC maintenance on the books? Make an appointment with AC Designs. We take pride in being the number one family-owned and operated AC company in Jacksonville, Florida, and are proud to be a top AC company in St. Augustine, Florida.

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Summer AC Maintenance Tips

Wednesday, May 4th, 2022

Florida is famous for its long, hot, and humid summers, and your air conditioner will be working hard this season to keep your home cool. Being proactive about your summer AC maintenance ensures your unit is ready to operate smoothly and efficiently all season long. You can perform many important maintenance tasks on your own, keeping your unit functioning properly. Follow our actionable tips below to extend the lifespan of your AC unit, save money, and keep your family comfortable on even the most scorching days.

Cleaning Your Condenser Unit

As your AC system sits idle during the winter, debris such as dirt, dust, leaves, and twigs collect around the base of the condenser unit. The condenser unit is a large fan in a metal box that is usually located outdoors. This accumulation of debris can damage the unit and obstruct airflow, which forces the system to run harder to maintain the desired indoor temperature. It also increases energy consumption by up to 30%. 

Cleaning the condenser unit is crucial for keeping your cooling system in optimal condition. Here’s how to clean it yourself, step-by-step. If you prefer, you can have a professional HVAC technician perform this important maintenance step instead. It comes included in AC Design’s Maintenance Program as well.

  1. Before getting started, turn off the circuit breaker that supplies electricity to the unit. You will also see a weatherproof disconnect box located around the unit that contains a lever, fuses, or a circuit breaker. Turn this off, as well.
  2. Begin by removing all debris from the exterior with a low-pressure water hose. 
  3. Next, remove the side and top panels of the unit to access the inside of the condenser. 
  4. Use a refrigerator coil brush or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to gently clean the condenser coils and fins from the outside. Then, vacuum them from the inside. 
  5. Wipe off the blower’s fan blades with a clean rag. 
  6. Remove any excess water inside the unit, then reassemble.

DIY Unit Upkeep and Home Tips

Along with cleaning the condenser unit before turning on your AC, you can also take other simple steps to ensure your unit continues running safely and smoothly throughout the year.

  • Clean or replace the furnace or air-handler filters whenever they look dusty, or at least once per month during the summer. These air filters are crucial for maintaining proper indoor air quality. Dirty filters constrict airflow, reduce the efficiency of your unit, recirculate dust into your home, and can cause the condenser coils to malfunction.
  • Open the supply vents in every room, clean them, and remove any obstructions, such as furniture, drapes, or rugs. Keeping the vents closed or allowing them to become obstructed creates unnecessary pressure on the ductwork. This forces the air handler to work harder and can waste energy by leaking cool air into the attic or basement.
  • Check refrigerant levels. The outside condenser unit should have two copper pipes, the largest of which is covered in insulation. If this pipe does not feel cold to the touch or sweat condensation when the unit runs, this indicates it is running low on coolant. Only a trained HVAC technician should replace the refrigerant. 
  • Eliminate airflow leaks. Check the AC ducts, connectors, and blower components for loose or damaged areas and have any issues addressed by an HVAC technician. Close your fireplace damper. Look for any gaps in walls, window frames, doorways, and attic entryways, then seal them with insulation, caulking, or rubber flaps.

Join a Professional HVAC Maintenance Program

Although you can perform many routine tasks yourself, it’s better to leave major AC maintenance and repairs to the professionals. Having an experienced AC company in Jacksonville, FL perform bi-annual professional maintenance on your system is crucial for ensuring your air conditioning unit operates at peak efficiency. 

At AC Designs, we offer a Preferred Customer Maintenance Program to take care of all your maintenance and repair needs. It includes:

  • Two pre-scheduled system checks each year.
  • Same-day HVAC services.
  • One-day replacement on most parts and units.
  • 24-hour emergency services.
  • Discounts on diagnostic fees and AC repair. 

Our AC company helps customers across St. Augustine, FL, and Jacksonville, FL. Our HVAC techs will thoroughly inspect your unit, test all components to ensure they are functioning properly, and repair any potential issues. 

By cleaning and maintaining your AC unit and having it regularly serviced by an HVAC technician, you can approach the summer months with confidence and peace of mind. Contact AC Designs today to make an appointment with our expert team.

