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

Air Conditioning Tip 4 : Reducing Noise Levels

Wednesday, August 28th, 2013

Air conditioning systems are a staple of life, particularly in towns like Daytona Beach, FL, which experiences hot, tropical weather. As nice as AC units can be, however, and as comfortable as they make our homes, we sometimes have to deal with some noise in exchange for our cool air. The motors and fans in an air conditioning unit need to run for the system to function, which means a certain amount of noise is inevitable. You can take steps to reduce the noise levels, however: allowing you to enjoy the cool air in peace and quiet.

The most direct solution is to simply replace your older unit with a newer and more efficient one. Newer units implement updated technology that lets them run more quietly. Furthermore, newer units don’t have worn or outdated parts, which can create more noise than they should as they age. Upgrading also allows you to consider noise-reducing options like a two-stage compressor, which can run at lower levels when the temperature isn’t quite so high (with an attendant reduction in sound).

If the noise is being caused by one specific component, you may be able to address the issue by replacing it with a newer component. For instance, if the fan blade is bent or unbalanced, it may make more of a noise than it should. Replacing it with a newer blade, or even just having a service tech tighten a loose fitting, can resolve the issue.

In a pinch, you can ask a professional to discuss the use of a compressor blanket, which wraps around the AC unit and drops the noise levels, or even constructing a small fence around the outdoor unit, directing the noise upward and reducing its impact in the home.

If your air conditioning is too loud for comfort and you want to talk about your options with a professional, contact AC Designs, Inc. for help. Our trained experts can assess the situation and find a solution that fits your particular needs. We serve all of Daytona Beach, so don’t hesitate to give us a call!

Tags: Air Conditioning, Daytona Beach, Noise Level
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Call for Air Conditioning Repair if You Hear These Sounds

Thursday, August 22nd, 2013

Like a lot of cities in the area, Jacksonville, FL, relies on air conditioning units to survive the summer heat. When you need to call for air conditioning repair, you don’t want to dawdle, lest you’re left without options when the next heat wave arrives. One good indicator of a problem with you air conditioning system is an unusual noise or sound when you turn it on. Generally speaking, you should contact a qualified service technician if you hear any kind of sound coming from your air conditioner that departs from the norm. More specifically, you should call for air conditioning repair if you hear any of the following sounds:

Hisses: Caused by a possible leak in one of the lines, or possibly a faulty air compressor.
Buzzes: Caused by a bent fan blade, twigs or similar detritus in the vents or a malfunctioning motor.
Rattling: Caused by loose hardware in the system, an improperly secured component or a motor that is malfunctioning.
Bubbling: Caused by leaking refrigerant or possibly problems with the condensate drain line.
Electrical noises, such as humming or buzzing: Caused by loose or frayed wiring or problems with the electrical contacts.
Squeals or screaming: Caused by problems with the fan belt or the heat pump compressor.
Whistling: Cause by air leaks, most likely in the ducts themselves.

Regardless of the precise sound, it takes a trained professional to resolve it. As the list above indicates, the potential issue could be one of many things. A qualified professional can use the noise as a clue to the exact problem, then track it down and implement an appropriate solution. In the heat and humidity typical of Jacksonville, FL, air conditioning repair services need to implement those solutions quickly. That’s where the experts at AC Designs Inc. come in. Our experienced service techs can handle a wide variety of issues, and we are dedicated to your complete satisfaction. Call us today to set up a service call.

Tags: Air Conditioning Repair, Jacksonville
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Air Conditioning Repair Tip 3: Electrical Connections and Your AC

Wednesday, August 14th, 2013

An air conditioning system depends on electricity to run, just like most modern appliances. When it malfunctions, you need to contact quality professional service to get it repaired safely. This is especially the case in cities like Jacksonville, FL, which experience high heat and humidity in the summertime. You can’t afford to go without air conditioning in the midst of those muggy days. Faulty electrical connections may lie at the heart of any existing problems.

