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

How to Protect Your AC Warranty

Tuesday, November 2nd, 2021

Not all AC unit warranties are created equally. At AC Designs, our 10-Year Parts and Labor Warranty is one of the best warranties on the market.  Taking steps to protect your AC warranty is always a good idea. But understanding the details of your AC warranty like what it covers and its duration, is crucial to keep it protected. Find out what you can expect from your warranty below.

Benefits of Purchasing an AC Unit Warranty

We understand that AC units and repairs are expensive. But especially in the sunshine state, they are important to stay comfortable year-round. That is why AC companies, like AC Designs, offer warranties to protect your investment.

Most new air conditioners come with a manufacturer warranty already. But the company installing them may also offer their own labor warranty. These ensure quality AC maintenance from the day you make the purchase, through installation, for future repairs and beyond.

Additional air conditioning warranties for equipment cover faulty part malfunctions and failures. If your system quits because of a manufacturer error and that part is still under warranty, it will likely be replaced by the manufacturer for free.

Choosing the Right Warranty

With so many companies fighting for your business, take the time you need to sift through all the information regarding their warranties. Before signing anything, ask these questions that could save you time and money:

  • How long does the warranty last? The average AC unit lasts between 10 and 15 years. You will want to confirm that the warranty lasts for a significant period of the AC unit’s lifespan, but does not go over the average timespan.
  • Is there a warranty processing fee? Sometimes manufacturers will charge you for any paperwork, even if the warranty covers the part you need.
  • What could void the warranty? This is one of the most important sections of the warranty to read. Depending on the warranty, these four small steps will keep your warranty from being voided.
    • Choosing to work with a qualified AC company
    • Registering your AC unit after installation
    • Scheduling annual AC maintenance
    • Using trusted products for your AC unit repairs.
  • What does the warranty cover? Labor? Equipment? Both? Most warranties will cover one or the other. Do your research before making any commitments.

AC Designs has one of the best AC warranties in the industry. When comparing AC Designs to other companies’ warranties, you’ll notice one big difference between them. AC Designs covers parts and labor when most others only include parts. Choosing the AC Designs warranty gets you 10 years of exceptional service on your AC unit’s parts and labor.

Ways to Protect Your AC Warranty

All of the fine print is exhausting. However, it is imperative that you read the entire warranty to ensure you understand what could void your contract. While scanning the document, take note of anything that may not make sense to you. Ask questions in order to understand the exact terms and details of your warranty.

After purchasing your warranty, the last thing you want is your manufacturer declining to cover a repair. If you feel confused or uninformed, don’t stay quiet. Instead, gain clarity on your contract to avoid breaking the terms of your warranty and continue to get the parts and labor you paid for.

While all warranties are different, here are some of the most common ways people break their warranties. Avoiding these will help you protect your air conditioning warranty:

  • Not registering the product as directed
  • Hiring a technician who installs the unit improperly
  • Failing to schedule/perform routine AC maintenance
  • Throwing away receipts/documentation that prove maintenance was performed
  • Using parts not approved by the warranty on their unit

One of the best ways to keep your warranty protected is by working with a qualified HVAC company that employs NATE-certified technicians. This will help ensure that your unit is installed and maintained properly.

Choosing the right warranty comes down to asking questions to stay informed on all terms and conditions. Know what to expect from your AC warranty so you know how to handle any issues that may arise. Protect yours today with AC Designs, professional HVAC company in Jacksonville, FL. Call AC Designs to schedule your bi-annual maintenance.

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SEER Ratings: What You Need to Know

Monday, September 20th, 2021

There are many factors to consider when shopping for a new A/C unit. Choosing the right unit for your home relies on many factors. Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t understand the importance of choosing the right SEER rating for their homes. Here’s what you need to know about SEER ratings in order to choose the most efficient air conditioning system for your home.

What is a SEER Rating?

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The rating is created by calculating the annual cooling output during the cooling season divided by the total electric energy input. An air conditioner unit with a higher SEER rating typically uses less electricity to set your home at a comfortable temperature. When a unit uses less electricity, it will reduce your energy and gas bill.

What is a Good SEER Rating?

The minimum SEER rating for air conditioners is 13. Most modern air conditioners have a SEER rating that ranges from 13 to 21. Although a higher SEER rating does typically equate to better efficiency, it does not mean you need to choose a unit with the highest rating.