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HVAC Tips to Reduce Allergens in Your Home This Spring

Wednesday, April 6th, 2022

Springtime and seasonal allergies are just around the corner. This time of year, it’s crucial to ensure that your AC unit is working correctly to reduce allergens. If it’s not, you and your family could suffer from pollen, pollutants, and worsened symptoms of coughing, sneezing, and itching from allergies or asthma.

The signs of a poorly running unit can be subtle, and you may not notice your indoor air quality isn’t what it should be. By understanding how you can improve your HVAC unit’s efficiency, you can reduce allergens in your home and help your family breathe easily.

Here are our top tips to get your AC unit ready for the spring.

Perform DIY Maintenance

Your air filter plays an important role in your home’s air quality, and one of the best things you can do for your allergies is to keep it clean. On average, air filters need to be changed every 90 days due to the buildup of particles in the air. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, changing your filter every 45 days can help improve your symptoms immensely. This is because your filter collects allergens such as pollen and other air particles.

If you’re not sure whether your air filter is dirty or needs to be changed, you can try a simple method called the white sheet test. Hang a white sheet in front of your AC unit for an hour or so, and then check to see if it’s dirty. If your sheet is grayish or looks dirty, it means that your air filter needs a change. You can also invest in an air quality monitor that alerts you to high allergens, poor air quality, and pollutants.

Managing humidity levels in your home will help keep your allergy symptoms mild as well. The amount of humidity in your home greatly affects your indoor air quality and can irritate your allergies. Investing in a dehumidifier is a great way to control your indoor humidity levels.

Keep Your Home Clean

Keeping your home clean is one of the most important things you can do for your AC unit to reduce allergies. Upholstery, rugs, and carpets can hold in dust, allergens, and other particles that can affect the quality of the air you breathe. That’s why it’s essential to clean them regularly.

Pollen clings to almost any surface, including your shoes and clothes. Remember to take off your shoes when you come into your home, and clean regularly to eliminate the particles you accidentally bring in. Dusting, especially in hard-to-reach areas like ceiling fans, is another great way to help combat pollen and other small particles.

Schedule Routine AC Maintenance

The best way to ensure your AC unit is running smoothly is through routine HVAC maintenance.  Because there are multiple components within your unit that require maintenance from a certified HVAC technician, scheduling professional maintenance twice per year is recommended.

During your bi-annual AC maintenance appointment, your HVAC technician will inspect your entire unit and offer recommendations to improve your indoor air quality. These recommendations may include technical improvements like upgraded air filters, air purifiers, and dehumidifiers. They may even recommend some easy lifestyle changes you and your family can try to improve your home’s air quality.

By joining a maintenance plan like AC Designs Preferred Customer Maintenance Program, you can have regular HVAC maintenance performed on your unit and keep it working to the best of its ability. On top of that, joining our maintenance program helps save you money on HVAC costs in the long run.

If you’re looking for AC maintenance for spring to help reduce allergens in your home, contact our team at AC Designs. We take pride in being the number one family-owned and operated AC company in Jacksonville, Florida, and we’re ready to help you with all your HVAC needs.

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How to Fix Common AC Problems

Thursday, March 17th, 2022

An efficient AC unit is the key to staying in your comfort zone during the hot Florida summer. Investing in an AC Maintenance Program is one great way to optimize your home cooling. In between your pre-scheduled visits, you may notice some smaller issues that compromise your home comfort. Luckily, many of the problems homeowners encounter can easily be fixed by following a few tips from the experts. If your home comfort is suffering due to these common AC problems, here’s what you can do.

Unit Cycles On and Off

One of the most common AC problems homeowners deal with is short cycling. There are a few reasons your air conditioning unit starts and stops every few minutes. A faulty thermostat, dirty air filter, or refrigerant leak may be the culprit.

To find the root of your problem, you’ll want to start by performing a quick inspection of each of these components. If your air filter is dirty or hasn’t been replaced in the past three months, go ahead and replace it. A clean air filter is a crucial component of an efficient AC unit. If this doesn’t mitigate the problem, try checking your thermostat.

