Filters Work with Arizona Air Conditioners to Purify the Air You Breath

In our last post we discussed ultraviolet germicidal irradiation and ozone generators as two methods to purify the air you breathe.  The most effective method for treating the air rather than the coils is duct systems that are in-line of your Arizona air conditioners. These systems are placed in the center of the duct and parallel to the air flow and are known as filter based purification.  They trap airborne particles by size exclusion. Air is forced through a filter and particles are physically captured by the filter.  There are several options to consider.

HEPA filters remove at least 99.97 of 0.3 micrometer particles, and are usually more effective for particles which are larger or slightly smaller. They are effective down to 0.01 micrometers in many cases, but become ineffective for particles smaller than 0.01 micrometer. HEPA purifiers which filter all the air going into a clean room must be arranged so that no air bypasses the HEPA filter. In dusty environments, a HEPA filter may follow an easily cleaned conventional filter (pre-filter) which removes coarser impurities so that the HEPA filter needs cleaning or replacing less frequently. HEPA filters do not generate ozone or harmful byproducts.

Filters for HVAC systems at MERV 14 or above are rated to remove airborne particles of 0.3 micrometers or larger. This is the most common filter used in residential Arizona air conditioners. A high efficiency MERV 14 filter has a capture rate of at least 75% for particles between 0.3 to 1.0 micrometers. Although the capture rate of a MERV filter is lower than that of a HEPA filter, a central air system can move significantly more air in the same period of time. Using a high-grade MERV filter can be more effective than using a high-powered HEPA machine at a fraction of the initial cost. Unfortunately, most furnace filters are slid in place without an airtight seal, which allows air to pass around the filters. This problem is worse for the higher-efficiency MERV filters because of the increase in air resistance. High efficiency MERV filters are usually denser and increase air resistance in the central system, requiring a greater air pressure drop and consequently increasing energy costs.

Lastly properly sealed duct work to prevent leakage is very important. You can have all the filters in the world but if the ducts of your Arizona air conditioning system leak, you will never have clean air.

As you can see there are different choices for purifying the air in your home. Most qualified HVAC contractors can properly evaluate your home and recommend the best route for you.

Combining Air Purification Systems with your Arizona Heating and Cooling System Can Improve Your Health

The number one most often prescribed drugs today are respiratory drugs such as Claritin, and Allegra.  According to the American Lung Association, there are now almost 70 million people across North America with upper respiratory problems AND it’s on the rise! That’s one in 4 people with respiratory problems with the elderly and children being the most affected.  With statistics like these you have to be asking yourself how you can clean up the air in your home.  Most experts agree the most effective way to clean the air in your home is through the use of filtration within your Arizona heating and cooling system. Several different processes of varying effectiveness can be used to purify air. Different processes may remove different contaminants, so there is an advantage in using more than one process in a purifier.  We’ll discuss ultraviolet germicidal irradiation and ozone generators today and filters in tomorrow’s post.

* Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation- UVGI can be used to sterilize air as it passes UV lamps via forced air. Air purification UVGI systems can be freestanding units with shielded UV lamps that use a fan to force air past the UV light. Other systems are installed in forced air systems so that the circulation for the premises moves micro-organisms past the lamps. Key to this form of sterilization is placement of the UV lamps and a good filtration system to remove the dead micro-organisms. For example, forced air systems by design impede line-of-sight, thus creating areas of the environment that will be shaded from the UV light.  However, a UV lamp placed at the coils and drain pan of your Arizona heating and cooling system will keep micro-organisms from forming in these naturally damp places.

 * Ozone generators – These produce ozone, and are sometimes sold as whole house air cleaners. Unline ionizers ozone generators are designed to produce significant amounts of ozone, a strong oxidant gas which can oxidize many other chemicals. The only safe use of ozone generators is in unoccupied rooms, utilizing “shock treatment” commercial ozone generators that produce over 3000 mg of ozone per hour. Restoration contractors use these types of ozone generators to remove smoke odors after fire damage, musty smells after flooding, mold (including toxic molds), and the stench caused by decaying flesh which cannot be removed by bleach or anything else except for ozone. However, it is not healthy to breathe ozone gas, and one should use extreme caution when buying a room air purifier that also produces ozone.

