Understanding the Quality Installation Standard and why you need it to select the right Arizona air conditioning contractor.

Choosing the right contractor to install your new air conditioner in Arizona is a decision that could end up costing you a lot more money if you don’t find the right people for the job. An incorrect installation can cause even the best system to break more easily, require more maintenance, and use much more energy than it actually needs. In fact, a top of the line 19 SEER system will be no more energy efficient then an inexpensive 13 SEER system if installed incorrectly.

So how can you find a contractor that you know will provide a high quality installation using just the right system to keep you cool and your energy bill low? The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) think they have an answer.

The Quality Installation (QI) Standard was introduced last year as a way to guarantee that your Arizona air conditioner installation met top standards that promote both comfort and energy savings. Already these QI standards have been embraced by both local and federal governments as well as utility companies.

It is expected that additional rebates will be offered by utility companies to consumers as a way to encourage using a contractor who follows the QI standards in the near future.

By choosing a QI contractor, you can expect an installation that adheres to the best industry practices for maximum comfort and energy efficiency. Additionally, a properly installed air conditioner will require fewer repairs and even extend the life of the unit significantly.

Air Conditioning by Jay is proud to have incorporated much of the Quality Installation Standard with all new air conditioning systems we install. We are known for our consistent record of high quality Arizona air conditioner installations. To find out why we are trusted by more than 30,000 homes and businesses in the Phoenix, Arizona area, visit our website or call us at 602-266-3678 today.

With gas prices at record highs and the economy in a little bit of a slump everyone is trying to save some money anywhere they can. As anyone with an air conditioner in Arizona knows, keeping your home cool during these hot summer months can be expensive. However there are ways to dramatically decrease your energy bill this summer.

Here are ten easy and inexpensive ways you can save big on your energy bill this summer.

1. Set your thermostat a little higher. Setting the temperature just a few degrees warmer can equal big savings on your energy bills. Particularly when you are leaving the house for a few hours, setting the thermostat to 85 or 90 means that you don’t have to pay a lot extra to cool an empty home.




2. Use a fan. Fans can make a room feel four to six degrees cooler and cost just pennies an hour to operate. Using a fan in conjunction with your Arizona air conditioner can equal big savings and increased comfort.




3. Use the cool outside air. As the sun goes down, the air starts to cool down so why not use it to keep your house comfortable? Once the air cools, open the windows and bring in the cool air with window fans. Then, as the sun rises and things heat up, close the windows and the curtains to hold the cooler air inside.




4. Block out the sun. Shading your windows with curtains or blinds during the day can reduce heat gain inside your house by up to 20 percent. Be sure that any window that is exposed to direct sunlight is protected from those hot Arizona rays.




5. Use a programmable thermostat. Digital thermostats can save a lot of energy by setting the AC around your schedule. Why use precious energy to cool a house that you are not in?




6. Consider other sources of heat. Did you know that using an oven raises the temperature of the room by 10 degrees? Try to do your baking, your laundry and any other chore that requires heat during the cooler hours of the night.




7. Change your lighting. Switching from incandescent bulbs to newer fluorescent lights is a real two for one deal. Not only will you spend 75 percent less in lighting your home year round, but the 90 percent less heat emissions means lower Arizona air conditioning bills.




8. Fix the ducts. Leaky air ducts can cause your air conditioner to become far less efficient. Hire a qualified Arizona air conditioning repair technician to fix any leaks and save up to 40 percent on your energy bill.




9. Seal the leaks. Small cracks in your house could be letting in warm air without you even knowing it. Vents, ducts, doors, windows and electrical conduits can all contain little cracks that are allowing hot air to come freely into your home.




10. Get rid of the heat in you attic. Attics get up to 150 degrees during the summer months and will cause your entire house to feel warmer. To fix this problem make sure your attic is well insulated with no less then 12 inches of fiberglass or cellulose.

Air Conditioning by Jay guarantees same day service for Arizona air conditioning repair and installation. Go to www.acbyj.com or call Valley wide at 602-266-3678 to schedule an appointment today.

Evaporative coolers, also called swamp coolers, have been touted as the energy efficient alternative to regular air conditioners in Arizona. Estimated to use up to 75% less electricity then regular air conditioning units, swamp coolers are able to lower the temperature of a room by up to 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

While they do boast some advantages over traditional Arizona air conditioning units there is some extra work which swamp cooler owners must do to prevent and repair some common problems.

