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

The Benefits of Regular AC Maintenance

Monday, March 31st, 2014

Here in Jacksonville, FL, air conditioning maintenance is an absolute necessity. As the winter draws to a close and our long, hot Florida summer gets underway, your air conditioning system is the best weapon you have to keep your home cool and comfortable. If you want to keep it functioning as it should, you should schedule an AC maintenance visit at least once a year and perhaps more often depending on your circumstances. With AC season about to get underway, now is the perfect time for it.

Here’s a brief list of the benefits of regular AC maintenance:

  • A more efficient unit: A maintenance session cleans dirt off of the interior components, tightens loose fittings, recharges refrigerant levels and performs other key “tune-up” functions. That means your air conditioner will work more smoothly and without wasting as much energy. You’ll be able to see the difference when your monthly bills arrive: depending upon the specific conditions, you could save a great deal of money.
  • Fewer repairs and a longer lifespan: Maintenance also serves to catch big problems when they’re still relatively small ones. Such repairs tend to cost less than they might otherwise, and with less wear and tear on the system as a whole, you’re apt to see fewer of them than you would without a regular maintenance visit. All of that translates into a longer life for your air conditioner, delaying the day when you’ll have to replace it.
  • Peace of mind: The best benefit of an air conditioning maintenance visit is the peace of mind it brings. The last thing you want is a full breakdown just when temperatures peak. An AC tune-up helps prevent that, letting you sleep a litte easier at night.

To schedule a maintenance visit, contact the experts at AC Designs Inc. Here in Jacksonville, FL, air conditioning maintenance shouldn’t be left to amateurs. We stand by our service and we think you’ll agree that your air conditioner will work much more effectively after a visit from one of our techs. Give us a call today to make an appointment!

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What Is This Grinding Sound When I Run My Air Conditioning?

Tuesday, November 12th, 2013

You need an air conditioner you can depend on if you live in Florida. Hot spells can strike any time of the year, even during the deepest winter when much of the northern states have thick blankets of snow. If your AC starts sending you signals that it might be struggling or heading toward a breakdown, you need to act fast to get it the necessary repairs. You don’t want one of those surprise hot days to come along and find a worse surprise waiting you when the air conditioner refuses to come on.

But even if your AC fails completely, you don’t have to panic: AC Designs Inc. is ready 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide you with emergency care for your air conditioning in Jacksonville, FL. Our NATE-certified technicians won’t let you go without the necessary comfort of your air conditioner.

Is that grinding sound from my AC a warning sign?

Strange noises are one of the ways you can tell if your air conditioner is encountering trouble. You are probably familiar with the sounds your AC makes during normal operation, so when something like a grinding noise starts, it will stand out—as it should.

A harsh grinding noise often indicates trouble in the compressor. This vital component is what sends the refrigerant through the air conditioner’s lines and allows for heat exchange. Compressors operate similar to motors, with pistons that compress the refrigerant inside. If the compressor wears down, the pistons can start to cause an unpleasant grinding noise. Other internal components may have broken or come loose. Usually, the compressor will need a full replacement, which is a job trained HVAC professionals can get done for you.

Another possibility for the grinding sound is that the blower fan belt has come loose and started to rub against other parts of the air conditioner’s cabinet. The damaged belt will need to be changed before it causes further trouble for other components. This isn’t like changing the motor belt in a car: it requires special knowledge and the right tools.

Please keep in mind that your air conditioner may still seem to function normally even with these problems occurring. Don’t give into the temptation to just tolerate the sound and try your best to ignore it—the problem will not go away, and it will get worse until a major malfunction occurs that will require expensive repairs. When you hear these grinding noises, call in HVAC professionals who will be able to identify where the issue lies and fix it so it won’t reoccur.

AC Designs Inc. can help you with any problems you may encounter with your air conditioning repair in Jacksonville, FL. Grinding noises, frozen coils, strange smells from the vents… if you think there’s something awry with your AC, contact us right away.

