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

AC Designs HVAC Financing Options

Tuesday, September 26th, 2023

While your HVAC system is crucial in keeping your home comfortable, upgrading or replacing it can be costly. Luckily, AC Designs has financing options based on your credit score that can make this investment feasible. At AC Designs, we’re here to teach you the benefits of HVAC financing to help you make the right choice for your budget. 

Is it Time to Upgrade Your HVAC Unit?

Inefficient outdated HVAC systems require more energy to run than their successors, making them more likely to break-down. This can constantly leave you with an uncomfortable home, high utility bills, and expensive repairs. If you are experiencing any of those signs, it may be time for an AC replacement.

Air conditioning units can be expensive to replace, which is why many people choose to finance. By opting for HVAC financing, you can bring immediate comfort to your home while saving energy and balancing your budget. 

Things to Consider Before HVAC Financing

When taking out an HVAC loan, it’s important to consider these key factors to make an informed decision that’s right for you and your budget.

Annual Percentage Rate (APR)

The APR includes the loan’s interest rate and any extra fees. Usually, a loan with the lowest APR is the most cost-effective, even if its interest rate isn’t the lowest.

Repayment Period

This is how long it takes to pay off the loan. Shorter repayment times mean higher monthly payments but potentially lower APRs.

Discounts

Some lenders give discounts if you have a history with them or choose automatic loan repayment. It’s a good idea to check out these options to help you save money.

Monthly Payments

Your monthly payment amount decides whether you can handle the loan along with your other expenses. Longer repayment times usually mean smaller monthly payments.

Fees

Be mindful of potential charges like prepayment penalties from lenders. Knowing about these fees helps you avoid unpleasant surprises.

Upkeep for Your New HVAC Unit

Investing in a new HVAC unit is just the beginning of keeping your home comfortable. To ensure its longevity, regular maintenance, and prompt repairs are essential. Joining an HVAC maintenance program like our Comfort Zone Club can provide you with discounts, priority scheduling, and overall peace of mind.

HVAC Financing FAQs

Before you dive into HVAC financing, it’s natural to have questions. Let’s address some of the most common ones:

Do I need perfect credit to finance an HVAC unit? 

Not necessarily. Different lenders have varying credit requirements. While a lower credit score might lead to higher interest rates, it doesn’t necessarily disqualify you.

What credit score do you need to finance an HVAC system? 

The required credit score depends on the loan type and the lender. Some lenders may approve your application even with a lower credit score if you meet criteria in other areas.

What is the average cost of a new HVAC system? 

Air conditioning replacement costs vary based on factors like your home’s size, system type, and brand choice. On average, prices range from $3,500 to $15,000, with standard systems falling between $7,000 and $10,000.

Do HVAC companies offer financing? 

Yes, many HVAC companies offer a variety of financing options. Explore AC Design’s financing resources for more information to avoid paying for an entire HVAC system upfront.

Is an HVAC system a good investment? 

A new air conditioning system can enhance your home’s value, reduce energy costs by up to 30%, and provide improved comfort for the whole family. When evaluating your investment, consider the potential for energy savings and increased home value as well.

HVAC Financing in Jacksonville, FL

AC replacement costs don’t have to be a financial burden when you finance. Remember that upgrading your HVAC system isn’t just about comfort—it’s an investment that can lead to energy savings and increased property value. Contact AC Designs today to discuss building the HVAC financing plan that best suits your needs. Make your home the haven of comfort it deserves to be!

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Tips to Make Indoor Air Safer to Breathe

Monday, August 28th, 2023

Your home’s indoor air quality is crucial to your health, especially if you have respiratory conditions like asthma. At AC Designs, we’re here to teach you everything you need to know about improving your indoor air quality and creating a healthier living environment in your home so you and your loved ones can breathe cleaner, safer indoor air.

What are the signs of poor indoor air quality?

