Are You Trying To Go Green?

Everyone wants to save money and help the environment, but don’t let your enthusiasm make you take tips from just anyone.  Some of the “helpful” recommendations that you find online or in popular opinion can actually lead to damage and  air conditioner repair bills.  Here are some of our tips to lower your monthly bills without harming your HVAC system.

1. Use A Programmable Thermostat

Most people don’t use their homes in exactly the same way, 24/7, but many people heat and cool their houses as if they did.  Utilizing a programmable thermostat is an easy way to make sure that you’re not paying for more cooling than you need.  For example, you can program the thermostat to allow the house to be warmer during the day when you’re at work, and to cool it down again starting an hour or so before you arrive home.  Then, while you’re home, you can enjoy a comfortable temperature without spending the extra money and energy it requires to cool your house during the hours you’re away.

2. Clean The Filters

Cleanliness is very important for your system’s efficiency, and can make the difference between a smoothly functioning air conditioner and one that uses too much energy, cools unreliably, and that ultimately ages more quickly than it needs to.  Be sure to regularly check, clean, and replace (if necessary) all filters.  Remember, if you have dusty hobbies, pets, or other lifestyle factors (like smoking) that can cause filters to clog more rapidly, you’ll need to replace them more frequently.

Read more here: http://www.phoenixsouthhvac.com/trying-go-green/

Tired Of Air Conditioner Repair Bills? Maybe It’s Time To Upgrade

You want your HVAC systems to run smoothly in the background–ideally, you won’t have to think about them much.  But if you’re dealing with multiple air conditioner repair calls, odds are your system is on your mind much more than you’d like.  While many air conditioner problems can be satisfactorily repaired by qualified technicians, sometimes it makes more sense to consider replacing the unit.  How can you tell whether you need a new unit?  Here’s a few things to keep in mind.

1. Is Your System More Than 10 Years Old?

Aging systems can not only be unreliable, but environmentally unfriendly.  Newer systems are not only more efficient, but they have been designed to not require freon, which is generally regarded as harmful to the environment.  Finally, an older system can be difficult to acquire parts for.  If your system is more than a decade old and working erratically, it’s time to replace it.

2. Are Repairs Getting Costly?

While we always try to give you the best price on service or air conditioning repair calls, sometimes older units are simply worn out and near the end of their life.  At that point, repair calls will continue to become more frequent, often racking up months of charges.  Rather than continuing to repair a failing unit, it can actually be less expensive to install a new, efficient air conditioner.

Read more here: http://www.phoenixsouthhvac.com/tired-of-air-conditioner-repair-bills-maybe-its-time-to-upgrade/

Finding A Qualified Air Conditioning Repair Professional

A quick glance through the online search results can lead you to think that  air conditioning repair professionals are a dime a dozen, but how do you really know that the person you’re calling is a professional?  Your HVAC system is the heart of your home, controlling not just the comfort of your family but also, in a very real sense, their health and safety.  Since improperly installed or poorly functioning HVAC systems can lead to problems with everything from carbon monoxide to mold, it’s imperative that you know how to evaluate your service technician.  Here are some things to look for:

HVAC Experience

How long has your HVAC professional been in the business?  What kind of jobs have they done before?  Here at Phoenix HVAC we are proud to say that we’ve been in business since 1997, and our technicians are highly trained and certified.  We are happy to discuss with you what’s involved in certification at any time, and we don’t advise you to trust your system to anyone without proper training.

Checking Qualifications

If your HVAC company says that it’s licensed or certified, you should ask: licensed or certified in what?  Any company that isn’t willing to tell you should set off a red flag.  Many states maintain websites where members of the public can look up licenses for professionals (such as certain HVAC professionals that might be also licensed as plumbers or to work with gas lines), and your HVAC company should be able to explain any certification that it holds, enabling you to look it up online later.  That way, you know you’re getting excellent service, not just paying for fancy words in an advertising campaign.

 Read more here: http://www.phoenixsouthhvac.com/finding-qualified-air-conditioning-repair-professional/

Get Ready For Winter: Air Conditioner Repair And Maintenance Steps

With all the planning and activities surrounding the holidays, the last thing most homeowners have in mind is  air conditioner repair and maintenance, but did you know that a bit of attention to your HVAC system this time of year can save you a lot of time–and money– in the summer?  Don’t neglect your HVAC system, especially if you plan to turn your air conditioner off for part of the year.  Here are some winterizing tips to consider.