These are two options for working air filtration into the heating and cooling system that is an essential part of an Arizona home.  In our next post we will discuss filter based purification.

Heating systems in Phoenix Arizona

 With forecasted highs of 98 degrees in the middle of October, most people don’t think about the heating portion of their HVAC system. It doesn’t seem as important as their air conditioning.  Until it gets cold that is. But as residents of the valley of the sun know, it still gets cold enough in winter for the need to heat your home. You don’t need to see snowdrifts outside to feel the chill of the dessert at near freezing temperatures. Plus, after months of triple digit heat, it doesn’t take much to feel uncomfortable.

 People generally believe that Phoenix heating systems don’t get the wear and tear from constant use in Arizona.  But the fact is, most heating systems in Arizona are heat pumps. What this means is that after running all summer as an air conditioner, when it runs in heat mode, it is an air conditioner running backwards. The same components that ran all summer long are now running again, backwards. The condenser fan motor, blower motor and the compressor are running year round. They are still running just as they did in the summertime, only moving the refrigerant in the opposite direction. they actually “air condition the outdoor air”. In summer they absorb heat from inside your home and move it to the outdoor air. In Winter they absorb heat from the outdoor air and move it into your home.

 If you do have a gas furnace, its true, the compressor and outdoor fan motor do not run in the winter, but, the indoor blower that ran all summer is running all winter. Gas furnaces also produce carbon monoxide. Improperly vented flue pipes can cause serious health problems. The fact that the furnace isn’t used all summer can increase the chance of birds or other critters nesting in your flue pipe. This can prevent proper venting causing unsafe conditions for you and your family.

 Routine maintenance in the fall may seem silly, but it is just as important as your summer tune up. Checking combustion on gas furnaces and defrost operation of heat pumps can save you energy, frustration when the cold does come, and assure your safety in the winter months.

 Most Heating and cooling companies offer maintenance programs that provide a summer tune up and a winter tune up. Other benefits include discounts on repairs, extended service hours, extended warranties on repairs made and other services to keep your system running as efficiently as possible.

Consumer Reports states in the June 1998 issue (page 3)

” Consider purchasing a service plan, perticulary if it combines cooling and heating functions. Most plans include 2 visits… a plan may allow the contractor to spot problems before they lead to a breakdown. You may also get discounts on repairs and recieve priority service, which could be a blessing should your cooling system break down during those blistering summer months or on a bitter cold day”

 Air conditioning by Jays Comfort Team offer 3 tiers on Comfort Club Memberships to meet your individual needs.

Each offer amazing benefits to keep you comfortable year round. To learn more visit www.dialcomfort.com or give us a call @ 480-922.4455. 

WARNING!!!!!

Don’t buy a new air conditioning or heating system from any home center such as Home Depot or Sears without knowing who the installing contractor is.

Most people don’t realize when you purchase a new heating or cooling system from a home center or chain store, the work is performed by subcontractors who are charged 10% for the job. This means they could be cutting corners to make a profit. Don’t get caught with a subcontracting nightmare!! Investing in a new energy efficient heating and cooling system isn’t just buying the “box”. You are depending on the installing contractor to do the install correctly so you can enjoy the efficiency promised, and a long system life. The most important day in an air conditioner’s life is the day it is installed. Proper equipment size, proper duct design and quality installation practices are crucial to performance and the longevity of your investment.

At Air Conditioning by Jay’s Comfort Team we never subcontract any of our installation work. All installations and service are done by our highly trained, certified technicians.  100% of our technicians are NATE certified ( North American Trade Excellence) 100% are certified master technicians by the Arizona Heat Pump Council. We are recommended by APS, SRP and Southwest Gas. All of the training and certifications are to assure that our clients receive the very best service when purchasing a new system, have a breakdown or just having routine maintenance done on their system.   

