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

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.

Continue Reading

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in AC Maintenance, Air Conditioning | Comments Off on How to Fix Common AC Problems

What Happens During AC Maintenance?

Monday, November 15th, 2021

Over the last two years, the home has become an especially popular place to be. But are you taking proper care of it? When was the last time you had an AC unit maintenance check? If you don’t schedule annual maintenance for your home’s AC unit, you are putting your overall well-being at risk.

Preventative AC maintenance goes a long way in fostering a healthy living environment for you and your loved ones. Here’s how AC maintenance appointments will help you stay in your comfort zone.

Benefits of Preventative Maintenance

AC maintenance benefits include less money spent, more love for the environment, and a greater focus on your health. How much money you will save depends on how well you take care of your AC. The easiest way to save money on your air conditioning unit is by identifying and preventing issues before they arise.

During your AC maintenance appointment, an experienced HVAC tech can pinpoint any issues they see with your unit. Then they can address any problems before they become major issues. They may also recommend other money-saving improvements for your unit based on your AC habits, where you live, and the time of year.

When an AC unit is given proper preventative attention, it consumes less fuel and becomes more energy efficient. Your unit’s efficiency may also be affected by dirty air filters, dirty condenser coils, inadequate ventilation, and more. Routine maintenance can catch these smaller issues and correct them to help improve your unit’s efficiency.

The air you breathe every day is crucial to your overall health. AC Designs’ indoor air quality specialists can correct any poor air quality issues within your unit. They can also make recommendations for air filters or air quality monitors to keep track of the pollutants in your home.

Finally, when your AC unit is maintained properly, you’ll get to enjoy it for many more years to come. When you treat it well, it experiences less wear and tear which contributes to a longer lifespan.

What to Expect From Your Maintenance Appointment

During your maintenance appointment, the HVAC technician will inspect your unit to ensure it is running efficiently. They may check and test components such as the blower motor, thermostat, condenser coil, fan blades, and capacitors.

They should also check your air filter and clean or change it if necessary to improve your indoor air quality. Additionally, you can expect them to inspect the safety components within your unit to ensure they are operating properly.

Make sure your HVAC technician checks your refrigerant level. This is a crucial step in your maintenance appointment. A loss of refrigerant means that a leak may have occurred. If possible, your technician should locate and repair the leak during your appointment.

Consider Joining a Maintenance Program

AC maintenance benefits ensure that you can stay in your comfort zone all year long. It is crucial to give your AC unit proper attention and maintenance to keep your home healthy and energy-efficient. Joining a preventative maintenance program can take the stress off of you when it comes to caring for your HVAC unit. At AC Designs, our Preferred Customer Maintenance Program includes the following:

  • Two pre-scheduled system checks per year, same day service, one-day replacement on parts and units (except special orders), 24-hour emergency service
  • You can enjoy lower utility bills, improved reliability, extended life, fewer repairs, improved capacity, improved safety
  • ½ off diagnostic fee, 20% discount on repairs, professionally trained technicians

Don’t wait to claim all of the positive AC maintenance benefits. They are all just one phone call away. Schedule your preventative maintenance appointment with A/C Designs, a trusted HVAC company in Jacksonville, FL, today.

Continue Reading

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in AC Maintenance | Comments Off on What Happens During AC Maintenance?

How to Protect Your AC Warranty

Tuesday, November 2nd, 2021

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

Benefits of Purchasing an AC Unit Warranty

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

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

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

Choosing the Right Warranty

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

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

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

Ways to Protect Your AC Warranty

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

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

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

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

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

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

Continue Reading

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in AC Maintenance, Air Conditioning | Comments Off on How to Protect Your AC Warranty

SEER Ratings: What You Need to Know

Monday, September 20th, 2021

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

What is a SEER Rating?

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

What is a Good SEER Rating?

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

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

How Do I Choose a SEER Rating?

