Archive for the ‘Arizona Air Conditioning Repair’ Category

Is Your Arizona Air Conditioner Giving You Problem Warning Signs?

Wednesday, July 23rd, 2008

A guide to common warning signs that mean it is time to replace your Arizona air conditioner.

As anyone who has ever needed their Arizona air conditioner repaired during the hot summer months will tell you, a broken air conditioner will make you completely miserable. Many people actually have to leave their homes and stay with a friend or at a hotel just to avoid the heat while their air conditioner in Arizona is repaired or replaced.

While there is no 100% forecast for when your old air conditioner will sputter out and die, there are some warning signs. By paying attention to these signs, you can take action before you are forced out of your home and into a hotel room.

Warning Sign #1: Your Unit is Over 10 Years Old. If your Arizona air conditioner is over ten years old, it stands a far greater risk of malfunctioning then a newer unit. By switching to a newer system, you will save over 20% on your energy bill, reduce greenhouse gas, and ensure that you stay cool this summer.

Warning Sign #2: Increased Need for Arizona Air Conditioner Repairs. Even if fixing minor problems is not costing you very much, if your unit needs “semi-frequent” repairs it could be reaching the end of its lifespan.

Warning Sign #3: Energy Costs Shoot Up. Higher energy costs could mean that the system has started to operate less efficiently and might need to be replaced soon to avoid astronomical cooling bills.

Warning Sign #4: Rooms Stay too Hot or Get too Cold. This might be a sign that the system is starting to malfunction. It could also mean you have ductwork/airflow problems or inadequate insulation.

Warning Sign #5: Your Home Gets Dusty. Excessive dust is often caused by leaky ducts that pull particles from attics, basements, and even outside!

Warning Sign #6: Your Arizona Air Conditioner Gets Noisy. Increased noisiness could be caused by an inadequately sized duct system or a malfunctioning indoor coil. Also, newer systems are almost all much quieter then their older counterparts.

If you have started to notice any of these warning signs, it might be time to replace your Arizona air conditioner before it breaks when you need it most.

Air Conditioning by Jay can help you select and install the right air conditioner for you, quickly and affordably. Contact us today using our privacy assured online form or call 602-266-3678.

Posted in Arizona Air Conditioning, Arizona Air Conditioning Repair, Arizona Indoor Air Quality, Arizona Weather, Better Breathing, Energy Efficiency | No Comments »

Why You Need a Surge Protector to Protect Your Arizona Air Conditioner

Wednesday, July 16th, 2008

Why you need the right surge protector to prevent your Arizona air conditioner from frying.

Monsoon season is upon us in Arizona and that means it’s time for buckets of rain, huge lightning storms, and a whole bunch of people getting their cars stuck in washes.

One thing you might not be thinking about this monsoon season is power surges and what they can do to your air conditioner in Arizona. The Air Conditioning by Jay Comfort Team Technicians see it all the time, power surges causing whole Arizona air conditioning systems to get zapped because they weren’t protected properly.

In most homes you’ll find surge protectors on computers and home entertainment equipment to protect these appliances from the many power surges they see. When comparing these appliances to your homes Arizona air conditioning system it is amazing to see how few are actually protected.

Without the proper protection a power surge in your house can cause your air conditioner to break beyond repair leaving you to pay thousands for a new unit.

While lightning is the most obvious source of a power surge, it is not the only culprit. Utility events, cycling of air conditioners, generators, motors and appliances can also produce damaging surges. This means that even once the monsoons end you could be still at risk.
Fortunately, certain surge protectors have been created specifically to protect your Arizona air conditioner. Choosing the right surge protector allows you to relax knowing that you will not be weighed down with an expensive new installation bill because of a power surge at your home or business.

Air conditioning by Jay knows how important selecting the right surge protector is and will help you find the one that works best for your system. To learn more, visit our website or call us at 602-266-3678 today.

Posted in Arizona Air Conditioning, Arizona Air Conditioning Repair, Arizona Weather | No Comments »

Protect Your Home Against Moisture Damage

Monday, July 14th, 2008

Why moisture damage might cost you thousands of dollars in repairs and how to prevent it.

