A/C Designs of St. Augustine, LLC Blog: Posts Tagged ‘ac company jacksonville’

Causes of Low Airflow in Your AC Unit

Friday, September 9th, 2022

Low airflow is one of the most common air conditioning problems that HVAC units experience. However, if you suspect your home may be experiencing this issue, consult an AC technician. Poor ventilation in the home can decrease your unit’s efficiency, strain your energy bill, and even cause health issues. 

Airflow problems can be attributed to many factors, most of which can be combatted by scheduling regular maintenance and tune-ups. Learn the signs and causes of this issue to keep your air conditioning working efficiently year-round and avoid costly damages to your unit. 

Signs of Low Airflow

There are numerous potential signs of airflow issues throughout your home. If your AC unit displays these signs and symptoms, you are likely experiencing poor indoor air quality and should contact AC Designs before problems persist or worsen. 

  • You begin to observe hot and cold spots throughout your home.  
  • Airflow from your vents begins to weaken.  
  • Doors throughout your home start to slam on their own.
  • Pressure imbalances cause whistling noises throughout your home. 
  • Warm air consistently blows from your AC unit and vents. 

Causes of Low Airflow

Many causes of low airflow are easy and inexpensive to fix with the help of an AC maintenance technician. One of the main factors behind AC airflow problems is blocked vents or an obstructed condenser unit, which is typically located outside of your home. 

This problem can also occur due to objects like furniture or filing cabinets blocking vents. Homeowners can often solve this problem themselves by clearing debris and particles from the condenser unit or vents. Other common causes include clogged filters or dirty condenser coils, which impact your unit’s ability to pull allergens and dust particles from the air. 

Protecting your home’s airflow requires regular maintenance that includes consistent changing of filters and cleaning of coils. Low refrigerant levels can also cause this issue within your home. At AC Designs, our skilled AC technicians can quickly diagnose and solve airflow problems to keep your home comfortable. 

Reasons to Join an AC Maintenance Program

One of the best ways to ensure your home AC unit doesn’t experience low airflow is by scheduling regular preventative maintenance. When your unit receives year-round care through an AC maintenance program, you’ll stay on top of common issues that can result in damage to your unit and costly repairs. 

Your AC maintenance technician can assist you with tasks to improve your unit’s airflow and avoid future problems. These tasks include regularly cleaning your condenser coils, changing filters, maintaining your unit’s refrigerant levels, and clearing debris from your condenser unit often.

When you join an AC maintenance program, you don’t have to take these steps to maintain your unit on your own. Our team of experienced HVAC technicians can provide you with all the support you need to keep your air conditioning unit running smoothly and cost-effectively. Plus, you’ll receive numerous additional benefits, like priority scheduling, after-hours emergency service, discounts and more. 

Low airflow can compromise your comfortability within your own home and reduce your unit’s lifespan. Luckily, the steps to prevent this issue are simple with the help of an AC technician. At AC Designs, our team will ensure your HVAC unit stays maintained all year long. Make an appointment for preventative maintenance to protect your unit today. 

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Should I Turn My AC Off When I’m Not Home?

Tuesday, August 2nd, 2022

Keeping your home cool through the Florida summer heat and your electricity bill low is a tricky balance to strike. One key question many homeowners struggle with is what to do with your AC when you’re away from home. It’s true that if you don’t know how to properly regulate your thermostat, you may be wasting both money and energy. 

At AC Designs, our experienced HVAC technicians are here to help you keep your home cool this summer without breaking the bank. Our AC company in St. Augustine and Jacksonville, Florida is dedicated to extending the lifespan of your unit. Below, we’ll teach you our recommended air conditioning habits and key tips to use year-round. Follow our advice to stay cool while protecting your wallet.  