The North Carolina Alternative Energy Corporation a non-profit organization, examined Air Conditioning manufacturers’ efficiencies versus the actual efficiencies that result after installation; they found the following:

90% of the units tested exhibited some sort of energy-wasting, comfort-robbing problem!                        
Other significant HVAC industry comfort energy related surveys reveal that:

*93% of equipment installed have Duct Leakage resulting in poor indoor air quality, health and safety concerns, drafts and uneven temperatures and may DOUBLE HVAC portion of the energy bill                                                                      
*54% of equipment installed have incorrect refrigerant charge resulting in increased failure rate, reduced moisture removal, equipment typically noisier, uneven temperatures and could add as much as 17% to operation costs.  Reduce life of system and major components (Compressors) causing elimination of ROI.                                                 
*47% of equipment installed are over sized resulting in equipment not running enough to wring out moisture, air in sunlit & shade rooms does not mix, equipment typically noisier and shorter equipment life                                                
*70% of equipment installed have incorrect air flow resulting in uneven temperatures, poor moisture control, noisy grilles and registers and could add as much as 10% to operating costs 

When you measure every aspect of any business for results,
you are no longer are guessing!   

                       
Benefits YOU receive and are guaranteed when choosing
AIR CONDITIONING BY JAY to perform your system UPGRADE!

*Only HVAC contractor with Quality Control Division in the business!
*Guarantee that YOUR installation falls in the top 10%!
*Most Certified, Professional staff in the Valley
*100% Satisfaction Guarantee, IN WRITING!
*Best Performance on YOUR investment!
*Longest Life Expectancy on YOUR Investment!
*Fewest Break Downs over the life of YOUR system!
*Quietest Operation Possible!
*Highest Utility Rebates Available!
*24/7 Support and Assistance!
*Free Deluxe Comfort Club Membership!
*Lifetime Thermostat Warranty!
*Lifetime Craftsmanship Warranty!

Living in Phoenix, AZ it is difficult to think about cooler temperatures with the known fact that Arizona is HOT.  With the weather starting to cool down we should all be aware of the importance of maintaining our heating equipment. 

Maintaining your equipment is just as important in the Fall as it is in the Spring.  No one wants to have their equipment fail especially when you need it.  Air Conditioning by Jay recommends having your heating/cooling equipment maintained twice a year.  Once before each season occurs.  If you do regular maintenance on your heating/cooling equipment it will bring you many benefits.  Such as prolonged equipment life, peace of mind and the equipment will be more energy efficient. 

As much as people think “well, the unit is running fine right now” that might not be the case.  Just because the unit is running to a consumers satisfaction does not mean the unit is running at full capacity.  By having preventative maintenance done regularly you can determine at a much earlier time when repairs are needed. 

Think of your equipment as a car.  Your car might be running fine but without regular tune-ups you could cause your car to have major problems.  You have to get your oil changed regularly, have your brakes checked and many other tune-up requirements done to keep your car in mint condition.  The same goes for your heating/cooling system the better you take care of your equipment the longer it will last with better efficiency.

Its a little know fact, that most systems in Phoenix, AZ are heat pumps.  A heat pump in the heating mode is a air conditioner running backwards.  Your are actually air conditioning the air outside.  All manufactures ship heat pumps to Arizona without secondary strip heat installed.  Any where else in the country they come with factory installed strip heaters.  This is due to the fact that we very rarely have temperatures below 35 degrees.  Most builders in Arizona don’t install the larger wire size needed for the extra amperage needed to run the auxiliary strip heat.  When the temperature drops below 40 degrees in the valley if your systems refrigerant charge is not exactly right your outdoor unit will freeze up or defrost more times than necessary.  When a heat pump goes into defrost mode it blows cold air into your house.  When it comes out of defrost mode it has to reheat the house back up this causes extremely long run cycles.  Which increases your energy consumption substantially. 