1. Clear The Clutter

The outside portion of your air conditioner bears the brunt of any weather changes.  Before the days get gloomy, take a few minutes to check on the following:

• Debris: are there branches, dead leaves, or weeds around your outdoor unit?  These should be removed, so that nothing is touching the unit, possibly causing damage that would have to be repaired in the spring.
• Check for animals or insects: One reason for removing dead leaves or twigs from the area round your unit?  Mice and other small animals like to make nests there, and you don’t want uninvited guests wintering in your air conditioner.  Look for evidence of infestation like droppings or wasp nests.  If you notice them, contact a qualified exterminator.
• Electrical connections: Without touching them, inspect the electrical cords going to and from your outdoor units, if visible.  If you notice any fraying or damage, contact your HVAC professional immediately.

2. Change The Indoor Settings

Many people switch their air conditioner to “off” and don’t give it another thought, but unless you’re using a heating system, you might notice that the air in your home isn’t as well-circulated as usual.  Some HVAC units have the option to continue to filter and circulate air with fans even though they’re not cooling it.  If you want to continue to take advantage of your system’s air filtration, then consider switching to “circulate” rather than simply turning the system off.  If you’re planning to switch to heating, see our next tip.

3. Baby Is It Cold Outside?

Are you switching from cooling to heating?  When was the last time you gave your furnace any love?  Just as air conditioners perform more efficiently and are more reliable when they have proper maintenance, so are furnaces.  Here are a few things to think about checking, before the first cold snap:

• air filters
• settings
• cleanliness of the vents

If you can’t remember the last time you changed your furnace filters, and if you’ve never optimized the thermostat settings, now is the time to do so.  And dirty, dusty vents can cause lung and eye irritation and aggravate the feeling of “dry winter air” that many people find so uncomfortable.

 Read more here: http://www.phoenixsouthhvac.com/get-ready-for-winter-air-conditioner-repair-and-maintenance-steps/

When To Call For Help With Air Conditioner Repair

Have you been noticing that your air conditioner isn’t performing like it used to?  While calling an air conditioner repairprofessional can seem scary, putting it off can be more frightening, leading to damaged units and increased costs.  Calling a professional can lead to fixing a problem while it’s small.

But how do you know when it’s time to call a pro?  Read on for a list of things to look at to make sure that a service call is necessary.  If, after you’ve run the following simple checks, you’re still having problems, don’t hesitate to call in the air conditioning repair pros.

Is The Unit Getting Power?

This might seem like a no-brainer, but one common reason for an air conditioner failing to function is that it’s simply not receiving electrical power.  This may occur when the whole neighborhood is suffering an outage, or more commonly, when a fuse is tripped or blown.  Check the fuse box, and if you have questions consult a qualified electrician.

Is The Filter Clean?

The filters in your air conditioner are very important and should be changed or cleaned regularly.  If you’ve been ignoring your filter, take a moment to try cleaning or replacing it before calling a service technician.  A dirty filter can block the airflow in your system and lead to a cascade of problems.

Is Your Thermostat Working?

How old is your thermostat?  Does it run on batteries that might need to be replaced?  If so, try replacing them.  If you’ve ensured that the system is getting power, and your filters are clean, try lowering your thermostat setting by five degrees and see if that can coax the air conditioner to turn on.  If it doesn’t, you may need to replace the thermostat.  (One of our qualified service professionals can help.)

Read more here: http://www.phoenixsouthhvac.com/call-help-air-conditioner-repair/

Avoid Air Conditioner Repair Bills And Keep Your System Humming With Simple Maintenance Steps

It might be always sunny where you live, but ignoring seasonal cleaning and maintenance for your HVAC system can lead to costly air conditioner repair bills.  According to the Department of Energy, properly maintaining your air conditioner by taking steps such as changing filters can actually reduce your system’s energy consumption by 5%-15%.  Finally, maintaining your system just makes sense: a quality HVAC system is a significant investment.  Why not ensure that you’ll get as many years of service out of your system as possible?

 Read more here: 

http://www.phoenixsouthhvac.com/avoid-air-conditioner-repair-bills-keep-system-humming-simple-maintenance-steps/

Keep Your Air Conditioners Ready for the Fall Season

Summer’s almost officially over and, for many students, the new-school-year feeling has just barely started. Just like many others, for sure you, too, have a couple of things to do and you’re excited about it.

Before you forget, there’s one important home appliance that requires your attention, and that’s your air conditioning unit. Amidst the scorching heat, it kept you fresh and cool inside, so it’s just fair that you take good care of it through proper air conditioner repair and maintenance.

