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

Why Heating Services Cost More Than Cooling

Friday, November 10th, 2023

As the cooler months approach, are you prepared to stay warm without breaking the bank? At AC Designs, our team is here to help you understand the costs of heating service and learn the essential tips and facts to keep your home comfortable all year long.

Understanding Your Energy Bill

Have you ever wondered why it often costs more to keep your home warm in the winter compared to keeping it cool in the summer? There are a few reasons behind this:

Heating Needs More Energy

It takes about four times more energy to heat your home in the winter than it does to cool it in the summer. This is because heating systems have to work harder to make your home warm while cooling systems have an easier job.

Temperature Difference Matters

In winter, the outside temperature is often much colder than what we want inside our homes. So, heating systems have to use more energy to bridge this gap and keep us warm. This is less of an issue in summer when the temperature difference is smaller.

Importance of Insulation

How well your home is insulated makes a big difference. Good insulation keeps the heat inside, so your heating system doesn’t have to work as hard. Poor insulation means your heating system has to work more to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Factors That May Be Raising Your Electricity Bill

Understanding why your electricity bill may be higher than it should be is important for cost-effective heating services. Properly sealing and closing windows tightly can prevent heat from escaping, helping you save on your electricity bill.

Keep your fireplace damper closed when it’s not in use to prevent warm indoor air from flowing out through the chimney. It’s also important to eliminate roof leaks and seal and close doors tightly to prevent drafts and heat loss.

Avoid blocking heating vents with furniture, as this can disrupt the flow of warm air. AC Designs offers air duct cleaning services to ensure that your ducts are free of debris and in good working condition to prevent heat loss. No matter the temperature, sign up for our maintenance program to keep your home comfortable year-round. 

Tips to Reduce Heating Service Costs

Trim down your winter heating bills with these quick and effective tricks.

Choose Efficient Appliances

Heat pumps are a great heating service option that is often more efficient than using your HVAC unit. AC Designs offers heat pump repair services to keep your home comfortable all winter long. 

Lower the Thermostat

Our HVAC service providers recommend adjusting your thermostat to lower temperatures during bedtime and when you leave for work to save up to 10% annually on heating costs. 

Take Advantage of Natural Heat

On sunny days, use natural light and warmth to your advantage, reducing the need for heating and potentially saving on HVAC costs. 

Stay warm with extra blankets and warmer clothing to bump up the thermostat. Cooking and baking can also help heat up the kitchen, providing additional warmth to your home.

Ceiling Fans

Reverse the direction of the ceiling fans around your home to help distribute warm air, making your heating system more efficient.

Consider a New System

If your heating system is old or inefficient, it might be time for an AC repair or upgrade to lower your heating service bills. At AC Designs, our HVAC financing options can help with this transition.

AC Designs Jacksonville FL

At AC Designs, our experienced HVAC technicians are here to ensure your heating system is in top shape and optimized for cost savings. Schedule an appointment today to learn more about our AC financing options and how we can help you stay comfortable this winter without breaking the bank. 

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Turning Your Heat On? Look Out for These Sounds and Smells

Tuesday, January 17th, 2023

As Florida temperatures begin to drop, homeowners can expect to begin using their heating systems. Before turning the heat on for the first time this season, look out for strange smells or noises that could indicate a need for heating maintenance or repair. At AC Designs, we’re here to provide all the information you need to keep your home comfortable all winter long. 

Tips for Turning Your Heat On

There are a few key tips to keep in mind this winter to ensure that your home is heated safely and efficiently. Test your system and thermostat controls ahead of time to make sure that it still functions properly from the previous winter season. 

Turn your heat on for a minimum of one hour and monitor your thermostat. If warm air doesn’t blow from your vents, contact your HVAC technician to troubleshoot. When it’s finally time to turn the heater on for good, gradually adjust your thermostat until you reach your desired temperature. 

Sudden setting changes can overwork your HVAC unit and cause harmful wear and tear. Instead of switching from cooling to heating overnight, start out on the lowest setting for maximized efficiency. You should also practice other ways to maintain efficiency throughout the winter. 

Keep your curtains and blinds open during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home and reduce strain on your unit. Homeowners should also keep all windows closed to prevent heat from escaping the home. This can overwork your heating system and significantly raise your energy bill. 

