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

Repair or Replace? The Best Option for My Air Conditioner

Tuesday, July 15th, 2014

When you’ve had the same air conditioner working to cool down your home for many years, you will eventually reach a decision point regarding it: should you continue to the system it when it malfunctions, or has the time arrive when you should install a new AC?

This is a large decision, but it isn’t one that you need to make on your own. Since you will need a professional eventually—either for the repairs or the replacement—call the experts to help you choose between your options. When you have a technician trained in air conditioning repair in St. Augustine, FL assisting you, you will have a much better chance of making the wisest decision for your long-term comfort and budget plans.

AC Designs Inc. has some advice on how to narrow down the two choices. Here are a few things to consider regarding your aging air conditioning system:

Just How Old is the Air Conditioner?

Make sure you know both the age of your cooling system and the manufacturer’s estimate lifespan for it. If your air conditioner is still a few years under that estimate, then you should probably put repair work as first priority. However, if the AC is already at or above the estimate, then you should consider replacement as the best option—even if the air conditioner is not currently showing signs of a malfunction.

What Are Recent Utility Bills Like?

As an air conditioner ages, it will begin to lose energy efficiency and cost more to run. With proper annual maintenance, this decay will be slow, but it will eventually happen. Look over recent electrical bills and compare them to those from a few years ago. If you notice an increase around 20%, even with regular maintenance, then you should replace the system before it wastes more money.

How Much Repair Work Has the AC Needed Recently?

If the “repair or replace?” question has come up, it’s likely that you have needed to schedule repairs in the recent past. Look over the bills for the last few years for repair work to see how much you have needed to keep the system operating. If the costs exceed $500 per year, then it is not worth continuing to repair the system and you should have a new AC installed.

Even if you already have a good idea what route you wish to take, you need to call in a specialist. Sometimes a technician can find a repair that will restore your AC for another few years; other times, he or she may determine that a system that seems to be working fine outwardly is actually creating a serious energy drain that no amount of repairs can reverse.

AC Designs Inc. will offer you honest opinions about your current central air conditioner. Out NATE-certified technicians will know whether you need a replacement or if air conditioning repair in St. Augustine, FL will keep you cool for a few more years. You can trust to our training and professionalism for all your home comfort needs.

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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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Why Is My Air Conditioning Leaking?

Friday, April 18th, 2014

Your air conditioning system is one of the most important components of your home, especially now that summer is on the way. Here in St. Augustine, air conditioning systems need to perform every day to keep the heat and humidity at bay, and any signs of trouble should prompt a swift and efficient response. Trouble can come from anywhere, but a system that is leaking water can be an especial cause for concern. “Why is my air conditioning leaking?” you ask. The answers vary, but often entail one of the following causes.

  • Ice on the coils
    When your refrigerant leaks or refrigerant levels drop, the system’s ability to produce cool air is reduced. That can result in ice forming on the evaporator coils: lost cooling potential that adds considerable strain on your system. The ice might melt – a side effect of our warm Florida weather – but the underlying problem remains until you can correct it.
  • Drain pans and lines
    Your air conditioning system develops condensate that drips off the pipes and is collected in a drain pan. A drain line from the pan then carries it safely out of the system. If the line becomes clogged or the pan is misaligned, there could be a back-up and water will leak out onto the floor. This can cause a serious problem when the water comes into contact with nearby electrical components.
  • Broken condenser pump
    Water leakage can sometimes develop when your condenser pump breaks, which is a considerable issue in need of immediate repair. Without the condenser, your air conditioner cannot effectively function.

A certain amount of condensate is typical here in Florida, with our high humidity levels and constant rain. But if you’re asking “why is my air conditioning leaking?” there’s probably an issue in need of addressing. Air conditioning repair in St. Augustine is offered by the experts at AC Designs Inc. If you spot puddles of water around your system, pick up the phone and give us a call. We’ll hunt down the source of the leak and get your air conditioning system back into fighting shape ASAP! Give us a call today and speak with one of our qualified technicians about air conditioning services in your area.

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3 Benefits of Scheduling Regular Maintenance for Your Furnace

Monday, January 6th, 2014

In St. Augustine, FL, our summers are long and hot, which means homeowners tend to focus on air conditioners without worrying about their furnaces. That, in turn, means that your furnace can suffer from big problems right when you need it the most: faltering during a cold front, or when the winter rains drive the temperatures down. You can prevent that with a regular maintenance from a trained technician, designed to keep your furnace clean and correct big problems while they’re still small.

Here are 3 benefits of scheduling regular maintenance for your furnace:

  • Increased efficiency. Dirty components often suffer from efficiency problems, and dusty moving parts increased friction which can make your furnace work harder. Worn parts and loose bolts do much the same thing. A maintenance visit from a qualified technician can alleviate many of those problems, helping your furnace run more smoothly. In other words, it will save you money on your monthly heating bills.
  • Longer life. Going hand in hand with increased efficiency is a longer lifespan for your furnace. By replacing worn part with newer ones before they become a problem (as well as reducing the wear and tear than grinds down those parts in the first place) you can postpone the day when you have to replace your furnace and ensure that you get the most out of your investment.
  • Reduced repair bills. While a maintenance visit won’t prevent all problems, it can identify them while they’re still fairly small: giving you a chance to get a jump on them when it won’t cost as much to repair them. That’s definitely preferable to simply waiting for the problem to disable the furnace: damaging additional components and requiring more extensive repairs in the process.

