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

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Hurricane Season: How to Prepare & Protect Your HVAC Unit

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th with August and September usually being the most active months. As we approach this time of the year, here are a few tips for preparing and protecting your HVAC unit and home in case of a storm.

Prepare for the worst. Make sure your unit is secure and covered. Tighten the bolts and use hurricane straps to hold down your unit in case of high winds. Covering your unit is equally important. Strong winds can blow debris into your yard. Large branches and objects not tied down can damage your unit. To avoid damage, cover your unit with a tarp or even a plywood box.

If you are in an area that floods, water damage could be a potential hazard. Raise your unit to a higher elevation.

Finally, go ahead and cool your home. With severe weather comes power outages. Turn your AC down a few degrees lower than you would normally. Close all windows, blinds and doors to keep the cool air in. As the storm approaches, you will need to turn off the electricity to the unit or unplug it to avoid lighting strikes and electrical surges.

Once the storm has passed, and you have evaluated your unit for damage, turn your system on. Storms bring in high moisture conditions in which mold grows. Restarting your unit as soon as possible prevents this from occurring.

If you discover damage to your system, call a professional to inspect the unit and make repairs. Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc. is available 24/7, 365 for all of you HVAC emergencies.

 

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Is Your HVAC Unit Leaking Refrigerant?

Your HVAC unit has been working hard all Summer long. Have you scheduled a Fall check-up to make sure your system made it through the heat unscathed? Paying attention to your unit and its performance can be the key to detecting issues early, preventing damage and avoiding expensive repairs.

One easily missed problem is a refrigerant leak. Loose rubber seals, rusted valve stems and general wear and tear on your system can cause this issue. If your system has copper tubing, pin hole leaks could be a potential problem. A naturally forming acid, Formic, can eat away at this tubing causing your system to lose refrigerant.

 

How do you know if your HVAC system has sprung a leak? Look for these common indicators.

  1. Bubbling/ Hissing Sound | If your outdoor system isn’t running, but you can hear strange bubbling or hissing sounds coming from the unit, that could be a sign of a major leak.
  2. Humidity Indoors & Lack of Cool Air | If your home is feeling warm during the heat of the day and your air conditioner cannot keep up, a refrigerant leak could be the culprit. A leak not only comprises a unit’s ability to cool a home, it also reduces its dehumidifying ability. Your home will feel sticky and hot.
  3. Higher Utility Bill | Because your system is working harder and running for longer periods of time trying to cool your home, you will see a spike in your utility bill.
  4. Ice on Evaporator Coils | One visible sign of a leak is ice on your evaporator coil. You will see frost forming on your outdoor coil—even during the heat of the day.

It is important to catch this issue early to avoid costly repairs. Repairs could include replacing a condenser coil, replacing an evaporator coil or recharging your system.

 

If your system is showing signs of a refrigerant leak, please contact your local comfort experts at
Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc. today—850.267.3538!

 

 

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Why Should You Choose Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc? | Customer Reviews

As a local, family-owned business, serving the area for over 34 years, Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc. takes pride in being responsive, reliable and providing results for our customers. We strive to ensure all of our clients are comfortable in their homes 24/7, 365.

Our maintenance program is designed to proactively prevent HVAC issues and extend the life of your unit. We are a company you can depend on year after year. Don’t take our word for it. See what our customers have to say!

“Great job by Travis! Thank you so much for coming to cool off our cottage on Father's Day Sunday at 8:30pm. You saved the night!” – June 2018

“We called after 9:00pm tonight which is a Sunday! It is now at 11:45pm, and I'm going to bed in a cool house because they came and fixed it already! Travis the technician was friendly and quick! Thank you.” – June 2018

“This is the second time Luiz has serviced our AC systems. He is professional, courteous and knowledgeable. In the future, I will request that he perform our annual AC maintenance check-ups. Thanks Luiz!” – June 2018

“Had an early Sunday morning AC issue. Troy explained and walked me through step by step on diagnosing the problem. Great professional service.” – May 2018