Signs of poor indoor air quality often go beyond what meets the eye. Some of the most common signs include persistent allergy symptoms like excessive sneezing, coughing, and nasal congestion. Stale or stuffy air, lingering odors, and visible mold or mildew growth are also signs of poor indoor air quality.

Frequent headaches, fatigue, or difficulty concentrating can also be caused by poor ventilation or pollutants in your home’s air. If you notice any of these signs, take action to improve your indoor air quality immediately to ensure that your family is breathing clean air. 

What indoor air quality solutions should you consider?

Luckily, there are a number of solutions available to help improve your home’s indoor air quality and create a healthier living environment. Ensure the air you and your loved ones breathe is cleaner, healthier, and more refreshing with these tips:

Proper Ventilation   

The foundation of improved air quality lies in proper ventilation. This can be as simple as opening windows whenever possible to allow fresh outdoor air to circulate. For areas prone to moisture, like kitchens and bathrooms, use exhaust fans to keep humidity and pollutants from accumulating.

Keep Your Home Clean

Regular cleaning routines are essential in removing allergens and irritants from your home. Dusting surfaces, vacuuming with a HEPA filter-equipped vacuum cleaner, and keeping carpets and upholstery clean can significantly reduce the particles that can harm your indoor air quality.

Control Humidity Indoors

Maintaining the right level of humidity is crucial. Excess moisture can lead to mold growth, which releases spores into the air. A dehumidifier can be a valuable tool in controlling humidity levels, particularly in damp areas like basements.

Change Your Filters

To actively remove particles from the air, consider using air purifiers. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are especially effective in capturing tiny particles like dust, pollen, pet dander, and even some bacteria or viruses.

Use an air filter with a high minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating that can easily remove tiny pollen and dust particles from your air. It’s important to replace your filter every three months, or sooner if needed. 

Use Indoor Plants

Introducing indoor plants into your living spaces is a great natural way to improve your home’s air quality. Plants like snake plants, peace lilies, and spider plants have been shown to help remove certain pollutants from the air and increase oxygen levels.

Avoid VOCs

In terms of materials used within your living space, opting for low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints, finishes, and furnishings can benefit your home’s air quality. VOCs are chemicals released by some products that can lead to indoor air pollution.

Don’t Smoke Indoors

Refraining from smoking indoors goes a long way in maintaining healthy air quality. Cigarette smoke introduces a range of harmful chemicals into the air that can linger and harm your and your family’s respiratory health.

Protect Air Quality With Annual Maintenance

One of the most effective ways to ensure consistent indoor air quality is by scheduling annual air conditioning maintenance. Regular check-ups and servicing help prevent the accumulation of dust, allergens, and pollutants within your HVAC system.

By proactively addressing potential issues and making sure that your systems are running efficiently, you can protect the air quality in your living or workspaces and contribute to a healthier environment for all occupants.

When you join AC Designs’ preferred customer maintenance program, you can enjoy year-round priority scheduling on HVAC maintenance, as well as two pre-scheduled system checks per year and after-hours emergency service, all for a low annual cost. 

AC Designs in Jacksonville, FL

Clean air contributes to a healthier and more comfortable living environment for you and your family, and by following these proactive measures, you can significantly improve your indoor air quality. Schedule an appointment with the indoor air quality experts at AC Designs today to get started.

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Celebrating 20 Years of AC Designs Heating and Air Conditioning 

Tuesday, August 1st, 2023

For two decades, AC Designs has held true to our values of honesty, reliability, and exceptional customer service. As a family owned and operated AC company, doing right by our customers and our community has been the drive behind our success since day one. After 20 years of HVAC service to Jacksonville, FL, St. Augustine and beyond, we are filled with pride and gratitude. Please join us in celebrating our incredible team.

An AC Company Built On Family Values

Our vice president, Corey Tennant, has exemplified our core values from an early age. He got his start at AC designs by helping his father, Ed Tennant (AC Designs president), at just age 13. Since then, he’s worked his way up the ranks, dedicating himself to every aspect of the company from loading trucks to crunching numbers in the office. Ed says that no job is beneath him, and this strong work ethic is the foundation of our team.