• Water leakage: Generally caused by improper storage. Before parking your swamp cooler for the winter or monsoon seasons, it should be drained, cleaned and the pads should be routinely cleaned or replaced.




• Strange odors: Odors are caused by sitting or stagnant water or pads that need to be replaced. Be sure to replace the pads and clean the swamp cooler on a regular basis.




• Not providing enough cooling: Swamp coolers only work in dry climates (like Arizona!) otherwise they will only serve to add to the humidity. Also ensure airflow by opening doors and windows as well as checking pads for dry spots or clogs.




• Unit does not work: Check for broken fuses and tripped breakers. If this does not work the problem is best left to an experienced repair professional.




• Remember the Arizona Monsoon season generally is the time to switch from your cooler back to traditional air conditioning as the more humid conditions reduce evaporative coolers effectiveness.

Air Conditioning by Jay provides Arizona air conditioner repair throughout the valley. Learn more or contact us today by going to www.acbyj.com or calling 602-266-3678

Did you know that modern programmable thermostats can save you up to 20 percent on energy costs compared to older models? By automatically raising and lowering the temperature to accommodate your daily routine these digital wonders set the right tune for saving money with your Air Conditioner in Arizona.

With a 20 percent savings on energy costs, buying a new thermostat is a no-brainer but only if you use it correctly. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency a lot of people are using their thermostats incorrectly and are actually costing themselves a lot of money.

If you are going to be buying a new thermostat, here are some steps you can take to get the most out of your purchase.

Buy a model with the programs you need. New thermostats offer a number of programs from simple models that have the same settings every day, to more complicated (and expensive) models that can be customized for each day of the week. Know what will work best for your schedule and pick your thermostat accordingly.

Consider how convenient the thermostat is to use. Look for touch sensitive screens and other features that make the thermostat as easy to use as possible. Also look for a model that keeps its programming even after a black out or power failure. That way you don’t have to reprogram the whole system every time your power goes out.

Look for ease of installation. You want a model that can be installed in a snap, not one that will take you all day to figure out. Fortunately, a lot of today’s thermostats can be attached to your AC unit with just a few low voltage wires. Always match the thermostat to your specific Air Conditioning and Heating system.

Air Conditioning by Jay can help you with all of your Arizona Air Conditioning needs. Go to www.acbyj.com or call Valley wide at 602-266-3678 to schedule an appointment today.

Buying an air conditioner in Arizona can be a stressful and confusing process with long lasting consequences to both your wallet and your comfort. Fortunately the process is made far easier by air conditioning contractors who can evaluate your needs and come up with just the right system and installation to meet your needs and your budget. However, and this is the important part, while they can help you pick an AC unit, who can help you pick them?

Selecting the right contractor to install your air conditioner in Arizona is essential if you want a quick, easy installation, and a long lasting system that will keep your home cool and save you money on energy costs. Choosing the wrong company for the job can get you a shoddy system, terrible workmanship and a company that never follows through on their promises. Luckily there is hope; here are seven steps YOU can take to find the right contractor to install your Arizona air conditioner.

1. Do your research: make sure the contractor you use doesn’t have any complaints with the Better Business Bureau or the Registrar of Contractors. Also look at their professional certifications such as those from SRP, APS, NBI, BPI, BEI, NATE, and The Arizona Heat Pump Council.




2. Check with the government: permits must be filed with city hall before any work begins and inspection must be done once work ends. Call city hall and your home inspector to find out about your contractor’s record.




3. Meet face to face: Before you begin work with a contractor, meet face to face to ask any questions you might have. Ask to see their licensing and insurance papers and also ask them for references.




4. Get it in writing: Ask the contractor to provide you with a written estimate documenting the exact services they will be providing, the equipment you will be receiving, warranties offered, as well as a time frame for the job.




5. Determine payment options: Ensure that your contractor accepts the payment option that works for you. Determine if they offer financing, take checks, or accept your visa card. Also establish the down payment amount.




6. Schedule installation: Good contractors will work with you to set a time for the job that works with your schedule. Once the job is done they should also teach you to use the system and clean up after themselves.




7. Set up a maintenance plan: Your contractor should offer you an affordable annual maintenance plan for your Arizona air conditioner. Routine maintenance allows them to keep the system running properly and effectively. This results in longer equipment life and lower energy bills.

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

In 1996 the EPA announced that it would begin phasing out the refrigerant R-22 which is a major component in many of the world’s most popular air conditioners and refrigeration units. They started a gradual reduction in the supply of the refrigerant that will eventually lead to all supply being removed from the market by 2020.

