Signs You Need Emergency AC Repair in Freeport, FL

Florida can hit some very high temperatures in the summer, so it's important to do what you can to keep your home comfortable.

Air conditioning is very common in the US, and it's one of the best ways to keep your home at a stable temperature. If your system breaks down, however, you could find your home quickly becoming unbearable.

Unfortunately, all AC systems can stop working unexpectedly. If this happens, you'll want a professional to take a look at it immediately.

Before you go searching for "AC repair near me", let's cover some of the key signs that you need emergency AC repair in Freeport, FL.

Unusual Noises

One of the most common signs of AC failure is strange noises coming from your system. In some cases, unusual noise won't indicate an emergency, but you should still consider urgent AC repair. It can be difficult to know exactly what the issue is, so getting immediate AC service is the best way to make sure things don't get worse.

Some noises you might hear include:

  • Banging
  • Rattling
  • Hissing
  • Humming
  • Screeching
  • Buzzing
  • Clicking
  • Bubbling

These can occur for a range of reasons, so it's best to get a professional Freeport, FL, cooling repair technician to take a look as soon as possible. They'll be able to diagnose the issue and perform an AC and heating tune-up or carry out any major repairs.

Condensation or Leaking

If you notice your air conditioner or AC pan leaking, you'll want to deal with it as soon as possible. Leaks can lead to much larger issues, and the sooner it's looked into, the easier the work will be.

Left alone, the water could spread to other equipment, furnishings, and materials, causing excessive damage. Professional AC companies are used to such issues, so contact a professional as soon as you can and have them take a look.

Reduced Airflow

After some time, you might notice the airflow from your vents isn't as strong as it should be. Several issues can cause this such as a failing motor, a clogged air filter, or a blocked duct.

If the airflow is weak, the system might have to work harder than it should to keep your home cool. This extra wear will reduce the lifespan of the whole system and cause further damage. A company that provides heating and cooling maintenance will be able to take care of this issue.

Bad Odors

If you notice any bad odors coming from your AC, then something is wrong. The smell of gas or a sweet/chloroform smell could mean there's a refrigerant leak. Musty odors can indicate there's mold or mildew somewhere in your system.

These can affect the indoor air quality in your home and may pose a health risk. An AC and furnace repair company will be able to clean out and tune up the system to eliminate these foul odors.

Hot Air From Vents

The last thing you want from an AC system is for it to be making your home warmer. It should never blow out hot air, so if it starts doing this, you'll want to do something about it.

Some common causes of this include a malfunctioning thermostat, an electrical or mechanical malfunction, or a refrigerant leak. This will only get worse with time and often leads to a breakdown. You should get a professional to inspect it as soon as you can.

Short Cycling

When an AC system is functioning properly, it will usually cycle on and off about two to three times an hour. If it's particularly hot, it might run more frequently.

If you notice your unit cycling a lot more than this, then there's probably an issue. Have a professional take a look so they can tell you what's wrong. They may also be able to provide AC maintenance tips that will help you avoid such issues in the future.

Ice on the Coil

The evaporator coil is one of the most important parts of an AC system, and it's also one of the most common to freeze. This can affect the heat transfer in the system, impacting its performance and leading to further damage.

When this happens, you may notice water pooling under the air conditioner. You'll have to hire a professional to deal with this, as it's not something that someone without the right training can fix.

Electrical Anomalies

Circuit breakers might trip from time to time, but it shouldn't happen often. If you notice it happening consistently, there's likely an electrical issue with your AC system.

Electrical problems can also cause a drop in efficiency which may lead to an unexpected increase in your utility bills. If you notice you're suddenly paying more without having changed your usage, you should have an AC technician inspect your system.

Warm Spots in Your Home

When an AC is operating efficiently, it should distribute cool air evenly throughout your home. You may notice some spots are warmer/colder than others, indicating uneven cooling. This likely means there's an issue, and it may lead to a breakdown, so you should have it repaired as soon as possible.