Belinda Byers, one of our earliest team members and Maintenance Manager, was drawn to working with us because of our unmistakeable commitment to honesty and customer-focused values. Her decision to leave a large HVAC company was risky, but it was our foundation and core values that made it an easy decision for her. 

When asked about joining AC Designs, Belinda said, “back then, most people thought I was going to regret it, but I never have. To this day, we base our decisions on the values Ed set out from the start. It really makes me proud to work here.”

Hear From Our Team at AC Designs 

While not everyone on the AC Designs team is a member of the Tennant family, they are still treated as our family. We asked the team various questions about their thoughts on their time with us, and their responses prove our commitment to keeping up with our core values.

What has it meant for you to be part of the AC Designs team?

“This team has been family to me over the last 20 years. We have celebrated highs together and worked through lows like a family.”
“I’ve grown professionally and personally over the years as a direct result of A/C designs faith in my abilities. There were times that I have made known my aspirations to grow within the company, only to be met with new challenges and opportunities for the taking! I find myself personally invested in this company based on the efforts A/C Designs has afforded me.”
“There are no companies that compare. AC Designs is a company that cares about their customers and employees. They are more than a place of employment, we are a family here.”
“I am proud to be a part of this team. We are good and honest people doing everything we can to provide the best service possible to our homeowners. I have been with this company for six and a half years and my coworkers are like my extended family. It feels good to work in an environment with people you trust who are all working towards a common goal. We are all here to help each other when needed and it's great to know you have support no matter what comes your way.” -Shannon B., Customer Experience Manager

What sets AC Designs apart from other companies you have worked for in the past?

“The one thing that sets AC Designs apart from other companies is that they care about their employees and make you feel like part of the family. The management staff cares and works with their employees. They offer in-house training and teach you everything you need to know to provide the best customer care.”

Cole C.
Senior Technician
“With AC Designs, there is always work to be done, and management and employees are always willing to help with work and personal life.”

Tyler S.
HVAC Technician

The Best Heating and Air Conditioning In Jacksonville, FL

As a family-owned and operated HVAC company, we appreciate the trust you put in us and in the services we provide. We are your friends and neighbors, and we always put our customers and Northeast Florida communities first.

The respect we have for our customers and their comfort is reflected in more than the services we provide. You can even see it on our uniforms. We wear name tags, so you always know just who you’re dealing with. We take the utmost care of your home, your HVAC system and your budget. We believe that our customers deserve nothing but the best, and that is what we plan on delivering for the next 20 years to come.

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Signs You Need an AC Replacement

Wednesday, June 28th, 2023

Summer is in full swing in Jacksonville, FL, and the last thing you need is a broken AC unit leaving you stuck in the heat. If your energy bills are rising and your unit is constantly breaking down, your system may need more than just repairs. Learn the warning signs that it’s time for an AC replacement so you can stay comfortable in the summer heat. 

When is AC Replacement Necessary?

Understanding your unit’s age, repair history, efficiency rating, and repair cost can help you make an informed decision on whether your unit needs to be repaired or replaced after breaking down. Here are some of the top signs that a replacement is right for you:

Old Unit Age 

Most air conditioning systems have an average lifespan of around 10 to 15 years. If your unit is approaching or beyond this range, it’s likely experiencing wear and tear that could lead to frequent breakdowns and inefficiency.

High Repair Costs

If the cost to repair your broken down unit is significant and your system is older, it’s usually more cost-effective to replace it. This way, you can invest in a more reliable unit and avoid costly summer AC maintenance.

Graphic explaining when it's best to repair or replace your HVAC unit

High Breakdown Frequency

It is also important to consider how often your system breaks down. Frequent breakdowns are a clear indicator that your unit is struggling to keep up. If you find yourself constantly repairing your system, it may be a sign that replacement is necessary. 