Here are some simple ways to maintain the optimum performance of your AC:

Clean the air ducts, airways, and blowers

Dirty ducts can cause contamination all throughout your house. Worse, this can cause what we call the Sick Building Syndrome. Protect yourself and your entire family by taking good care of all the ductwork. Moreover, ensure maximum efficiency of your AC by keeping the blades clean and the motor fully functional.


(Click on the link below to read the entire article:)

http://www.phoenixsouthhvac.com/keep-your-airconditioners-ready-for-fall/

Love Your AC Even More This AC Appreciation Week

Residential air conditioning became popular in the US in the 1950s. In fact, over 1 million air conditioning units were sold in 1953 alone. Now, billions of homes around the world use the AC, not just as a standard amenity, but as a necessity.

Through time, air conditioning technology has likewise gone past its function of keeping rooms cool and comfortable. It has offered a lot more to modern homeowners such as:

• Filtering indoor air and removing irritants such as airborne allergens and industrial pollutants
• Dehumidifying air as it cools
• Variable fan and speed settings
• Smart thermostats which make controlling AC energy use easier than ever
• Robust construction that can withstand tough weathers

Like any other appliances, the air conditioning system can serve you for a long time if it’s properly taken care of. It’s not as difficult and complicated as you might initially think.

You can maintain your air conditioner in three ways:

Changing the air filter regularly

The AC breathes through its filter, thus it struggles when the filter becomes clogged. Moreover, a dirty filter can wear out your fan prematurely and cause the fan to increase energy usage.

Read more here: http://www.phoenixsouthhvac.com/love-your-ac-even-more-this-ac-appreciation-week/

Why Is It Important To Conduct An HVAC Audit?

If you aim to reduce operating costs, decline wear and tear of HVAC equipment, longer life span, and a better environment to make things work correctly and efficiently, then you got your answer. Performing an HVAC audit offers a chance to examine your HVAC system’s energy needs and pinpoint potential trouble spots by analyzing energy where the HVAC system receives the heaviest use, or the lightest or where it might be losing energy. Assessment of how well the HVAC system is doing is vital. In short, conduct a component-by-component examination of your HVAC system’s health and get the most out of minimizing energy loss and maximizing the system’s efficiency.

A typical energy audit would include a complete evaluation of your:

•         Home or company’s insulation and air flow measurements
•         Energy spending habits
•         Ductwork and indoor/outdoor unit inspections, etc.

Depending on the results of the energy audit, the following steps may also be required:

•         Adding, updating, or replacing air quality equipment
•         Sealing of ducts and minor leaks found in doors or windows
•         Installation of blown-in insulations
•         Tidying ductworks

Read more here: http://www.phoenixsouthhvac.com/important-conduct-hvac-audit/

How to Save Money While Using Air Conditioners This Summer

It’s only less than a month since summer has started. This means you’re likely to spend more time on the beach to cool down or you’ll have to stay a lot more at home under the pity of your air conditioning (AC) unit’s cooling power. Either way, you’ll be spending some money to get yourself comfortable throughout the day.The good thing is you can still actually save while using your AC.

Sounds good? Here’s how you can save money through your air conditioner:
Know your AC unit

It’s important that you know how much power your AC needs to efficiently cool down your room. This means you’d need to have a unit with a cooling capacity that’s based on your room size. If you’re planning to install one for your 250 square-feet office, then you’ll need an AC unit with a 6,000 BTU cooling capacity. If you’re still not sure, never assume. It’s best to talk to a professional air conditioner expert for advice.

Look for the appliance energy label

Aside from knowing the specifications, it’s essential that you look for the yellow EnergyGuide sticker. This is where you can quickly find information about energy efficiency, consumption, and the projected operating costs of your appliance. You can then factor all of these to the selling price of the AC unit.

(Read the entire article by clicking on the link below:)

http://www.phoenixsouthhvac.com/how-to-save-money-while-using-air-conditioners-this-summer/

The Importance of Clean Air Vents

Once again, it’s summer. The beaches are far more enticing, and the cold drinks are thirst-quenching as ever. With heat projected to rise for as high as 91 degrees in Orange County, most people are expected to stay inside their homes with the comfort brought by their central air conditioning (AC) system.

Before you get too relaxed, examine your AC unit thoroughly and make sure it’s in tip-top shape. Check for some leaks, sensor problems, and drainage issues. Most importantly, check your air ducts for some signs of problems.

Why do Air Ducts need to be Cleaned?

