ac-by-dc

Top Five Benefits of Air Duct Cleaning

Thu, 01 May 2025 08:07:06 GMT

Did you know the average home generates about 40 pounds of airborne dust a year? Don’t be alarmed, it’s perfectly normal. Every time you open and close your doors, walk across the floor, or even scratch an itch, you’re contributing to household dust. If you have kids and pets in the home, the amount of dust generated is even greater.

A clean, well-maintained, and properly functioning HVAC system is designed to filter dust, harmful particulates, and odors from your home. But when air ducts become dirty, your air conditioning system doesn’t work as efficiently and indoor air quality becomes diminished. Dust buildup in air vents can create a breeding ground for bacteria. Mold and mildew can quickly grow and multiply in a dark, humid environment. Odors, pollen, and allergens become trapped in dirty vents where they attract pests and rodents that build nests and create waste. Then, as air is circulated through the system, these potentially dangerous contaminants are then spread throughout your entire home into the air you, your family, and your pets breathe.

But, although dust is normal, it’s not as innocuous as the name implies. Dust is made up of dirt, skin cells, hair, fibers, microscopic plastic particles, dead bugs, mold, bacteria, parasites, pollen, and all sorts of other contaminants. What’s more, about forty-thousand dust mites can live in just one ounce of dust! While you may remove surface dust with regular household cleaning, a vast majority of it is circulated through your air ducts. As it travels through your HVAC system, dust either becomes trapped, gets dispersed throughout your home, or begins to build up on your central heating and air conditioning system’s components. All the places dust and contaminants end up, either in your home, in the air, or within your air conditioning system, can cause serious problems for you and your family.

5. Having your air duct system cleaned can actually save on cooling and heating costs.

When your HVAC system is working efficiently, it requires less electricity to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. A clogged air duct prevents your system from properly circulating and exchanging air resulting in your system using more energy to accomplish the task. Not only will duct cleaning lead to lower monthly heating and cooling costs, it will extend the life of your entire HVAC system.

There are many more benefits to air duct cleaning than just less dust in the home, too. Below are some of the most important.

1. Clean air ducts result in better overall air quality.

2. Having your air ducts cleaned can reduce allergens, mold, and mildew in the home.

3. Air duct cleaning will help to lessen odors throughout the home.

A professional air duct cleaning includes not just the air ducts, but also supply and return registers, vents, and other components within your HVAC system where dust, allergens, mold, and mildew can accrue. Thoroughly cleaning and removing those contaminants means they won’t continue circulating through your home.

Although the act of cleaning air ducts alone will reduce odors in the home as trapped dust and odor-trapping particles are removed, a professional air duct cleaning service performed by AC by DC LLC includes duct fogging. When duct fogging, your HVAC technician will use a special device to spray a disinfectant solution into the air duct system. In addition to killing indoor air pathogens, duct fogging will rid your air duct system of odors caused by pets, cigarette smoke, mold, mildew, musty smells, cooking odors, and more.

4. Clean air ducts are vital for efficient airflow through your HVAC system.

Buildup and contaminants within the ducts and components of your heating and cooling system cause it to work harder to heat and cool your home. Over time, the increased load will shorten the life of your HVAC system. Through routine air conditioner maintenance and a thorough air duct cleaning every 10-15 years, it will be easier for your system to keep your home at the temperature you desire.

5. Having your air duct system cleaned can actually save on cooling and heating costs.

When should I have my air ducts cleaned?

In general, it’s recommended that air ducts be professionally cleaned every 10 to 15 years and more frequently if you have pets, smoke in your home, have respiratory conditions that make exposure to dust and airborne toxins more dangerous, or live in a warm climate and run your air conditioner continuously. As part of your regular maintenance program, have your HVAC technician inspect your ducts yearly.

If you’re unsure how long it’s been since your air ducts have been cleaned, some additional signs will indicate that it’s time to call a professional:

Moldy, mildewy, or musty smell in the home when the air conditioner comes on,
Visible dust, dirt, or debris blowing from vents,
Stains on and around air vents,
Signs or sounds of pests inside your air vents.