Notice a Burning Smell From Heater? Don’t Panic!

An initial burning smell coming from your heat pump is normal after turning it on for the first time in months. This smell can be caused by a build-up of dust on your unit’s heat strips when the heating has not been used for an extended period of time. 

However, if strange smells persist after the heat has been in use for multiple cycles, consider calling a professional HVAC technician. AC Designs will send one of our highly trained professionals to diagnose the smell and ensure that your unit is functioning properly.

Troubleshooting Strange Sounds

Strange sounds coming from your heater can also be a normal part of turning your heating on after an extended time period. However, some sounds may indicate the need for a professional inspection. One common sound to look out for comes from the defrost cycle. 

This cycle occurs when the coil on your outside condensing unit becomes covered in ice or frost. This prevents the unit from functioning properly, causing it to go into the defrost cycle to thaw. Frost covering your unit’s coils is normal, and can sometimes cause a loud whooshing, grinding, or even sizzling sound. In some cases, steam may also appear.

Although they may be loud and alarming, these sounds are a normal part of the cycle as your unit’s coil defrosts. It is important to refrain from disrupting cycling by letting the system run and finish its process without interruption. Once the cycle is complete, your unit should be back to running efficiently.

Sources of Other Strange Sounds

Noises from the defrost cycle should only last 25-45 minutes around twice a day in colder temperatures. Other noises like whistling or squealing may indicate an airflow blockage or more severe problems with the belt or motor. 

Banging

Loud banging sounds coming from your unit after turning it on could indicate ductwork issues. While this noise may require loosening your ducts or adding thicker metal around them, banging noises are easy to remedy with the help of a certified HVAC technician.  

Booming 

If your furnace or HVAC unit is making booming noises, contact your AC technician right away. These sounds could be caused by a gas build-up inside the unit, which can result in an explosion without a proper fix.

Squealing 

Squealing noises typically indicate problems with your unit’s belt or motor. Although unpleasant, these sounds are no cause for concern and typically only require minor repairs. 

Rattling 

If your unit is making a rattling or vibrating sound, this could be an indication of loose ductwork. Tightening the screws is a quick, simple fix to stop the rattling and readjust your ducts. 

Rumbling 

Rumbling can be caused by issues within your unit’s burner as oil or gas uncontrollably burns. If a rumbling noise persists after your furnace is turned on, turn your unit off and immediately contact your AC technician. Continuing to run your unit can emit dangerous carbon monoxide into your home. 

Whistling 

Whistling sounds may be caused by airflow blockage and can often be fixed by changing your air filters and cleaning out your ductwork. If the whistling persists, contact your AC technician to further assess your unit.   

Join AC Designs’ Preferred Maintenance Program

If strange noises persist, contact AC Designs for professional help from our technicians. We encourage homeowners to join our preferred maintenance program for priority scheduling, replacement, and 24-hour emergency service to address issues with your unit as soon as possible 

Schedule an Appointment With Our HVAC Professionals

Turning your heat on for the winter can result in many strange sounds or smells as your unit adjusts. Keep these tips in mind as you turn your heating system on this season so you know when it’s necessary to call a professional for HVAC assistance. Schedule an appointment with AC Designs for all heater repair and maintenance needs.

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What’s the Difference Between Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps?

Tuesday, December 13th, 2022

Choosing the right system to heat and cool your home can be overwhelming. It’s normal to feel confused, especially when you come across unfamiliar AC terms. One common question we hear at AC Designs is: what’s the difference between heat pumps and normal air conditioners?

Many homeowners don’t realize that heat pumps actually are a common type of air conditioning system. They can both heat and cool your home, and they do it efficiently. Here in Northeast Florida, we recommend this type of system for most homeowners. 

Of course, there are exceptions to the rule. That’s why it’s important to understand the pros and cons before you make a big purchase. The AC Designs team is here to help you avoid unnecessary costs and purchase the right unit for you. Here’s everything you need to know about heat pumps and air conditioners to make your decision. 

Heat Pump vs. AC System

Heat pumps and straight cool air conditioning units both have the ability to cool and heat your home. The major difference is how they operate. Heat pump systems heat the home using the outdoor unit, also known as the condenser. They have a higher and quicker capacity for heat than straight cool systems. 

