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.


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!


5 Tips ~ Preparing Your HVAC Unit for Spring

Along the Emerald Coast in Florida’s Panhandle our seasonal temperatures vary from day to day and your home or business HVAC unit must be properly maintained in order to work most efficiently and keep your residence comfortable. Check out these 5 Tips for preparing your HVAC unit for the Spring and Summer seasons and ACHI's best practices.

If you have ever experienced an outage of power or disruption in air conditioning or heating in your home, you know the discomfort that a lack of air conditioning or heating can cause. Avoid an unforeseen emergency repair by keeping your HVAC unit properly maintained and regularly serviced by a professional HVAC technician. Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. is proud to be a continued leader in the local HVAC industry providing, for over 35 years, new HVAC unit installation, special projects, Emerald Coast Bronz-Glow application, ongoing maintenance service, and repair 24 hours a day & 7 days a week. Our reputation has been comforting since 1983, we are the comfort experts and look forward to providing you with 5 Tips on How to Ready Your HVAC Unit for the Spring/Summer Season!

 

  • Change Your HVAC Air Filter(s): The most routine monthly maintenance imperative to the efficiency of your HVAC unit is a simple change of the filter. A clean air filter can reduce your energy usage by 15 percent. How often should you replace your filter? Ask yourself a few questions to determine whether you should replace your filter every 30 days or more… do you have animals in the house, are you sensitive to allergies, or do you live near the coast? If you answered yet to any of the following the most likely suggestion would be to replace your temporary filter every 30 days or take out and rinse your permanent filter monthly.
  • Install a Smart Thermostat: Technology allows for the addition of a smart thermostat providing you immediate access to ensure your home or business temperature is comfortable prior to your arrival home or set at the most energy efficient temperature if you are away. A programmable thermostat may also detect any deficiencies that your HVAC unit may be experiencing if the temperature is not being maintained or regulated – allowing you to avoid potential costly repairs with a routine service call.
  • Remove Debris & Clear Drainage Lines: Have you noticed where your air conditioners drainage lines are located? If you have not located these drainage lines located on the exterior of your home be aware of potential blockage that may cause back up. When moister is unable to escape from your lines the risk of mold becomes greater. Small wires may be useful to clear out any small pieces of debris that have collected in your line and be sure to keep the surrounding area clear of brush or loose landscape.
  • Establish a Relationship with Your AC Company: Most homeowners understand the longevity of their home maintenance and the importance of establishing a trusted source for home maintenance service providers. Ask your Air Conditioning and Heating company for references and rates for routine services vs. emergency repairs. Your trusted AC and Heating provider should be transparent in their rates and provide estimates prior to any scheduled repairs, installations, or maintenance services.
  • Invest in a Maintenance Partnership or Annual Maintenance Agreement: Ensure that your AC unit warranty remains effective by the continued annual or semi-annual maintenance services provided by a certified HVAC professional. Check with your HVAC manufacturer on warranty requirements and communicate those requirements with your trusted AC and Heating provider.

Contact ACHI, locally owned and operated since 1983, for more details on what your HVAC unit requires to ensure the warranty is valid and ask our team of comfort experts about the ACHI Maintenance Partnership for ongoing seasonal maintenance services


3 Easy Summer HVAC Maintenance Tips

Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc. continues to provide exceptional customer service and remains the leading heating and cooling company along the Emerald Coast! Established as the local comfort expert in 1983, AC & Heating, Inc. offers maintenance, new installations, repair, and HVAC servicing to the Emerald Coast and surrounding areas. We take pride in our work and the efficiency of your home and business air conditioning and heating equipment is our top priority! Our team of professional technicians is available 24/7, that includes service on holidays as well. We are a call away, any day!

Summer in full swing, it's time to talk shop! What are 3 Easy Summer HVAC Maintenance Tips that can keep you cool? Read on for how-to details..

  • Replace Air Filters - Depending on your home environment you should replace your filter every 1 to 3 months. Do you have dogs? Consider a new filer every 30 days, especially when your HVAC unit is working in overdrive. Ask about our Reme Halo whole home in-duct air purifier!
  • Upgrade Your Thermostat - They are called smart thermostats for a reason! Let your home work for you, not the other way around. Setting your home thermostat to cool your home before you arrive costs less than keeping it at a low setting during peak heat hours. Programmable thermostats are efficient, cost effective, and convenient!
  • Keep Your Condensation Lines Clear - Condensation and debris build up can cause your HVAC system to use more energy than necessary, causing your home to cool slowly or not at all.

