How To Save Money On Air Conditioning

Keep your cool this summer by having your system checked by air conditioner experts at Phoenix Air Conditioning and Heating!

Read more here: http://www.phoenixsouthhvac.com/save-money-air-conditioning/

Before You Call Emergency Air Conditioning Repair Mission Viejo, Read This Article

Take care of your air conditioner to avoid an expensive repair. Read more...
http://www.phoenixsouthhvac.com/call-emergency-air-conditioning-repair-read-article/

DIY Air Conditioner Repair Laguna Hills

Do you need air conditioner repair Laguna Hills? Residents should follow these steps to ensure your AC unit keeps running correctly.
http://www.phoenixsouthhvac.com/diy-air-conditioner-repair/

Air Conditioning Repair Mission Viejo: How To Lower Your Power Bill

Are your power bills making you wonder if hiring an air conditioning repair Mission Viejo professional is the answer? Here’s how to know.
http://www.phoenixsouthhvac.com/ac-cost-much/

Air Conditioner Repair Laguna Hills: Is Your Air Conditioner Letting You Down?

Is it hot in here?  You might need a local air conditioner repair Laguna Hills professional.
http://www.phoenixsouthhvac.com/air-conditioner-letting/

Is It Time For A New System?

As the first sunny days of spring start to appear, your HVAC system might not be up to the challenge of keeping you comfortable.  Your first thought may turn to finding a great  air conditioning repair Mission Viejo professional.  Don’t worry–we are more than happy to fix your system!  But did you know that sometimes it’s actually more cost-effective to put in a new system, instead of continuing to repair the old one? Here are a few pros and cons to consider.

1. Is Your System Keeping You Cool When It Is Working?

Some systems don’t work all that well even when they’re technically not broken.  If your system runs and moves air but just doesn’t cool your home adequately, it might be time to consider a replacement.  On the other hand, if your system does manage the temperature in your home well when it’s in good repair, then fixing your system might be the more cost-effective route.

2. Can Your HVAC Company Easily Get Parts For Your System?

Most HVAC systems that are less than 10 years old are simple to service and acquire parts for.  If, however, you’re working with an air conditioner that’s more than 10 years old, parts get more difficult to find, making repairs both more costly and more lengthy to complete.  If your air conditioner is getting to the upper limit of its life (say, it’s 9 years old) and it’s starting to require more and more repairs, you might want to consider replacements.  A 2-year-old system, however, should be able to be maintained and repaired for many years to come.

3. Try This Simple Equation

Are you the type who likes hard numbers?  A commonly used rule of thumb involves “the 5,000 rule”.  In short, consider the probable yearly cost of repairing your system over the next 10 years.  If you spend, for example, $200 per year over the next 10 years repairing your air conditioner, that’s $2000.  Since it’s less than $5000 (which is about the minimum cost of a new system), it’s cheaper to repair the system.

Read more here: http://www.phoenixsouthhvac.com/time-new-system/

Preparing For The Turning Of The Seasons

Spring is in the air–the days get longer, the air gets warmer, and your thoughts might turn to your HVAC system.  If you’re worried that turning your system on might require a visit from and  air conditioner repair Laguna Hillsprofessional, you’ll want to check out our series of tips.  With a little “spring cleaning”, your HVAC system can work to keep you cool all summer long.

1. Consider A Maintenance Call

While we’re going to give you a number of options for taking care of your HVAC system yourself, there’s no denying that the easiest way to make sure your system is running properly is to contact us and let us send one of our service professionals to give your system some TLC.  If the next few steps sound too complicated, don’t worry!  We are always here for you, and there’s no shame in calling for backup.

2. Check Your Filters

Whether your system needs filters to be changed or simply cleaned, odds are that over the winter a lot of dust and dirt have accumulated.  Clogged or dirty filters can significantly increase the amount of work your system has to do in order to move air through your home, which can, in turn, significantly increase your cooling bills.  Take the time to check your filters, and if they’re dirty, either change or clean them.

3. Check Your Vents

Dust accumulates inside your home, as well.  Pet dander, ash from fireplaces that are used during the winter, or simple accumulations of winter grit and grime can collect on the vents within your home.  When you’re doing your spring cleaning, take the time to use a brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner and give the vents a good dusting.  This will prevent allergens from being forced into the air inside your home, and will also allow air to move more freely through your ducts, which reduces the amount of strain on your HVAC system.

 Read more here: http://www.phoenixsouthhvac.com/preparing-turning-seasons/

Keep Your System In Good Repair

When it comes to  air conditioner repair Mission Viejo and its sunny weather can make fixing that broken HVAC system a high priority.  However, if you’ve just installed a new system or if you want to be a good steward of the system you have, did you know there’s actually quite a lot that you can do to keep your system healthy?  Here’s our picks for the top good choices you can make to extend the life of your air conditioner.

1. Change Your Filters

Like “eat your peas” and “sit up straight”, most of us know that we should regularly clean or change filters anywhere they exist.  However, many people fail to change or clean their air conditioner filter regularly, either because they don’t realize the importance of this simple step or because they forget to do it.  Why change your filters?  Simple.  If your system has to pull air through a thick layer of dust, animal air, or other dirt, it has to work harder to move the same volume of air.  If it has to work harder, it will wear out sooner.

2. Keep The Area Around Your Outdoor Unit Clear

Everything from twigs, to grass, to leaves and even insects can get into your outdoor air conditioner unit.  Much like a dirty filter indoors, an exterior unit filled with debris can force your system to work much harder.  Take the time in the spring and fall to trim foliage and tree branches away from your unit, and inspect to make sure no insects are building nests inside.  If you do notice insects (such as wasps) taking up residence in your unit, contact a qualified exterminator.

3. Keep Your Vents Open

While it might seem more frugal to close the vents in your house, your system is designed to run with all the vents open.  Closing a few of them to “save” heating or cooling a room can cause damage to your system.  Keep your vents open to prevent your air conditioner’s premature aging.

Read more here: http://www.phoenixsouthhvac.com/keep-system-good-repair/

Finding A Real Pro

If your HVAC system isn’t performing the way it should be, odds are that you’re looking through all the options for  air conditioner repair Laguna Hills boasts, wondering which one you should choose.  An air conditioning system is a significant investment and choosing someone to work on yours can seem intimidating.  Here are a few things to keep in mind to help you narrow down your options.

1. Get Educated

The first thing to decide is exactly what you want your service technician to do for you.  For example, you might have different criteria for the person you’re hiring just to perform a spring cleaning and service of your system, compared to the company you might want if you’re considering replacing your air conditioning unit altogether.  It’s also useful to be certain of the issues you’re seeing.  Is your air conditioner not cooling all of your house effectively?  Is it running too much?  Making strange noises?  Not coming on at all?  Having a clear idea of what you want fixed can be useful when you speak to your service technician.

2. Ask Around

While you can always just hop on the computer and do a quick internet search until you find the name and number of a nearby HVAC company, taking the time to do a little bit more research can save you money and time in the long run.  Choose three or four companies that are near you, and then check out their online reviews.  Finally, take the time to check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if any complaints have been lodged against them.  (Word of mouth is always great as well–it can pay to ask friends and family which companies they’ve had good experiences with in the past.)

3. Check On Experience

Nobody wants to be someone else’s “learning experience”.  Your air conditioner repair technician ideally should have several years of training and on-the-job experience, and she or he should be happy to discuss this with you.  Like any other skill, taking care of air conditioners is actually something that you get better at with time.  (Not to brag, but we’ve been in business since 1997.)

Read more here: http://www.phoenixsouthhvac.com/finding-real-pro/

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/