In some cases, the electrical problem lies outside of the air conditioning unit itself: because of frayed wiring in your home, an excess of electrical units running through the same outlet, or the like. In the event of an overload, the circuit breakers will trip, cutting off power to your system. You can reset the breakers, but if the underlying problem isn’t addressed, the same thing will happen again.

A similar phenomenon may take place if one of the components in your air conditioning system is malfunctioning. The compressor motor and similar elements often come equipped with automatic shut-off switches, which trigger during an overload or similar situation and shut the component off. This happens to prevent any further damage to the system. If your air conditioning unit refuses to turn on and the circuit breaker hasn’t been tripped, this could be the source of the problem.

Then there’s the situation whereby your air conditioning system stutters when it starts up or makes a lot of noise. The electrical current may be on, but the voltage is low, which may be causing the problem.

Whatever the source, you should contact a qualified service professional to ascertain the problem. They can isolate the bad connection and take appropriate action, or spot the offending piece of equipment in the AC unit itself and recommend a course of action. The service techs at AC Designs Inc. can help you. We offer AC repair in Jacksonville, FL and throughout the surrounding communities, and possess the expertise to diagnose your electrical connection problem before implementing a proper solution. We offer 24-hour emergency service, so you don’t have to sweat it out when your air conditioning system goes down. Call us today to make an appointment!

Tags: Air Conditioning Repair, Electrical Connection, Jacksonville
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Don’t Put Off Air Conditioning Repair!

Monday, August 5th, 2013

In Jacksonville, FL, air conditioning repair needs to come sooner rather than later. Our hot summers and high levels of humidity make a non-functioning air conditioner more than just a nuisance. Beyond the immediate discomfort of a broken air conditioning, there are several good reasons no to put off a repair call. The sooner you address the issue, the better.

The first and most obvious reason comes with heat waves. We never can tell when an AC system will break down, but if you delay getting it fixed, you’re apt to be caught flat-footed when the temperatures outside start to spike. Better to address the issue when the mercury is comparatively low than scramble to get it fixed in the face of an approaching heat wave (or worse, endure the heat wave without it).

You might also consider the possibility of larger bills in the future. A malfunctioning air conditioning may still be able to work, but every time you turn it on with a broken component, you run the risk of causing further damage. A service call from a trained professional can spot any additional areas in need of repair, as well as suggesting a maintenance schedule to avoid any similar issues in the future.

This is doubly true if the air conditioning trouble arrives late in the season as the weather cools off. You may breathe a sigh of relief and put the issue out of your head until the summer starts up again. That could be a costly mistake, as rains, cold weather and an “out of sight, out of mind” approach make the issue worse. Instead of facing one or two issues, you may end up facing a whole host of them, requiring more time and money to make repairs.

AC Designs Inc. specializes in air conditioning repair in Jacksonville, FL, and can address your repair issues before they get out of hand. Call us today. One of our expert technicians will come to your home and diagnose and repair the problem.

Tags: Air Conditioning Repair, Jacksonville
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What to Ask Your Technician Prior to Your Air Conditioning Installation

Monday, July 29th, 2013

In Jacksonville, FL, a new AC means long-term protection against the heat and humidity of the summer. It pays to use trained and certified air conditioning technicians to install your new unit for you. But before he rolls up his sleeves and gets to work, you should know what to ask your technician about the installation process and the air conditioning unit in general.