Research reveals that dirty air ducts due to pet hair, dust mites, dead skin cells and even smoke from cooking, etc. are still the leading cause of allergies. With your AC expected to be used more frequently during this time of the year, you surely won’t want to put your health at risk. In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency advises homeowners to have their air vents cleaned when mold and dust are present in the home. This is exactly why expert air conditioning repair are needed into the picture.

The air ducts circulate the air coming from your heating and cooling systems thereby allowing consistent interior temperature all throughout the house. This is the same air you breathe, so you want to make sure it’s as clean as possible.

(Read the entire article by clicking on the link below:)

http://www.phoenixsouthhvac.com/importance-clean-air-vents/

Here's How Air Conditioning Can Help Your Office's Work Productivity

Though it seems unlikely at first glance, but a properly working air conditioning unit can help make every worker in your office more productive. Everybody will agree that a cool and refreshing work atmosphere helps encourage clear thinking and banish bad moods. One survey has found that during warmer months, offices tend to suffer from a productivity decline of around 20 percent.

The ideal office temperature is 70.88 degrees Fahrenheit. Consequently, every 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit deviation above or below from this results in a one to two percent decrease in productivity.

That said, here are several other ways that good air conditioning can help with improving productivity in the office. Read more on this article: http://bit.ly/2rjJspk

Most Common Problems that Require Air Conditioning Repair Right Away

Especially during the warmer months, the last thing you need is for your air conditioning unit to fail. Whatever the cause, if you don’t get air conditioning repair done right away, the problem can get much worse.

Your air conditioner will stop working properly if it had been installed improperly and this resulted in low airflow and leaky ducts. On the other hand, it’s also possible that the amount of refrigerant in the system or refrigerant charge does not match the manufacturer’s specifications. You could also be having problems with your air conditioner due to lack of maintenance.

Here are a number of air conditioning problems typically experienced by households. Read more on this article: http://bit.ly/2rjmbnu

How to Effectively Choose a Programmable Air Conditioning Thermostat

You could have a perfectly good air conditioner but not get the most out of it because of a faulty or outdated thermostat. Today, you have a lot of great programmable thermostats to choose from, with smart features and systems that make your life a whole lot easier. When selecting said devices, there are some decisions you need to make first.

Assess Your AC Unit

Before you can find the perfect programmable thermostat, you first need to determine what type of unit you have. After all, not all thermostats will work with your particular AC unit. Your unit may use a heater separate from the AC unit, for example, in which case you’ll need a thermostat that can function with both systems. Or, your unit may combine its heating and cooling units as one, which means you need an all-in-one type of thermostat. Read more from this blog. http://bit.ly/2q1P9KM

Steps that Can Improve Efficiency and Prevent Air Conditioning Repair

You know the syndrome: As the mercury begins to rise, your AC usage starts rising, too. By keeping your unit running all day, you risk hefty energy bills at the end of each month. Know, however, there are ways to keep your home cool and avoid excessive AC usage that leads to excessive expense in repairs.

Check the Attic for Proper Ventilation

The attic is often used as a storage area where unused or old possessions go, so, it’s only natural that you’d overlook its ventilation. This is a mistake, however, because a hotter attic makes your unit work harder throughout the day and prematurely wears down your shingles. If you touch your ceilings and they’re constantly hot, air is probably not escaping from the attic.

Installing roof vents usually ameliorates the problem. They come in many styles and sizes. Rectangular, hooded vents are particularly easy to install. Also durable, they effectively promote airflow throughout your attic. Once you’ve installed a couple of vents, your AC won’t work as hard, thereby reducing the need to call an air conditioning repair service in Orange County. Read more from this blog. http://bit.ly/2q22kLA

Your Springtime Maintenance Checklist for Air Conditioning Systems

Now that calendars have officially turned to spring, you’ll need to do maintenance checks on your HVAC systems on top of the usual all-around seasonal cleaning.

Take note you won’t only fine-tune the air conditioning to prep for warmer weather in Orange County. In the process, you’ll also be checking in on the heating mechanisms you relied on over the past wet and chilly months; it’s all part of pro-active, preventive maintenance.

Here’s a brief overview of what you or your contractor can do to keep your household HVAC humming along.

Check the refrigerant

The refrigerant is the liquid that cools indoor air; it will naturally need to be replenished for any air conditioning to be possible. Know the right amount optimal for your machine. Too much or too little refrigerant compromises a system’s efficiency. Read more from this blog. http://bit.ly/2oroAy6

Air Conditioning and Heater Repair: Tips for More Efficient Systems

Everyone in Orange County will probably agree that air conditioning and heating systems are a true modern convenience that makes life better. After all, Orange County tends to see wide ranging temperatures throughout the year, making investing in air conditioning and heating important.