Professional air duct cleaning by AC by DC LLC includes an inspection and thorough cleaning of supply and return air ducts and registers, vents, grilles, and diffusers, blower motor and housing, and washing of evaporator coil in place. Once your system is clear of build-up, duct fogging is performed to disinfect, kill germs and mold, neutralize pet, smoke, and mildew odors, and prevent indoor air pathogens from returning.

If you’re in Baker, or the surrounding areas of Crestview, or Niceville, Florida, contact AC by DC for a free estimate and service you can trust.

How Servicing Your Air Conditioner Can Save You Money

Thu, 01 May 2025 08:07:06 GMT

Did you know that having your air conditioning system serviced is just as important as getting an oil change in your car? Yet, many homeowners skip this crucial service, leading to costly repairs and higher energy bills. We’re here to show you how servicing your air conditioner with a twice-yearly HVAC maintenance service can actually save you loads of money in the long run!

What’s included in HVAC maintenance?

1. Reduced repair costs

If you’ve ever had to suffer through a hot and muggy summer day in Florida with your air conditioner not working properly, just having cold air is reason enough to keep your AC system maintained. But, it also saves you money in more ways than one!

HVAC maintenance should be done twice a year, once for the cooling season and once for the heating season. Your HVAC professional will perform dozens of different checks in your AC system to make sure it’s working properly and efficiently, including:

Making sure your system has the correct refrigerant levels and pressure;
Checking the ventilation system and air filters;
Inspecting the thermostat;
Checking for a buildup of dirt and dust on the evaporator coil;
Looking for pest damage;
Making sure there’s no loose or burned wiring in the electrical components;
Checking for blockages in the drain lines and drain cleaning;
Looking for mold in the system;
Lubricating moving parts;
And washing the outside condenser coil to increase efficiency.

2. Prolonged system lifespan

3. Lower energy bills

Buying a new HVAC system is a major expense and one that you may not be ready to face yet. Keeping your existing unit running well will delay that cost. You can keep an air conditioner running for 10-15 years with routine maintenance.

Did you know that your air conditioning energy use represents more than half of your monthly energy bill? With the rising costs of energy these days, this is one of the best reasons to keep your air conditioner in tip-top shape. As HVAC systems wear out, they become less efficient, and that translates into higher energy costs. Without regular service, your AC unit can lose up to 5% of energy every year it’s in use.

4. Improved health and wellness

If you or other members of your family suffer from allergies, respiratory illness, or are sensitive to dust & mold, a well-serviced HVAC system will keep the air inside your home circulating and clean. You can also add accessories, like UV lights and air scrubbers, which will clean the air. The better indoor air quality will result in improved health and possibly lower medical expenses.

What’s more, you may not realize that if you don’t properly maintain your air conditioning system with regular tune-ups, you could actually void the manufacturer’s warranty!

Let’s face it, remembering to maintain your air conditioner is something most people don’t really think about until it stops blowing cold air. That’s why signing up for a scheduled maintenance plan from a reputable company is a smart way to ensure your HVAC system is always taken care of.

If you live in Baker, Crestview, and Niceville and need fast, friendly, and cost-effective repairs and maintenance call AC by DC LLC today to schedule your air conditioner maintenance service.

We’ll go above and beyond to ensure that you’ve got peace of mind. But don’t take our word for it, listen to what your neighbors are saying !

Summary

4 ways annual air conditioner maintenance saves you money

With routine checks and maintenance, you are likely to find problems while they are small and easier to fix - before they become larger, more expensive repairs. Sometimes, during our inspections, we can locate and easily fix problems well before they become major issues.