For other benefits of scheduling regular maintenance for your furnace or to schedule an appointment, call upon the professionals at AC Designs Inc. to help. We offer furnace service in St. Augustine, FL and the surrounding areas.

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Why Does My Heat Pump Shut Off Prematurely?

Tuesday, November 5th, 2013

Few home comfort systems work better for the Florida climate than a heat pump. It provides superb air conditioning during the summer (and helps remove humidity from the air) and can almost always draw in enough heat from the outdoors during the winter to keep you warm. A heat pump also costs less to run during the cold months than most competing heating systems.

But heat pumps can malfunction, and a common problem that you might encounter is when one shuts off early, before it gets your house warm or cool enough. What’s the reason for this, and what can be done about it?

We’ll answer those questions in this post. If you need further help, or if you want repairs for your heat pump in St. Augustine, FL, get in contact with AC Designs Inc. We’re about to start our next decade of providing St. Augustine residents with excellent HVAC services.

When a heat pump turns off prematurely, it’s known as “short cycling.” The most common reason for this is that the heat pump is too large for the space it’s supposed to heat/cool. If you installed your heat pump without professional assistance in selecting the model, you may have ended up with too large a system for your home. An overlarge heater will reach its target temperature too fast and shut off early, then restart a little while later. This will make the heat pump drain extra power and also overwork itself toward repair needs and eventually a full breakdown. If this is the case, you should have a new heater installed with professional assistance to make sure it will match your home’s heating requirements.

However, there are some other explanations for short-cycling. One is that you’ve put the heat pump on too powerful a setting: excess heat or cold. During the summer, don’t lower the thermostat too far below 78°F (a recommended energy-saving temperature), and during the winter don’t try to punch it all the way up to 90°F. The heat pump will shut off early, and you’ll waste energy.

It’s also possible that a poor, amateur installation mismatched the indoor and outdoor coils, making them incompatible. This is another reason why it’s so important to have professionals handle your HVAC installation.

If you’re unsure about why your heat pump has started to short cycle, contact AC Designs Inc. Our experts can find out what’s behind the trouble with your St. Augustine, FL home’s heat pump and offer you the best solution to keep you comfortable no matter the season.

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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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Damaged Ductwork and Air Conditioning Repair

Tuesday, July 9th, 2013

If you have a traditional central air conditioning system in your home, then you have a series of ducts that carry the cool air throughout your home. If these ducts have holes, leaks, clogs or pinches in them then it could mean that you have some serious issues with your system. Below are some common problems with this often overlooked component of your air conditioning system:

  • Leaks – If your ducts are leaking air out, then it means that your home’s comfort and efficiency could be suffering. Duct leaks can allow a huge amount of air to leak outside which is not only wasteful, but it will also likely leave your home less comfortable.
  • Duct clogs – Over time, dust, dirt, and other debris can accumulate in your ducts. This can have an impact on your home’s air quality because those contaminants will likely get pick up and carried throughout your home. Also, clogs in your ducts can greatly reduce the efficiency of your home’s air conditioning system.
  • Pinches – If your ducts weren’t installed properly  there could be unnecessary turns or pinches in them—especially if you have flexible ductwork.
  • Noises –If you hear strange noises coming from your ductwork when you turn on your air conditioning system it could mean that they have holes and leaks in them. It could also mean that they are coming loose from the braces that secure the ducts to your home.

Why Get Duct Sealing and Duct Repair

Getting your ducts sealed can have a huge positive impact on your home’s air quality, comfort and efficiency. Any leaks or holes in your ducts will allow a lot of cool air to just leak outside. Your air conditioning system will have to work extra hard to replace that lost air and still keep your home comfortable. Those holes can also allow outside contaminants like pollen and bacteria to get into your home’s air supply.

Give the professionals at AC Designs Inc. a call today if you need air conditioning repair in Jacksonville, FL.

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St. Augustine, FL Energy Saving AC Tips

Friday, May 17th, 2013

Everyone deserves to be comfortable in their own home, even during the hottest days of summer. A good air conditioner that is professionally installed and maintained can help you achieve this goal. Of course, the high cost of energy can make keeping your home cool a costly endeavor, even with a good air conditioner. Do not let high energy costs dissuade you from keeping your home as comfortable as you’d like. Here are some tips to help you save energy while operating your air conditioner. If you have any questions, call the St. Augustine, FL air conditioning experts at AC Designs Inc.

One simple way to keep your home cool and comfortable in a more efficient manner is to head to your local hardware store for some shrink wrap and weather stripping. Install the weather stripping in your door frames and cover your windows with shrink wrap for an affordable solution to energy loss. If energy loss is a more serious problem throughout your home, you may want to consider scheduling some professional insulation service.

Another great way to save energy while cooling your home is to make use of your ceiling fans. Not only do ceiling fans supply a nice breeze in your home, but they actually can help your air conditioner to work more efficiently. Ceiling fans can help cooled air circulate throughout your home, allowing for more even, comfortable cooling.

The most beneficial step you can take to save energy this summer is to make your air conditioner more efficient. This does not require the installation of a new system. By simply scheduling routine, professional air conditioning maintenance you can boost the efficiency of your existing system. This is also a great way to reduce the risk of damage to your air conditioning system. Call the St. Augustine, FL air conditioning maintenance at technicians at AC Designs Inc. today for more information.

There are plenty of ways to save energy during the summer months without sacrificing your comfort. These are just a few examples. The St. Augustine, FL air conditioning professionals on the AC Designs Inc. team are available to answer any questions that you may have. Call today to make your home a more comfortable place to live.

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