If you think your thermostat is failing, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot it. If your thermostat’s screen is blank or unlighted, it likely needs to be replaced. The location of your thermostat can also impact how it functions. If your thermostat is in direct sunlight, or if it is located on a wall with large openings or holes behind it, your temperature readings may be inaccurate. Before replacing your thermostat, try checking the settings, batteries, and circuit breakers first. If you have confirmed these elements are not at fault, then it may be time to replace your thermostat.

The last reason your unit may be short cycling is if you have a refrigerant leak. If this is the case, you’ll need to repair the leak before adding more refrigerant to your unit. If you suspect a refrigerant leak, contact an HVAC professional to help locate the source of the leak and facilitate the repair.

A/C Blows Hot Air

There’s not much worse than seeking comfort in your home, only to find your AC unit is blowing hot air. If your A/C unit is running, but blowing hot or lukewarm air, you are likely dealing with a low refrigerant level. Luckily, this can easily be fixed by recharging your system with new refrigerant. Be sure to inspect your unit for leaks beforehand. If your refrigerant is leaking, refilling it will not solve your problem.

A/C Running Constantly

We know you want to keep your home at a comfortable temperature, but your unit shouldn’t be running constantly in order to do so. Your A/C unit’s thermostat is responsible for measuring the room’s ambient air so that it knows when to turn on to reduce the indoor temperature. If your thermostat is incorrectly measuring the room’s temperature, it will instruct your unit to keep running until it reaches your set temperature. Reaching this goal temperature can be impossible if your thermostat is faulty.

Fortunately, this problem can be easily remedied by replacing your home’s thermostat. AC Designs offers a number of different solutions when it comes to system controls. From smart thermostats to zone control systems, we have you covered.

Whether your AC unit is displaying a common or unique problem, AC Designs can help you get your home back to its comfort zone. Schedule regular air conditioning services in Jacksonville, FL with one of our NATE-certified professionals today to ensure that every component of your system is performing its function efficiently and properly.

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Why You Should Activate AC Designs Parts & Labor Warranty

Thursday, March 17th, 2022

AC repairs can be expensive, so we always recommend adding an extended warranty to help cover unforeseen costs. Adding an AC warranty is a smart, preventative measure to protect your wallet and your unit in case it stops running efficiently or breaks down. If your new unit is through AC Designs, you can add this extra protection by filling out a simple form.

New units often come with a manufacturer warranty, but these are not all-inclusive and they expire over time. Because of this, it’s important to secure a warranty with an expert like AC Designs that covers both parts and labor.

Manufacturer Warranties Explained

What a manufacturer’s warranty covers can be lost in fine print or unclear to buyers. Most new AC units come with a 5-year manufacturer limited warranty. They typically cover certain parts, like the compressor, that fail before they should, and manufacturer defects, during the warranty period.

The fact that these manufacturer warranties are “limited” is important to remember. That means you are not covered for everything that could go wrong with your air conditioner.

Also keep in mind that a manufacturer’s warranty does not cover labor costs for repairs. While the manufacturer may replace a part at no cost, you will still need to hire a licensed HVAC technician to install it. You will also need to pay for the initial cost for a service technician to diagnose the problem. Some manufacturers will not honor a warranty if you can’t provide proof of yearly completed AC maintenance.

Benefits of a Parts and Labor Warranty

Even a brand new unit can be susceptible to breakdowns without expert installation, cleaning, and routine maintenance. Since manufacturer parts warranties are limited in coverage, it’s crucial to consider an extended warranty. A parts and labor warranty ensures quality AC maintenance and repair from the day you purchase your unit, through installation, to future repairs and beyond.

You can add a labor warranty through the AC company that you hire to make repairs. When selecting the best HVAC warranty for you, you’ll want to make sure you ask your HVAC company about the following:

  • How long does the warranty last?
  • What can void the warranty?
  • What does the warranty cover?

Don’t forget, many warranties expire within 3-7 years. Luckily, at AC Designs, we are proud to offer the best 12-year parts and labor warranty on the market for select units, which comes with your new unit after activation. The moment you activate a parts and labor warranty through us, you can rest easy knowing you’re covered for future repairs.