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

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

Continue Reading

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in AC Maintenance, Air Conditioning | Comments Off on SEER Ratings: What You Need to Know

How to Prep Your A/C Unit for a Hurricane

Monday, August 16th, 2021

When you live in Florida, your home needs to be prepared for storms during and after hurricane season. Many homeowners overlook their HVAC unit when preparing for storms. Avoid making this mistake by following these tips to prep your A/C unit for a hurricane or other Florida storm in St. Augustine or Jacksonville.

Preparing Your Indoor Unit

Ideally, you should begin hurricane HVAC preparation for your A/C units a few hours in advance. Let your air conditioner cool your home to a comfortable temperature in the hours before the storm. Try setting the thermostat a few degrees cooler than you normally would.

Consider investing in a surge protector specifically designed for your HVAC unit. A surge protector is an excellent way to fend off damage caused by lightning strikes and power surges.

Protecting Your Outdoor Unit

Your outdoor unit will likely bear the brunt of the hurricane. Make sure the outdoor unit is ready by clearing your yard of any nearby objects or debris. During the storm, items in your yard will likely fly around and can potentially damage your unit. Trim back trees and branches away from your unit with the help of a professional, if necessary.

Once you have cleared your yard, it is a good idea to elevate and cover your system. High winds can knock down branches and damage your unit, so it’s important to keep it covered.

After the Storm

It can be tempting to turn your A/C unit on as soon as the storm passes, but try to avoid doing so. Turning your unit on immediately can cause extreme damage if there is standing water in your unit. The first thing you should do once the storm passes, is perform a visual inspection of your outdoor and indoor units. Be sure to remove the covering on your outdoor unit to avoid trapping in moisture that could lead to mold.

Look for water damage, listen for strange noises, and take photos of any damage to send to your insurance company. Once you have assessed your unit, you should clean away any dirt or debris. Keep our Hurricane Prep Guide nearby when caring for your A/C unit before and after a hurricane.

If you suspect that your unit suffered some damage or want an extra set of eyes, schedule an appointment immediately with a NATE-certified HVAC technician. Book an appointment with A/C Designs for storm and everyday HVAC maintenance in Jacksonville, FL.

Continue Reading

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on How to Prep Your A/C Unit for a Hurricane

5 Common Summertime HVAC Problems

Thursday, July 15th, 2021

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

Dirty Filters

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

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

Low Refrigerant Levels

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

Failing Capacitors

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

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

Outdoor Fan Malfunction

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

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

Clogged Drain Hoses

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

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

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

Continue Reading

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in AC Maintenance | Comments Off on 5 Common Summertime HVAC Problems

National HVAC Tech Day

Monday, June 21st, 2021

It’s National HVAC Tech Day! Find out why we celebrate our HVAC techs and how you can show your appreciation.

What is National HVAC Tech Day?

National HVAC Tech Day was founded in 2016, in order to recognize the good work of all HVAC technicians in the industry who keep our units working year-round. Central heating and air conditioning were largely invented in the 1900s giving homeowners control over their indoor comfort. Great strides have been made since then in the heating and cooling industry.

Why Do We Celebrate?

These systems couldn’t operate efficiently without reliable A/C maintenance. HVAC technicians can keep our systems running due to their skillset and advanced technology. These techs work in extreme conditions to help homeowners and renters improve their home’s comfort.

Oftentimes, your HVAC technician will recommend ways to save money on the right system for your home or office. That’s why on June 22nd, we show love and appreciation to our HVAC technicians.

Ways to Show Appreciation

If your HVAC tech makes sure your system stays running correctly and gives you good advice, you can show them appreciation in a few ways:

  • Say thank you
    A simple “thank you” can go a long way. Most people just want to know they are appreciated.
  • Leave a review
    Technicians love when you leave amazing reviews. Show your support for your favorite technician by leaving them a personalized review!
  • Share a picture
    Use social media and share a picture of your HVAC tech, HVAC company, or your system with the hashtag #NationalHVACTechDay.
  • Do the work
    Your system won’t work well if you aren’t keeping up with things after your tech has done their job. That means you must change the air filters on a regular basis, insulate your home, and keep up with your maintenance appointments. This makes your technician’s job a little easier.