Air Conditioner Maintenance Guide for Homeowners

Thu, 01 May 2025 08:07:05 GMT

When your air conditioner is running smoothly, you may not give it much thought. But, trust me when I tell you, the moment your system stops blowing cold air, freezes up, struggles to heat or cool your home, or breaks down completely, it becomes one of the most urgent and important things in your life. (And it always seems to happen on weekends and holidays, am I right?)

Your HVAC system is a big investment and heating and cooling costs account for the biggest portion of monthly energy costs. In some regions, especially during the hottest summer months, air conditioning could account for nearly half of your electric bill. To keep cooling costs in check, keep your system running efficiently, and prolong the life of your air conditioner, regular and routine maintenance is a must.

Air Conditioning Maintenance Checklist for Homeowners:

Change your air conditioner filter regularly.

Standard filters should typically be changed or cleaned once monthly. But, if you have pets that shed a lot, you may need to change filters more often. During hotter months when your air conditioner runs continuously, you may need to change filters more frequently, too. Make a habit of regularly checking your filters and changing them as needed. If you don’t have a replacement filter on hand, make getting one a priority. Do not run your HVAC system without a proper filter in place. In addition to improving indoor air quality, a clean air filter will help to keep your ac unit running efficiently.

A neglected air conditioner begins losing efficiency at a rate of about 5% each year that it’s not serviced or properly maintained. That means if you haven’t had any ac maintenance performed on your HVAC unit in one year, it’s only working at about 95% efficiency. After two years, 90%. Three years, 85%, and so on.

Fortunately, in addition to professional maintenance, there are a number of ways you can help to keep your ac unit running efficiently.

Keep all air vents and registers open.

Clean drain lines with vinegar or bleach water.

In hotter months, it may be tempting to close vents in unused rooms of your home so that the rooms you spend the most time in will cool faster. In truth, closing vents will do the exact opposite and could cause your air conditioner to shut down completely. Closing vents offsets your system’s balance and creates pressure in ducts which, in turn, cause your system to work harder. The increased pressure in ducts can cause leaks. And, because the interior walls of your home aren’t insulated, when those unused rooms heat up, they’ll heat neighboring rooms which will, again, cause your air conditioner to work harder.

Clogged condensate drain lines can quickly shut down your HVAC system. As part of your regular home maintenance, flush drain lines with distilled white vinegar or a mixture of bleach and water to kill any mold, mildew, algae, bacteria, and fungi and prevent a clog-causing buildup.

Cleaning drain lines is easy. Start by turning off your air conditioner, both at the thermostat and at the breaker. Then, locate your condensate drain line. Remove the cap and slowly pour about a cup of vinegar into the drain line through the opening where the cap was removed. Let the vinegar or bleach water sit in the drain line for about a half hour, then flush the pipe with water. For best results, clean your drain lines monthly.

Use blackout curtains or blinds in windows that get direct sunlight.

Keep plants cut back, away from your ac condenser unit.

Keep your condenser clear of leaves, dirt, and debris.

Using light-blocking curtains or blinds in rooms that get direct sunlight will reduce the amount of light, heat, and UV rays that enter-and heat up-your home. Rather than forcing your air conditioner to face off against the heat of the sun, close the curtains. You’ll reduce your overall energy costs and put less stress on your HVAC system in the process.

Outdoor air conditioning condenser units aren’t exactly cute, but hiding them behind a wall of plants or shrubs could create a situation much uglier. Your condenser needs adequate airflow on all sides in order to function properly. If you insist on hiding your condenser, keep plants, shrubs, fencing, or trellises at least 3-feet from the ac unit.

When your condenser moves air, leaves, grass, pollen, dirt, and debris can get stuck in and around the unit. If debris is allowed to build up on and around the condenser, it can significantly restrict airflow. At best, your unit won’t run as efficiently. At worst, you could be faced with catastrophic failure of your entire air conditioning system. Make a habit of inspecting your condenser every week or so and use a garden hose sprayer or lawn blower to clear debris away.

Manufacturers know that improper maintenance of your heating and cooling system could cut your air conditioner’s lifespan in half. Because of this, most will require regular HVAC maintenance performed by a licensed technician air conditioner service provider for warranties to remain valid.