Contrary to the popular saying “it’s a dry heat”, Arizona residents are about to see humidity levels rise and rain fall by the bucket load as monsoon season kicks into full gear. Unfortunately, those high levels of humidity bring something that Arizona air conditioners don’t handle very well, moisture removal that can sometimes result in damage to your home.

With rising humidity levels, condensation systems (drains) begin to fail and leaks begin to develop. What starts as a slow drip from your ceiling or wet carpeting in your hallway quickly expands into an expensive problem. Moisture damage can ruin your flooring, destroy your drywall, and cause you to replace the insulation throughout your home. Damages caused by moisture in Arizona have been known to cost thousands of dollars and countless hassles to fix; so much for a dry heat.

Fortunately, there are ways to safeguard your home against moisture damage. The most effective method that is recommended by most HVAC professionals is installing a condensate EZ trap with an electronic drain safety switch onto your existing Arizona air conditioning system.

An EZ Trap Drain Safety Switch will monitor the condition of your existing drain system to ensure water is not backing up or going where it isn’t supposed to be. This means you can rest easy without having to worry about moisture damage costing you thousands in home repairs.

For more information about moisture traps or for questions about any other Arizona air conditioning repair or installation service, contact us online or call us at 602-266-3678.

Posted in Arizona Air Conditioning, Arizona Air Conditioning Repair, Arizona Indoor Air Quality, Better Breathing | No Comments »

The Causes and Effects of Poor Arizona Air Conditioner Installation

Friday, July 11th, 2008

The facts about “bargain” contractors and how to stop them from incorrectly installing your air conditioner in Arizona.

Of the 7.1 million air conditioners installed in 2006, 60 percent of them were replacements for existing units. Many of the over 4.26 million replacements were for units that broke during peak usage, which as we know from our Arizona air conditioning experiences means 115 degree heat.

Obviously as a home owner your first instinct after your unit breaks is to call around or search the web to find an air conditioning company that can get to you that same day. If your system is more than 10 years old you may elect to have a new high efficiency air conditioning system installed. Unfortunately, this urgency to have a new unit installed quickly tempts many air conditioning companies to focus more on a quick turnaround then a quality installation. And, because a good technician is more expensive to hire and harder to find, these hasty contractors often hire poorly trained, unlicensed, or unqualified people to install air conditioners in Arizona.

This savings to them might mean you are offered prices and performance promises that are simply unreasonable. Unfortunately, these savings are short lived to the many people who are duped by these “bargain” companies. As these unfortunate home owners quickly find, incorrectly installed units will skyrocket their energy costs. They also require much more to repair and maintain over the life of the unit then a well installed Arizona air conditioner.

It is also because of these poorly installed units that Arizona Public Service has found the average Arizona air conditioning unit is operating at only 60 to 65 percent of designed capacity. This eliminates many of the savings involved with buying a better system.

Be absolutely certain that whoever you choose to install your air conditioner in Arizona is completely qualified to install your unit correctly and expediently.

Air Conditioning by Jay adheres to the highest standards when they install your new energy saving Arizona air conditioning unit. Our Comfort Team technicians are highly trained and certified to provide you with a top quality system installation. To learn more, visit our website or call us at 602-266-3678 today.

Posted in Arizona Air Conditioning, Arizona Air Conditioning Repair | No Comments »

Air Conditioning by Jay Wins National Contractor of the Month Award

Thursday, July 3rd, 2008

acbyjay_staff Air Conditioning by Jay is proud to announce that our founder, Bryce Johnson, has been selected as the NCT Contractor of the Month from a pool of thousands of the best contractors in the country. This is a huge honor for Bryce and the whole Air Conditioning by Jay team who, since 1983, have serviced over 30,000 Phoenix area homes.

The NCT Contractor of the Month award is given by the National Comfort Institute, one of the top national training organizations created to certify HVAC and Plumbing contractors. The NCI has certified over 6,000 contractors and continues to train and certify 1,000 to 1,500 professionals each year.

This award honors not only Air Conditioning by Jay’s top adherence to quality installations and repairs, but also its status as one of the fastest growing HVAC contractors in Arizona.

We would like to thank all of our customers for their support in helping us to become the contractor of the month.