This move was triggered because R-22 has been shown to deplete the ozone layer that is said to protect us from ultraviolet rays. Scientists have suggested that a depleted ozone layer increases the likelihood of skin cancer and cataracts, and also may cause harm to the yield of some food crops.

The price of R-22 is also expected to rise significantly in coming years as supply continues to fall and demand increases in order to carry out repairs on existing products. This means that those who still have Arizona air conditioner repair needs will be paying more to fix problems with R-22.

Fortunately there is an alternative to R-22 and that is R-410A. R-410A does not cause any problems for the ozone layer and is considered to be an excellent replacement for R-22.

Though there is still awhile to go before R-22 is phased out, many are already recommending the switch to R-410A which is known under various trade names including GENETRON AZ-20®, SUVA 410A®, and Puron®.

Air Conditioning by Jay’s Comfort Team installs and services both R-22 and R-410A air conditioners in Arizona. Learn more or contact us today by going to www.acbyj.com or calling 602-266-3678.

Before you go shopping for a new air conditioner for your Arizona home, you need to learn a little of the industry language. It will help you select the most efficient model that does not waste energy and saves money on monthly utility bills.

You will probably hear about the SEER rating on new air conditioners. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. The higher the rating, the more efficiently the air conditioner operates, leaving more of your cash in your wallet!

The federal government requires a minimum SEER of 13 out of a maximum rating of 20.

Why does the government set standards? Because higher-efficiency air conditioners save energy and cause less pollution.

There is a significant difference between a SEER rating of 13 and 20. The one with the SEER rating of 20 will use far less electricity to provide the level of comfort you want in your home

The unit with the higher SEER also saves money on electric bills. Well-designed new air conditioners are up to 70 percent more efficient than the current average. This can yield significant savings for consumers over the service life of their air conditioner.

A strong Phoenix air conditioning contractor like Air Conditioning by Jay can explain the differences in efficiency as the SEER number goes up and help you determine which air conditioner is right for your home.

If you have questions about air conditioner SEER ratings, ask us for answers.

Have you ever returned home from work to discover that you forgot to turn the air conditioner off or set the thermostat to reflect that no one was home? It happens in many homes.

Having the air conditioning blasting when no one is home is a BIG waste of energy and money.

Today’s digital and programmable thermostats can help solve the problem. Many of the homes in large developments all over Arizona were built with manual thermostats. These are not very accurate, and rely on a mercury filled tube to turn your system on and off.

The digital thermostats are very accurate, and many have the advantage of being programmable. You can pre-set the temperatures of the house for an entire week or more. If no one is home during the day, you can set your air conditioner at 85 degrees for most of the day, and have it go back to 78 degrees a half hour before anyone arrives back home.

Contact Arizona’s Air Conditioning by Jay to see a full line of these digital thermostats and select and install the one that best fits your family’s needs.

You are buying a central air conditioner to stay cool. The air conditioner unit also needs to stay cool and not be covered up to function properly.

Make sure your contractor installs the outside compressor in a shaded area, away from direct sunlight if possible.

Keep the outdoor unit away from bushes and shrubs, so that it can emit the “waste” heat that it generates. If anything blocks the unit, it cannot dissipate heat effectively, forcing the unit to work harder. This causes higher electricity bills.

The outdoor unit makes noise when it runs, although newer units run fairly quiet. Regardless, place it away from bedroom windows and away from neighboring homes, where its operating sounds can’t be heard and cause a disturbance. In Phoenix where air conditioning units can run for 24 hours in the hottest months, a noisy unit can become nerve wracking!

A licensed Phoenix air conditioning company will help you select the best location for your new equipment. The design experts at Air Conditioning by Jay know all the factors to consider, making you comfortable in the most energy efficient way possible. Talk with one of our experts to find out what is best for you.

There are many different brands and manufacturers of air conditioning units and related equipment available in the Phoenix area. Not surprising due to our extreme summer temperatures.

No one unit or brand is ‘best’. Think of it like cars, there are lots of different models with many different features, but there is at least one that is right for you, that has the features you want and is inline with your budget.

Air conditioning units come in all shapes and sizes, with different efficiency ratings, controls, and are designed for different sized living environments.

When looking to replace old air conditioning equipment, look for a company that stocks and services multiple brands. They will meet with you and after determining what features you want and what your budget is, will help you choose the best equipment for your particular situation.

Always use a licensed Arizona air conditioning contractor, as they have the training and experience to help you choose the right units, and have the expertise to install them properly.