The heating ability of heat pumps is also made through a highly efficient refrigeration process. Straight cool systems are only equipped with electric heating abilities. This can increase electric bills and decrease both efficiency and heating capacity. 

Almost all North Florida homeowners use heat pump systems, as they are widely recommended for warmer climates. However, both heat pumps and HVAC units require regular preventative maintenance to maintain efficiency and increase their lifetimes.

Heat Pump Straight Cool AC Unit
Higher energy efficiency  Higher monthly utility bills 
Lower energy bills Less expensive upkeep
12-15 year average lifespan 15-20 year average lifespan
Less efficient in cold climates Weaker heating capacity

Heat Pump vs. Furnace

Another common type of heating system is the furnace. Furnaces have a higher capacity for heat than any type of system. That’s why they were designed for very cold regions. 

Furnaces can quickly heat the home but are not very energy efficient. Because of that, they can cost more to run. Most of the time, this level of heating capacity is simply not needed in our warmer Florida climate. Plus, the cooling aspect of these systems does not work as well as heat pumps. 

Heat Pump vs. Air Conditioner Cost 

Your budget is an important factor when deciding the right heating and cooling system for your home. Straight cool AC units can be cheaper to install and maintain on their own. However, straight cool AC units usually need to be accompanied by a furnace or alternative heating system, which increases costs. 

Heat pumps often have higher initial costs than conventional AC units. On the upside, there are no additional furnace costs required due to their high efficiency. 

Heat Pump vs. AC Efficiency 

When properly maintained, heat pumps offer great advantages in energy efficiency. These systems transfer preexisting heat into or out of your home to heat or cool it. This heat transfer process only requires a small amount of energy and greatly reduces consumption and costs. 

Your system’s SEER or SEER2 rating is a key indicator of its energy efficiency. The best heating and cooling systems have an efficiency rating of 18 to 21 SEER. The higher your system’s efficiency, the lower your energy consumption and electricity bills. Higher efficiency also increases the unit’s ability to dehumidify your home.

Tips to Choose the Right HVAC System

While heat pumps are the most widely recommended heating and cooling system in the Northeast Florida region, the perfect unit differs for every home. Mini split condensers and straight cool units can be beneficial for vacation homes that are vacant for parts of the year to avoid unnecessary costs.

Here are the other factors we recommend considering before you purchase your next unit.

Budget & Financing 

Your AC unit is ultimately an investment in your home. That said, be up front about the budget you are able to spend on your unit. Keep in mind that a system with a higher SEER rating will have lower energy bills in the long run. Also, consider financing options to determine the right payment plan for you. 

Warranty

At AC Designs, we recommend purchasing a unit that includes a 10-12 year parts and labor warranty. That way you can rest easy knowing you’ll be covered and avoid costly repairs down the line. 

Thermostats

Some modern thermostats offer remote access and built-in dehumidification control, but these features may only work with specific HVAC systems. Before making a purchase, consider how important these functions are to your comfort and convenience.

Keep in mind that installing a smart thermostat often requires precise placement on the wall and secure mounting. To avoid drilling unnecessary holes, it helps to understand how to locate studs correctly. This quick guide can walk you through the basics: How Does a Stud Finder Work?

AC Maintenance

Whichever unit you choose for your home, join an AC maintenance plan to get the most out of your HVAC system. Members of AC Design’s maintenance program receive discounted service, priority scheduling and more perks. The goal is to extend your unit’s lifetime and reduce heat pump repair costs and utility bills. 

Schedule a Free In-Home Estimate With AC Designs

Deciding on a new heating and cooling system for your home should be based on many factors. Let our family-owned, local AC company help you determine the right pick to keep your home comfortable. Schedule an appointment with AC Designs today for all your new unit replacement, AC repair and maintenance needs.

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How to Lower Heating Costs in the Winter

Wednesday, December 15th, 2021

The winter months make us crave warm and fuzzy feelings. But did you know that heat energy contributes about 40-percent of the average American’s utility bill? Fortunately, though, you do not have to choose between shivering under mountains of blankets or paying a monstrous utility bill. These tips can help you lower heating costs during the winter.