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Air Conditioning Repair Tip: Signs of Capacitor Problems

Tuesday, October 29th, 2013

The capacitor is a component in the compressor motor and fan motor in your air conditioning system. It gets the motor running when you first turn it on, then keeps it running while the air conditioner operates. That makes it a small but vital component in your air conditioning system, helping to circulate refrigerant through the compressor and blow cool air into your home when the cooling process is complete. Considering the importance of air conditioning repair in Jacksonville,  problems with the capacitor need to be dealt with quickly. Spotting the signs of capacitor problems is the first step to getting it repaired.

The most obvious signs entail examining the motor itself. A capacitor with problems heat up, and may hum or vibrate while it is working. In these cases the best thing to do is turn off the air conditioner and summon a service technician. Replacing the capacitor will probably cost you less than replacing the entire motor or similar damage caused by a flat-out failure.

Speaking of which, another sign of capacitor problems comes when the motor itself fails. That means the air conditioner itself will probably start working, or at the very least that no cool air is blowing into your home once the air conditioner generates it.  If the AC unit as a whole has power, but isn’t blowing, it could point to a failed motor. Similarly, if the motor is trying to turn on, but it’s struggling at the job, then the capacitor may be to blame.

No matter what the cause, if you spot signs of capacitor problems, then it pays to summon a trained technician to deal with it. Capacitors usually aren’t expensive to replace, but a service expert can properly assess the situation and ensure that no other components require repair as well. AC Designs, Inc. handles air conditioning repair in Jacksonville, FL, and can resolve the issue with expediency and professionalism. Give us a call to make an appointment today.

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Clogged Filters and Air Conditioning Repair in Daytona Beach

Tuesday, October 22nd, 2013

Air conditioning repair in Daytona Beach can be a serious matter, with our hot weather nearly year round. Anything you can do to defer or delay a serious repair call will leave you and your family without a cool, comfortable home on hot days. Along with regular maintenance visits, changing your air filters regularly will help keep your air conditioner in good condition and lower the risk of repairs. Here’s the link between clogged filters and air conditioning repair in Daytona Beach.

In addition to helping keep dust and dirt out of your home, air filters help keep your air conditioner itself clear of dust and debris. When duct gathers on internal components, it can seriously affect your air conditioner’s ability to do its job: increasing friction on moving parts and preventing the evaporator coils from cooling the air as wells as they should. As strain on the unit builds, your monthly air conditioning costs will go up, as well as increasing the chances of a significant breakdown in the near future.

The air filter is supposed to stop all of that, or at least delay the build-up of dust and dirt in the system. When the filter gets clogged, however, it’s not doing its job, and probably reducing air flow into your home to boot.

You can help alleviate a lot of these problems simply by changing your air filter before it gets clogged. The exact time to do that can vary, though, depending on how much dust you have in your home and if you have any pets.

To that, add a regular maintenance schedule from a trained professional. He can clean the dust and debris off of the air conditioning components, as well as tightening loose bolts and recharging low refrigerant. If you are concerned about clogged air filters, the experts at AC Designs can help. Call us today to set up an appointment.

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Air Conditioning FAQ 3: Why Small Problems Matter

Tuesday, October 8th, 2013

Air conditioning repair in Orange Park is no laughing matter, especially when the summer temperatures hit and our infamous Florida humidity kicks in. You need a reliable air conditioning system to keep your home cool and comfortable during even the most sweltering summer’s day. Repairs for any appliance are inevitable, but with air conditioning systems, it might mean going without cool air during the worst time of the year. Small problems may not seem like much, but they can come back to bite you at the worst possible time. Here’s why small problems matter, and why calling in a service technician for a little issue could end up saving money in the long run.

In the simplest possible terms, an ounce of prevention beats a pound of cure. Small problems need to be treated promptly because they have a way of becoming bigger ones, and bigger ones will end up costing you a lot more money to fix. Take, for example, the question of leaking refrigerant. It’s a fairly common problem and a trained service technician can usually fix it quickly. But if it isn’t treated, the problems can cascade. Ice will form on the evaporator coils, which interferes with its ability to do its job. The air blowing into your house isn’t as cool, forcing the other components in the air conditioning system to work harder and increasing overall wear and tear. Your monthly bills go up before the unit is expending more energy than it needs to. Suddenly, you’re looking at a scenario whereby several components could fail and a major repair needs to be made, all because the comparatively simple problem of sealing a leak and recharging refrigerant wasn’t addressed.

