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

How Improper Voltage Can Damage Your Air Conditioning System

Friday, May 30th, 2014

Air conditioning systems depend on a number of different components to work, from the refrigerant gas to the condensate pans removing water from the system. But they all depend on electricity to operate, and when electrical problems occur, it can cause serious damage to the system. Here in Jacksonville, air conditioning repair personnel need to know how to deal with problems anywhere in the system, including those caused by electricity. Here’s a quick primer on how improper voltage can damage your air conditioning system.

The biggest issue occurs with the condenser array, specifically the motor which runs on electricity. If the electrical current is interrupted, the array won’t function as it should. Why is that a problem? The condenser works to shift the refrigerant from gas to liquid. It needs to be in liquid form to cool the air (it pulls heat out of the surrounding air as it goes from a liquid back to a gas), and it needs to be at a specific level of liquid dictated by the air conditioning unit itself. If the motor won’t function at peak capacity, the condenser system won’t convert the refrigerant into liquid and the entire process will be thrown out of balance.

As a result, the system will lose its cooling capacity. Ice will form on the expansion coils, and the individual components will undergo more strain as the process. A serious breakdown under such conditions is only a matter of time.

On a less dire level, intermittent electricity will affect the blower array as well, meaning that the fan won’t blow cool air into your home as easily. That also forces the air conditioner to work harder than it should, which in turn increases strain on the system.

Air conditioner repair services in Jacksonville, FL are offered by the experts at AC Designs Inc. We understand how improper voltage can damage your air conditioning system, and our staff has the knowledge and experience to hunt the problem down and correct it quickly. If you’re having problems with your AC unit, pick up the phone and give us a call today. You’ll be glad you did!

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The Capacitors and Air Conditioning Repair

Monday, April 14th, 2014

Spring is here, and that means air conditioning season can’t be too far behind. That’s a significant concern here in Florida, where a functioning air conditioner may be the only thing between a comfortable home and unbearable one.  A little knowledge about common AC problems can help you know when to call for repair, so you can get air conditioning repair service in Jacksonville as soon as possible. The capacitors, in particular, are a common cause of breakdowns during the summer.

Here’s how problems with the capacitors lead to air conditioning repair:

The capacitors act to store electricity from your power grid for use with the air conditioner’s various motors. They basically store energy to be used by your AC, ensuring that the air conditioner’s motors have continuous power when they’re turned on. That’s vital to keeping the unit running constantly when it needs to, as well as preventing excessive wear and tear on the system overall. Unfortunately, like a lot of electronic components, they generate a great deal of heat in the process, and our hot Florida summers don’t help in that regard. When the temperature soars and you’re using your air conditioner all the time, the chances of a capacitor blow-out increases, especially with older units that have seen a lot of mileage.

You can usually spot a capacitor overload if the A/C unit makes a humming sound when it starts up and the fan itself doesn’t blow. Replacing a capacitor is fairly straightforward, but it takes some delicacy and proper trained to do so safely. Since capacitors store electricity, they can be very dangerous if mishandled. If you detect a blown capacitor, the best option is to shut off power to the unit and contact a qualified professional.

For air conditioning repair in Jacksonville, FL, AC Designs, Inc. is ready to help. We know how to replace blown capacitors, and air conditioning repair issues of all sorts remain one of the primary focuses of our business. We’re completely dedicated to your satisfaction and we offer 24-hour emergency service because we know you usually can’t afford to wait to get your air conditioner up and running again. Give us a call to set up an appointment. You’ll be glad you did!

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Air Conditioning Repair Tip: Signs of Capacitor Problems

Tuesday, October 29th, 2013

The capacitor is a component in the compressor motor and fan motor in your air conditioning system. It gets the motor running when you first turn it on, then keeps it running while the air conditioner operates. That makes it a small but vital component in your air conditioning system, helping to circulate refrigerant through the compressor and blow cool air into your home when the cooling process is complete. Considering the importance of air conditioning repair in Jacksonville,  problems with the capacitor need to be dealt with quickly. Spotting the signs of capacitor problems is the first step to getting it repaired.

