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

Water Dripping From AC Vent: Causes and Solutions

Tuesday, March 19th, 2024
why is water dripping from my ac unit

Diagnose Water Dripping From AC Vent With AC Designs
It’s normal to see your vehicle’s AC dripping water after it’s been parked for a few minutes, but the same can’t be said about your home’s air vents. Understanding why water dripping from AC vents is a cause for concern is crucial, and our team at AC Designs is here to help you address this issue effectively. Here are some of the top reasons behind leaky AC vents:

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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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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.

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Choosing the Right A/C System For Your Northeast Florida Home

Friday, October 15th, 2021

Choosing the Right A/C System for Your Northeast Florida Home

Not all A/C systems are designed to handle the extreme Northeast Florida heat or humidity. If your A/C unit leaves your home too hot and stuffy or needs constant repairs, it’s time for a change. Don’t let poor air quality stop you from doing what you love at home. Get back to your comfort zone today by finding the perfect A/C system for your Northeast Florida home.

A hermit crab looking for a new shell

Find the Right Size

Your unit needs to be large enough to keep your whole home cool and comfortable. That said, bigger is not always better. Oversized equipment cycles on and off more frequently, shortening its lifespan and making your home less comfortable. You’ll need a certified technician, like the professionals at A/C Designs, to take measurements of your home and calculate the proper size needed for today’s standards. 

 

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Maximize Energy Efficiency 

Why spend more on your energy bills than you need to? Check for the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) when comparing units to help keep your bills low. The minimum required SEER for units installed in Northeast Florida is 14, so look for units with SEER ratings of 14 up to 25. The higher the number, the more efficient your system. 

Consider Humidity Control

An illustrated animal holding an umbrella

High humidity levels cause discomfort for Northeast Florida homeowners year-round. Many homeowners don’t realize that an efficient A/C unit can dehumidify their home when they have a high Sensible Heat Ratio (SHR). This rating shows how much moisture a unit removes from the air. Systems need a rating of at least 0.7 to handle our summer heat, but this rating often isn’t listed on unit labels. A/C Designs will make certain you’ve chosen a unit with proper SHR for your home. If your home feels cool but clammy, with heavy, stuffy air, ask us about adding a whole-home dehumidifier to your installation package as well. 

An illustrated skunk sitting on an AC unit

Improve Indoor Air Quality

The quality of the air that you breathe makes a huge difference in your home comfort. In Northeast Florida, pollen, mold and mildew is a constant issue. Thankfully, the right A/C unit can help rid your home of these unwanted pollutants. Choose an A/C system that captures and kills mold, pollens and dust smaller than three microns. At A/C Designs, we also offer supplemental systems such as UV germicidal lights. When added to your A/C unit, these can destroy viruses and bacteria, keeping your home healthy and safe.

Ensure Quality Installation

An illustrated osprey inspecting the inside of an AC unit

Even the best A/C unit can malfunction if it isn’t installed properly. At A/C Designs, our certified technicians ensure that each unit is leveled properly on your property and that all ductwork is connected correctly for maximum efficiency. A/C Designs will keep your systems running smoothly so you never have to worry about your home comfort.

An illustrated alligator swimming toward a treasure chest

Find the Best Warranty

Today’s HVAC manufacturers offer a base five-year warranty on parts and compressors. However, HVAC manufacturer warranties don’t always cover all of the risks associated with owning an A/C unit. Many warranties are limited, with risks like accidents, storms and critter damage not covered. When buying a new unit, be sure to ask about warranty coverage. At A/C Designs, we offer an industry-best, ten-year warranty on all parts and compressors as long as you own the home.

 

Choosing the Right A/C System for Your Northeast Florida Home

There’s nothing more important than feeling comfortable in your home. When you choose A/C Designs for all your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning needs, you can be certain that you’ll stay in your comfort zone for many years to come.

Why Choose A/C Designs?