Increased Humidity

In a normal home, the humidity should be roughly between 30% and 50%. If yours is higher than this, it may be because your AC unit isn't working correctly.

Low humidity can also be an issue, and you may notice this from signs like dry skin, eye and sinus irritation, or static electricity. An emergency AC repair service can inspect your system and make sure it's in good working order.

Emergency AC Repair in Freeport, FL

If you have any issues with your AC system, you should deal with them as soon as possible. These problems will only grow larger, so fast action will help you save money.

Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc. serves all of Okaloosa and Walton counties. You can contact us 24 hours a day, seven days a week for emergency AC repair in Freeport, FL. Get in touch with our team if you have any questions or want to get your AC repair free estimate today.


HVAC Preventive Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Performance in Destin, FL

In Destin, Florida, where hot and humid weather is the norm, having a well-functioning HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system is essential for indoor comfort and air quality. To ensure that your HVAC system performs efficiently and lasts for years to come, preventive maintenance is key.

By following a few simple maintenance tips, you can extend your HVAC lifespan, improve HVAC system efficiency, and avoid costly repairs. In this article, we'll explore some HVAC preventive maintenance tips specifically tailored to the climate and conditions in Destin, FL.

1. Change Air Filters Regularly

One of the simplest yet most important HVAC maintenance tasks is changing the air filters regularly. In a humid climate like Destin, air filters can become clogged with dust, dirt, and debris more quickly. This reduces airflow and efficiency.

Check your air filters every month and replace them as needed, or at least every three months, to ensure proper airflow and indoor air quality. This will ensure your loved ones don't suffer from all the symptoms of poor indoor air quality.

2. Keep the Outdoor Unit Clean and Clear

The outdoor unit of your HVAC system, known as the condenser unit, can become clogged with dirt, leaves, and debris, especially in a coastal environment like Destin.

Regularly inspect the outdoor unit and remove any debris or vegetation that may be blocking airflow. Keep the area around the unit clear of vegetation, shrubs, and other obstructions to allow for proper airflow and ventilation.

3. Schedule Professional Maintenance

Yes, you can take steps to ensure your HVAC is taken care of, but DIY isn't enough when it comes to HVAC maintenance. Regular professional maintenance by a qualified HVAC technician is essential for keeping your HVAC system in top condition.

Schedule a yearly maintenance service before the start of the cooling season to ensure that your system is clean, lubricated, and operating efficiently. A professional technician can identify and address any potential issues before they escalate into major problems. This saves you time and money in the long run.

4. Check and Clean Air Ducts

Over time, air ducts can become dirty and contaminated with dust, pollen, and mold, reducing indoor air quality and airflow. In a humid climate like Destin, mold growth in air ducts can be a particular concern.

Periodically inspect your air ducts for signs of dirt, dust, or mold growth, and have them cleaned by a professional duct cleaning service if necessary. This will improve indoor air quality, reduce allergies and other respiratory illnesses, and ensure proper airflow throughout your home.

5. Inspect and Seal Ductwork

In addition to cleaning air ducts, it's important to inspect and seal any leaks or gaps in the ductwork. Leaky ducts can waste energy and reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system by allowing cooled air to escape and hot, humid air to enter. Seal ductwork using mastic sealant or metal tape to prevent air leaks and improve energy efficiency.

6. Check Thermostat Settings

Optimizing your thermostat settings can help improve energy efficiency and reduce energy costs. In a humid climate like Destin, consider using a programmable thermostat to adjust temperature settings automatically based on your schedule.

Set the thermostat to a higher temperature when you're away from home or asleep to save energy and lower it when you're home and active.

7. Monitor Indoor Humidity Levels

High indoor humidity levels can make your home feel uncomfortable and increase the workload on your HVAC system. Use a hygrometer to monitor indoor humidity levels and keep them between 30% and 50% for optimal comfort and air quality. If indoor humidity levels are consistently high, consider using a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air.