What Affects Your Heating Bill

High heating costs may result from several causes. For instance, improper home insulation can lead to heat loss. If your windows, doors, or even electrical outlets are inadequately sealed, you may experience air leaks. Keep warm air inside of your home for as long as possible to stay energy efficient and promote lower heating costs.

Additionally, how you heat your home – including how you use your thermostat or if you use additional heating appliances – can affect your heating bill for better or worse. For example, using a humidifier in colder months will make the air inside your home feel even warmer.

The condition and age of your unit can also raise your heating bill. The older your HVAC unit, the harder it has to work to keep you comfortable, which leads to high heating costs.

It’s important to schedule regular HVAC maintenance to ensure your home is heating properly. Neglecting professional maintenance can increase your heating bill when you don’t detect issues soon enough. Preventative maintenance will ensure your unit is in tip-top shape to service you when you need to stay warm.

Check Your Insulation

Winter heating costs rise when you are heating a home that is improperly insulated. Don’t throw away your money. Instead, ensure that cracks in your windows and doors are sealed so warm air cannot exit your home. Use weatherstrips and seal all visible cracks to retain more of the warm air.

Another option is adding insulation to the walls and attic of your home. Promote lower heating bills by reducing the amount of heat lost through your roof and walls. Check on all the common areas of heat loss to ensure you are keeping the hot air in and the cold air out. These include windows, doors, fireplaces, roofs, walls, and power outlets.

Install a Smart Thermostat

A smart thermostat learns your preferences and adjusts the temperature in your home to coincide with when you are home, away from home, and asleep. By using a smart thermostat, your home can automatically adjust to lower temperatures to promote a lower heating bill.

Lowering your thermostat, in general, can lead to a dramatic change in your heating bill. Try turning your thermostat down when you go to sleep and before you leave for work in the morning. Adjusting the thermostat before you hit the hay and hit the road, can lead to a lower utility bill.

Change Your Filters

Using your heater will likely cause your air filters to get dirtier, faster. It may also lead to an overall less efficient heating system. Check your air filters and replace them if necessary.

Replace your filter at the beginning of each season and as needed to ensure your home’s healthy indoor air quality.

Use a Humidifier or Space Heater

In some cases, you may want to use alternative heating elements for your home. A space heater placed in a room you frequently use can keep the temperature warm while the thermostat is set a little lower. This method keeps you in your comfort zone while also maintaining lower heating costs.

Using a humidifier is another good way to make your home feel warm without cranking up the heat. Humid air can feel warmer than dry air. Setting the thermostat just a little lower while keeping the humidifier on will result in the same cozy environment.

Schedule Preventative Maintenance

Regular HVAC unit service is the best way to ensure your unit runs efficiently during any season, including the winter.

During a heating maintenance visit, our professionals inspect and tune-up all individual components of your heater. Your heating system will function better as a whole when all the individual components operate as efficiently and effectively as possible.

Maintain winter heating costs by entrusting your HVAC services to a reliable AC company in Jacksonville, FL. Our team genuinely cares about your health and comfort at home. Schedule an appointment with AC Designs to ensure you stay warm in your comfort zone this winter.

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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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HVAC Tips for Working From Home

Friday, February 12th, 2021

With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many people are working from home indefinitely. When you’re home all the time, it’s even more important to make sure your HVAC system is running efficiently for a comfortable living and working environment. Maintaining your home’s comfortability can boost your productivity. Keep these HVAC tips for working from home in mind to create the ideal work environment in your house.

Use a Fan

If your home workspace has a ceiling fan, turning it on can help cut down on cooling costs when it’s hot out. Using a ceiling fan can also provide circulation to improve your comfort overall. If you don’t have a ceiling fan, consider using a small desk fan or a standing fan that oscillates. Turn your portable or ceiling fan off when you leave the room to prevent wasting energy.

Purchase a Zoning System

You don’t necessarily need to keep your entire home at the same temperature while you’re working. A zoning system allows you to control temperature settings in different areas of your house throughout the day. You can keep your home office or workspace heated more in winter while lowering the temperature in the rest of your house, which helps you save money on your energy bills. Consider looking into air conditioning installation in Jacksonville, FL in order to add a zoning system to your home.

