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

Top Reasons to Finance Your AC System

Wednesday, November 2nd, 2022

All air conditioning units eventually reach the end of their lifetimes. However, without annual maintenance, homeowners are not always prepared to fully invest in a new unit. This can result in costly, unexpected expenses. If the added cost of a new AC unit isn’t in the budget this year, consider these reasons to finance your AC system.

When you finance your AC system, you can bring immediate comfort to your home while saving energy and balancing your budget without upfront costs. At AC Designs, our certified technicians are here to keep your home cool with a variety of financing options that won’t break the bank. 

Long-Term Energy Savings 

Financing your AC system won’t just save you money upfront, but it will also save you money in the long run. Without preventative AC maintenance, older units that haven’t been replaced in years tend to operate less efficiently, which often results in higher energy bills. 

When choosing a new and improved unit, purchase energy-efficient equipment labeled with an ENERGY STAR by the United States EPA. This label indicates that your product meets certain energy efficiency requirements and conserves more energy than standard alternatives.

The more energy efficient your system is, the more savings you will experience per month on your energy bills. These long-term saving benefits can provide you with extra funding to cover your loan repayment.

Avoid Large Costs Upfront

Take advantage of financing options to avoid paying for an entire HVAC system upfront. This option can be easier on the wallet if you’re faced with purchasing a new unit altogether, especially if it wasn’t worked into your original plans or annual budget.

Financing can also provide more manageable payments that allow you to use your money in other necessary areas around the home. Additionally, you’ll experience significant maintenance savings from a newer unit built to operate more efficiently. 

There are lots of financing options available through both AC Designs and other suppliers. View our available choices today to determine the best credit plan for you.

Get Immediate Relief from the Heat

No family wants to be without an AC unit for days on end during a hot summer or cold winter. If you are in need of a new unit immediately but can’t afford the $3,000 to $6,000 investment, financing allows you to get relief as soon as possible, regardless of what you can pay. 

You’re given the opportunity to choose your payment plan and sign up for payments that make sense for you and your budget. This way, you won’t have to spend months saving up for a new system without heating and cooling in your home, removing any potential stress and financial discomfort. 

New AC units can be big investments. However, with dozens of financing options personalized to your budget, you can avoid hefty fees and replace your unit immediately to cut down on your monthly energy bills. AC Designs is a trusted AC company in Jacksonville, FL that is dedicated to providing customers with the best financial options. Schedule an appointment today to discuss options to finance your AC system.

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HVAC Tips and Tricks for New Homeowners

Monday, May 9th, 2022

Finding your new home is an exciting time—and with so much to consider, the HVAC system isn’t usually at the top of your mind. But if your new home’s AC system isn’t working properly, you’ll be stuck feeling hot, humid, and uncomfortable. Here’s our top advice for new homeowners to ensure your AC runs properly from move-in day and lasts for years to come.

Review Your HVAC Unit’s History

Check the AC Warranty

The first step when buying your new home is to check if the AC unit has a warranty and review its terms and conditions. New homeowners will want to keep a copy of this warranty on hand in case any issues arise.

Review Past AC Maintenance History

To get a clear picture of your HVAC system’s history, ask if the previous homeowner will share past AC maintenance and inspection findings. This will tell you whether there were problems in the past and what to expect for the future. 

Schedule Your Own AC Maintenance

If the previous homeowner can’t share a warranty or past maintenance records, it’s best to schedule a professional AC maintenance check as soon as possible. Your certified HVAC technician will identify any issues or needed repairs before they become a problem. That way, you won’t be caught without a working cooling system in the heat of summer.

Consider New AC Installation

Prepare yourself for the possibility that your new home’s AC system may need to be replaced. Our Florida weather is hot and humid year-round, putting extra strain on units. Don’t be fooled by the unit’s age, either. If the unit wasn’t maintained properly, or if the wrong size of unit was installed in the first place, it could wear out before its time.

AC Installation for a New System

In case you do decide to install a new unit at move-in, you’ll need to consider a variety of factors to ensure you get the right heating and cooling system for your home.