8. Clean Evaporator and Condenser Coils

The evaporator and condenser coils of your HVAC system can accumulate dirt, dust, and debris over time, reducing efficiency and airflow. In a humid climate like Destin, where the air is often laden with salt and moisture from the ocean, coil cleaning is especially important to prevent corrosion and damage.

Schedule regular professional maintenance to have the coils inspected and cleaned as needed to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.

9. Insulate Air Ducts in Unconditioned Spaces

If your HVAC system's ductwork runs through unconditioned spaces such as attics, crawlspaces, or garages, it's important to insulate the ducts to prevent energy loss and condensation buildup.

In a humid climate like Destin, uninsulated ductwork can lead to condensation problems, mold growth, and decreased energy efficiency. Install insulation around ductwork in unconditioned spaces to keep conditioned air at the desired temperature and reduce energy costs.

10. Check Refrigerant Levels and Connections

Refrigerant is essential for the cooling process in your HVAC system, and low refrigerant levels can indicate a leak or other issue that needs attention.

Schedule regular professional maintenance to have the refrigerant levels and connections checked and adjusted as needed. Proper refrigerant levels ensure optimal cooling performance and energy efficiency, while also preventing damage to the compressor and other components of the system.

11. Trim Vegetation Around the Outdoor Unit

In a lush, tropical climate like Destin, vegetation can grow rapidly and encroach upon the outdoor unit of your HVAC system. Overgrown vegetation can obstruct airflow, reduce efficiency, and cause damage to the unit.

Periodically trim back vegetation around the outdoor unit to maintain a clear space of at least two feet on all sides. This will allow for proper airflow and ventilation, helping your HVAC system operate more efficiently and last longer.

Follow This HVAC Preventive Maintenance Checklist Diligently

Your HVAC system is more important than you realize, especially in a climate like Destin, Florida. The HVAC maintenance checklist listed above will ensure you stay on top of your HVAC system's health.

Need more assistance in HVAC preventive maintenance? Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. offers 24/7 HVAC service in Destin, FL.

We will never make you wait for HVAC repairs, dispatching our technicians at all times of day and night. We can even take care of seasonal HVAC maintenance for you, so you don't have to worry about it yourself.

Contact our team and enquire about our HVAC maintenance discounts and promotions.


What is a SEER Rating?

Your new AC unit should work efficiently, consuming less energy while making the temperature of your home feel comfortable. The primary factor that helps you determine an air conditioner's efficiency is it Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, or SEER rating. In general, the higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the HVAC unit is. The state of Florida requires all new HVAC units to have a SEER rating of 14 or above.

While the state of Florida's minimum SEER rating is 14, new Carrier HVAC units range between a 14 to 22 SEER rating. Remember, while the higher SEER rating does equate to a more efficient HVAC unit, the efficiency of your new HVAC unit will vary based on the size of your home, your existing duct work, the condition of your window and door frames, and other variables. Shop new Carrier HVAC units and compare SEER Ratings by model.

Considering the many variables involved in keeping your home cool during the summer, there is not any magic SEER number. All though, anything 14 or greater is considered an efficient HVAC unit. The savings of upgrading from an older 8 SEER HVAC unit to Florida's minimum 14 SEER unit could save you BIG on your annual power consumption. Check out the graph below to give you an estimate of the %'s you could save annually based on the SEER rating of your new HVAC unit.

Annual Savings from SEER Ratings on new HVAC Units

Carrier Savings on Infinity® Products

For a limited time you can receive up to $500 off your purchase of new Carrier Infinity® Units. Inquire with us today to learn more about this Carrier HVAC discount and see if you qualify for free installation.

What makes the Infinity System different?
The Infinity System is a full range of top-of-the-line heating and cooling products from Carrier which includes traditional single-stage models and well as our fully variable-speed models with Greenspeed® Intelligence. These products work together seamlessly to let you customize your home's indoor environment, while also giving you information to make smarter decisions about energy management. Created with you and your family in mind—it's simple to operate, energy efficient, and quiet.