Install an Air Purifier

When you’re working from home, it’s important to make sure the air you’re breathing in every second is free from toxins of chemicals. An air purifier can reduce dust and other particles in the air, providing you with a healthier workspace at home. Having a whole-house air purifier installed ensures that you have good indoor air quality (IAQ) throughout your house. Keep in mind that air purifiers also help eliminate germs and get rid of odors in your home.

Change the Filters

HVAC systems have air filters that trap contaminants, dust, and other particles in your home. You can end up with clogged air filters if you don’t change them on a regular basis, which will lower your air quality. 

You should check these filters once a month, and replace them with clean, new filters as needed. You might have to replace your air filters more often, such as every month or two, if you have pets in your home. Air filters can become clogged with pet dander over time.

Use a Dust Cloth

Surfaces in your workspace or home office can quickly get dusty, resulting in poor IAQ. You should use a dust cloth regularly in these areas to prevent dust from building up. Keep microfiber dust cloths handy in your home office, so you can easily wipe down surfaces as often as possible for a healthy work environment.

If you need AC repair in Jacksonville, FL or if you need help keeping your home comfortable 24/7, our team at A/C Designs can help. Contact us to learn more about how to save on your HVAC needs.

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Common Heat Pump Repairs Explained

Tuesday, December 15th, 2020

Heat pumps come highly recommended as energy-efficient heating and cooling systems that are ideally suited for climates like you’d expect in Jacksonville, Florida. These are reliable devices, too, particularly when installed by qualified HVAC technicians, and when serviced through routine maintenance. Even so, problems can arise with heat pumps, so let’s take a look at what heat pumps are, and the common types of issues and repairs you can expect.

What is a Heat Pump, and What Does it Do?

To understand some common heat pump problems and how they might be repaired, it helps to understand how these fixtures work. They’re surprisingly simple, usually made up of two components, which would be the condenser unit on the outside of the home, and an indoor unit that vents hot or cold air into the home.

Heat pumps serve as both heating and cooling units, and they are reversible as your need for heating and cooling changes throughout the year. In warmer months, you can set them to air conditioning, and the reversing valve will pump cooled air into your home, while in the cooler months, you can set the unit to heat. This works exactly the same as the air conditioning part of the process, but instead of removing warm air from inside the home, the pump reverses to compress the refrigerant, which heats the refrigerant and allows the pump to blow warm air over the refrigerant coils and into the home.

Common Heat Pump Issues

When it comes to heat pump problems, there are a few common themes. Some of these include:

  • The pump isn’t providing enough heat. As with many issues like this, when a heat pump isn’t heating enough, it’s time to call a technician right away because the problem could get worse—and it could get worse quickly.
  • Problems switching into heating mode. Heat pumps are designed to switch between heating and cooling, and if yours won’t switch from one mode to the other, then it’s time for repairs.
  • Unusual noises can signify a problem, so if you hear banging or hissing noises, you’ll want to schedule a diagnostic.

Common Ways to Repair a Heat Pump

Repairs depend on what has gone wrong with the heat pump, but just the same as there are common themes in heat pump problems, there are usually also some common fixes that are quick and easy for a qualified technician.

  • When the pump isn’t providing enough heat, it may be that leaky refrigerant lines need to be repaired. This is also a likely repair if the unit is producing unusual hissing sounds.
  • Banging sounds could signify that the compressor needs repair or replacement, or that a fan needs to be replaced.
  • When heat pumps won’t switch between heating and cooling, the most common causes are either a malfunctioning thermostat or a malfunctioning reversing valve—and both are issues that can be corrected by replacing these parts.

If you’re experiencing issues with your heat pump system, or if you’re considering having such a system installed, don’t hesitate to contact A/C Designs. We can help you save on repairs and new installations alike, and our technicians have the industry expertise to handle your concerns quickly.

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HVAC Energy Saving Tips for the Holidays

Monday, December 14th, 2020

Christmastime is one of the most wonderful times of the year — and it is also the time of year when the most energy is used around the home. Heating bills go up as temperatures drop, and that’s compounded by frequent visitors coming through your doors. Here’s a list of tips and tricks to help cut down on energy usage during the holidays.