Choose the Right Type of System

Whether your home is older or newer, you’ll have to decide on the type of system that’s a match for the space. Options include a single central air conditioner, multiple systems, or a primary system with smaller units throughout the home. This is especially important when building a new home, because you’ll need to budget for the cost of a new HVAC system.

Consider Energy Efficiency

Budgeting goes beyond the initial cost for HVAC installation, too. We recommend taking a close look at the HVAC unit’s efficiency rating to save you money on energy bills in the long run. 

Getting familiar with efficiency ratings can also help. They include SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio), EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio), AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency specific to furnaces, water heaters, and boilers), or HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor specific to heat pumps).

DIY AC Maintenance

To save money, you can perform your own AC maintenance. The good news is that there are several things you can do to ensure your AC is running efficiently. Don’t let your unit work too hard by fluctuating the temperature or running it too high or low. 

Set Your Thermostat for Energy Efficiency

The AC owner’s manual may show a recommended energy-efficient temperature range. If not, the next time you have an AC inspection, ask the service technician what they recommend. Then, consider getting a programmable thermostat to keep your house at the right temperature even when you’re away.

Change Your AC Filter Regularly

Particle buildup clogs your ac filters, so we recommend changing them at least every 30–90 days. Proper airflow can be affected by your outdoor unit as well. Keep up yard maintenance around your unit to remove any obstructions near the air intake. 

Ensure Proper Airflow

But what happens when there’s improper airflow? Seal any areas of your home that cause a draft, such as doorways or cracks around windows. Otherwise, the leaks will lower your HVAC efficiency. 

It may also seem efficient to close vents to cool off other areas of your home quicker, but did you know that it can actually cause your unit to work harder? Keep all your vents open and remove any chairs, bookshelves, etc., that may be blocking the vent registers.

Schedule Professional HVAC Maintenance

The simplest way to keep your system running smoothly is to have a qualified HVAC service company perform regular AC maintenance.

Enroll in an AC Maintenance Plan

It’s a best practice to schedule a certified HVAC technician to run an AC inspection on your unit twice per year. When searching for an AC company in Jacksonville, FL, or an AC company in St. Augustine, FL, look for one that has served your area for years, like AC Designs. We provide custom system design, in-house energy calculations, and customizable maintenance.

Our technicians will treat you like a person and care for your unit like it’s our own. With AC Designs’ Preferred Customer Maintenance Program, you’ll benefit from regular HVAC maintenance on your unit to keep your home comfortable without worry. On top of that, joining our maintenance program helps save you money on HVAC costs in the long run.

HVAC Tips & Tricks Takeaways:

  • Know Your Unit’s History
    • For inherited units, get the maintenance report from the former owner. 
    • If there’s a warranty, understand its terms and conditions.
  • Maintain the Unit
    • Make sure there are no obstructions to airflow.
    • Replace your filters every 30–90 days.
    • Utilize a programmable thermostat to keep the temperature at recommended levels.
  • Hire a Trusted HVAC Company
    • Find a local company that has a long history of happy customers.
    • Choose a maintenance plan that saves you time and money.

Are you ready to get your recommended AC maintenance on the books? Make an appointment with AC Designs. We take pride in being the number one family-owned and operated AC company in Jacksonville, Florida, and are proud to be a top AC company in St. Augustine, Florida.

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Is It Time to Replace Your A/C?

Tuesday, June 26th, 2018

As one of the most important systems in your household, you rely on your A/C  to keep you and your family comfortable, regardless of the weather conditions outdoors. During the hot summer months an increase in energy bills is to be expected, but if the cost is skyrocketing and you ask yourself, “how can this be possible?” it may be time to turn to an expert to see if your air conditioner or cooling habits are to blame.

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Common A/C Terms Explained

Sunday, October 22nd, 2017

When your A/C system in Jacksonville needs replacement, chances are you are performing some research to learn more about your options. It’s important, however, to know about common terms used to describe the unit and air conditioning as a whole to ensure you’re making an informed decision. Here’s a look at some of the most commonly used A/C terms and what they mean.

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