What are the advantages of our Infinity System?
The biggest advantage of our Infinity System is the ability to create your idea of comfort. All the parts work together giving you superior energy efficiency, quiet performance, and the ability to control it from anywhere.


How To Prepare Your HVAC Unit for Winter Weather

Although Winter does not officially begin until December 21st, the beginning of December is the perfect time to prepare your home for potential freezes and overall cooler temperatures! Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. has continued to provide heating and cooling services to the Emerald Coast, year after year, since 1983 and we are honored to serve the Emerald Coast as the Comfort Experts. With chilly temperatures often dropping below freezing, ACHI has a few tips on how to best prepare your HVAC unit to withstand the winter season and keep you and your family comfortable day in and day out. In need of furnace repair or maintenance? Contact our office at (850) 267-3538 ~ We are always open, 24/7!

Air Conditioning Repair & Service

 

 

Schedule your home or business HVAC maintenance each fall and spring.

Maintaining your air conditioner can save up to 30 percent on operating costs, protect it from early failure, prevent mold from developing in the system, and help it perform at its best. Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. is ready to partner with you for the successful operation and care necessary to maintain your home or business HVAC system along the Emerald Coast!

Save energy and money by adjusting your thermostat, turn up the heat only when you need it the most.

Use a Smart Thermostat! There’s and app for that? Absolutely! Save money, time, and energy when you update your thermostat with a programmable Smart Thermostat. Ideal for homes that are not occupied continuously throughout the day – conveniently adjust your temperature settings for the most energy efficient daily heating and cooling conditions based on your personal preference! Set your thermostat to your preferred climate prior to your arrival home at the end of the day or during sleeping hours where Energy Star recommends setting your temperatures up or back between 4-8 degrees depending on the season.

Change your air filter and clean your vents.

Your HVAC equipment can not run efficiently if it is not properly maintained! How do you maintain your unit on a regular basis? The most important piece of routine maintenance can be done in under a minute – regularly replacing your air filter. Checking your filter monthly and changing more often in extreme hot or cold climate seasons can prevent premature unit failure and major maintenance necessity.

Cold fronts and frost bites, we’ve seen some cool temperatures along the coast. Prepare your home or business HVAC system with a few recommendations that are quick and easy and might just have you saving a little money – now that’s something we can warm up to!


Allergy Season Defense - Breathe Cleaner Air in Your Home

The indoor air quality of your home or commercial buildings play a key role in your health. Common air pollutants can trigger allergies, asthma, and a variety of respiratory conditions. A clean heating and conditioning system minimizes your exposure to mold spores, dust, and pollen.

Common Fall Irritants

Ragweed is rampant all over Florida and is a prime cause of allergies, especially in Fall. 

Ragweed is a type of weed common almost everywhere in the United States and its pollen can travel quite far. This means you don’t need to live out in the country to experience the effects of it; Even people who live in the bustling cities can suffer from a ragweed allergy.

The season usually starts during the last half of summer and lingers into the fall as late as into November.

Mold thrives in damp, humid, and cool environments, especially in decaying plant matter – leaves and grass clippings, compost piles and rotting, wet wood. Mold spores spread like pollen allergens. Mold spreads easily indoors; it goes dormant in winter until temperatures warm again.

Image Credit: https://www.aafa.org/

Indoor Air Quality Control

The comfort experts at Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. recommend scheduling a Duct Cleaning once every 3-5 years in accordance with the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) and installing the air purification system Air Guardian REME HALO™ available for your whole home or business air quality purification.

HVAC Duct Cleaning

You may consider having your air ducts cleaned simply because it seems logical that air ducts will get dirty over time and should be occasionally cleaned. Provided that the cleaning is done properly, no evidence suggests that such cleaning would be detrimental. EPA does not recommend that the air ducts be cleaned routinely, but only as needed. EPA does, however, recommend that if you have a fuel burning furnace, stove or fireplace, they be inspected for proper functioning and serviced before each heating season to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning.