Having a thorough maintenance done in the Fall by a qualified contractor will assure proper system operation in the colder months.

APS will pay you up to $250.00 per system to have your ducts tested and sealed to help reduce leakage.

Air Condotioning by Jays Comfort Team is one of the few contractors who hold the required BPI certification to qualify you for the APS duct testing and sealing program. If you are like most home owners in Arizona, as long as your heating and cooling system is keeping you comfortable, you dont give it much thought. But what you dont see could be costing you hundreds of dollars every year. Most duct sytems in Arizona are installed in attics or building cavities where they are hidden from view and rarely inspected.

The results of a recent APS study found:

As much of 33% of a heating/cooling systems capacity could be leaking through ducts causing loss of comfort, decreased capacity and longer run cycles.

In Arizona’s climate, on average, 50% of your annual energy bill is spent running your heating and cooling system.

On average in Arizona, 15% of heating and cooling capacity is lost due to duct leakage.

The impact of duct leakage is most severe in duct sytems installed in attics where tempatures can reach 140 degrees or more in the summer months. Most homes in Arizona have attic ductwork.

Fixing duct leaks can save you more than $200.00 in your annual energy cost while improving the comfort and air quality in your home.

Most repairs to ducts are relatively easy to perform and not very expensive, especially when APS is offering rebates up to $250.00 per system. All homes are different and Air Conditioning by Jays Comfort Team is qualified and well trained to evaluate your home and offer realistic repairs that are beneficial to your energy consumption, your equipment lifespan and the air quality in your home. For more information on this program visit www.dialcomfort.com or http://www.aps.com/main/green/choice/choice_18.html?source=acjump

Did you know that during the hot summer months, Arizona air conditioners make up almost 50% of most peoples’ energy costs? For many people that means bills of $200, $300, or even more each and every month just for air conditioning!

And if you haven’t already heard, the Energy Information Administration recently predicted a 3.7% increase in residential electricity prices this year. That means that it is becoming more expensive than ever to keep cool during the blistering hot summer with your Arizona air conditioning.

Luckily there is a solution. New, long lasting air conditioners are much more energy efficient then their older predecessors and many offer energy savings of up to 60%!

That means that if you are currently paying $200 to cool your home, switching to a new air conditioner could save you up to $120 every summer month for years to come. Not to mention the many rebates offered for buying a new air conditioner (an average $1,200 savings).

If you want to figure out how much you could save during the summer months, take a look at your energy bills during the past 12 months. First add the total of all twelve statements and save that number. Next pick your lowest annual utility bill and take that amount times 12. Finally subtract the smaller number from the larger total and you will have an amount that is very close to the annual cost of operating your home comfort system.

When you combine a new high SEER air conditioning system with duct work modifications, you can reduce your annual cost of operating your home comfort system by over 60%. For Example an 1800 square foot home with a total annual electrical usage expense of 2600.00 that has a lowest annual March utility bill of $120.00 benchmarked times twelve would total $1440.00. 2600.00 minus 1440.00 = $1160.00, $1160.00 x 60% =$695.00 less in annual operational expenses. Not bad.

Buying a new air conditioner in Arizona might seem expensive, but after you consider your monthly savings and the rebates offered, your purchase might be the best investment you make for years.

If you need help choosing the right Arizona air conditioner hat will keep your home cool and get you all of the best rebates, call Air Conditioning by Jay. We have helped over 30,000 homes and businesses in the Phoenix, Arizona area with their air conditioning needs and we can help you too.

The benefits of routine precision tune ups on your Phoenix air conditioning and heating system pay you dividends everyday

The benefits of regular Precision Tune Up’s on your Phoenix air conditioning and heating system can give you tangible returns of added equipment life, lower monthly energy bills, and fewer repair costs. Phoenix air conditioning and heating systems need regular maintenance check ups to keep it running at the designed efficiency levels throughout its life. Things as simple as a dirty condenser coil will cause your compressor to work at higher pressures, which mean it will draws more amperage, and will eventually fail.