Essential Tips for Saving Energy This Christmas

It’s good to save money year-round, but at Christmastime in particular, you could use some extra savings in your pocket — and energy savings are a key way to do that. Reduce your energy usage in the following ways:

  • If you’re expecting to be away from home a lot over the holidays, there’s no need to let your heating and cooling system keep your home at the ideal temperature when you’re not home. Invest in a wifi-enabled thermostat to remotely control temperature, set your heating lower before you leave, or turn off the air conditioning to save.
  • Holidays mean lots of people coming and going through your doors — and sometimes those doors are left hanging open, which lets warm or cold air out. Save your AC unit some trouble by making sure that doors are closed when people aren’t using them.
  • Many people make Christmas meals to celebrate the holidays, but perhaps you’ve never noticed the indoor temperature going up just a notch while your oven is running. That’s right, cooking with your oven is a good and frugal way to help heat up your home using the heat generated by the machine. You can cut down on your power bill and have a hot home-cooked meal at the same time.
  • Enroll in an HVAC maintenance program so that technicians can monitor your heating and cooling equipment. Routine maintenance lowers utility bills and prevents problems before they can become costly.
  • Don’t just keep the power on. Be it whether you’re leaving a room or the house, remember to turn off unused applications and lights. That goes for power strips too, as they can still hog energy even if you don’t notice them easily. Turning the power off whenever you can is not only good for the environment but also your power bill.
  • Go for energy-efficient Christmas lights. Choose LED ones over traditional light bulbs or other sorts of fancy electronic decorations that eat a lot of wattage.

Contact A/C Designs to Help You Save 

There are other ways you can save, too, such as zoned heating and cooling systems that allow you to use less energy in areas of the home that you aren’t actively using. If you’re looking for services concerning air conditioning in Jacksonville, Florida, contact A/C Designs and let us help you figure out ways that you can get those energy bills lower.

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How to Avoid Creating Hot & Cold Spots in Your Home

Thursday, November 19th, 2020

Your HVAC system can help your Jacksonville home feel cooler or warmer as needed. However, you might notice that certain areas feel warmer or colder than others. Knowing how this might happen and what you can do to prevent it from occurring can help you keep your home feeling much more comfortable this season.

Replace HVAC Filters

Preventing hot and cold spots in your home might be as simple as changing your HVAC filter. The filter in your HVAC system traps particles and stops them from getting into your home’s indoor air. This results in HVAC filters that are covered with dust and other particles over time. When filters are coated with these particles, they aren’t able to work as well. This can cause your HVAC system to run more often or work harder at keeping your home warm in winter, which can result in more wear and tear. Replacing your current HVAC filter with a new one helps ensure that your HVAC system can work more efficiently and heat your home more evenly.

Check Your Airflow 

Air should be able to go through vents, ducts, and registers without any blockages. Clogged or damaged ducts can affect airflow, which makes it harder to maintain even temperatures throughout your home. Having furniture or other large items in front of vents and registers can also make it more difficult for air to move without any obstruction. Ensuring that you have good airflow in your home can help lower the risk of ending up in spots that are too hot or too cold.

Add Insulation if Needed 

Insulation helps your home stay warmer in winter. If certain areas in your home feel colder than they should, check to see if you have enough insulation. You might need to add insulation to areas that tend to get colder than others, even when the heat’s running. Keep in mind that proper insulation can help you heat your home more efficiently all winter long.

Double Check Your HVAC Size 

Is your HVAC system the right size for your home? If parts of your home feel colder than others in winter, you might have an HVAC system that’s too small for your heating needs. Have a professional HVAC expert help you determine if your HVAC system is properly sized for your Jacksonville home. Keep in mind that zone control systems are an option that allow you to better control the temperature in different parts of your home.

Use Ceiling Fans 

Ceiling fans aren’t just for staying cooler in summer. You can turn ceiling fans on so that they run clockwise in winter. This helps distribute heated air more evenly in rooms, which can eliminate hot and cold spots.

Contact Us A/C Designs

If you need help balancing the temperature throughout your home, we can help. Contact A/C Designs today for all of your HVAC needs. Our team offers timely and reliable repairs, maintenance, and installations in and around Jacksonville.

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