Posted in Air Conditioning Industry News, Arizona Air Conditioning, Arizona Air Conditioning Repair, Comfort Team News | No Comments »

Is It Time to Replace Your Arizona Air Conditioning Unit?

Sunday, June 29th, 2008

Not sure if you are ready to take the plunge and invest in a new air conditioning system? Here are some considerations to think about when you are making this difficult decision. Remember, most Arizona air conditioners last for 12 to 15 years with proper installation and maintenance.

New air conditioning systems last longer then ever and provide increased energy efficiency.
The entire system must be replaced. The two parts of the system, the indoor coil and the outdoor condensing unit, were once capable of being mixed and matched but due to the high technology, high efficiency units, both parts must now integrate perfectly.
Your system needs to be the right size for your home. This is very important because a small system will not keep you cool while a large system will be inefficient and cost you more in energy bills.
Your house’s power source might need upgrading. If you are living in an older home it might only contain 110-volt, 60-amp service which is probably only capable of handling the electricity requirements you already have. Adding air conditioning in Arizona to your home might require you to upgrade your electrical output to a dedicated 230-volt circuit with between 20 and 50 amps of power.
Know your new systems SEER rating. SEER is a measure of how energy efficient you air conditioner is. The government mandates that all new systems be rated at 13 or higher. The higher the SEER rating is the better, but higher SEER also means higher prices.
Make sure the air conditioning system is properly matched. Ask the technician for an ARI Reference Number. Enter the number into ARI’s Directory of Certified Product Performance and it will verify that the match is correct and provide you with a certificate. For highly efficient systems you might be able use this certificate to obtain a tax credit.
Know how quiet you need your air conditioner to be. Most Arizonans are used to the constant sound of air conditioning and new units are far quieter then their older counterparts but there are still differences. If you are looking for even quieter performance parts, insulated compressor compartments, discharge mufflers and new fan designs might be worth your money. All ARI rated Air Conditioners have decibel ratings. Better systems are rated in the low to mid 70’s range. The lower the rating the quieter your system will be. If quiet Air Conditioning is important to you remember to compare decibel ratings.

Purchasing a new air conditioner in Arizona doesn’t need to be difficult. Air Conditioning by Jay’s Comfort Team technicians can help you choose exactly what you need and match you with the right air conditioning system. Learn more or contact us today by going to www.acbyj.com or calling 602-266-3678.

Posted in Arizona Air Conditioning, Arizona Air Conditioning Repair, Energy Efficiency | No Comments »

Maintaining Your Arizona Air Conditioner the Right Way

Friday, June 27th, 2008

Want to get the most out of your air conditioner in Arizona? Here are some steps you can take to keep your AC running smoothly and effectively.

Change the air filter regularly. Dirty air filters will keep air from flowing correctly and by keeping your filter clean; you can save between 5 and 15 percent on energy usage. Be sure to follow all manufacturer recommendations and turn the system off while changing the filter.
Do not block your inside air condition vents with furniture. Vents need to be unobstructed so that the air can circulate freely.
Keep the outdoor condensing unit clean. This large box in your yard should be kept clean from plants, grass, leaves or anything else which might block its airflow and reduce efficiency. You should also clean the unit off from time to time with a hose.
Close vents in unused rooms and keep doors to those rooms closed.
Keep the fan speed on high. Unless Arizona starts to get humid, a high fan speed is best to keep your house at the perfect temperature.
Hire a professional certified Arizona air conditioner repair specialist. Problems with your system are best fixed by trained professionals who know exactly what needs to be done to maximize efficiency.

Air Conditioning by Jay maintains thousands of air conditioners in Arizona. Learn more or contact us today by going to www.DialComfort.com or calling 602-266-3678

Posted in Arizona Air Conditioning, Arizona Air Conditioning Repair, Arizona Weather, Energy Efficiency | No Comments »

5 Steps for Saving Energy with Your Air Conditioning in Arizona

Thursday, June 26th, 2008

As we enter these hot summer months, air conditioning in Arizona is going into overtime and people who are not prepared are going to see their energy bills shoot through the roof. In fact the Department of Energy estimates that heating and cooling accounts for almost half of a homes energy use. In Arizona it’s typically even more!