Pros and Cons of Shutting Your AC Off

Many homeowners think that shutting their AC off completely while away will save the most money, but this isn’t always the case. In fact, this practice can actually lower your AC efficiency and cost more in the long run! Common sense tells you that you’ll save money when your AC unit isn’t running. Unfortunately, this practice often puts unnecessary strain on your unit when you return, canceling out any positive effects. 

Think of it this way. If your air conditioner is off during the hottest periods of the day, the inside of your home could become as hot as 90 degrees or more. Your unit may need to run for hours consistently to cool your home back down. Plus, it will work harder than normal to cool your home more quickly.

Not only does this wind up costing you more money on your energy bill. This extra work for your unit may also have damaging, long-term impacts that require maintenance or unnecessary costly repairs.

Best Thermostat Settings While Away from Home

Keeping your thermostat set to 78 degrees or higher can save you money and lower energy usage in your home while you’re away. When you return home, your AC unit will not have to work as hard to cool your house down to a lower temperature. 

If you spend a majority of the day away from your home, it is recommended that you set your thermostat between 78 and 83 degrees to avoid unnecessary electricity costs. This also prevents your unit from overworking throughout the day.

When your air conditioning is set to 78 while you’re away, there isn’t as much strain on the unit to return to normal temperatures at night. This can help you avoid premature AC maintenance and extend the life expectancy of your unit. 

If you like to keep your home comfort settings extra-cool, we also recommend turning down your thermostat incrementally by a few degrees at a time, rather than all at once. This will help avoid extra strain from your unit trying to cool your home quickly.

Benefits of Programmable Thermostats and Zone Control Systems

Zone control systems and programmable thermostats give homeowners greater control over their heating and air conditioning to improve energy efficiency. They make it easy for homeowners to save money on their energy bills while keeping their homes cool. 

If you find yourself forgetting to set your thermostat to a higher temperature when leaving the house or heading to work, investing in these systems may be right for you. A programmable thermostat can do the work for you based on your schedule. This way, your AC can operate on a consistent schedule, and you’ll never have to worry about regulating your home’s temperature yourself. 

Zone control systems allow homeowners to control the temperature of their homes remotely by zones. When paired with a programmable thermostat, these systems can lower the temperature of certain zones within your home based on their conditioning requirements. Monitoring your home’s temperature by zones allows you to cut electricity costs at an even higher rate. 

Schedule Your AC Maintenance With AC Designs

Dealing with the summer heat doesn’t have to take a toll on your electricity bill. When you incorporate these best practices into your AC routine, you can save hundreds of dollars each year without sacrificing a cool, comfortable home. Make an appointment with an AC company in Jacksonville, Florida that you can trust to keep your unit operating efficiently with your wallet in mind. Schedule an appointment with AC Designs today for all your AC maintenance needs.

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Air Conditioning Mistakes That Raise Your Bills

Wednesday, July 13th, 2022

Air conditioning is a necessity during the Florida summer, but you’ll still be sweating it if you get expensive energy bills. Believe it or not, there are simple steps that can save you hundreds of extra dollars annually on your energy bills. Plus, they’ll help your AC unit run more efficiently and last longer, saving you even more in the long run.

You don’t have to suffer through heat and humidity. You can enjoy a comfortable home at an affordable cost—if you’re smart about your AC. Avoid these common air conditioning mistakes to lower the strain on both your AC unit and your wallet this year.

Forgetting to Clean Your AC Unit

A dirty air conditioning unit can cause your monthly bills to rise significantly. When your AC filters and coils aren’t clean, it can cause your unit to work harder or improperly. Make sure to check your air filters, coils, and outdoor unit regularly to avoid these unnecessary expenses. 

When inspecting these components, be sure to temporarily turn your thermostat off. You should replace each disposable, dirty filter monthly to maintain your unit’s energy efficiency. Failure to clean or replace your air conditioning filters on a monthly basis can increase your energy consumption, resulting in higher energy bills.