These are just a few ways you can remember your technician on HVAC Tech Day. As one of the premier firms of HVAC technicians Jacksonville, FL has to offer, you’ll always be in good hands with A/C Designs. For more information, book an appointment with our team of HVAC experts today!

Thank Your HVAC Technician Today – Leave a Review!

Here are a couple of reviews celebrating the A/C Designs’ team!

“Always exceptional professional service. Kevin’s HVAC knowledge is outstanding and his customer service second to none. He never forgets to walk us through the maintenance process and debriefing after service completion. With A/C Design we know that we’re getting the best service. That’s why we’ve been with the company since our house was built in 2017.” – John T.

“Fair price, professional, a clean, quality install. Alex and Jeremy did a great job. I am very happy that I chose AC Designs.” – Rick W.

“Jacob was very professional and polite the entire time during the job. He took the time to explain what was being done and how it affects the system. I would definitely recommend.” – Chan L.

Continue Reading

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Company News | Comments Off on National HVAC Tech Day

HVAC Tips and Tricks for New Homeowners

Monday, June 14th, 2021

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

Understand Your HVAC Unit

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

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

DIY Maintenance

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

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

Keep Up With Professional Maintenance

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

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

HVAC Tips and Tricks

HVAC checklist for new homeowners

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

Continue Reading

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in AC Maintenance | Comments Off on HVAC Tips and Tricks for New Homeowners

Tips to Improve Air Quality & Make Indoor Air Safer to Breathe

Monday, May 24th, 2021

Your home’s indoor air quality can affect your health, especially if you have asthma or other respiratory conditions. Taking steps to improve air quality means you’ll have safer and cleaner air to breathe. Keeping these important tips to improve air quality in mind will help you make a healthier home.

Keep Your Home Clean

Making sure your home is clean on a regular basis is an effective way to improve your indoor air quality. You should vacuum all of the carpeting and rugs in your home once or twice a week to remove dust and other debris. Cleaning your bedding, curtains, and other fabrics throughout your home also helps cut down on the amount of dust and other debris that get into the air.

You can help reduce dust and other debris in your home by using dust mite-proof covers on all of your mattresses, box springs, and pillows. While you should be washing these regularly, these special covers also help keep them clean in between washes. Getting rid of trash and clutter in your home is another way to limit the amount of dust, allergens, pollutants, and other harmful particles that get into the air.

Change Your Filters

The air filters your HVAC system uses can have a big impact on the quality of your indoor air. These filters should be as clean as possible in order to cut down on indoor air pollution. Otherwise, pollutants and other particles can get into your air when your air conditioning or heating is running.

Consider using HEPA filters rather than regular air filters; HEPA filters are able to catch dust, pollen, other allergens, smoke, and other particles more effectively. Look for an air filter with a higher minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating. These filters can remove tiny pollen and dust particles from your air.

You should use a filter replacement every three months, or sooner if needed. You should also change the filters in your vacuum cleaner and other appliances on a regular basis.

Control Humidity Indoors

Having the right amount of indoor humidity is an important part of keeping the air clean. Too much humidity, especially in bathrooms and other moist areas, allows mildew and mold to grow. These can lead to significant health issues like respiratory problems.

Because the summer months can make your home even hotter and more humid, you should take steps to lower your indoor humidity. Using a dehumidifier can help with this issue. Dehumidifiers are able to eliminate excess moisture in the air, which helps reduce the risk of mold. Having a lower humidity level during summer also keeps your home feeling more comfortable overall.

Following these tips means you can enjoy having healthier and cleaner air inside your home. Getting air purifiers and measuring indoor air quality from time to time can also help. Contact the indoor air quality experts at A/C Designs to schedule an appointment if you need additional help.

Continue Reading

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Indoor Air Quality | Comments Off on Tips to Improve Air Quality & Make Indoor Air Safer to Breathe