NATE Certified Technicians

24/7 Emergency Services

Over 5,000 New Units Installed Every Year

Voted Jacksonville’s Best A/C Company 4 Years in a Row

Industry-Best 10-Year Warranties

Serving Northeast Florida for 16+ Years

Locally Owned and Operated

Fully Licensed and Insured #CAC1813372

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Is It Time to Upgrade Your A/C?

Friday, April 23rd, 2021

Whether you have an older HVAC system or different cooling needs these days, you might not be sure if it’s time for an upgrade. Ensuring that you have an HVAC system that runs efficiently and meets your cooling needs is important to keep your home comfortable. The following signs can help you decide if you need to upgrade your A/C this season.

Common Signs It’s Time to Upgrade

The age of your HVAC system is one sign to consider. If your HVAC system is more than 10 years old, it’s probably time to upgrade. A new system can provide you with more efficient and reliable cooling all year long, without the heightened risk of needing repairs.

Other signs to watch for include increasing energy bill expenses and an A/C unit that breaks down often. Energy bills that are increasing for no apparent reason mean that your system isn’t running efficiently. It’s also time for an upgrade if your heating or cooling system is making unusual sounds or giving off strange or unpleasant odors. An A/C upgrade can also help if your home does not have good indoor air quality.

Get an Energy Assessment

Before you decide it’s time for a new HVAC system, check for air leaks that could be affecting its efficiency. Seal up gaps that could be letting hot air in your home during the hot months, and make sure that your home is properly insulated. You should have an energy assessment performed professionally to evaluate how much energy your home is using and what might be causing too much energy consumption. An energy efficiency professional might determine that your HVAC system doesn’t need to be replaced just yet.

Upgrading Your System

If an energy assessment indicates it’s time for a new HVAC unit or if you have any common signs that an upgrade is needed, the HVAC professionals at A/C Designs can help. We offer professional A/C installation and HVAC repair. Our NATE certified technicians can help you choose the right HVAC system for your home’s cooling needs. This depends on ventilation needs, weather conditions, the size of your home, your home’s insulation levels, and your windows.

Our team can evaluate your home and recommend the best HVAC system for your needs. Keep in mind that we offer HVAC maintenance in Jacksonville FL to help keep your new system in excellent condition for many years to come.

When you begin noticing signs that it’s time to upgrade your AC or a poor energy assessment reading, our HVAC experts can provide dependable A/C unit installation. When you’re looking for HVAC maintenance near me, A/C Designs can help. Request an appointment with A/C Designs for your HVAC system upgrade today.

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A/C Designs is Now Hiring

Tuesday, January 5th, 2021

A/C Designs is looking for experienced, dependable, and personable HVAC professionals to join their team. If you don’t have a lot of experience in the HVAC industry, company leaders say they are willing to provide training.

“Our company really looks for people with a strong work ethic, positive attitudes, that have career goals,” Riley Tennant with A/C Designs said. “A good driving record is very important with us. Mechanically inclined men and women who really want to strive and work and build a career.”

For more information, check out this interview with First Coast News.

Interested in a career with A/C Designs? Apply here!

Positions A/C Designs is currently hiring for:
Maintenance Technician, Service Technician, Service Helper, AOR Installer, New Construction Installer, New Construction Helper.

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What’s That Spooky Noise Coming From My A/C?

Thursday, October 22nd, 2020


Halloween is here, and with all the scary movies you’ve probably been watching, you might be a little spooked by the strange sounds coming from your air conditioning. Thankfully, there are no ghosts lurking in your a/c. Learn more about common noises in your a/c, what causes them, and how to fix them.

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How to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

Thursday, October 15th, 2020


Did you know that the air you breathe indoors can be 5 times more polluted than outdoor air? An air purifier can help you clear the air indoors, which reduces your exposure to carcinogens, allergens, and other harmful pollutants.

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How to Reduce Air Conditioner Noise

Tuesday, September 22nd, 2020


Summer temperatures in the Jacksonville area make air conditioning a necessity. However, when you have a noisy a/c, running it can often be a nuisance. Thankfully, there are ways to reduce the amount of noise your air conditioning system makes, so you can enjoy a quieter and more comfortable home all season long.

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