Another important component to keep clean is your AC’s condenser. It is typically located within your outside unit and can become dirty as it is exposed to the elements. Take time to remove all dirt, leaves, and debris from the coils to keep your unit’s air flow clear. It is also important to clip shrubbery around the condenser to avoid airflow blockage. 

If you don’t feel comfortable opening your AC unit, one of our experienced AC technicians can do this step for you.

Using the Wrong Thermostat Settings 

Homeowners will see an increase in electricity bills if they do not optimize their thermostat settings. Setting your thermostat at too low a temperature can cause a spike in your bills. That’s why it is important to raise the temperature in your home during the day or when you’re away. 

Using a programmable thermostat to lower the temperature when you’re at work or away from home can help save money and reduce your energy consumption. Today’s advanced technology allows you to raise or lower your thermostat settings on your phone, which can save hundreds of dollars each year. 

On hot, summer days, consider using fans to help circulate the air within your home without turning down the thermostat. You can also cool your home by closing outside doors and windows to keep your cool air from escaping.

Neglecting Bi-Annual AC Maintenance

When your unit is not properly maintained, it is susceptible to more frequent repair costs and higher bills due to energy inefficiency. Routine maintenance is required twice a year to ensure that your unit is running properly. 

Keep your AC unit in optimal shape with the help of an experienced HVAC technician. By identifying potential problems with your unit, they will help you avoid costly emergency repairs and extend its lifespan. Keep in mind that serious issues like refrigerant leaks can only be spotted by professionals. 

Join AC Designs Preferred Customer Maintenance Program

At AC Designs, our team of certified technicians is dedicated to helping you save money and energy. If you follow these tips and your AC unit still isn’t performing, it may be time for a professional inspection. 

Join our preferred customer maintenance program today to receive quality service from an AC company in Jacksonville and St. Augustine that you can trust. We were voted Bold City’s Best Air Conditioning Company and have over 1,800 5-star reviews.

As a member of our maintenance program, you’ll receive: 

  • Two pre-scheduled system checks per year 
  • One-day replacement of parts and units (except special orders) 
  • Access to 24-hour emergency service
  • ½ off diagnostic fee
  • 20% discount on repairs 

With so many great benefits, the program can pay for itself in just one visit. Plus, you’ll have peace of mind that your AC unit is always running efficiently to save you money and keep your family comfortable.

Schedule an Appointment With AC Designs

Let our trusted AC company in Jacksonville and St. Augustine help keep your family cool this summer. Make an appointment today to have your unit serviced and avoid costly emergency repairs.

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Signs Your AC Needs a Dehumidifier

Thursday, July 7th, 2022

Excessive moisture in your home can be costly to both your wallet and your health. Moist air can result in permanent and irreparable damage to the structure of your home, and even encourage dangerous mold growth on floors and walls. This can put you and your family at risk for serious respiratory health issues. 

Installing a dehumidifier can reduce energy costs, help you avoid damage to your home, and keep your family breathing clean air. But how do you know when you need one? Don’t sweat it—at AC Designs, we’re always here to help you stay in your comfort zone. Here are our top signs you need a whole-home dehumidifier.

Why You Need to Control the Humidity in Your Home

Controlling the humidity in your home helps keep your indoor air healthier so you can breathe easier. 

Florida’s humid climate can be a breeding ground for mold and mildew, so a dehumidifier can help keep these germs and allergens out. 

Did you know that humid air can also make your allergies worse? Mold growth can cause irritation for your nose, throat and lungs even if you don’t have allergies. It is also known to contribute to childhood asthma and exacerbate asthma symptoms. That’s why eliminating humidity throughout your home is an important step to keep your family safe and healthy.  

Tell-Tale Signs You Need a Dehumidifier

There are many warning signs that the humidity levels inside of your home are too high. AC Designs is an AC company dedicated to helping you prevent these issues before they begin. If your home is showing any of these signs, it may be time to invest in a dehumidifier. 

