A/C Designs of St. Augustine, LLC Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Air Conditioning Installation’

How SEER Ratings Affect Sizing with Air Conditioning Installation

Friday, June 27th, 2014

If you’re worried about energy efficiency with your new air conditioning installation, looking at SEER ratings is a great place to begin. The SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) determines how energy efficient your cooling system will be throughout the season. This can be an important factor in lowering your summer energy bills. Keep in mind that seasonal efficiency for heating is determined by the HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor), not the SEER rating.

SEER ratings range between 13 and 27. A system with a rating of 16 or higher is considered a high efficiency system. Although a higher SEER rating may mean a greater initial cost, your lowered monthly bills will usually provide more than enough compensation through the years. For greater energy savings, look for a system that also carries the government backed ENERGY STAR label.

Different types and sizes of AC systems may affect the SEER rating. A ductless mini split system is a compact system that blows cool air through multiple indoor air handlers rather than through the ductwork in your home as with a central AC system. A ductless system often includes a higher SEER rating than central AC systems. This is great for your monthly expenses and the smaller size may look more appealing when compared to bulky central AC systems.

You always want to make sure that your AC system is the correct size for your home. While a smaller system with a SEER of 14 may seem like a more attractive offer than a larger system with a SEER of 13, you should never sacrifice buying a properly sized system so that you can afford a system with a higher SEER rating. Work closely with a technician to decide which size system is right for your home. Only a specialist can determine whether the size of your system will lead to an eventual system breakdown, or to a long service life of efficient cooling.

Technicians at AC Designs Inc. are ready to answer your questions about energy efficient systems, sizing, and the SEER rating system. Don’t be stuck with a system that drains your wallet from month to month. For quality AC installation in Jacksonville FL, schedule your next service appointment with us when you need to install an AC for your home. Give us a call today.

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Reasons You May Wish to Go Ductless During Your Next Air Conditioning Installation

Friday, June 13th, 2014

Ductless air conditioning systems are just what they sound like: a system without the ducts that run through attics and crawlspaces to spread cool air through your home. Instead, it spaces a number of individual, self-contained air conditioner units in different places throughout your home. Each unit can cool one single room or similar space, while the other units can be adjusted or even turned off as you wish. Air conditioning installation services in St. Augustine can usually set up a ductless system for you if you feel you need it. Only you can decide if it’s the right system for you, however. Here are a few reasons why you may wish to go ductless during your next air conditioning installation.

  • You don’t have the space for ducts. Ducts only work in houses which have sufficiently “hidden” spots for them, such as crawlspaces in the walls. If your home can’t support such a system, for whatever reason, then a ductless system may be an easy answer, and relatively simple to install as well.
  • You want the ability to tailor the temperature. Ductless air conditioning systems allow you to adjust the temperature in each room or area separately, unlike centralized systems, which require you to maintain the same temperature throughout the whole you. You could lower the temperature in the kitchen when you’re cooking, for example, while another family member in the bedroom can maintain a warmer temperature at the same time.
  • You want to save money. Ductless systems usually cost a little more to install than centralized systems, but they can make up for that with vastly improved savings on your monthly bills. Why? Simply put, you can turn off the air in sections of the home you aren’t using while still keeping the rooms you are using nice and cool.

Any of these are strong reasons you may wish to go ductless during you next air conditioning system, but every home is different and what works for one might not work for another. That’s why, in St. Augustine, air conditioning installation questions should be directed to the experts at AC Designs Inc. We can inspect your home, and then install the best system to suit your needs. Give us a call today and let us show you what we can do!

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Install a New Air Conditioner Before Summer Arrives

Friday, May 16th, 2014

Have you been considering the purchase of a new air conditioning system for your property, or are thinking of upgrading an outdated one? Spring offers a great window of time to do either, so if you’ve been thinking about it, let the Daytona Beach air conditioning installation experts from AC Designs, Inc. tell you why spring can be a great time to install a new air conditioner.

Why Install in Spring?

Spring can be a great time to install a new air conditioning system or replace an outdated one: the uncomfortably warm weather hasn’t settled in for good yet, getting you ahead of the coming summer heat. But there are some other reasons to consider installing an air conditioning system before summer arrives this year:

Better Technician Availability

Summer is the busy season for air conditioners, lessening technician availability for repairs, maintenance and installation. No one wants to sweat it out waiting for an available professional, particularly in the middle of summer. By installing your new air conditioner in the spring, you can avoid the busy-season wait, and be cool and comfortable when it counts.

Murphy’s Law

A fact our AC Designs, Inc., experts have seen over and over again: the chances of a struggling air conditioner breaking down during the hottest time of the year is very good. Why? Any air conditioner has to work hard in excessive heat and humidity; a struggling system does, too, and most likely with less ability due to aging, wear-and-tear and possible pre-existing problems. Ideally, air conditioning replacement should happen on your timetable, not on the weather’s. By installing a new system before summer, you can avoid rushing into purchasing a new air conditioner.

Have Questions About Spring Installation? Call an Expert

A springtime air conditioning installation doesn’t have to be a difficult endeavor, and it can help you get ahead of potential problems with your existing AC. By working with an AC Designs, Inc., expert, you can get the help you need in choosing the right air conditioning system for your property. Call AC Designs, Inc., today and schedule a consultation for your air conditioning service in Daytona Beach, FL.