Low Efficiency Rating

With a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating of 15 or higher, your unit is generally worth repairing. However, if your system has a lower SEER rating, it may be more energy-efficient to replace it with a newer, more efficient model.

Increase in Energy Bills

A sharp increase in energy costs could be a sign of an inefficient HVAC system. Installing a newer model designed to be more energy-efficient can save large amounts of energy each month and lead to lower utility bills.

Benefits of Replacing Your HVAC System

From long-term cost savings to increased comfort in your home, replacing your AC unit comes with many benefits. Older units have to work harder to cool your home, but upgrading to a newer model allows you to take advantage of advanced technology and new energy-saving features and cut down on electricity costs. 

Modern AC units come with advanced features like programmable thermostat control and better air filtration, providing your home with enhanced comfort. New units also offer improved reliability and performance that will help you avoid emergency HVAC summer maintenance.

While repairing your old unit might fix the immediate problem, there’s always a risk of further breakdowns due to old age and wear and tear. Consider replacing your unit to enjoy peace of mind knowing that your reliable cooling system will keep your home comfortable for years to come. 

How Can I Increase My AC Unit Lifespan?

Whether you have a brand new HVAC system or an older one, it’s important to prioritize regular maintenance to maximize its efficiency. Keep these key maintenance practices in mind year round:

Change Air Filters Regularly

Dirty filters can restrict your unit’s airflow and place strain on your system, leading to lower efficiency. Replace your filters according to manufacturer recommendations to keep your unit running efficiently.

Clear Away Debris

Keep the area around your outdoor unit free from debris such as leaves, branches, and dirt. This allows for proper air circulation and prevents potential damage to your unit. 

Use a Programmable Thermostat

Utilizing a programmable thermostat allows you to set temperature schedules based on your schedule. By giving your unit a break while you’re away from home, you can optimize your energy usage and reduce wear and tear on your system.

Join a Maintenance Program

Keeping up with maintenance on your HVAC unit is essential to its longevity and performance. Join AC Designs’ Comfort Zone Maintenance Club to enjoy priority scheduling, priority replacement on parts, services discounts, and more. 

Summer AC Maintenance in Jacksonville, FL

When your HVAC system starts showing signs of trouble, it may be time to invest in a new unit. If you’re still unsure about whether to repair or replace your AC unit, consult with the expert technicians at AC Designs so you can stay in your comfort zone this summer and beyond.

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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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GUIDE: Should You Repair or Replace Your A/C?

Thursday, July 30th, 2020

Should you repair or replace your a/c unit? This is a common question among those of us surviving this Florida heat, and knowing the answer could save you a lot of money. Having an air conditioner that isn’t working can be frustrating, however, the cause is usually one of a few components. That’s why we have created this simple questionnaire to help you decide whether to repair or replace your unit.

To better understand your HVAC system and diagnosing your a/c issue, click the link below and download your FREE Repair or Replace Guide.

Click to Download (opens in new window)

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How Long Does the Typical A/C Unit Last?

Friday, November 16th, 2018

One of the biggest questions people have when they purchase an HVAC unit or buy a home with an existing system is: “How long can I expect this unit to last?” The short answer is, it depends on a variety of different factors, including the amount of use, operational conditions, and maintenance schedule.

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Prepare Your Air Conditioning and Heating System For Fall

Monday, September 24th, 2018

Even though it may not feel like it, the hottest days of the year are almost behind us. Now is the time to give our A/C systems, which have been working overtime to keep us cool and comfortable, some much needed TLC. Here are a few pointers to keep your air conditioning and heating system running smoothly as we enter the fall and winter months.

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Tips to Stay Safe During Extreme Temperatures

Wednesday, August 8th, 2018

Although July is historically the hottest month of the year, August is still known to bring extremely hot temperatures that can feel even hotter with high levels of humidity in the air. When you aren’t able to rely on your air conditioner to reduce the effects of extreme heat, here are a few tips to stay safe and avoid a potentially life-threatening heat stroke.

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