Condensation on Windows or Doors 

If you observe condensation or liquid on your windows or doors, this is a warning sign that the moisture levels are too high inside of your home. This issue is caused by moist air becoming trapped inside window and door frames and should be resolved as soon as you notice it. 

Mold Spots

Observing mold spots on your ceiling or walls is a sign to take action immediately. High levels of moisture inside your home create the perfect environment for mold growth, which puts your family at risk for health issues. 

Musty Odor

A musty odor coming from carpets or smaller rooms like bathrooms and closets may indicate excessive moisture levels in your home, even if there are no visible signs. A dehumidifier is a great way to prevent stuffiness and odor by eliminating the moist air throughout your home. 

Peeling Wallpaper/Blistering Paint

If you begin to notice bubbling in your paint or wallpaper, investing in a dehumidifier is a necessary step to prevent more intense, irreversible damage. These effects are caused by high levels of moisture in the air inside your home. Keep an eye out for these signs before it is too late for the structure of your home. 

Creaky Cabinets, Doors, or Windows

Have you noticed new creaks in your doors, windows, cabinets, or floors that haven’t always been there? This could be a sign of expanding wood as it absorbs moisture. Installing an AC dehumidifier can prevent serious damage to your home and help you avoid costly repairs. 

Worsened Allergies

If you or a family member begins to experience worsened allergy symptoms, such as coughing, sneezing, or itchy eyes, nose, or throat, this may be a sign of excessive moisture in your home. The moisture accelerates mold growth and can cause serious respiratory issues if not resolved with the help of a dehumidifier. 

Benefits of a Dehumidifier

Dehumidifiers provide many benefits for your home’s indoor air quality. Most importantly, they stop allergens from thriving within your home, which keeps you and your family healthy. They are also known to eliminate dampness in your home, which reduces and prevents odors. 

Not only that, investing in a dehumidifier can ultimately save you thousands of dollars in repairs and AC maintenance. Excess moisture inside your home can cause damage to the structural integrity of your doors, windows, cabinets, and even walls. A dehumidifier can help prevent costly and untimely repairs.

Using a dehumidifier is also a great way to lower your energy bills, as it reduces strain on your air conditioning unit. By decreasing the amount of moisture in your home, the temperature will also naturally decrease, resulting in a lower energy cost. 

Invest in a Whole-Home Dehumidifier

Too much humidity in your home can have damaging, costly effects. That’s why it is important to invest in a dehumidifier proactively to save money, prevent damage to your home, and keep your family safe. Make an appointment with AC Designs to discuss installing a whole-home dehumidifier system in your home today. Speak with an HVAC technician to receive expert guidance from an AC company in Jacksonville or St. Augustine, Florida that you can trust.

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HVAC Tips and Tricks for New Homeowners

Monday, May 9th, 2022

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

Review Your HVAC Unit’s History

Check the AC Warranty

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

Review Past AC Maintenance History

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

Schedule Your Own AC Maintenance

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

Consider New AC Installation

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

AC Installation for a New System

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

Choose the Right Type of System

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

Consider Energy Efficiency

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

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

DIY AC Maintenance

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

Set Your Thermostat for Energy Efficiency

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

Change Your AC Filter Regularly

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

Ensure Proper Airflow

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

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

Schedule Professional HVAC Maintenance

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

Enroll in an AC Maintenance Plan

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

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

HVAC Tips & Tricks Takeaways:

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

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

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How to Choose the Right AC Filter

Thursday, April 14th, 2022

We all know we can’t beat our Florida heat without a well-running AC system. But what most don’t know is how important AC filters are to their systems and their home comfort. Finding the right AC filter can have a huge impact on air quality and the efficiency of your unit. An optimal AC filter will trap particles that can be harmful to your health and even save you money on your electric bill. What should you look for in an AC filter? We’ve compiled some options and important factors to consider when finding the right AC filter for you. 