Homeowners in Baker, Crestview & Niceville, Florida can trust their air conditioner maintenance service to AC by DC LLC. Licensed technicians will visit twice a year to perform a full inspection to diagnose any potential issues with your system before they become major problems. During a professional ac maintenance visit, the technician will clean or replace filters as necessary, check that your thermostat is operating properly, flush condensate drain, lubricate moving parts, clean the condenser unit, clean accessible evaporator coil, check electrical connections, check refrigerant pressures, and clean drains, pans, and pumps.

Regular air conditioner maintenance will improve your home’s air quality, prolong the life of your ac system, and save on energy and repair costs.

Professional HVAC maintenance is essential, too!

Air Conditioner Freezing Up? Here’s What to Do Right Away

Thu, 01 May 2025 08:07:04 GMT

It seems to happen on the hottest day of the year - you realize your air conditioner isn’t cooling off the house - in fact, it might even be blowing warm air - so you set off to try and figure out why. Eventually, you find that your air conditioner has frozen. But how? And why? If your AC is freezing up, there are some things you should do right away.

This guide will explain why your air conditioner is freezing up and how you can prevent it in the future. The information you’ll learn here will prevent damaging your air conditioning system and get you cooling back off in no time!

How can you tell if your AC is frozen?

What causes an air conditioner to freeze?

Clogged air filters

A lack of airflow is the number one reason an air conditioner freezes up. To get technical for a minute, if there isn’t enough air moving through the system to transfer the heat, the refrigerant will freeze in the coils instead of converting to gas.

While lack of airflow is the root of the problem, there are many things that cause a lack of airflow:

When is the last time you changed your air filter? An accumulation of dust and dirt on the filter can slow or even block airflow. This is one of the most common reasons AC units freeze up.

The obvious sign that your air conditioner is frozen is that you actually see frost or ice on the evaporator coils on your interior unit or on the compressor outside. Other signs that your AC is frozen are:

If the vents are blowing warm or no air;
When you can see condensation formed on the indoor unit;
If condensation appears on the exterior condenser unit.

Blocked supply and return vents

Damaged AC blower fan

Check your air vents - both the vents that supply your cool air and the return vents. Make sure they aren’t blocked by any furniture, curtains, or other belongings, causing insufficient air flow. Also, it’s not a good idea to close more than two or three supply vents. People think they’re saving money by not cooling off unused rooms, but closing off too many vents actually restricts airflow and is bad for the air conditioning system.

Go outside and look at your air conditioner’s condenser. If the blower fan isn’t turning, that could be the problem. A damaged or broken blower fan can cause ice formation. This is a repair that should be handled by an HVAC professional.

Dirty AC coil

Collapsed air duct

Refrigerant Leak

When you realize your AC unit is frozen, do this immediately!

If dirt gets caked onto the AC’s evaporator coil, airflow will become restricted and it will eventually freeze up. No matter how clean you are, inside air contains dust, it travels through the air ducts, most of it gets trapped by your air filter, but some of it gets through and it will make it to your coil. Over time it will get dirty. That’s why it’s so important that you have regular maintenance checks and system cleanings done by your local HVAC pro.

Air ducts are the main highways in which air flows through your home. If one of them gets damaged or collapsed, airflow will be blocked which could lead to a frozen air conditioner, among other things.

Frozen air conditioners are common and frustrating, but it could just be a one-time thing. Save yourself some money (and hopefully save your air conditioner) by following these steps.

Before you call for help, do this:

Using your thermostat, turn the air conditioner off. Then, turn the fan on (not “auto” but “on”). This will stop the cooling system but will blow the warm air through your system and speed up the defrosting process.

Low refrigerant due to a leak could cause your air conditioning unit to freeze, but this is something you’ll want to leave for the professionals. Air conditioners are closed systems, so you should never have to add more refrigerant. If your system is low, that means there is a leak somewhere.