Although everyone enjoys heating and cooling, no one really enjoys having to pay large energy bills. Fortunately, this doesn’t have to be the case. According to trusted air conditioning repair and heater repair companies like Phoenix Air Conditioning and Heating, there are many steps you can take to help improve the efficiency of your HVAC systems. Read more from this blog. http://bit.ly/2n2RKUa

Air Conditioning Experts Share Tips on AC Maintenance And Repairs

There will come a time when you turn your air conditioning unit on, only to be greeted with silence. Though this event is inevitable, it can nonetheless be a nasty shock for you.

While it’s true that air conditioning units cannot last forever, you can further extend its service life through regular maintenance. It’s also vital that you’re familiar with the warning signs of air conditioning problems early on. By being proactive in spotting these signs, you can prevent the need for costly repairs in the near future. Read more from this blog: http://bit.ly/2mkZr6r

When Should You Call an Expert for Heater or Air Conditioning Repair?

Even if treated with the utmost care, an HVAC system will suffer some failures if it doesn’t receive regular maintenance. In fact, most air conditioning and heater failures occur during the season that you need these systems the most. After all, during these seasons, your HVAC works overtime to keep every occupant in your home or place of business comfortable.

 During the hottest weather, it is therefore not rare to find residents and business owners queued up on the service list for air conditioning repair. Same goes for the coldest months and subsequent heater repair—all because Orange County building or home owners skimp on the cost of receiving HVAC maintenance. Read more from this blog: http://bit.ly/2ndPMMi

Proper Air Conditioning Installation and Maintenance for Good Health

Incorrect air conditioning unit installation and insufficient maintenance can spell the difference between clean, cold air and diseases. You might think that installing air conditioners is easy, yet incorrectly done, it can contribute to bad quality air. Likewise, air conditioning units need regular maintenance because water trapped in it can breed bacteria, mold, and vectors. Vectors refer to living organisms that can spread infectious diseases between humans or from animals to humans. Mosquitoes, flies, fleas, and ticks are examples of vectors. Vector-borne diseases, such as malaria, dengue, and yellow fever, have led to millions of deaths globally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Improper air conditioning unit installation can directly affect air quality, while poor maintenance can lead to settings favorable to vectors and parasites. Read more from this blog: http://bit.ly/2lK7B65

4 Problems that Require Air Conditioning Repair in Orange County, CA

While you can clean your air conditioner filter by yourself, some problems require expertise for proper diagnosis and repair. Improper unit maintenance, equipment deterioration, and severe weather conditions, among other factors, can lead to air conditioning unit problems. Watch out for these signs which require calling the nearest heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system experts in Orange County, CA.

Refrigerant Leaks

An air conditioner may be low on refrigerant because of leaks. Leaks cannot be resolved by adding refrigerant chemicals only. You should call a trained technician who will find and fix the leak, test the repaired sections and charge the system with the right quantity of refrigerant. In order to attain maximum air conditioner performance and efficiency, the refrigerant charge must exactly follow the manufacturer’s specification to avoid under or over-charging. Read more from this blog: http://bit.ly/2ldUhsy

Need Some Advice in Buying Air Conditioning Systems for Your Home?

An air conditioner unit is a worthwhile investment, despite what it might originally cost. Whether it’s your first time buying an air conditioning unit for your Orange County home or replacing your aging one, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind.

How Big Should It Be?

The first thing that buyers should determine is what size of a system is needed. In other words, the unit you buy should produce the perfect cooling capacity for the room or house it will inhabit. For instance, if your system is too big, it will quickly cool your home, but it won’t run long enough to remove sufficient moisture or humidity from the air. As a result, you’ll feel cool but also clammy—not a great combination. Conversely, if the unit is too small, however, it will take forever to achieve the perfect temperature in your living space. Read more on this article: http://bit.ly/2jOOBkU

Regular Maintenance can Help Homeowners Avoid Air Conditioning Repair

The most important things are often those things people take for granted the most. Take your air conditioning unit, for instance. Homeowners can avoid unnecessary air conditioning repair by giving their AC a little bit of TLC. Check out these crucial air conditioning maintenance tips.

Replace the Air Filter

Over time, your air conditioner’s air filter will accumulate dust and debris. When this happens, air flow decreases and you must turn up the unit’s thermostat to attain the room temperature you desire. To save on electricity, make sure to replace the air filter regularly—up to once a month during summer and other high-use seasons. Read more on this article: http://bit.ly/2jn5KWv