At AC Designs Inc., we understand why small problems matter, which is why we devote as much care and consideration to fixing them as we do major repairs. Air conditioning repair in Orange Park is something we take seriously, and we’d rather save you from a major repair by conducting a minor one with efficiency and pride. Give us a call today to set up an appointment.

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Air Conditioning Repair Tip 3: My Compressor Won’t Start

Tuesday, October 1st, 2013

When it comes to air conditioning repair, Jacksonville, FL has the weather to press the issue. Our heat index rises every year, along with high levels of humidity people expect in Florida. Your air conditioning system provides you with a cool, comfortable home during even the hottest days. When you need repairs, they need to come quickly, and it helps to know some of the root causes so that you can better direct the technician to get your air conditioning running again quickly. For instance, if your compressor won’t start, you’re likely facing a significant problem. But what function does the compressor perform and what happens when it breaks down?

The compressor is an essential part of your system, compressing the refrigerant and making the cooling process possible. If the compressor fails, the air conditioning system can’t function. At best, the blower will simply move warm air into your system. At worst, the air conditioner won’t start at all.

There are several possible causes behind a broken air compressor, which may include the following:

  • Damaged wiring keeping the compressor motor from gaining power.
  • The compressor motor is overheated or burnt out, meaning it will not start.
  • There’s a leak in the coils, leading to the AC losing refrigerant.
  • Broken expansion valve. If the expansion valve or evaporator coils are damaged, the refrigerant will arrive at the compressor in liquid instead of gaseous form, preventing it from functioning.

Whatever the cause, you need to get it fixed as quickly as possible. With air conditioning repair, Jacksonville, FL doesn’t allow any room for error and the longer you wait the more you’ll have to ensure summer heat and humidity. The experts at AC Designs Inc. can help when your compressor won’t start. Contact us today to set up a diagnostic appointment. We offer 24-hour emergency service, ensuring you don’t have to wait to get your air conditioner up and running again.

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Air Conditioning FAQ 2: Types of Refrigerant

Monday, September 23rd, 2013

Your air conditioner depends on a chemical called refrigerant to transfer heat from inside your home and into the warm Florida air outdoors. In the early days of electrical ACs, the chemical used for refrigerant was usually propane, ammonia, or methyl chloride. These gases are either toxic or flammable, and made primitive air conditioners potentially dangerous. In 1928, ACs got their first non-flammable, non-toxic chlorofluorocarbon gas, known as “Freon.” Although the term Freon is still used to describe refrigerants in general, many different mixtures have been used since 1928. In this post we’ll talk about the two most commonly found in home air conditioners, R-22 and R-410A, and what you should know about them.

R-22 and R-410A may sound like robots from the Star Wars universe, but the names actually designate their molecular composition. Although they may sound similar, the differences between them are significant.

R-22 is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) and is the older of the two mixtures. For 40 years, it was the top choice for air conditioner refrigerant. Although it has a lower ozone-depleting level than the compounds used before it, its level is now considered unacceptable. In accordance with the Montreal Protocols, the U.S. has started a phase-out program for R-22. Manufacturers have not been permitted to make new units using R-22 since 2010, and by 2020 the compound should be completely phased out, with chemical companies no longer permitted to provide it to service existing air conditioners.

R-410A, trademarked under the name Puron, was created as a replacement for R-22. It is a mix of difluoromethane (R-32) and pentafluoroethane (R-125). Unlike R-22, it contains only fluorine and poses no danger to the ozone layer. If you have an air conditioner that was installed after 2009, the chances are high that you have R-410A moving through its coils.

Your AC unit will have a listing on its cabinet that details what refrigerant it contains. If your air conditioner uses R-22, don’t worry yet. You might consider a replacement system, but you should weigh your long term housing plans and the warranty on your current system. The best advice you can get regarding replacing an air conditioner that uses R-22 is from a professional HVAC company that deals with refrigerants every day. AC Designs Inc. is ready to give you the help you need and your air conditioning in Daytona Beach top-level maintenance.

