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

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.

Tags: A/C Designs, AC Maintenance, Air Conditioning, Air Conditioning Maintenance, Air Conditioning Repair, HVAC Maintenance, Jacksonville, St. Augustine
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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.

Tags: A/C Designs, ac company jacksonville, AC Service, Careers, Employment, HVAC Technicians, Jacksonville, Now Hiring, St. Augustine
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Common Heat Pump Repairs Explained

Tuesday, December 15th, 2020

Heat pumps come highly recommended as energy-efficient heating and cooling systems that are ideally suited for climates like you’d expect in Jacksonville, Florida. These are reliable devices, too, particularly when installed by qualified HVAC technicians, and when serviced through routine maintenance. Even so, problems can arise with heat pumps, so let’s take a look at what heat pumps are, and the common types of issues and repairs you can expect.

What is a Heat Pump, and What Does it Do?

To understand some common heat pump problems and how they might be repaired, it helps to understand how these fixtures work. They’re surprisingly simple, usually made up of two components, which would be the condenser unit on the outside of the home, and an indoor unit that vents hot or cold air into the home.

Heat pumps serve as both heating and cooling units, and they are reversible as your need for heating and cooling changes throughout the year. In warmer months, you can set them to air conditioning, and the reversing valve will pump cooled air into your home, while in the cooler months, you can set the unit to heat. This works exactly the same as the air conditioning part of the process, but instead of removing warm air from inside the home, the pump reverses to compress the refrigerant, which heats the refrigerant and allows the pump to blow warm air over the refrigerant coils and into the home.

Common Heat Pump Issues

When it comes to heat pump problems, there are a few common themes. Some of these include:

The pump isn’t providing enough heat. As with many issues like this, when a heat pump isn’t heating enough, it’s time to call a technician right away because the problem could get worse—and it could get worse quickly.
Problems switching into heating mode. Heat pumps are designed to switch between heating and cooling, and if yours won’t switch from one mode to the other, then it’s time for repairs.
Unusual noises can signify a problem, so if you hear banging or hissing noises, you’ll want to schedule a diagnostic.

Common Ways to Repair a Heat Pump

Repairs depend on what has gone wrong with the heat pump, but just the same as there are common themes in heat pump problems, there are usually also some common fixes that are quick and easy for a qualified technician.

When the pump isn’t providing enough heat, it may be that leaky refrigerant lines need to be repaired. This is also a likely repair if the unit is producing unusual hissing sounds.
Banging sounds could signify that the compressor needs repair or replacement, or that a fan needs to be replaced.
When heat pumps won’t switch between heating and cooling, the most common causes are either a malfunctioning thermostat or a malfunctioning reversing valve—and both are issues that can be corrected by replacing these parts.

If you’re experiencing issues with your heat pump system, or if you’re considering having such a system installed, don’t hesitate to contact A/C Designs. We can help you save on repairs and new installations alike, and our technicians have the industry expertise to handle your concerns quickly.

Tags: A/C Designs, ac company jacksonville, ac issues, AC Maintenance, Heat Pump, Heat Pump Installation, heat pump problems, Heat Pump Repair, heat pump valve, Heat Pumps, heating and cooling, Heating Repair, heating system, HVAC Maintenance, Jacksonville, St. Augustine
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HVAC Energy Saving Tips for the Holidays

Monday, December 14th, 2020

Christmastime is one of the most wonderful times of the year — and it is also the time of year when the most energy is used around the home. Heating bills go up as temperatures drop, and that’s compounded by frequent visitors coming through your doors. Here’s a list of tips and tricks to help cut down on energy usage during the holidays.

Essential Tips for Saving Energy This Christmas

It’s good to save money year-round, but at Christmastime in particular, you could use some extra savings in your pocket — and energy savings are a key way to do that. Reduce your energy usage in the following ways:

If you’re expecting to be away from home a lot over the holidays, there’s no need to let your heating and cooling system keep your home at the ideal temperature when you’re not home. Invest in a wifi-enabled thermostat to remotely control temperature, set your heating lower before you leave, or turn off the air conditioning to save.
Holidays mean lots of people coming and going through your doors — and sometimes those doors are left hanging open, which lets warm or cold air out. Save your AC unit some trouble by making sure that doors are closed when people aren’t using them.
Many people make Christmas meals to celebrate the holidays, but perhaps you’ve never noticed the indoor temperature going up just a notch while your oven is running. That’s right, cooking with your oven is a good and frugal way to help heat up your home using the heat generated by the machine. You can cut down on your power bill and have a hot home-cooked meal at the same time.
Enroll in an HVAC maintenance program so that technicians can monitor your heating and cooling equipment. Routine maintenance lowers utility bills and prevents problems before they can become costly.
Don’t just keep the power on. Be it whether you’re leaving a room or the house, remember to turn off unused applications and lights. That goes for power strips too, as they can still hog energy even if you don’t notice them easily. Turning the power off whenever you can is not only good for the environment but also your power bill.
Go for energy-efficient Christmas lights. Choose LED ones over traditional light bulbs or other sorts of fancy electronic decorations that eat a lot of wattage.

Contact A/C Designs to Help You Save

There are other ways you can save, too, such as zoned heating and cooling systems that allow you to use less energy in areas of the home that you aren’t actively using. If you’re looking for services concerning air conditioning in Jacksonville, Florida, contact A/C Designs and let us help you figure out ways that you can get those energy bills lower.