When it’s time to upgrade your air conditioning unit in your home, which one is best?

While there is no one right answer to that question, when you deal with a Phoenix air conditioning company that is a certified contractor, they will use a few criteria to help you select.

The number one consideration is the size of your home, and the number of ‘zones’ that will have conditioned air. It is important to select the unit that is for the amount of square footage that will be covered.

One of the other big factors is the efficiency rating. While it is true that the most efficient units are more expensive, they are miserly with their use of electricity, and can save you money on your energy bill. Often these savings more than covers the extra cost of the highest efficiency rated units in the long run. Electric power providers like APS and SRP also give rebates for buying the most efficient equipment, and there are Federal Government rebates also that may apply.

The experts at Arizona Air Conditioning by Jay can help you sort through the noise to get the perfect solution for your home. Let us know how we can help you.

Are you experiencing any of these issues with your air conditioning system?

• Your system is 10 years old or older
• Your electricity use is increasing while your comfort is decreasing
• Your cooling system is noisy
• Your system runs longer to maintain thermostat setting

If so, SRP is recommending that you get your system serviced or you risk being very uncomfortable and paying much higher electricity bills than necessary.

Newer systems will also benefit from routine maintenance.

SRP wants to help, and has started it’s ‘SRP Powerwise Certified Contractor Program to help home owners find the right professional. They have set up a phone number, 602-274-6808 where you can get a referral to a certified contractor who will get your system in shape and show you how to save money.

AC by Jay is a Powerwise Certified Contractor! To contact us, go to www.acbyj.com or call 602-266-3678.

When asking whether air filtration systems work, you must first determine what type of filtration you are looking for.

Standard air filters on a furnace blower protect the fan and engine from large, lint, and other larger items that can get pulled into the motor and ultimately into the duct system.

However, when most people ask about air filtration systems, they are talking about systems that are meant to trap allergens and small particle pollution into the home. The most effective air filtration systems used what are called HEPA filters.

HEPA filters are tiny glass fibers made into a tightly woven paper. This tight weave allows air to pass through but blocks particles as small as 0.3 microns. That is 300 times smaller than the width of a human hair. They effectively block 99.97% of all pollutants

HEPA filters were developed by the Atomic Energy Commission and were designed to remove radio active dust from their plants. They are recommended by the US Department of Homeland Security.

Studies show that HEPA filter effectiveness can be further enhanced by combining their use with ionizers. Additionally, another study demonstrated that HEPA filters, when used with a germicidal UV lamp reduced bacteria by 80%.

If you are interested to find out how a HEPA filtration system can provide you better air quality in your home, contact AC By Jay. A member of our Comfort Team can speak to you or schedule a time to come out a go over your home filtration system options.

Programmable thermostats provide a more effective way to regulate your home’s comfort level.  They allow you greater control over your home’s heating and cooling system allowing you to vary the temperature based on your schedule and that of others living in the home.

For instance: If no one is at the house between the hours of 8:30am and 3:30pm, there is little reason to provide as much heating in the winter or cooling in the summer.  You can also set different weekend settings or settings by season/time of year.  Imagine your home’s heat coming on 20 minutes prior to the time you wake-up in the winter months.

These are all possible uses and settings for a programmable thermostat.  Of course, should your schedule be altered for a day, you can override settings and manually control your home’s heating and cooling levels as needed.

By providing such control, you can get the maximum comfort from your system while simultaneously saving money.  When you consider the wide temperature variations in Arizona, this can be substantial.

Because they reduce energy utilization, programmable thermostats are also more environmentally friendly.

If you would like to find out more about whether a programmable thermostat is right for your home’s comfort system, contact a member of our Comfort Team.  We would be happy to answer any questions or setup a time to come out and install a programmable thermostat in your home.

Your heating and air conditioning system is a critical factor in the comfort and enjoyment of your home.  Additionally, when working poorly, it can be a source of unnecessary costs.

Due to the fact that your system is typically made up of a complex series of interconnected components: fan, furnace, compressor, duct work, filters, etc. it requires specialized knowledge to ensure it is working as effectively as possible.

At AC By Jay, we understand how important a properly working system is for our customer’s comfort level and pocket book.  That is why we place such a huge emphasis on our certifications and technical training.

Our technicians and our company undergo rigorous ongoing training and certification by local and national agencies and trade organizations.  Believe me, we don’t do this so we can drop names of fancy letters after our name most of our customers don’t kno