Protecting Your AC Warranty

When you add an AC warranty to your unit, you should take some time to learn more about protecting your investment. Be careful, as there are a few things that can void your warranty. These include failing to register the product as directed, hiring a technician who installs the unit improperly, and not keeping up with routine HVAC maintenance.

Using parts that are not approved by the warranty will almost automatically void the warranty. Additionally, you should keep a record of your purchase and receipts that prove that maintenance was performed on your unit. A qualified HVAC company like AC Designs will keep your unit and warranty safe and sound. 

Let AC Designs Keep Your AC Unit Running

With the unpredictable heat and weather that comes with living in Florida, it’s essential to have an AC warranty. Keeping your AC running efficiently and protected will help you enjoy endless summer for years to come.

Add the right warranty with confidence. Contact AC Designs, the leading family-owned AC company in Jacksonville and St. Augustine, to see if your unit is eligible for a warranty today.

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What to Look for in an AC Maintenance Plan

Monday, February 7th, 2022

Your AC unit and annual AC maintenance can come with a high price tag without a plan in place. When you sign up for an AC maintenance plan, you end up saving more money with regularly scheduled maintenance to keep your HVAC system in top condition.

AC companies in Jacksonville, FL offer many maintenance plans with different perks. Before making a commitment, customers must know what to look for. That way, they can purchase a plan that will keep their unit running efficiently, save them money on utility bills and maintenance, and improve their indoor air quality.

Pre-Scheduled Maintenance Checkups

Schedule your AC maintenance checks in advance with AC Designs’ maintenance program. Our preferred customer maintenance program comes with two pre-scheduled system checks per year, saving you time and money. Choose the days and times throughout the year that work best for you. Rest assured knowing that any issues with your HVAC system will be addressed and resolved during these check-ups.

When looking into AC maintenance programs, make sure that the checkups include these crucial aspects: unit inspections, air filter changes, thermostat checks and repairs, duct and airway checks, lubrication and refrigerant checks, and air quality inspections.

Regular HVAC maintenance is the key to ensuring your unit runs efficiently and safely while keeping your family in their comfort zone.

Professionally Trained HVAC Technicians

Select a maintenance program from a company that employs professionally trained and certified HVAC technicians. A company with highly-skilled technicians is more likely to perform exceptional AC maintenance on your unit. They have the knowledge to inspect your unit for any mechanical problems and make proper recommendations or repairs when necessary.

At AC Designs, our NATE-certified technicians have all the talent, training, and experience to ensure that your home or commercial building is as comfortable as possible.

Our team always puts you and your home’s comfort first, which is why our customers voted us the #1 Heating & Air Conditioning company in Jacksonville. Our customers are always confident in the skilled service they receive, knowing they are working with the best AC company in Jacksonville, FL.

Attentive Service

When investing in a quality maintenance program, you should expect remarkable service. With AC Designs maintenance program, you receive additional benefits such as same-day service, one-day replacement on parts and units, 24-hour emergency service, and more.

Our HVAC technicians will prioritize your AC unit with expert maintenance and repair service available to you as soon as you need it.

Performing annual AC maintenance is crucial for the longevity of your HVAC system. Luckily, AC maintenance plans exist to make checkups easier to schedule and more affordable overall.

At AC Designs, we prioritize our customers and their needs. Our skilled HVAC technicians will always put you first. Stay in your comfort zone all year long when you join AC Designs’ Preferred Customer Maintenance Program today.

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Save on HVAC Costs in 2022 With Preventative Maintenance

Monday, January 17th, 2022

Maintaining your air conditioning and heating unit is similar to taking care of your car. It needs proper attention to function well and lengthens its lifespan. Homeowners tend to neglect their AC units which causes them to overspend when it comes to HVAC maintenance work and electric costs. However, investing in preventative AC maintenance has many benefits that include less expensive repairs and a lower electric bill. Scheduling preventative AC maintenance will help you save on your HVAC costs and energy bills in 2022. Here’s how:

Flow More Cash, Not Just Air With Preventative Maintenance

Many of those who invest in an HVAC system for a new home fail to properly maintain the HVAC system over time. This reduces system capacity and increases energy usage, eventually leading to costly and unnecessary repairs.