Tags: A/C Designs, air conditioner tips, Air Conditioning Efficiency, christmas lights, christmas savings, Energy efficiency, Energy Saving, Happy Holidays, Heat Pumps, Heating, heating and cooling, holiday savings, hvac tips, Jacksonville, St. Augustine
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How to Avoid Creating Hot & Cold Spots in Your Home

Thursday, November 19th, 2020

Your HVAC system can help your Jacksonville home feel cooler or warmer as needed. However, you might notice that certain areas feel warmer or colder than others. Knowing how this might happen and what you can do to prevent it from occurring can help you keep your home feeling much more comfortable this season.

Replace HVAC Filters

Preventing hot and cold spots in your home might be as simple as changing your HVAC filter. The filter in your HVAC system traps particles and stops them from getting into your home’s indoor air. This results in HVAC filters that are covered with dust and other particles over time. When filters are coated with these particles, they aren’t able to work as well. This can cause your HVAC system to run more often or work harder at keeping your home warm in winter, which can result in more wear and tear. Replacing your current HVAC filter with a new one helps ensure that your HVAC system can work more efficiently and heat your home more evenly.

Check Your Airflow

Air should be able to go through vents, ducts, and registers without any blockages. Clogged or damaged ducts can affect airflow, which makes it harder to maintain even temperatures throughout your home. Having furniture or other large items in front of vents and registers can also make it more difficult for air to move without any obstruction. Ensuring that you have good airflow in your home can help lower the risk of ending up in spots that are too hot or too cold.

Add Insulation if Needed

Insulation helps your home stay warmer in winter. If certain areas in your home feel colder than they should, check to see if you have enough insulation. You might need to add insulation to areas that tend to get colder than others, even when the heat’s running. Keep in mind that proper insulation can help you heat your home more efficiently all winter long.

Double Check Your HVAC Size

Is your HVAC system the right size for your home? If parts of your home feel colder than others in winter, you might have an HVAC system that’s too small for your heating needs. Have a professional HVAC expert help you determine if your HVAC system is properly sized for your Jacksonville home. Keep in mind that zone control systems are an option that allow you to better control the temperature in different parts of your home.

Use Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans aren’t just for staying cooler in summer. You can turn ceiling fans on so that they run clockwise in winter. This helps distribute heated air more evenly in rooms, which can eliminate hot and cold spots.

Contact Us A/C Designs

If you need help balancing the temperature throughout your home, we can help. Contact A/C Designs today for all of your HVAC needs. Our team offers timely and reliable repairs, maintenance, and installations in and around Jacksonville.

Tags: A/C Designs, AC Maintenance, AC Repair, air conditioner tips, Heat Pumps, Heating, heating and cooling, Heating Repair, Heating System Maintenance, HVAC Maintenance, Indoor Air Quality, Jacksonville, St. Augustine
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Tips For Your A/C When You Turn on the Heater for the First Time

Monday, November 16th, 2020

As temperatures slowly get cooler in the Jacksonville area, you can expect to start using your heater soon. Before using it for the first time this season, though, you should make sure it’s in good condition. This helps ensure that you’ll have efficient heating in your home all fall and winter long.

Don’t Switch From A/C to Heat Suddenly

If possible, you should avoid having your air conditioning turned up high and switching over to your heating system later that day or the next. Doing this could make it hard for your HVAC system to work efficiently. Gradually change your indoor temperature over time, so that you’re not going from a very cool temperature to a very warm one. Turn up your thermostat a degree or two while you’re still using your a/c. As the weather gets cooler, stop using your a/c and put your heating system on low when you first use it. You can slowly adjust your thermostat so that the interior of your home stays warm enough on cold days. Taking this approach prevents excess wear and tear on your HVAC system.

Test Your HVAC System

Since your heating system hasn’t been on for months, it’s important to test it before using it regularly. Turn your heating system on for about an hour just to test it and make sure it’s working right. This also helps you check to see if your thermostat is functioning properly. Your heat should come on without any problems and blow heated air out of your vents. Keep in mind that you’ll need to have your heating system checked if it’s blowing cool air from your vents, not coming on at all, or turning on and off frequently.

Set Up HVAC Maintenance

HVAC maintenance is among the most effective ways to make sure your heating system is all set for winter. Having professional maintenance done can also help identify any issues your a/c might have after running for several months. You can have these issues handled now so that you won’t need to have repairs done next spring when you turn your a/c on again. During a routine HVAC maintenance visit, technicians can do a thorough inspection of your heating and cooling equipment. In addition to looking for possible problems with your HVAC system, technicians can clean equipment, adjust or tighten components as needed, and do other tasks to ensure that it’s in good condition and able to work properly.

If you need to schedule HVAC maintenance this fall or winter, contact A/C Designs today. We provide high-quality HVAC maintenance and other services in the Jacksonville area.

Tags: ac unit tips, air conditioner preparation, air conditioner tips, Happy Holidays, Heating, heating and cooling, Heating Repair, Heating System Maintenance, HVAC Maintenance, Jacksonville, St. Augustine
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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.

Tags: A/C Designs, AC Installation, AC Maintenance, AC Repair, AC Service, Air Conditioning, Air Conditioning Repair, Grinding Sounds, Halloween, Happy Holidays, Jacksonville, Rattling Sounds, Spooky Sounds, St. Augustine
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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.

Tags: A/C Designs, AC Service, ac system, Air Conditioning, Air Conditioning Installation, Air Conditioning Maintenance, Air Filters, air quality, HVAC Maintenance, Indoor Air Quality, Jacksonville, St. Augustine
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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.

Tags: A/C Designs, AC Installation, AC Maintenance, AC Service, ac system, AC unit, air conditioner, Air Conditioning, Heating System Maintenance, HVAC Maintenance, Jacksonville, St. Augustine
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