“Great customer service. Luiz is always on time, does a thorough inspection and is patient with explaining how everything is working or not working.” – May 2018

“Had another great service visit from Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. This time the technician was CJ. He was prompt, courteous, knowledgeable and effectively explained the problems and solutions. All of the technicians at this company have been great. A very nice surprise after 5 years of bad companies doing this work for us. Thanks again!” – May 2018

“Have done business with Air Conditioning & Heating many times in the last 15 years. They are always dependable with professional employees. So, when I finally needed and new HVAC system, they are the company I chose. Since then, their routine maintenance is above what I expected. Each employee is courteous, gets to a solution quickly and explains in detail what is going on. I always recommend them to my neighbors and friends.” – May 2018

“The service is awesome, always friendly, even in an emergency they make sure we are taken care of in a timely matter. Troy, our service technician, is always professional and always gets the job done correctly the first time. I highly recommend Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. We signed up for their yearly service plan, in which they come out twice a year and check our unit. We have dealt with other companies and when we found Air Conditioning and Heating, we haven't used anyone else. Keep up the good work.”
– April 2018

“Services were great. They were able to work me in within the same day. Worked hard on providing available discounts, found out what parts were under warranty in order to repair what was necessary. Were able to order the parts and have them installed the next day! I signed on for their maintenance program and look forward to having them do regular checkups of our unit.” – April 2018

When you are faced with an HVAC emergency or if you need regular maintenance on your system, call the comfort experts at 850.267.3538!

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Why do Compressors Fail?

On most days, our HVAC systems run like a well-oiled machine. All components working together seamlessly to keep your home cool and comfortable. What happens when one of those components stops working—specifically the compressor?
Essentially the heart of your HVAC system, the compressor is located in your outdoor unit. It works hard to circulate the refrigerant through the coils of your unit while also applying energy to the coolant. Without a working compressor, your home will not have cool air. During the Spring/Summer season, especially in Florida, the compressor works overtime to keep your home air conditioned.

 

There are several factors that can cause the compressor in your HVAC unit to fail.

• Lack of Lubricant
• Overheating- This can be caused by dirty coils, low suction pressure or a low charge.
• Electrical Issues
• Bad Capacitor
• Low Voltage
• Electrical Spike

Signs of compressor issues include: an odd noise at the start-up of your HVAC unit, ice on the coils or loss of cool air in your home. If you start experiencing any of these issues, contact your local comfort experts at Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc. immediately. Your HVAC system cannot run efficiently and effectively without it’s heart.

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Is Your Furnace Ready for Winter?

Don’t wait for temperatures to drop to mark off your furnace maintenance to-do list. Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc. can help you make sure your home is warm and cozy this winter.

1. Replace Filters and Clean Equipment | Make sure you change the filter every 1-3 months depending on your home environment. Clean any debris or build up from the coils.
2. Test Your Thermostat | Turn up the temperature on your thermostat to make sure your system turns on and runs properly.
3. Check for Leaks | Make sure your windows and doors are sealed. Sealing leaks and cracks keeps cold air out and warm air in.
4. Check Your Air Conditioning System Pressure | Find the leaks! This check-up will help you correct any system leaks before you need your furnace to keep you warm.
5. Check your System | Your system needs a thorough once over to make sure your belts are in working condition, not cracked. The exhaust flue should be free of branches and leaves. Make sure the area around your furnace is uncluttered. Make sure the blower is clean and the burner flames are in working order.
6. Check Your Carbon Monoxide Detector | It is important that your carbon monoxide detector is working especially during the winter months. We suggest changing the batteries at the beginning of the season.

Some of these items should be completed by an HVAC professional. Contact our team of experts today to make sure your furnace is in working order and your home stays warm this winter- 850.267.3538.

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8 Signs it's Time for a New HVAC System

You made it through the Summer, but your HVAC system is on the brink? Are you unsure if your unit needs repairs or replacing? Here are 8 signs that it is time to invest in a new HVAC system for your home.