The most obvious signs entail examining the motor itself. A capacitor with problems heat up, and may hum or vibrate while it is working. In these cases the best thing to do is turn off the air conditioner and summon a service technician. Replacing the capacitor will probably cost you less than replacing the entire motor or similar damage caused by a flat-out failure.

Speaking of which, another sign of capacitor problems comes when the motor itself fails. That means the air conditioner itself will probably start working, or at the very least that no cool air is blowing into your home once the air conditioner generates it.  If the AC unit as a whole has power, but isn’t blowing, it could point to a failed motor. Similarly, if the motor is trying to turn on, but it’s struggling at the job, then the capacitor may be to blame.

No matter what the cause, if you spot signs of capacitor problems, then it pays to summon a trained technician to deal with it. Capacitors usually aren’t expensive to replace, but a service expert can properly assess the situation and ensure that no other components require repair as well. AC Designs, Inc. handles air conditioning repair in Jacksonville, FL, and can resolve the issue with expediency and professionalism. Give us a call to make an appointment today.

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Clogged Filters and Air Conditioning Repair in Daytona Beach

Tuesday, October 22nd, 2013

Air conditioning repair in Daytona Beach can be a serious matter, with our hot weather nearly year round. Anything you can do to defer or delay a serious repair call will leave you and your family without a cool, comfortable home on hot days. Along with regular maintenance visits, changing your air filters regularly will help keep your air conditioner in good condition and lower the risk of repairs. Here’s the link between clogged filters and air conditioning repair in Daytona Beach.

In addition to helping keep dust and dirt out of your home, air filters help keep your air conditioner itself clear of dust and debris. When duct gathers on internal components, it can seriously affect your air conditioner’s ability to do its job: increasing friction on moving parts and preventing the evaporator coils from cooling the air as wells as they should. As strain on the unit builds, your monthly air conditioning costs will go up, as well as increasing the chances of a significant breakdown in the near future.

The air filter is supposed to stop all of that, or at least delay the build-up of dust and dirt in the system. When the filter gets clogged, however, it’s not doing its job, and probably reducing air flow into your home to boot.

You can help alleviate a lot of these problems simply by changing your air filter before it gets clogged. The exact time to do that can vary, though, depending on how much dust you have in your home and if you have any pets.

To that, add a regular maintenance schedule from a trained professional. He can clean the dust and debris off of the air conditioning components, as well as tightening loose bolts and recharging low refrigerant. If you are concerned about clogged air filters, the experts at AC Designs can help. Call us today to set up an appointment.

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Air Conditioning Repair Tip 4: What Increased Airborne Pollutants Mean

Tuesday, October 15th, 2013

When it comes to air conditioning repair, St. Augustine, FL has unique needs that should be addressed. Florida summers a rife with heat and humidity, which you can avoid by establishing a cool, comfortable environment inside your home. Besides keeping your air conditioning unit in good shape and ensuring that it works at peak capacity, it means sealing leaks around your windows and doors, adding insulation in your attic, and changing the filters in your HVAC system to decrease the amount of airborne pollutants. But what are airborne pollutants and how do they overlap with St. Augustine FL air conditioning repair needs? Here’s a quick primer on what increased airborne pollutants mean.

The phrase “airborne pollutants” refers to any number of particles in the air that are not conducive to overall health. This can include pollen and other allergens; coal and wood particles from fireplaces; tobacco smoke; industrial pollutants; pet dander; and even plan old-fashioned skin cells that we shed every day.

The effects of increased airborne pollutants in your home aren’t usually devastating, but they can have an impact on your overall health and quality of life. If you suffer from allergies, higher pollutant levels in the air can make them worse. Even if you don’t, you can still suffer from an irritated nose and throat, as well as dealing with increased amounts of dust on your furnishings. In the worst case scenario, dust-build-up in your system can interfere with your air conditioner’s ability to function: lowering air flow and increasing strain on your system.