You pay the electric company for the amps you use so every month your electric bill is higher and you will need a new compressor sooner than you would have had if you would have maintained your system properly. The benefits of proper maintenance on your Phoenix air conditioning and heating system far outweigh the costs associated with neglecting your system. More information about your Phoenix air conditioning and heating system can be found @ www.dialcomfort.com

Phoenix Air conditioning & Heating Service Agreements

Most Phoenix air conditioning and heating contractors offer preventative maintenance plans where they will automatically conduct a Precision Tune Up on your system on a regular basis. The benefits of this type of plan are two fold. First, your system is cleaned and checked by a trained HVAC professional who is aware of the most common problems that can occur with your specific type of equipment. in Phoenixes harsh summer environment.

The Precision Tune Up on your Phoenix air conditioning and heating system should include checking the indoor and outdoor coils for cleanliness, checking the filter, checking your duct system for leakage, checking the condensate line for proper drainage, using gauges and thermometers to assure the proper refrigerant charge and temperature split across the coils. These checks are the basic checks that should be done on your Phoenix air conditioning and heating system. A truly well trained technician should also use specialty tools to check things such as the amp draws of all electrical components, the proper condition of all run and start capacitors, check and tighten all electrical connections, meg ohm the compressor windings, and use of air flow tools to determine if your system is moving the proper amount of air across the indoor coil.

All of these things, if checked by a competent HVAC professional should give you piece of mind that your Phoenix air conditioning and heating system will not break down when you need it the most, that you are maximizing your energy consumption, and that you will get the most life from your Phoenix air conditioning and heating system. Other benefits include discounts on repairs, priority service in the event of a breakdown, and reduced overtime rates if you do have a problem after normal business hours.

For more information on Precision Tune Up’s contact us today!

EnergyStar at Home interactive website gives tips and tricks for lowering your energy use throughout your home.

EnergyStar, the Environmental Protection Agency endorsed labeling system made to promote high energy efficiency on appliances, has a new tool for consumers looking to save money on their energy bills.

Called EnergyStar at Home, this interactive graphical website provides tips and tricks all around the house for saving on your energy bill.

The site is split up by room of the house as well as by individual appliance and offers numerous tips that could be useful to even the most energy conscious among us.

Arizona’s Air Conditioning by Jay installs air conditioners in Phoenix homes and businesses with the Energy Star label. If you’d like to learn more, use our privacy assured online form or call us at 602-266-3678.

Customers of APS now have the option of going green on their energy usage on all of their appliances including their Arizona air conditioners.

The Green Choice Rate Program by APS offers a way for environmentally conscious Arizonans to make a difference by choosing to have their energy come from clean sources including wind, geothermal, and solar power.

According to APS “Green Choice options offer a way to help preserve the environment while providing for a secure energy source for our future. You’ll be making use of renewable resources, reducing pollution and ensuring a better quality of life for our community.”

Currently there are three options available to APS customers to fit various budgets. GPS-1 and GPS-2 make use of wind and geothermal energy and costs and additional $0.01 per kWh of energy on top of your usual costs. You choose how much clean energy you would like to buy either in blocks of 100kWh, or by percentage (10%-100%) and APS uses that amount of clean energy to power your home.

For those interested in solar power, the third option is called Solar-3. You can choose to have either half or your entire house powered by solar energy for a charge of $0.166 on top of your normal energy costs.

Go to the Green Choice Rate Program website for more information.

If you need help selecting the right environmentally friendly air conditioner in Arizona, Air Conditioning by Jay can help. We offer a wide variety of Arizona air conditioners and are sure to have one that meets your needs. Contact us today by using our privacy assured online form or call 602-266-3678