A 20 SEER rated unit could be too large to efficiently cool your house will likely underperform when compared to an appropriately-sized unit. A SEER rating indicates your unit’s maximum potential. Your unit will not always run at this rating, so it’s important to be aware of the unit’s average SEER performance to properly determine the unit’s efficiency. You can typically find a sticker on the side of your condenser indicating the average SEER performance ratings. Reach out to A/C Designs if you’re unsure of where your sticker is located, it could be missing or damaged.

How Do I Choose a SEER Rating?

On average, a good rating for residential air conditioners ranges from 14 to 16 SEER. In order to choose the right rating, you will need to consider various factors. Take into consideration your budget, the size of your home, and how often you run the A/C. A/C Designs’ NATE-certified HVAC technicians can help you determine the most appropriate SEER rating for your home.

A SEER rating is just one of the many factors to consider when shopping for a new HVAC unit. Finding the perfect unit to fit your comfort and budget is made simple when you book with A/C Designs. Schedule an appointment today to begin discussing your new unit installation in Jacksonville, FL.

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Why Should You Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance?

Thursday, September 9th, 2021

Are you tired of paying for high utility bills and expensive emergency repairs? Scheduling regular HVAC maintenance is the best way to save money while improving your home’s air quality and overall safety. Studies show that a dirty and unmaintained unit can rack up an additional 20% in operating costs. Learn more about HVAC maintenance benefits and how you can join our preventative Maintenance Program below.

Maintenance Savings

Don’t spend rainy-day funds on a day with clear skies. When you schedule preventive maintenance, you will extend the life of your unit and your savings account. Prevention is the best way to avoid costly repairs and emergency services.

As your air conditioner operates, it will inevitably incur some general wear and tear. During annual maintenance appointments, our HVAC technicians check for any signs of damage or safety issues. With pre-scheduled appointments, you can alleviate the time and stress accrued from having to remember when your A/C unit is due for maintenance. When your unit is maintained properly, it will run more efficiently and lower your energy bills.

Improved Air Quality and Home Safety

During your preventative maintenance appointment, an HVAC technician will inspect your unit’s air filters and other components that could be causing poor indoor air quality. If your technician notices system performance or safety errors, they can rectify the issue on-site or schedule a follow-up appointment.

Without regular maintenance, homeowners may not know their unit is experiencing any issues. This leads to more costly repair appointments later. It is crucial to be aware of problems as they arise. Some HVAC issues can be dangerous if they are not fixed immediately.

Increased Energy Efficiency

A well-maintained air conditioning unit consumes less fuel, making it more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient. Without preventative maintenance, there are many factors that could be affecting your unit’s efficiency. Dirty air filters, dirty condenser coils, inadequate ventilation, and inadequate refrigerant are just a few of these contributing factors.

Your air conditioner’s efficiency will likely suffer if it is in need of service to alleviate issues. As efficiency decreases, you could wind up paying more money for a weaker performance from your air conditioner. During your regular HVAC maintenance appointment, your HVAC technician can identify and solve these issues to improve your unit’s efficiency.

Your HVAC unit needs proper attention and maintenance to stay efficient and keep you comfortable all year long. Did you know AC Designs has a Preferred Customer Maintenance Program? For a low annual fee, members can enjoy pre-scheduled system checks, discounts, lower utility bills, long-lasting equipment, and more! Sign up or schedule an appointment with our NATE-certified HVAC technicians in Jacksonville, FL today.

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5 Common Summertime HVAC Problems

Thursday, July 15th, 2021

When you live in Florida, you become accustomed to the 90-degree weather. Unfortunately, your A/C unit may not be as prepared. Summertime can pose many seasonal problems for your HVAC unit. We’ve prepared the 5 most common summertime HVAC problems and provided easy solutions to help you keep your family cool this summer.

Dirty Filters

One of the simplest ways to maximize your A/C unit’s efficiency is to ensure your filters are clean. A dirty filter will make your unit run less efficiently and worsen your home’s air quality. While most filters are typically replaced every three months, changing them more often in the summer will drastically improve your home’s air conditioning.

During the summer in Florida, most homeowners blast their A/C units all season long. The more your A/C unit is running, the more often you will need to replace your filter. If you notice your unit running less efficiently in the summer, your filters likely need to be replaced.

Low Refrigerant Levels

There’s nothing worse than turning your A/C system on, listening as the fans rev up, just to feel hot air coming through your vents. If your unit’s fans are not blowing cool air, this is likely due to a leak resulting in low refrigerant levels. While this is a common summertime issue, you will need to contact an HVAC technician to professionally seal any leaks and add new coolant to your system.