The Air Guardian REME HALO™ - The air purification system

Eliminate airborne and surface microbials, viruses, mold spores and other air impurities in every square foot of heated/cooled space with The Air Guardian REME HALO™.  The air purification system can be installed in any HVAC system with air ducts and provide cleaner air for residential homes, commercial buildings, hotels and training facilities. It’s always a good idea to add a layer of protection by decreasing the spread of airborne and surface viruses.

Using a proactive and aggressive method of indoor air sanitation, The Air Guardian REME HALO™ kills microbes in your air ducts. Eliminating the microbes at the source stops them from entering the heated and cooled square-footage of your home, bringing relief to those suffering from allergies and respiratory issues.

Contact ACHI for your best options for air purification to combat seasonal allergies and enhance your air quality and breathe easy in the comfort of your home or business!


HVAC Maintenance Partnership

Maintaining your air conditioner can save up to 30 percent on operating costs, protect it from early failure, prevent mold from developing in the system, and help it perform at its best. Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. is ready to partner with you for the successful operation and care necessary to maintain your home or business HVAC system along the Emerald Coast.

Maintain your equipment to prevent future problems and unwanted costs. Keep your cooling and heating system at peak performance by having a contractor do annual pre-season check-ups. Contractors get busy once summer and winter come, so it's best to check the cooling system in the spring and the heating system in the fall. To remember, you might plan the check-ups around the time changes in the spring and fall.

HVAC Maintenance Checklist

  • Full System Cleaning
  • Complete Safety Check
  • Entire System Inspection
  • Tightening of all Electrical Connections
  • Lubrication of all Moving Parts
  • Replacement of Air Filters
  • Measuring of Voltage and Current on Motors
  • Assessment of System Startup and Run Cycles

Benefits of Annual or Semi-annual HVAC Maintenance

  • Energy Efficiency
  • Reduced Cost
  • Ongoing Savings
  • System Lifespan Longevity
  • Air Purification
  • Environmental Comfort

Allow ACHI to keep your HVAC unit working to its full potential with an ongoing service plan and reduce your risk of early failure and inefficient energy usage. Discuss with one of our technicians whether ACHI’s Maintenance Partnership is right for you!


New HVAC Units in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

Protect Your Investment with Bronz-Glow

 

Your home maintenance and comfort is our top priority at Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. We are owned and operated by long-time native, Kevin Casey. Since inception in 1983 Kevin Casey has provided the Emerald Coast and surrounding areas with high quality air products for the home or business, exceptional customer service, and overall integrity. We, at ACHI, appreciate the investment that customers make in their homes and one of the largest investments, second to your home purchase, is often a new air conditioning and heating system. We consider the HVAC unit the lungs of your whole home operation. Offering you more than just comfort, your air conditioning system filters out the air pollutants and recirculates fresh, clean air throughout your home allowing your internal environment to function and operate at optimal capacity. An investment worthy of added protection to extend the life and longevity of your new HVAC purchase our team of comfort experts have found the most efficient and proven way to keep your investment working for you years after the anticipated life span. Let's talk BronzGlow!

What is Bronz-Glow?

ACHI’s Husky Bronz-Glow delivers a powerful salt spray rating of 6,600. Their premium product provides the greatest advantage around beach, gulf, or bay air corrosive environments, with 7-8x stronger results than most standard AC systems and a 2-3x longer life expectancy near these locations. All units are coated with climate controlled specialized equipment to ensure longevity and consistency.

Bronz-Glow maintains efficiency while extending the useful life of machinery in various types of industries including paper mills, wastewater treatment plants, mass-transit systems, telecommunications, government and missile assembly installations, and residential facilities.

For any equipment or surface exposed to corrosive moisture, chemicals, or temperature extremes, Bronz-Glow is the guaranteed way to preserve and protect your investment.

Ready to Invest? Let's Talk More!

For 30+ years we have researched the best value products for people who live near the Gulf, and we proudly stand behind Bronz-Glow. Nothing safeguards surfaces and equipment more effectively than Bronz-Glow protective coatings. Contact our team of professionals at (850) 267-3538 and discover why Coastal Protective Coating by ACHI is right for you!