An HVAC system is similar to a car. When you ignore your vehicle’s check engine or TPMS light, chances are you will drive into some problems. Your AC unit, too, needs proper attention and maintenance in order to stay efficient and keep the home comfortable year-round.

When your AC unit works harder than normal to keep your home at the desired temperature, more energy is used and in turn, you receive a higher monthly bill. Therefore, there are lots of benefits to preventative maintenance.

When you schedule maintenance appointments for your AC unit, you will lengthen your unit’s lifespan, reduce overall repairs, improve energy efficiency and in turn, lower your monthly energy bill.

Additional Tips for Saving Money on HVAC Costs

HVAC maintenance in Florida can be expensive. Sometimes, it’s hard to tell how much to budget for repairs. Luckily, there are certain steps you can take to keep overall HVAC costs low.

First, change your air filters as often as needed to maintain quality HVAC efficiency. Next, check on your outdoor unit and remove any debris or weeds from around it. Additionally, you should consider sealing your home’s doors and windows to prevent drafts from outside. These whisks of air can make it seem chillier or warmer inside which causes you to use your HVAC more, driving up energy costs.

Another option is installing a programmable thermostat that can decrease the amount of energy your HVAC system uses when you are not home. With a thermostat like this, you can automatically set certain temperatures for certain times of day which will reduce your bill in the long run.

Using curtains can also help keep your home cooler so you don’t have to use your HVAC system as often. They are especially useful during the warmer months when the sun shines brightly and for longer periods of time.

Remember, if your unit is more than 10 years old, consider replacing it with a new unit. An old unit will run inefficiently and require more repairs, causing your HVAC costs to skyrocket. Schedule an appointment with an AC technician to determine if a new unit is needed.

Join AC Designs’ Maintenance Plan and Save

When you sign up for AC Design’s maintenance program, you are automatically locked into savings on your HVAC unit. You are guaranteed two pre-scheduled system checks per year, same-day service, one-day replacement on most parts and units, and more. By using our preventative maintenance program, you can expect lower utility bills, improved HVAC unit reliability, and an extended lifespan of your AC unit.

Don’t forget that with our maintenance program comes big maintenance savings. You will receive ½ off diagnostic fees and 20% off on repairs.

Get more out of your AC unit when you follow these tips for maintenance savings. Schedule a maintenance appointment with AC Designs, your choice AC company in Jacksonville, FL to keep your HVAC unit in tip-top shape. We’ll help you stay in your comfort zone all year long.

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Preparing Your AC Unit for Winter in Florida

Thursday, December 2nd, 2021

Floridians don’t always manage the cold weather well. But the truth is, whether they like it or not, chilly temperatures do sweep across the Northeast Florida region from time to time. Seasonal HVAC maintenance is important to keep you in your comfort zone, especially during the coldest months of the year. Follow these steps for HVAC maintenance when preparing your AC unit for winter.

Indoor Unit Preparation

With the temperature cooling down, you will be spending more time in the comfort of your home. Prepare your indoor unit before winter arrives to avoid expensive repairs. Common HVAC issues during the colder months include rusting, corrosion, nesting, damage from falling debris. Stay mindful of these possible challenges to avoid high winter maintenance costs later on.

Before winter, check your unit’s air filters and replace them if necessary. A clean air filter is important for maintaining a healthy indoor air quality during cold months. A general HVAC maintenance rule of thumb is to change your air filter every 30 days.

Lastly, instead of turning up the heat all at once, try gradually adjusting your thermostat each day. This will put less stress on your HVAC unit and allow you to avoid costly HVAC maintenance.

Outdoor Unit Preparation

Your indoor air conditioner isn’t the only concern for winter HVAC maintenance. Ultimately, taking care of your outdoor unit is just as if not more important to keep you in your comfort zone all season long.

Before winter arrives, turn off the AC function on your outdoor unit. Turning off the AC can keep you safe while performing maintenance on your unit, but also provides other benefits. Water with the potential to freeze could damage the condensing unit. However, if the AC is turned off, water will be kept out of the unit altogether.

Next, inspect the unit. Listen to the compressor for any unusual noises such as buzzing, clunking, or grinding. Look around the perimeter of the unit. Clear away debris, trash, weeds, and foliage that are within three feet.