Failing Capacitors

One of the most common summer problems for A/C units are failed capacitors. If your A/C struggles to start-up and ultimately fails, your capacitor is failing. More often than not, capacitors fail during the hottest months of the year.

The best way to avoid a capacitor problem is to schedule regular maintenance with a certified HVAC company. During routine maintenance, an HVAC technician will be able to spot a weakened capacitor and fix it before it fails during the summer.

Outdoor Fan Malfunction

Summer can be a great time to get ahead on outdoor projects and to break out the lawnmower. However, be wary of any debris, grass, and other items that may damage your outdoor unit. If the fan in your outdoor unit is not encased and protected properly, the blades can be easily damaged by debris.

Fan blades that become damaged will start to bend and cause further damage to your unit. Keep your outdoor unit safe all summer long by keeping any debris, footballs, and toys away from your unit.

Clogged Drain Hoses

A large part of your unit’s job is to pull humidity from the air and keep your home’s humidity levels balanced. As the unit works, the condensed water will leave the system through a drainage line. If this line becomes clogged, your system will begin experiencing problems, including dangerous standing water underneath the system.

With heightened humidity during the summer in Florida, this problem can be very serious. Fortunately, a skilled HVAC technician can flush the drains to remove any clogs.

Florida’s intense summers pose an issue for many aspects of our lives. With these best practices and regular maintenance, you can ensure your home’s A/C system is prepared to keep you comfortable all season long. Schedule a maintenance appointment with the NATE-certified HVAC technicians at A/C Designs today to stay ahead of these common summertime HVAC problems.

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HVAC Tips and Tricks for New Homeowners

Monday, June 14th, 2021

When you move into a new home, it’s important to make sure your HVAC system stays in good condition. This helps reduce the risk of damage or other problems while also ensuring your HVAC unit reaches its lifespan. Keep the following HVAC tips and tricks in mind, and your new home will stay comfortable throughout the summer.

Understand Your HVAC Unit

When moving to a new home, you should find out the age and efficiency rating of your HVAC system. A home that’s 10 or more years old is likely to have an older A/C unit that will need to be replaced. Older HVAC systems also have lower efficiency ratings.

Ask for the results of the former owner’s HVAC inspection to see how old it is and whether there were any problems with it. You should also be familiar with the terms and conditions of the HVAC system’s warranty if it has one.

DIY Maintenance

At your new home, you can take steps to maintain your HVAC system. These include changing air filters as often as needed to maintain good HVAC efficiency and removing debris and weeds from around the outdoor unit. You should also seal your home to prevent drafts since this can cause you to use your HVAC system more.

Have a programmable thermostat installed in order to decrease the amount of energy your HVAC system uses when you’re not home. Using curtains or other window coverings can also help you run your HVAC system less often, resulting in less wear and tear.

Keep Up With Professional Maintenance

You should have professional A/C maintenance done on your HVAC unit on an annual basis. Going without maintenance could cost you an extra 20 percent on your energy bills. Routine maintenance helps you save on heating and cooling costs while also improving your air quality and extending the lifespan of your HVAC system.

You’ll also have a lower risk of needing emergency HVAC repairs. Join A/C Designs Preferred Customer Maintenance Program, which provides you with important benefits, including two pre-scheduled system checks each year, a 20 percent discount on repairs, same-day service, and more.

HVAC Tips and Tricks

HVAC checklist for new homeowners

Knowing more about your new A/C unit and scheduling HVAC maintenance are crucial parts of ensuring your system lasts for years and runs smoothly. Book an appointment today with the HVAC experts at A/C Designs.

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How to Prepare Your A/C Unit for Summer

Monday, May 17th, 2021

With temperatures heating up, this is a good time to make sure your air conditioning unit is ready. This helps ensure that your home feels comfortable and cool no matter how hot it is outside. Keep these HVAC tips in mind to prepare your A/C unit for a hot Florida summer.

Cleaning the Indoor Unit

Central air conditioning unit cleaning includes preparing the indoor and outdoor unit. To get your indoor unit ready, you should change the air filters. These filters get covered in debris and dust over time, which can cause your air conditioning to run less efficiently. Clean air filters improve the unit’s efficiency and indoor air quality.