New Unit Protection Provided by Bronz-Glow

Whole Home Protection in Santa Rosa Beach, FL

What if you could manage and control all of the comforts of your home with one service provider? You might inquire as to what we consider a "home comfort" and how only one company could possibly provide a household with the necessary protection of the whole home. Allow us to elaborate. Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. specializes in air conditioning and heating services in Santa Rosa Beach, true. But did you know that the comfort experts at ACHI also provide Duct Cleaning, Bronz-Glow Coastal Protective Coatings, Annual Maintenance, and Reme Halo Whole Home Filtration Systems? We would love the opportunity to share with you the convenience of allowing one locally owned and operated service provider to service, maintain, install, and protect your biggest asset - your home or business.

  • BronzGlow
    • BronzGlow coatings are formulated with a 10 year UV Florida Sun Inhibitor to protect against UV damage. For 30+ years we have researched the best value products for people who live near the Gulf, and we proudly stand behind BronzGlow. Nothing safeguards surfaces and equipment more effectively than BronzGlow protective coatings. We even offer convenient aerosol cans for coating touch-up should it become abraded. Discover more about Coastal Protective Coatings today at (850) 267-3538.
  • Annual Maintenance
    • Maintaining your air conditioner can save up to 30 percent on operating costs, protect it from early failure, prevent mold from developing in the system, and help it perform at its best. Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. is ready to partner with you for the successful operation and care necessary to maintain your home or business HVAC system along the Emerald Coast!
  • Duct Cleaning
    • Your indoor air quality of your home or commercial buildings plays a key role in your health. Common air pollutants can trigger allergies, asthma, and a variety of respiratory conditions. A clean heating and conditioning system minimizes your exposure to mold spores, dust, and pollen.
  • Guardian REME HALO™ 
    • Eliminate airborne and surface microbials, viruses, mold spores and other air impurities in every square foot of heated/cooled space with The Air Guardian REME HALO™.  The air purification system can be installed in any HVAC system with air ducts and provide cleaner air for residential homes, commercial buildings, hotels and training facilities. It’s always a good idea to add a layer of protection by decreasing the spread of airborne and surface viruses.

Discover the Whole Home Comfort Solution with Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. Locally owned and operated and providing you with all the best comforts of home since 1983!


Save on New Carrier® HVAC Units Installed by ACHI

Carrier® is recommended by HVAC.com and lands, as expected, in the Top 5 Best Air Conditioner Brands as Best for Reliability! According to HVAC.com, Carrier was founded in 1912 in Florida. They claim they invented the first “modern air conditioner” in 1902. As one of the oldest manufacturers of top rated heating and air conditioning systems, they are known to be reliable and have a good reputation for top-of-the-line central air conditioning and HVAC systems.

As the original Carrier® Factory Authorized Dealer in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida ACHI is ready to assist you with your next Carrier® HVAC purchase, installation, maintenance, and repair - 24/7!Contact our Team of Comfort Experts today at https://bit.ly/2xB1XOt.

air conditioning and heating - carrier 2

Carrier® HVAC Installation

Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. can assist you with information about government and power company rebates for energy-efficient systems. Additionally, we offer a variety of monthly and seasonal specials throughout the year. Contact our team for available rebates on newly installed HVAC systems.

Carrier® HVAC Maintenance

Allow ACHI to keep your HVAC unit working to its full potential with an ongoing service plan and reduce your risk of early failure and inefficient energy usage. Discuss with one of our technicians whether *ACHI’s Maintenance Partnership* is right for you!

Carrier® HVAC Repair

We never make you wait for AC repairs. We know you need fast relief, so we dispatch repair crews at all hours of the day or night. We even work on weekends and holidays because we understand that emergencies don’t always wait for convenient times. Thanks to our wide array of parts on hand, we can resolve most situations without delay.

Contact Air Conditioning and Heating Inc for HVAC Service in Santa Rosa Beach, FL