How long will the installation take? The technician should be able to give you a basic timeframe for installing your new unit, so you know what to expect and how to schedule your day around the installation.
Are there different steps to the installation process? You probably don’t need a blow-by-blow breakdown, but the technician can explain the basic stages of the installation process to you.
Will you take care of the disposal of my old air conditioning unit? Air conditioners contain refrigerant, which needs to be properly handled and disposed of. Some installation services remove and properly dispose of your old unit for you, but you should know before the work starts.
Are there ways I can help maintain my new air conditioning, such as changing filters? A few simple preventative steps will help keep your new air conditioning working like new for a long time. This is also a good opportunity to schedule any regular maintenance calls with your technician.
What does my air conditioning warranty cover? Go over the warranty with your technician point by point, so you understand what exactly is covered and how you can address any problems that may arise.
Are there signs of faulty operation I should look out for? With a new air conditioning system, you shouldn’t have any problems at all, but sooner or later, trouble may arise. It helps to spot signs of trouble early: strange noises, low air flow, rapid cycling on and off, and an inability to blow cool air.

If you’re looking for a new air conditioning installation service in Jacksonville, FL, give the experts at AC Designs Inc. a call. We will go through the process of installation with you and answer any questions you may have.

Tags: Air Conditioning Installation, Jacksonville
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Signs of AC Compressor Problems

Monday, July 22nd, 2013

Here at AC Designs Inc., we often get called to repair air conditioners, and the compressor is one of the most common components to break down. Here is a quick explanation of what it does and some of the things that can go wrong with it. In some cases, the compressor can’t be replaced, which means that you might need to install a new air conditioning system.

What Does the Compressor Do?

If you’ve ever used one of those cans of compressed air to clean your computer, you likely noticed that the outside of the can gets very cold. This is because the remaining air inside the can has to expand in order to fill the space left by the air that got released. This expansion absorbs heat from the space around it. The energy that it absorbs is heat thus making the surface of the can cold.

Your air conditioning system operates under a similar set of principles. Instead of compressed air, though, it uses a compressed refrigerant. The refrigerant gets compressed by the compressor, and then the expansion valve changes the pressure of the refrigerant, causing it to evaporate in the evaporator coils. The coils get cold and the fan in your AC unit blows the warm air of your home across them in order to cool the air.

Signs of Compressor Problems

There are a few signs that indicate that you need air conditioning repair for the compressor.

Not enough cooling – If your compressor isn’t compressing the refrigerant enough, it will result in a lack of cool air coming from your AC. The more the compressor can compress the refrigerant, the more cooling your AC can deliver. But the opposite is true: if you compressor can’t compress the refrigerant, then it won’t be able to cool your home.
Strange noises – Your compressor uses a motor in order to compress the refrigerant. This motor can start to make some unusual noises when it begins to break down. If you hear banging, clanking it could be the piston, crankshaft or some other internal part. Hissing can be caused by a leak in the motor or the compressor. Buzzing can indicate a loose wire or fitting.

When you need repairs or air conditioning repair or installation in Jacksonville, FL, make sure that you call the experts at AC Designs Inc..

Tags: Air Conditioning Repair, Jacksonville
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Is a Heat Pump a Good Option for Air Conditioning in the State of Florida?

Tuesday, July 16th, 2013

Are you in the market for new air conditioning installation in Jacksonville, FL? If so, there are various options to consider. Among the most popular, the heat pump makes an excellent choice for homeowners looking for a great mix of performance and energy efficiency.

One of the added benefits of installing a heat pump in your home is that it also provide both heating and cooling for your home. Because our winters are relatively moderate down here, many homeowners may be comfortable with a year-round option like a heat pump to fulfill their air conditioning and heating needs.

Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why a heat pump makes a good option for keeping your home comfortable:

Versatility: The chief distinction between a heat pump and air conditioner is its ability to heat your home during the colder months of the year. It can do this because of a reversing valve that allows the refrigerant to move in the opposite direction. This gives the heat pump a versatility that simply cannot be had with any other system. Unlike an ordinary AC, you can use your heat pump all year round, which is much simplier than maintaining and repairing two separate systems.
Reliability: Heat pumps are reliable pieces of equipment when regularly maintained. Since they only transfer heat, instead of producing it via combustion, you don’t have to worry about problems like gas leaks or pilot lights. However, when you opt for a heat pump in Jacksonville, FL, you need to make sure that it’s professionally installed by a technician with experience and training. Considering that you use your heat pump during both temperature extremes, ensuring reliable performance is an important factor in the installation of any new system.