Still no relief? Call the home comfort experts! Let Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc. resolve your comfort issues at your home or business, any day!

 


Important Factors When Purchasing a New HVAC Unit

Purchasing a new HVAC unit is one of the biggest investments within a home. The lifespan of an air conditioning system is usually 10 to 20 years and controls the comfort of your house. Here are 6 things to consider when making this important purchase.

 

  1. SEER Values | SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The higher the SEER value the more efficient a unit is. Federal regulations require a minimum SEER value of 13 on all newly installed HVAC units. Depending on where you live, you might benefit from a higher SEER rating.
  2. Proper Unit Size | Homes come in all shapes and sizes so it is important to find the right size unit to keep your home comfortable. A “ton” is a measurement of an HVAC unit’s cooling power. Consider these factors when deciding the size of your unit: insulation, location and size of home. Your AC contractor can properly size your home for you so you can make an educated purchase.
  3. HVAC Contractor | One of the most important decisions you will make when preparing to purchase a new HVAC system—who will you trust with your purchase? Your HVAC contractor is responsible for answering your questions, guiding you during the purchase process, properly installing your unit and then maintaining it.
  4. HVAC Maintenance Plan | Did you know that maintaining your system is required to keep your warranty intact? A maintenance plan is the best way to ensure your 
  5. Incentives/ Rebate for Model | Both states and manufacturers offer rebates to entice sales and offset costs. Don’t miss these savings! 
  6. Pair with a Programmable Thermostat | Thermostats are at the top of their game. Smart, programmable thermostats are energy and money saver and can also increase the lifespan of your HVAC unit.

A Two Way Operation | Return-Air Problems Solved

If you are experiencing unbalanced air temperature throughout your home or business, you might have encountered a return-air problem. 

A reoccurring issue seen in homes with a single return-air grille is an inefficiency in air-flow. Often resulting in return air struggling to find its way back to the indoor fan coil. Typically resulting in room-to-room pressure imbalances that can cause uneven room temperatures, unsatisfactory climate, added energy costs, and potential mildew or moisture on ceilings and in walls.

When an indoor fan coil is initiated, conditioned air is pushed through air ducts to registers in each conditioned room in a house. If the forced-air system is designed correctly, the home includes return-air ducts to relay air back to the indoor fan coil to be conditioned again, in a continued circle.

While most HVAC contractors recommend a builder install ducts and registers to deliver conditioned air to every room in a house, often the builder’s budget may not allow for additional or adequate return-air paths from each room leading back to the indoor fan coil. Return-air grilles are not commonly found in each room; instead, there’s often just a single large return-air grille in the living room or a central hallway to accommodate the entire home’s atmosphere. One system is forced to work over-time; the forced-air system must pull all of the home’s air requirements through that single grille before it can be conditioned by the indoor fan coil or cooled by the air-conditioning system.

Guidelines and Best Practices

Suggestions for possibly solving the pressurized-room issue. Elect one of the following:

  • Installation of a return air grille
  • A through-the-wall transfer grille connecting the bedroom and the adjacent hallway
  • A crossover duct (a jumper duct) connecting a ceiling grille in the bedroom with a ceiling grille in the hallway.

The most effective of the suggested solutions tends to be the most expensive: the installation of a return grille ducted back to the furnace in every conditioned room of the house.

A more cost effective solution, through-the-wall transfer grilles, tend to allow too much noise transmission.

The final suggestion, the addition of a crossover duct connects a ceiling grille in each bedroom with a nearby ceiling grille in the hall. The cross-over duct may allow for more sound than the first option, less than the trough-the-wall transfer. To prevent unacceptable heat loss or heat gain, it’s best to limit the installation of crossover ducts to homes with insulation that follows the roof slope.

For additional information regarding how to have the most efficient air quality and temperature balance call the Comfort Experts at (850) 267-3538. Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc of Santa Rosa Beach has served Okaloosa & Walton Counties for over 32 years and we continue to ensure your home and business comfort.