  1. Blowing Warm Air | If your home isn’t staying cool because your system is pushing out warm air, you have a problem. This is a sign that your HVAC unit is in need of repair. The lack of cool air could mean your compressor is failing or that your Freon levels are low. This is a sign that it might be time for a new unit.
  2. Poor Air Flow | If air isn’t circulating through your home and you don’t feel consistent cool air coming from your AC vents, the unit’s compressor could be going out. If one area of your home is cool and other sections are warm there could be issues with your duct work. Debris, dust and dander can clog your ducts obstructing air flow. This is bad for your system and your family’s health.
  3. Thermostat Issues | Sometimes the issue is not with the unit itself, but with the thermostat. One telling sign that your thermostat is causing the problem is if one part of your home is extremely cold where another area stays at the same temperature.
  4. System Leaks and Unwanted Moisture | If you see moisture around or leaking from your HVAC unit that is a major red flag. Your refrigerant could be leaking which could cause health concerns for you and your loved ones. If you discover pools of water near your air conditioning unit, it could mean your drain line is clogged or broken—which can be easily repaired by an HVAC expert.
  5. Abnormal Sounds & Odors | Listen closely. If you are hearing squeaking, grinding, groaning or grating sounds coming from your HVAC system, you have a problem. There is a slew of issues that can cause these noises. It is important to have an expert look at your system immediately. Failure to repair the unit could result in costly problem. Strange odors are also an indicator that your unit needs attention. From burned out wiring to mold, smell is an immediate warning sign that there is something wrong with your ventilation system.
  1. Increase in Electricity Bill | If your electricity bills drastically increases without any obvious reason for doing so, that is a strong indicator that your HVAC unit needs attention or replacing.
  2. HVAC Unit is more than 10 years old | When your system reaches its 10th birthday, it is usually time to upgrade your ventilation system. At this point, units tend to start needing major repairs.
  3. R-22 Freon | If your unit uses R-22 Freon, it’s time to upgrade. Freon is being phased out by the federal government. Because of this, the cost of Freon is steadily rising. Eventually you will have to replace your unit for a newer version that runs with a new refrigerant (R410A).

If it is time to replace your home HVAC system, call your local experts. We are here to help you find the right size and most efficient unit for your home. Schedule an appointment with our team today- 850.267.3538.

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Coming Soon! Coastal Protective Coatings by Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc.

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our newest local service, Coastal Protective Coatings. Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc. is the only certified provider of corrosion preventative coatings along the Emerald Coast.

Many HVAC manufacturers strongly recommend that you apply a corrosion preventative coating to protect your equipment from corrosion if you are located within 10 miles of the coastline. A simple step can prevent increased energy expenditure and add years of life to your equipment.

What type of equipment is eligible for Coastal Protective Coatings? Adding a protective coating to your AC unit and air conditioning unit coils can extend the lifetime of your home or business Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning System. Our coatings protect equipment in virtually any corrosive environment including but not limited to the following:

  • Salt Air
  • Salt Spray
  • Hydrogen Sulfide
  • Chlorine
  • Ammonia
  • Bromides
  • And much more….

Protect your investment with Coastal Protective Coatings, locally owned and operated in Santa Rosa Beach and servicing all of the Emerald Coast and surrounding areas.

 

Discover more on Coastal Protective Coatings at one of our upcoming events!

  • Networks of North West Florida Free Breakfast Meeting
    • Wednesday, May 3rd, 7:30am-until
    • The 1st Wednesday of Each Month at Golden Corral in Fort Walton Beach (7:30am)
  • 2017 Emerald Coast Health Fair & Career Expo
    • Friday, May 12th, 10am-7pm
    • Located at 1250 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE Fort Walton Beach, FL
  • 20th Annual Founders' Day Celebration
    • Saturday, May 13th, 11:00am- 12:30pm
    • Located at 101 Stahlman Avenue, Destin, FL
  • 2017 Emerald Coast Home Show
    • Saturday, September 23rd, 10am-5pm
    • Sunday, September 24th, 10am-4pm
    • Located at 1250 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE Fort Walton Beach, FL

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