When winter is finally over, cover the outdoor air conditioning unit. A specially designed AC unit cover allows for ventilation, prevents rust buildup, and deter animals who may nest in your unit while it’s not being used.

Testing Your Heater

A crucial part of winter HVAC maintenance is ensuring that your heater works before temperatures drop. Since our heaters are not running consistently throughout the year, it’s a good idea to test your heater before running it all day.

Test your heater by turning it on for about an hour. You will likely notice an odor, but that should go away fairly quickly. Make sure that the heat works properly and that your thermostat controls function well.

If your heating system blows cool air, does not turn on, or turns on and off frequently, give AC Designs a call. You will want to have a certified HVAC technician diagnose the causes of these winter maintenance issues and correct them as soon as possible before it gets too cold.

With the temperature cooling off, it’s more important than ever to take care of your HVAC unit. Seasonal HVAC maintenance will ensure a comfortable home year-round. Schedule an appointment with AC Designs, your trusted AC company in Jacksonville, FL, to make sure your unit is prepared to keep you in your comfort zone all winter long.

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What Happens During AC Maintenance?

Monday, November 15th, 2021

Over the last two years, the home has become an especially popular place to be. But are you taking proper care of it? When was the last time you had an AC unit maintenance check? If you don’t schedule annual maintenance for your home’s AC unit, you are putting your overall well-being at risk.

Preventative AC maintenance goes a long way in fostering a healthy living environment for you and your loved ones. Here’s how AC maintenance appointments will help you stay in your comfort zone.

Benefits of Preventative Maintenance

AC maintenance benefits include less money spent, more love for the environment, and a greater focus on your health. How much money you will save depends on how well you take care of your AC. The easiest way to save money on your air conditioning unit is by identifying and preventing issues before they arise.

During your AC maintenance appointment, an experienced HVAC tech can pinpoint any issues they see with your unit. Then they can address any problems before they become major issues. They may also recommend other money-saving improvements for your unit based on your AC habits, where you live, and the time of year.

When an AC unit is given proper preventative attention, it consumes less fuel and becomes more energy efficient. Your unit’s efficiency may also be affected by dirty air filters, dirty condenser coils, inadequate ventilation, and more. Routine maintenance can catch these smaller issues and correct them to help improve your unit’s efficiency.

The air you breathe every day is crucial to your overall health. AC Designs’ indoor air quality specialists can correct any poor air quality issues within your unit. They can also make recommendations for air filters or air quality monitors to keep track of the pollutants in your home.

Finally, when your AC unit is maintained properly, you’ll get to enjoy it for many more years to come. When you treat it well, it experiences less wear and tear which contributes to a longer lifespan.

What to Expect From Your Maintenance Appointment

During your maintenance appointment, the HVAC technician will inspect your unit to ensure it is running efficiently. They may check and test components such as the blower motor, thermostat, condenser coil, fan blades, and capacitors.

They should also check your air filter and clean or change it if necessary to improve your indoor air quality. Additionally, you can expect them to inspect the safety components within your unit to ensure they are operating properly.

Make sure your HVAC technician checks your refrigerant level. This is a crucial step in your maintenance appointment. A loss of refrigerant means that a leak may have occurred. If possible, your technician should locate and repair the leak during your appointment.

Consider Joining a Maintenance Program

AC maintenance benefits ensure that you can stay in your comfort zone all year long. It is crucial to give your AC unit proper attention and maintenance to keep your home healthy and energy-efficient. Joining a preventative maintenance program can take the stress off of you when it comes to caring for your HVAC unit. At AC Designs, our Preferred Customer Maintenance Program includes the following:

  • Two pre-scheduled system checks per year, same day service, one-day replacement on parts and units (except special orders), 24-hour emergency service
  • You can enjoy lower utility bills, improved reliability, extended life, fewer repairs, improved capacity, improved safety
  • ½ off diagnostic fee, 20% discount on repairs, professionally trained technicians

Don’t wait to claim all of the positive AC maintenance benefits. They are all just one phone call away. Schedule your preventative maintenance appointment with A/C Designs, a trusted HVAC company in Jacksonville, FL, today.

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