St. Augustine, FL benefits from its coastal climate, which means that its air quality is fairly high. You want the same quality inside your home as out, which you can maintain both by changing the air filters regularly and by scheduling routine maintenance to clean your air conditioning system. Both will reduce the amount of airborne pollutants in your system and make for cleaner air in your home. For these and other St. Augustine, FL air conditioning repair needs, call on AC Designs, Inc.. We can explain what increased airborne pollutants mean, and recommend ways to lower them inside your home.

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Air Conditioning FAQ 3: Why Small Problems Matter

Tuesday, October 8th, 2013

Air conditioning repair in Orange Park is no laughing matter, especially when the summer temperatures hit and our infamous Florida humidity kicks in. You need a reliable air conditioning system to keep your home cool and comfortable during even the most sweltering summer’s day. Repairs for any appliance are inevitable, but with air conditioning systems, it might mean going without cool air during the worst time of the year. Small problems may not seem like much, but they can come back to bite you at the worst possible time. Here’s why small problems matter, and why calling in a service technician for a little issue could end up saving money in the long run.

In the simplest possible terms, an ounce of prevention beats a pound of cure. Small problems need to be treated promptly because they have a way of becoming bigger ones, and bigger ones will end up costing you a lot more money to fix. Take, for example, the question of leaking refrigerant. It’s a fairly common problem and a trained service technician can usually fix it quickly. But if it isn’t treated, the problems can cascade. Ice will form on the evaporator coils, which interferes with its ability to do its job. The air blowing into your house isn’t as cool, forcing the other components in the air conditioning system to work harder and increasing overall wear and tear. Your monthly bills go up before the unit is expending more energy than it needs to. Suddenly, you’re looking at a scenario whereby several components could fail and a major repair needs to be made, all because the comparatively simple problem of sealing a leak and recharging refrigerant wasn’t addressed.

At AC Designs Inc., we understand why small problems matter, which is why we devote as much care and consideration to fixing them as we do major repairs. Air conditioning repair in Orange Park is something we take seriously, and we’d rather save you from a major repair by conducting a minor one with efficiency and pride. Give us a call today to set up an appointment.

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Air Conditioning Repair Tip 3: My Compressor Won’t Start

Tuesday, October 1st, 2013

When it comes to air conditioning repair, Jacksonville, FL has the weather to press the issue. Our heat index rises every year, along with high levels of humidity people expect in Florida. Your air conditioning system provides you with a cool, comfortable home during even the hottest days. When you need repairs, they need to come quickly, and it helps to know some of the root causes so that you can better direct the technician to get your air conditioning running again quickly. For instance, if your compressor won’t start, you’re likely facing a significant problem. But what function does the compressor perform and what happens when it breaks down?

The compressor is an essential part of your system, compressing the refrigerant and making the cooling process possible. If the compressor fails, the air conditioning system can’t function. At best, the blower will simply move warm air into your system. At worst, the air conditioner won’t start at all.

There are several possible causes behind a broken air compressor, which may include the following:

  • Damaged wiring keeping the compressor motor from gaining power.
  • The compressor motor is overheated or burnt out, meaning it will not start.
  • There’s a leak in the coils, leading to the AC losing refrigerant.
  • Broken expansion valve. If the expansion valve or evaporator coils are damaged, the refrigerant will arrive at the compressor in liquid instead of gaseous form, preventing it from functioning.

Whatever the cause, you need to get it fixed as quickly as possible. With air conditioning repair, Jacksonville, FL doesn’t allow any room for error and the longer you wait the more you’ll have to ensure summer heat and humidity. The experts at AC Designs Inc. can help when your compressor won’t start. Contact us today to set up a diagnostic appointment. We offer 24-hour emergency service, ensuring you don’t have to wait to get your air conditioner up and running again.