1. Turn off your air conditioner

2. Wait for the system to defrost

Give the system time to defrost completely. Depending on how hot it is outside and how frozen solid your air conditioner is, this could be anywhere from a few hours to a full day. Don’t attempt to use your air conditioner until it’s completely thawed or you could risk damaging your system.

When you’re certain that the system is completely defrosted, turn your air conditioner back on and run it normally. It should work properly now but watch it closely for signs of freezing up again. If you notice ice forming again, turn it back off and call a repair technician.

Unless your filter is clean, replace your dirty air filter with a brand new, clean one.

3. Replace your air filter

5. Turn your HVAC system back on

How to keep your air conditioner from freezing up

Of course, the best way to fix a frozen air conditioner is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here’s how to keep it from happening:

Change your air filters regularly. This means every month or possibly even more often if you have pets or a lot of people in your home. Use your judgment or follow the advice of your AC repair professional.

Get a Preventative Maintenance Plan in place. This includes having an inspection and cleaning done by an HVAC specialist in the spring before the summer heat arrives.

Have an AC repair professional evaluate your air ducts for proper flow and clean them if needed.

Proper airflow is essential to cool your home. If the air isn’t moving through your system the way it should, there’s a good chance your air conditioner will freeze up. Properly maintaining your system and acting quickly when it isn’t working properly will go a long way in keeping your air conditioner blowing cold air for many years to come.

If you live in Baker, Crestview, and Niceville, Florida and need fast, friendly, and cost-effective repairs and maintenance call AC by DC LLC today or send us a message online . You can count on us to get your system up and running and have you cooling ASAP. But don’t take our word for it, listen to what your neighbors are saying !

Summary

4. Check your vents

Make sure your return and supply vents are clean and free of any furniture, curtains, or anything else that might be blocking them. Check all the rooms to make sure none of the vents have been closed.

Air Conditioner Blowing Hot Air? 5 Common Causes & How to Fix It Fast

Thu, 01 May 2025 08:07:04 GMT

When you turn on your air conditioner, the last thing you expect it to do is start blowing out hot air. When temperatures are on the rise outside, that’s when you rely on your air conditioner to cool your house off the most. It’s also the busiest time of year for HVAC technicians. And, one of the most common calls we get is about AC units blowing hot air.

Fortunately, an air conditioner blowing hot air is a common issue that you can often diagnose and resolve on your own - and even avoid a service call altogether! By following the tips in this guide, you could be having your air conditioning system blowing refreshing icy air again in no time.

Why is My Air Conditioner Blowing Hot Air?

1. Thermostat is set incorrectly

2. Dirty air filter

This may sound obvious, but you never know if someone didn’t accidentally set the thermostat settings to “heat.” So, that’s always the first thing you should check if your AC is not blowing cool air as expected. Additionally, make sure the fan is set to “auto” and not “on.” If it’s set to “on” it will blow air continuously, even when the air conditioner isn’t cooling the air, so it will blow non-cooled air through the vents, too.

After you’ve verified that your thermostat is correctly set, the next thing you should do is make sure your air filter is clean. When your air filter is dirty and clogged, air cannot properly move through the system. This can lead to your AC blowing out hot air, among other problems. If your air filter is very dirty, replacing it with a new one should restore normal airflow and fix the problem.

5. Dirty condenser coils (outdoor unit)

If none of the above quick fixes have your air conditioning unit blowing cold again, you’ll need to call an HVAC technician to have a closer look at your system to diagnose the problem. It could be any one of these less common problems:

Refrigerant leak
Failed compressor
Fans not spinning
Other mechanical problems

For those of you living in Crestview, Choctaw Beach, Niceville, Valparaiso, or Laurel Hill, Florida, rely on the experts at AC by DC LLC. You'll find that our HVAC company can do it all, from AC system installation to duct cleaning. You'll appreciate that we guarantee the quality of our repair and maintenance services. But don’t take our word for it, listen to what your neighbors are saying !