Call AC Designs Inc. today for excellent heat pump and air conditioning services throughout Jacksonville, FL. We can make sure your heat pump installation is completed properly.

Tags: Air Conditioning, Heat Pump, Jacksonville
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Damaged Ductwork and Air Conditioning Repair

Tuesday, July 9th, 2013

If you have a traditional central air conditioning system in your home, then you have a series of ducts that carry the cool air throughout your home. If these ducts have holes, leaks, clogs or pinches in them then it could mean that you have some serious issues with your system. Below are some common problems with this often overlooked component of your air conditioning system:

Leaks – If your ducts are leaking air out, then it means that your home’s comfort and efficiency could be suffering. Duct leaks can allow a huge amount of air to leak outside which is not only wasteful, but it will also likely leave your home less comfortable.
Duct clogs – Over time, dust, dirt, and other debris can accumulate in your ducts. This can have an impact on your home’s air quality because those contaminants will likely get pick up and carried throughout your home. Also, clogs in your ducts can greatly reduce the efficiency of your home’s air conditioning system.
Pinches – If your ducts weren’t installed properly there could be unnecessary turns or pinches in them—especially if you have flexible ductwork.
Noises –If you hear strange noises coming from your ductwork when you turn on your air conditioning system it could mean that they have holes and leaks in them. It could also mean that they are coming loose from the braces that secure the ducts to your home.

Why Get Duct Sealing and Duct Repair

Getting your ducts sealed can have a huge positive impact on your home’s air quality, comfort and efficiency. Any leaks or holes in your ducts will allow a lot of cool air to just leak outside. Your air conditioning system will have to work extra hard to replace that lost air and still keep your home comfortable. Those holes can also allow outside contaminants like pollen and bacteria to get into your home’s air supply.

Give the professionals at AC Designs Inc. a call today if you need air conditioning repair in Jacksonville, FL.

Tags: Air Conditioning, Air Conditioning Repair, Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra, St. Augustine
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How an Improper Refrigerant Charge Affects Your Air Conditioning System

Thursday, June 27th, 2013

There are a lot of ways that a poor air conditioning installation can affect the performance of your system. Bad duct design or installation, improper placement of thermostats and a plethora of other problems may converge to reduce the efficiency, effectiveness and reliability with which your system operates. An improper refrigerant charge, though, is one of the most troublesome. If your air conditioning system is not installed with the proper refrigerant charge, you can expect a number of different problems to develop. Here are a few examples of how an improper refrigerant charge can affect your air conditioning system.

If you experience problems with the coils of your air conditioning system icing over, a low refrigerant charge may be to blame. When your coils ice over your air conditioner is not able to cool your home properly, and forcing your system to operate under such conditions will only lead to more serious problems. Any signs of icing should be addressed by a qualified air conditioning repair technician.

You may also notice that your air conditioning system is overheating, reaching internal temperatures that trigger it to shut down. Again, this issue can lead to further, more complex problems and cannot be ignored. When your system overheats, it can actually be the result of low or high refrigerant levels. This means that an improper charge at the time of installation or a refrigerant leak could be to blame. Refrigerant may also be lost during unrelated AC services, so make sure that your technician is measuring the refrigerant for a proper charge prior to putting your system back into use. Refrigerant leaks can also have a negative impact on the environment.

The refrigerant in your air conditioning system plays a vital role in its operation. To learn more about the negative impacts that an improper refrigerant charge can have on your AC, contact AC Designs, Inc. We can answer any questions you may have, and our Jacksonville, FL air conditioning technicians can resolve any problems your air conditioning system may develop.

Tags: Air Conditioning, Air Conditioning Repair, Jacksonville, Refrigerant
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