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When to Contact a Professional for Air Conditioning Repair

Monday, September 16th, 2013

The air conditioner in your Florida home is an intricate machine that consists of motors, indoor and outdoor units, a compressor, refrigerant, fans, and a system of ducts. Although today’s ACs are designed to handle stress and long periods of use, they cannot be 100% error-free. Eventually, you will need a professional to handle the repairs and upkeep on your air conditioning system so that a malfunction doesn’t make your home uncomfortable.

Here are some signs that may indicate a serious issue that requires professional work. If you notice any of these, call the staff at AC Designs Inc. to schedule air conditioning repair in Jacksonville, FL.

Strange noises: The soothing white noise of your air conditioner is something you’re familiar with. But if that sound is interrupted with clanging, grinding, or banging noises, it could mean any number of problems that might be catastrophic to your AC unless take care of. A broken compressor, a burnt-out capacitor, a bent fan, a failing motor… any of these malfunctions requires an expert to repair them as soon as possible.

Unusual smells: If the air wafting from the vents starts to carry an odd odor you’ve never noticed before, it might indicate breaks in the ducts or a problem with your condensate drain.

Less effective cooling: An AC that cooling effectively is probably in need of repair. If you find spots in your home that are no longer getting as cool as they should be no matter how you set the thermostat, get a technician in the moment you can to diagnose what’s wrong. Many small problems with your AC can balloon into larger issues if ignored, which is why it is usually better to call for repair sooner rather than later when noticing signs like this.

Even if nothing seems wrong with your air conditioning, its good to have it inspected annually. We recommend the owners of home AC systems get maintenance done at least once a year. The fall is a good time to schedule a check and tune-up, since technicians are less busy in the stretch between summer and winter. A maintenance check will make sure that your AC is working at peak efficiency, with good air flow, no electrical issues, and no problems with the various motors. A technician will catch warning signs of potential troubles that might spell expensive repairs in the future. Enrolling in regular maintenance is one of the best ways to save money when it comes to your AC.

When you know it’s time to call a professional for your air conditioning repair in Jacksonville, FL, make AC Designs Inc. your first call. We offer a maintenance program and 24/7 emergency service throughout Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Daytona Beach, Palm Coast, and the surrounding Northeast Florida area.

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Can Routine Maintenance Ward Off a Costly Air Conditioning Repair

Monday, September 9th, 2013

A good, efficient air conditioner is a must for living in Florida. Our summers are hot and muggy, and the temperature remains high the rest of the year as well. But you shouldn’t expect your AC that has happily chugged away keeping you cool to do so indefinitely. Like any device, an air conditioner will begin to suffer wear and tear after years of use. Scheduling routine maintenance can help prevent the need for air conditioning repair in Daytona Beach.

Think of your air conditioner as if it were a car. In Daytona Beach, chances are that you run your air conditioner more often than you drive your car—probably much more often. You wouldn’t let your car run make do without regular tune-ups. Why should a complex and important machine like your air conditioner get different treatment? Having either your car or air conditioner break down is an enormous hassle. Routine maintenance is one of best ways to see that it doesn’t happen.

At AC Designs, Inc., we always recommend that our customers enroll in a preventive maintenance program. We wouldn’t do this if we didn’t know from experience that routine maintenance can ward off very costly fixes to your air conditioner down the road—or even the need for a complete replacement of the system.

When an HVAC professional comes to your home for regular maintenance, you will receive a full check on all the components in your air conditioner to make sure they are operating at optimal levels. The maintenance technician will examine the airflow, filters, electrical connections, air handler cabinet, evaporator coils, and motors. If necessary, the technician will drain the condensate pan and clean out the drain. If any serious problems are discovered, you will receive a recommendation on what repairs should be done.

The professionals at AC Designs Inc. are all NATE-certified and will provide you with the high quality air conditioning repair in Daytona Beach that you need. Set up an appointment with us today!

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