Consider upgrading your thermostat to a programmable one this summer. Programmable thermostats allow you to program settings that reduce how much air conditioning your home uses at certain times, such as when you’re out of the house. Other cleaning tasks for your indoor unit include checking your ductwork for air leaks and cleaning the condensation lines.

Cleaning the Outdoor Unit

When you’re getting ready to prepare your A/C unit for summer, you’ll need to clean your outdoor unit. Air conditioner cleaning on this unit helps ensure that your HVAC system works properly throughout the season. You should clean the coils on this unit since they can become coated in mud, dust, and other kinds of debris. If the coils are slightly dirty, shut off the power to the outdoor unit and spray it down using a garden hose.

Cleaning the outdoor unit also involves wiping down the fins using a soft toothbrush. This helps remove debris from these fins. Other tasks to do when preparing your A/C unit include making sure the concrete slab it sits on is even. You can use a level to even it out if needed.

You should also get rid of any weeds, branches, twigs, and other debris that is around your outdoor unit. This kind of debris can blow airflow through your outdoor A/C unit.

Scheduling Annual Maintenance

Having annual preventative maintenance done on your HVAC system helps ensure that it’s able to run at maximum efficiency throughout the year. These appointments allow HVAC technicians to check the components of your HVAC system to make sure they’re in good condition.

These technicians can also inspect parts of your HVAC system that you might not be able to check or clean on your own. If your A/C has any problems, HVAC technicians can find them early during maintenance visits and make repairs when needed. This helps lower the risk of having your air conditioning stop working during summer or develop major problems that require emergency repairs.

Putting these HVAC cleaning tips to use is a great way to keep your energy bills lower while still having a cool home all summer long. Routine maintenance is also an important part of preparing your HVAC system for summer. Please contact the experts at A/C Designs today to schedule an HVAC maintenance appointment.

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Is It Time to Upgrade Your A/C?

Friday, April 23rd, 2021

Whether you have an older HVAC system or different cooling needs these days, you might not be sure if it’s time for an upgrade. Ensuring that you have an HVAC system that runs efficiently and meets your cooling needs is important to keep your home comfortable. The following signs can help you decide if you need to upgrade your A/C this season.

Common Signs It’s Time to Upgrade

The age of your HVAC system is one sign to consider. If your HVAC system is more than 10 years old, it’s probably time to upgrade. A new system can provide you with more efficient and reliable cooling all year long, without the heightened risk of needing repairs.

Other signs to watch for include increasing energy bill expenses and an A/C unit that breaks down often. Energy bills that are increasing for no apparent reason mean that your system isn’t running efficiently. It’s also time for an upgrade if your heating or cooling system is making unusual sounds or giving off strange or unpleasant odors. An A/C upgrade can also help if your home does not have good indoor air quality.

Get an Energy Assessment

Before you decide it’s time for a new HVAC system, check for air leaks that could be affecting its efficiency. Seal up gaps that could be letting hot air in your home during the hot months, and make sure that your home is properly insulated. You should have an energy assessment performed professionally to evaluate how much energy your home is using and what might be causing too much energy consumption. An energy efficiency professional might determine that your HVAC system doesn’t need to be replaced just yet.

Upgrading Your System

If an energy assessment indicates it’s time for a new HVAC unit or if you have any common signs that an upgrade is needed, the HVAC professionals at A/C Designs can help. We offer professional A/C installation and HVAC repair. Our NATE certified technicians can help you choose the right HVAC system for your home’s cooling needs. This depends on ventilation needs, weather conditions, the size of your home, your home’s insulation levels, and your windows.

Our team can evaluate your home and recommend the best HVAC system for your needs. Keep in mind that we offer HVAC maintenance in Jacksonville FL to help keep your new system in excellent condition for many years to come.

When you begin noticing signs that it’s time to upgrade your AC or a poor energy assessment reading, our HVAC experts can provide dependable A/C unit installation. When you’re looking for HVAC maintenance near me, A/C Designs can help. Request an appointment with A/C Designs for your HVAC system upgrade today.

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Seasonal HVAC Maintenance Tips for Spring

Thursday, April 15th, 2021

Keeping your HVAC system up and running properly requires seasonal maintenance. HVAC maintenance plays an important role in making sure your system runs efficiently and improves your indoor air quality. Follow these seasonal HVAC maintenance tips to ensure your home system is performing at its best.

Replace Your Filter

Your HVAC system’s removable air filter traps pollen and other particles, keeping them out of your home. Tree pollen and other debris can cover these filters during spring, leading to clogged and dirty filters. A dirty filter can lead to damage as your HVAC system attempts to run improperly.