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What to Ask Your Technician Prior to Your Air Conditioning Installation

Monday, July 29th, 2013

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

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

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

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Air Conditioning Tip 2: Avoiding Problems with Your Air Conditioning Installation

Wednesday, June 12th, 2013

One of the best things that you can do for the life and efficiency of your air conditioner is to get it installed by a professional technician. There are a few common mistakes that homeowners make during the process that can be easily avoided. At AC Designs Inc., we offer complete air conditioning installation for many different types and brand of air conditioning systems in Jacksonville, FL. We wanted to help our customers be able to avoid some of the common AC installation pitfalls that we see.

Finding a new air conditioning system can be a hard process. Not only are there many different brands of air conditioners, but there are different sizes of AC units and efficiency ratings as well. Navigating this can be frustrating and difficult. Here are common mistakes:

  • Buy the wrong sized AC – We often see homeowners who go out and find the biggest AC system that they can afford. While this might seem like it would mean that your home would be more comfortable, the opposite is what will likely happen. With an AC unit that is too large, your air conditioner will turn on, cool your home quickly, shut off and then come back on shortly after. This is called “short cycling” and it puts a huge strain on your AC and it also decreases efficiency.
  • Not get regular maintenance – One of the best things that homeowners can do for the efficiency and life of their air conditioning system is to set it up with regular maintenance early. During regular maintenance visits, our technicians will visit your home on a regular basis and thoroughly inspect, clean and repair all of the components of your AC system. This will allow them to find and repair any small problems that have started to develop with the system. This could potentially allow you to avoid repairs, increase efficiency and extend the life of your air conditioning system.

For all your Jacksonville, FL air conditioning installation make sure that you work with the professionals at AC Designs Inc..

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Air Conditioning Tip 1: Why You Need a Professional Air Conditioning Installation

Monday, May 6th, 2013

If you’re in the market for a new air conditioning system for your Jacksonville, FL home, then you are probably wondering how to begin. Considering the sheer quantity of systems available today, it’s no wonder that there might be some cause for confusion. However, it’s not only the energy efficiency and the performance of the equipment that you need to think about, but also the quality of the installer. You need to make sure that you’re receiving professional service.  Call AC Designs Inc. today for professional Jacksonville, FL  air conditioning installation service!

Let’s take a look at some of the reasons you need professional installation services:

  • Energy efficiency: The efficiency of your AC is often determined by its SEER rating. This acronym stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and every AC sold in the US has one. The higher number the better, but without professional installation, the SEER may not mean much at all. Efficiency measures the ratio between electrical energy input and cooling output. But this depends on the integrity of each connection, correct refrigerant charge and how the system integrates with your ductwork.
  • Longevity: Today’s air conditioners are as durable as ever, but without a quality installation of your new AC, system longevity may be significantly reduced. To secure the future of the investment in your home comfort, make sure that you hire a trained and licensed professional. That way, you can rest assured your system is in good hands.
  • Performance: This is what your home comfort system ultimately comes down to: the way it keeps your home cool. Without effective performance, there would be no reason to install a new system. Your certified tech will make sure that all the components work together, and that your system is appropriately sized for the size of your home.

Call AC Designs Inc. today for comprehensive Jacksonville, FL air conditioning services.

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What to Keep in Mind When Buying an Air Conditioner in Jacksonville, FL

Monday, April 29th, 2013

Purchasing a new air conditioning system for your home is a pretty exciting – and also pretty costly – investment. When you are looking for a new air conditioner in Jacksonville, FL it is important that you consider a number of different factors. There is a lot of information to consider and a lot of factors which will help determine the right air conditioning system for your home. If you find yourself a bit overwhelmed, never fear. The air conditioning installation experts at AC Designs Inc. are here to ensure that you get the right air conditioner for your home.

Working with a professional air conditioning installation technician is the best way to ensure that you get the right air conditioner for your home. Traditional central air conditioning systems, for example, are quite popular, and for good reason. They are convenient, effective and efficient. However, they rely on a forced air distribution system to cool your home, and this type of distribution system requires air ducts. If you do not have existing air ducts in your home the installation of the necessary ductwork can be rather disruptive. An option such as ductless mini splits may be better in this situation. An air conditioning professional can help you make these decisions.

You should also keep in mind your personal cooling habits. If you have a larger home, for instance, but rarely need to cool the entire house at once, you may want to consider a zone control system option with your air conditioner. This will allow you to control the flow of cooled air throughout your home, making your air conditioner more versatile and efficient as you have more control over the use of energy. If energy efficiency is a major priority for you, then a heat pump may the right choice. Heat pumps do not consume fuel to cool your home but rather transfer ambient heat for year round comfort. Of course, you also need to know that whatever system you decide on is properly sized, a job that only a professional can handle properly.

For more information about air conditioning installation and what to keep in mind when shopping for a new AC, call AC Designs Inc. to schedule your service. We offer the best air conditioning service in jacksonville FL to trust with your comfort. Contact us today for more information.

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