Fortunately there is hope for those of us who are looking to save some money this year. Here are five steps that you can follow to save energy with your Arizona air conditioner.

Regularly Maintain Your Equipment: Having annual maintenance on your air conditioner ensures that it operates in tip top shape. This will help keep energy efficiency high and your system lasting longer.
Seal and insulate your house: Seal off air ducts leading to non air conditioned places like garages and attics. Be sure to use either mastic or foil-backed tape. Once you have sealed off leaky ducts, wrap them with insulation to keep the cold air going exactly where you want it to.
Buy a programmable thermostat: A programmable thermostat allows you to set the temperature of the house automatically. When you are gone at work you can save energy by having the air conditioning automatically switched off until right before coming home when it can automatically switch back on. The EPA estimates that if properly used, this type of thermostat can save over $150 a year.
Replace your old air conditioner: If you have an old AC unit, you might be spending far more then you should on energy costs. New air conditioners are far more energy efficient then older models. You can compare models by looking at their SEER rating (the higher the better).
Use a qualified Arizona air conditioning technician: Using a certified professional ensures that your air conditioning system will be the right one for your needs. He or she will properly match, size and install you system to the correct specifications. Proper installation ensures that you will get the maximum energy efficiency out of your new Arizona air conditioner.

Find out why Air Conditioning by Jay is the contractor of choice for over 30,000 Arizona homes and businesses. Go to www.DialComfort.com or call Valley wide at 602-266-3678 to schedule an appointment today.

Posted in Arizona Air Conditioning, Arizona Air Conditioning Repair, Arizona Weather, Energy Efficiency | No Comments »

What to Do If Your Arizona Air Conditioner Won’t Turn On

Monday, June 23rd, 2008

It’s summer time in Arizona and as anyone who has spent more then a minute here knows, that means it’s time to turn the air conditioner on to full blast and avoid the outdoors at all costs. So what happens when you go to turn on your precious air conditioning unit and it absolutely refuses to turn on?

First things first, DON’T PANIC. Air Conditioning by Jay’s Comfort Team has made a whole lot of house calls to handle Arizona air conditioner repairs and we’ve found that there are a number of things that home owners can easily do on their own without having to call us to get their air conditioner running.

The first thing you will want to do is check your thermostat to make sure it is set to run at a level that is cooler then room temperature. With that handled, it’s time to move on to the electrical panel.

Just like with lighting, you air conditioner is connected to the fuse box so if you’ve blown the fuse connected to your AC, you need to replace it. Also while you are there make sure that the circuit breaker is switched to the on position. The air conditioning unit should also be connected to an outdoor disconnect box so if your unit has one of those, be sure to check the fuses there as well. Make sure you disconnect all electrical power before you begin to avoid injury.

Finally make sure that your filters are clean. Dirty filters restrict or cut off the flow of air and might prevent your air conditioner from operating properly or at all.

If you continue to have a problem after following these steps use our privacy assured online form to contact Air Conditioning by Jay, we specialize in Arizona air conditioners and Arizona air conditioning repairs and guarantee same day service. You can also call us Valley wide at 602-266-3678 to schedule an appointment today.

Tags: Maintenance, Repair, Repairs
Posted in Arizona Air Conditioning, Arizona Air Conditioning Repair, Arizona Heat Pumps, Maintenance, Trane Air Conditioning, Trane Furnaces in Arizona, York Air Conditioners | No Comments »

Repairs To Air Conditioning Equipment Requires A Specialist

Saturday, May 31st, 2008

As much as we applaud the ‘do it yourselfer’, repairs of air conditioners in Phoenix requires the expertise of a certified and licensed contractor.

An Arizona air conditioning company has the specialized equipment and tools necessary to test, diagnose, and repair all the normal problems that you may experience. Today’s equipment is more complicated that it was in the past. Worse, you could release the Freon gas that is dangerous for the environment or get a powerful electric jolt!

Put away the toolbox, and let professionals handle the problems. If you insist on trouble shooting, always read the owners manual and follow the instructions carefully.

If you need professional air conditioner service, Arizona’s Air Conditioning by Jay guarantees to help you today. Let us know if we can help you.

Posted in Arizona Air Conditioning Repair | No Comments »