Types of AC Filters 

There’s a wide variety of AC filters on the market. The most popular options are fiberglass, pleated, and HEPA filters. Fiberglass filters are a top choice for homeowners because they are cost-efficient. Chances are that you’ve seen one—these sturdy filters are made up of fiberglass layers within a metal grate. They do a great job filtering out large particles and other contaminants. They’re also easy to find, install, and generally affordable. However, some homeowners don’t like that you have to replace them on a regular basis, usually around once per month. 

Pleated filters are considered higher quality than fiberglass filters, and typically cost more. This is because they last longer, and because they can capture finer particles in the air, including allergens. Most pleated filters need to be replaced around every 6 months.

If you’re looking for something more top-of-the-line to purify the air in your home, you can invest in a HEPA filter. These industrial-grade filters are rarely seen in homes but are important to those who are sensitive to lower air quality. At their peak performance, these filters capture anywhere between 97-99.97% of airborne particles. However, not all HEPA filters are “true” HEPA filters, therefore, potential buyers should read the manufacturer’s specifications to make sure they’re genuine. 

AC Filter Qualities

Selecting the best filter for you depends on a myriad of factors, including your preferences and lifestyle. For example, HEPA filters can be beneficial for those who suffer from severe allergies and asthma. Though HEPA filters are expensive, there are affordable AC filters specifically made to filter out pet hair and dander. Others can trap small particles and other asthma triggers. Finding a filter for your needs can significantly increase your quality of life. 

You should also ensure you’re using the correct size filter for your AC system. Using an incorrectly sized AC filter can reduce your unit’s efficiency and ability to filter airborne particles. Make sure to consult your HVAC manual or your AC maintenance technician when determining the correct AC filter size for your unit. 

MERV Rating

When choosing an AC filter, another factor to consider is its MERV rating. MERV ratings, or the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, rank filters on a scale of 1-16. This number indicates how well the filter is designed to hold contaminants under the least efficient conditions. 

MERV 1-4: On the lower end, fiberglass, disposable panel, and washable metal/synthetic filters tend to have a MERV rating around 1-4. Filters with this rating will clear out pollen, dust mites, and carpet fibers. 

MERV 5-8: Pleated filters rank between 5-8, which is close to the default choice for most systems (6-8). These do a better job of catching smaller particles and allergens to improve air quality.

MERV 9-16: More advanced, industrial filters, such as extended pleated and electronic filters, will rank between 9-12 and 13-16, respectively. Filters within an 8-13 range will filter out fumes, smoke and smog. 

It’s critical to avoid selecting an AC filter with a MERV rating that is too high for your unit. While you may want to buy one with a higher MERV rating and filtration efficiency, it can end up being an unnecessary and costly expense. For perspective, hospitals and operating rooms use MERV 14-20 filters because of their ability to filter bacteria and viruses. With this in mind, finding a balance between energy efficiency and filter efficiency is key.

Questions? Call AC Designs

There’s plenty to consider when choosing the right AC filter. Knowing what types of filters are available, their quality, and MERV rating is essential. But it all boils down to finding what best suits your home, budget, and individual needs. We pride ourselves on being Jacksonville’s premier AC and HVAC maintenance company, and we’re happy to work with you to determine which filters and systems work best for your home. Schedule an appointment with the indoor air quality specialists at AC Designs today.

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HVAC Tips to Reduce Allergens in Your Home This Spring

Wednesday, April 6th, 2022

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

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

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

Perform DIY Maintenance

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

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

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

Keep Your Home Clean

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

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

Schedule Routine AC Maintenance

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

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

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

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

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How to Fix Common AC Problems

Thursday, March 17th, 2022

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

Unit Cycles On and Off

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

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

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

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

A/C Blows Hot Air

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

A/C Running Constantly

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

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

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

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What to Look for in an AC Maintenance Plan

Monday, February 7th, 2022

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

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

Pre-Scheduled Maintenance Checkups

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

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

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

Professionally Trained HVAC Technicians

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

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

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

Attentive Service

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

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

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

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

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