In severe cases, your HVAC system could break down. Keep in mind that lowered efficiency also results in higher energy bills. You should replace your filter as part of your HVAC maintenance routine during spring.

Test and Clean Your Cooling Equipment

Testing your equipment helps determine if it is running efficiently. Turn your HVAC system on and leave it running for a few minutes. This test allows you to determine if your air conditioning is working properly.

You should run your HVAC equipment through one standard cycle to ensure that it’s producing cool air throughout your home. A professional HVAC technician can perform a more in-depth test on your system to determine its efficiency.

When it comes to HVAC cleaning, you can do some of these tasks on your own. Wipe down return registers and supply vents to remove dust and other debris. During a professional HVAC maintenance visit, a technician can clean the internal components of your system, such as the blower fans. Clean components can help your HVAC system run properly.

Preventative Maintenance

Performing preventative maintenance on your HVAC system is a great practice to ensure it operates at its highest efficiency. In addition to the tasks you can do at home, you should schedule an appointment for professional maintenance. Technicians will check the components in your HVAC system to make sure they’re in good condition.

If needed, technicians can repair minor problems and make adjustments to keep your system working properly. They can also inspect your air ducts to check for dents, debris, and other problems that could affect airflow. During maintenance appointments, technicians also look for signs of bigger problems with your HVAC system that require prompt repairs.

These seasonal HVAC maintenance tips can help you enjoy dependable cooling throughout the hot spring and summer months. While you can do some of these tasks yourself, it’s necessary to have a professional technician perform preventative maintenance. When searching for “HVAC maintenance near me,” choose A/C Designs for your preventative maintenance needs. Request an appointment with A/C Designs for your annual HVAC service maintenance appointment.

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How to Get Rid of HVAC Odors

Friday, March 19th, 2021

HVAC systems usually don’t produce strong or strange odors when they’re running properly. If you’re worried about an HVAC odor coming from your system, it’s always a good idea to get professional help identifying the source and fixing it. Keep the following solutions in mind to eliminate common HVAC odors and improve your indoor air quality. 

Easily Fixed Odors

Some odors coming from HVAC systems can be easily found and fixed. 

A mildew smell could be coming from your HVAC unit if excess water has built up due to poor drainage. This musty or moldy odor occurs when moisture accumulates in your system. Change your filter first, but don’t hesitate to call A/C Designs if this smell remains. Our HVAC technicians can professionally clean your unit to get rid of this odor.

A rotting garbage odor in your HVAC system could be coming from a dead bird or rodent that is trapped inside it. Give us a call as soon as possible, and our HVAC technicians will gladly remove the source of the odor.

An old cigarette smoke odor can result from a smoker being or living in the house. The fumes from the smoke can linger on the evaporator coil. Cleaning this section of your HVAC system can eliminate this smell. 

Oil odors typically come from oil leaks. An HVAC technician might need to tighten a fitting in the filter, tank, or oil line to fix the leak. If there is no oil leak, have an HVAC technician check your HVAC system. This oil odor might come from an oil burner that is not working properly. If you also notice unusual noises, smoke, or soot, call an HVAC technician immediately. 

Harmful Odors

Some HVAC system odors can be dangerous. A rotten egg smell could indicate a gas leak close to your air ducts. In this case, you should leave your house right away and call the local gas company before calling an HVAC technician.

A sewage smell can occur if you have a sewer line close to your ductwork that has backed up. If this happens, you should call a plumber or HVAC technician right away. This sewage smell comes from methane. This gas can fill your home and be highly dangerous. 

A burning smell could indicate a mechanical problem with the fan in your HVAC unit. Shut off your HVAC system, and check for burning odors close to your equipment. Call an HVAC technician as soon as possible to handle burning smells. 

Eliminate HVAC Odors

You can remove HVAC odor problems by checking for mildew, mold, dead animals, and other possible sources of HVAC smells regularly. Other ways to eliminate these odors include cleaning your evaporator coils, improving your ventilation, replacing your air filter, and scheduling HVAC maintenance annually. HVAC technicians can remove air duct odors, check for faulty wiring, and tighten belts or other parts as needed. 

Most of the unusual odors that come from HVAC units can be solved easily, but some can be hazardous. Contact the team at A/C Designs to schedule an appointment for your HVAC maintenance needs.

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