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When to Contact a Professional for Air Conditioning Repair

Monday, September 16th, 2013

The air conditioner in your Florida home is an intricate machine that consists of motors, indoor and outdoor units, a compressor, refrigerant, fans, and a system of ducts. Although today’s ACs are designed to handle stress and long periods of use, they cannot be 100% error-free. Eventually, you will need a professional to handle the repairs and upkeep on your air conditioning system so that a malfunction doesn’t make your home uncomfortable.

Here are some signs that may indicate a serious issue that requires professional work. If you notice any of these, call the staff at AC Designs Inc. to schedule air conditioning repair in Jacksonville, FL.

Strange noises: The soothing white noise of your air conditioner is something you’re familiar with. But if that sound is interrupted with clanging, grinding, or banging noises, it could mean any number of problems that might be catastrophic to your AC unless take care of. A broken compressor, a burnt-out capacitor, a bent fan, a failing motor… any of these malfunctions requires an expert to repair them as soon as possible.

Unusual smells: If the air wafting from the vents starts to carry an odd odor you’ve never noticed before, it might indicate breaks in the ducts or a problem with your condensate drain.

Less effective cooling: An AC that cooling effectively is probably in need of repair. If you find spots in your home that are no longer getting as cool as they should be no matter how you set the thermostat, get a technician in the moment you can to diagnose what’s wrong. Many small problems with your AC can balloon into larger issues if ignored, which is why it is usually better to call for repair sooner rather than later when noticing signs like this.

Even if nothing seems wrong with your air conditioning, its good to have it inspected annually. We recommend the owners of home AC systems get maintenance done at least once a year. The fall is a good time to schedule a check and tune-up, since technicians are less busy in the stretch between summer and winter. A maintenance check will make sure that your AC is working at peak efficiency, with good air flow, no electrical issues, and no problems with the various motors. A technician will catch warning signs of potential troubles that might spell expensive repairs in the future. Enrolling in regular maintenance is one of the best ways to save money when it comes to your AC.

When you know it’s time to call a professional for your air conditioning repair in Jacksonville, FL, make AC Designs Inc. your first call. We offer a maintenance program and 24/7 emergency service throughout Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Daytona Beach, Palm Coast, and the surrounding Northeast Florida area.

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Can Routine Maintenance Ward Off a Costly Air Conditioning Repair

Monday, September 9th, 2013

A good, efficient air conditioner is a must for living in Florida. Our summers are hot and muggy, and the temperature remains high the rest of the year as well. But you shouldn’t expect your AC that has happily chugged away keeping you cool to do so indefinitely. Like any device, an air conditioner will begin to suffer wear and tear after years of use. Scheduling routine maintenance can help prevent the need for air conditioning repair in Daytona Beach.

Think of your air conditioner as if it were a car. In Daytona Beach, chances are that you run your air conditioner more often than you drive your car—probably much more often. You wouldn’t let your car run make do without regular tune-ups. Why should a complex and important machine like your air conditioner get different treatment? Having either your car or air conditioner break down is an enormous hassle. Routine maintenance is one of best ways to see that it doesn’t happen.

At AC Designs, Inc., we always recommend that our customers enroll in a preventive maintenance program. We wouldn’t do this if we didn’t know from experience that routine maintenance can ward off very costly fixes to your air conditioner down the road—or even the need for a complete replacement of the system.

When an HVAC professional comes to your home for regular maintenance, you will receive a full check on all the components in your air conditioner to make sure they are operating at optimal levels. The maintenance technician will examine the airflow, filters, electrical connections, air handler cabinet, evaporator coils, and motors. If necessary, the technician will drain the condensate pan and clean out the drain. If any serious problems are discovered, you will receive a recommendation on what repairs should be done.

The professionals at AC Designs Inc. are all NATE-certified and will provide you with the high quality air conditioning repair in Daytona Beach that you need. Set up an appointment with us today!

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