AC Blowing hot? Check your air filter

When to call the AC Repair Company

Air conditioners work by taking humidity out of the air. That moisture is then sent through the air conditioner’s condensate drain lines. If they get clogged with dirt or dust, this moisture can eventually lead to excess moisture in the system which can cause it to shut down. Clogged drain lines are fairly simple to clean.

4. Frozen evaporator coils

The evaporator coils in your air conditioner are responsible for extracting the heat from the air and are a crucial part of the cooling process. If moisture collects in the coils, either from dirt, dust, or debris, they may freeze. And, while ice sounds like it should help cool the air, it actually stops the air circulation and causes the AC unit to malfunction.

Check your interior unit for frost or ice on the coils. You will usually find it just inside an access panel or door. If you find ice, the best option is to turn off your air conditioner and give the unit time to completely defrost. This can take anywhere from a few hours to 24 hours. Do not attempt to run your air conditioner until it is completely defrosted. For one, it will not blow cold air. And, you will run the risk of further damaging your AC unit. Once it defrosts, it should work properly again.

If you find that your evaporator coils are freezing, schedule a maintenance service with an HVAC technician to find out the cause.

You’ve checked the thermostat, the filter is clean, all the breakers are on, and none of the interior coils appear to be frozen. Your next step is to go outside and check the outdoor condenser unit. Just like the evaporator coils inside need to have airflow, the coils outside do, too. So, make sure there’s nothing outside blocking airflow around your condenser. Check for damage to the coils and brush or debris on the outside unit. It should always have two feet of “breathing room” around the condenser to allow for constant air circulation.

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Top Five Benefits of Air Duct Cleaning

5. Having your air duct system cleaned can actually save on cooling and heating costs.

There are many more benefits to air duct cleaning than just less dust in the home, too. Below are some of the most important.

1. Clean air ducts result in better overall air quality.

2. Having your air ducts cleaned can reduce allergens, mold, and mildew in the home.

3. Air duct cleaning will help to lessen odors throughout the home.

4. Clean air ducts are vital for efficient airflow through your HVAC system.

5. Having your air duct system cleaned can actually save on cooling and heating costs.

When should I have my air ducts cleaned?

How Servicing Your Air Conditioner Can Save You Money

What’s included in HVAC maintenance?

1. Reduced repair costs

2. Prolonged system lifespan

3. Lower energy bills

4. Improved health and wellness

Summary

4 ways annual air conditioner maintenance saves you money

Air Conditioner Maintenance Guide for Homeowners

Air Conditioning Maintenance Checklist for Homeowners:

Change your air conditioner filter regularly.

Keep all air vents and registers open.

Clean drain lines with vinegar or bleach water.

Use blackout curtains or blinds in windows that get direct sunlight.

Keep plants cut back, away from your ac condenser unit.

Keep your condenser clear of leaves, dirt, and debris.

Professional HVAC maintenance is essential, too!

Air Conditioner Freezing Up? Here’s What to Do Right Away

How can you tell if your AC is frozen?

What causes an air conditioner to freeze?

Clogged air filters

Blocked supply and return vents

Damaged AC blower fan

Dirty AC coil

Collapsed air duct

Refrigerant Leak

When you realize your AC unit is frozen, do this immediately!

1. Turn off your air conditioner

2. Wait for the system to defrost

3. Replace your air filter

5. Turn your HVAC system back on

How to keep your air conditioner from freezing up

Summary

4. Check your vents

Air Conditioner Blowing Hot Air? 5 Common Causes & How to Fix It Fast

Why is My Air Conditioner Blowing Hot Air?

1. Thermostat is set incorrectly

2. Dirty air filter

5. Dirty condenser coils (outdoor unit)

When to call the AC Repair Company

4. Frozen evaporator coils

3. Clogged drain lines

Here are 5 reasons your air conditioner might be blowing warm or hot air and how to fix it: