Archive for the ‘Arizona Air Conditioning’ Category
Thursday, September 8th, 2011
Tips for saving on heating and cooling bills
According to the federal government’s Energy Star heating and cooling guide, The average household spends more than $2,200.00 a year on energy bills, with nearly half of this going to heating and cooling costs.
Saving energy means saving money but does not mean that you have to sacrifice your normal day to day activities. It’s how and when you use your energy that could really help decrease the amount spent on energy consumption. Here are a few tips that you can use to lower your utility bill.
Setting and Programing your Thermostat
Setting your thermostat to 78 in the summer and 68 in the winter will save you money on your utility bills. If your household is empty during the week for any length of time you need to consider having a programmable thermostat installed. If you have a programmable thermostat you will want to program your thermostat 2 – 3 degrees higher (in the Summer) and lower (in the winter) than what you usually have your thermostat set at when you’re at home. By having a programmable thermostat installed and used properly you could save about $180.00 a year in energy costs.
Maintenance
If you are responsible for a car then you are familiar with how important maintaining your car is. You have to change your oil, check your tire pressure, check your break pads, ect. every so often. The same is for your air conditioner and heater. By having your equipment maintained every 6 month’s (before each season) durastically reduces the chance of a breakdown. Changing your filters is one of the most import tasks in maintaing your system and is is something that homeowners can typically do on their own. By keeping your filters fresh and clean you are lessening the debri that builds up on your coils. Keeping your coils clean ensures that the air flow is not restricted. If the coils are clogged not only are you doing damage to your system you are also increasing your utility bills. Maintenance is always a good idea just for the sake of peace of mind in knowing that you had a professional go over your system and that you took the appropriate measures in ensuring you get the maximum performance out of your system. Click here to read more about air conditioning and heating maintenance.
Duct Test and Sealing
If you are like most homeowners, as long as your cooling and heating 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 systems are installed in attics or building cavities where they are hidden from view and rarely inspected. Fixing duct leaks could save you more than $200.0in your annual energy costs while improving the comfort in your home.
The results of an APS study in Arizona found:
- In Arizona’s desert climate, on average 50% of your annual energy bill is spent on running your heating/cooling system.
- As much as 33% of a heating/cooling systems airflow could be leaking through ducts causing a loss of comfort and system capacity.
- The impact is most severe in ducts installed in attics where temperatures can exceed 140 degrees in the summer
- On average, almost 15% of cooling capacity is wasted due to duct leakage. While there will always be some leakage, homes with properly sealed ducts can often reduce leakage 3 to 5%.
For more information on this program Click Here to visit APS Rebate Program Site or Click Here to visit SRP Rebate Program site
Tags: Air Conditioning, APS, Asthma, Benefits, Comfort Living, Contracts, Customer Service, duct repair, duct test, Efficiency, Maintenance, Save Money, Savings, Tune ups
Posted in Air Conditioning Industry News, Arizona Air Conditioning, Arizona Air Conditioning Repair, Arizona Heat Pumps, Arizona Heating Systems, Arizona Indoor Air Quality, Arizona Weather, Comfort Team News, Energy Efficiency, Maintenance, Monthly Specials, Trane Air Conditioning, Trane Furnaces in Arizona, Uncategorized, York Air Conditioners | No Comments »
Tuesday, July 12th, 2011
As we continue in the triple digits here in AZ the last thing we want to do is open our utility bill. We have a few tips that will keep your home comfortable while maintaining a reasonable utility bill.
One of the easiest and most affordable way to ensuring you stay comfortable is by changing your filters regularly. That means if you use 1″ filters change them monthly, 2″ filters change them every other month, 4″ filters every 6 months. Changing your filters regularly will keep the flow of air consistent across your coils. If you have clogged filters it restricts the air flow which will cause your system to freeze up in turn your air conditioning system will start to blow warm air. NOTE: Above are suggestions as to when to change your filters if you have construction going on around the house or have pets you might want to change them more often.
It is no surprise that 65% of our utility bill is the usage of our air conditioning system. That is why it is so important to maintain your A/C equipment regularly. By having your air conditioning system maintained regularly will ensure your system is running at maximum efficiency as well as keeping peace of mind that your system will not fail in the extreme heat. It is recommended that you maintain your system every 6 months or before each season (Summer and Winter) starts.
Keeping your air conditioning system thermostat set to a comfortable setting but not trying to freeze your home. If you leave your home on a daily basis for a few hours or more an important tip that we can give you is to raise the temperature of your thermostat about 2-4 degrees higher than what you usually keep your thermostat at. This helps your system run less when no one is home. If you raise the setting too high, say to 85 degrees and then come home and change it to 75 degrees, your unit will run for a very long time to try and catch up. In these extreme heat conditions, it may take 1 hour of run time to lower the temperature of your home. This increases your utility bill, and adds stress to your system. By keeping your setting 2 to 4 degrees higher when not home you will actually save money and not strain your system. If you have a memory like I do I would recommend you having a programmable thermostat installed. You can program your thermostat for the days you leave for long periods to warm up and set it for about an hour before you get home to cool the house.
Ceiling Fans keep the air moving in your home. It makes your home seem cooler since you are moving the stagnant air around. Ceiling fans also distribute the air throughout the home to make the temperature more even, eliminating hot and cold spots.
The most costly but one of the best investments you will make is replacing your inefficient old air conditioning system. I know people don’t like to hear it but what you could save in your electric bill by having a new air conditioning system installed will over time pay for the air conditioning replacement itself. Not only will it lower your utility bills but you will be more comfortable in your home and not to mention the nice warranty your receive with the system.
I have to share this last tip even though it is not related to your air conditioning system. This is something I found out myself when I bought my home that had a pool. My pool pump was approx 10years old and one of my co workers informed me that having an old pool pump running consistently in the summer is costing me money. I replaced my pool pump with a Pentair variable speed pool pump and my utility bill dropped that very next month. I strongly recommend you look into replacing your pool pump. Check with your utility company as well, they most likely have a rebate program for upgrading your pool pump.
I hope these tips help keep you cool and comfortable this summer.
Tags: Air Conditioning, APS, Benefits, Comfort Living, Efficiency, Investment, Maintenance, New Airconditioner, New Installation, rebates, Replacement, Save Money, Savings, SRP, Tune ups
Posted in Arizona Air Conditioning, Arizona Air Conditioning Repair, Arizona Heat Pumps, Arizona Indoor Air Quality, Arizona Weather, Carrier Air Conditioners, Comfort Team News, Energy Efficiency, Maintenance, Trane Air Conditioning, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Tuesday, December 8th, 2009
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.
Tags: Air Purification, Asthma, Comfort Living, Health, Heating and Cooling Systems
Posted in Air Conditioning Industry News, Arizona Air Conditioning, Arizona Air Conditioning Repair, Arizona Heat Pumps, Arizona Heating Systems, Arizona Indoor Air Quality, Better Breathing | No Comments »
Thursday, October 8th, 2009
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!
Tags: Home Depot, Home Depot air conditioning, new air conditioner, new heating system, retail home centers, Sears air conditioning, sub contractors, warning
Posted in Air Conditioning Industry News, Arizona Air Conditioning, Arizona Air Conditioning Repair, Arizona Heat Pumps, Arizona Heating Systems, Arizona Indoor Air Quality, Arizona Weather, Carrier Air Conditioners, Comfort Team News, Energy Efficiency, Trane Air Conditioning, Trane Furnaces in Arizona, York Air Conditioners | No Comments »
Friday, September 25th, 2009
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.
Tags: Air Conditioning, Benefits, Maintenance, Repair, Repairs
Posted in Arizona Air Conditioning, Arizona Air Conditioning Repair, Arizona Heat Pumps, Arizona Heating Systems, Energy Efficiency, Maintenance | No Comments »
Thursday, September 24th, 2009
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
Tags: APS, duct repair, duct test, Efficiency, rebates
Posted in Arizona Air Conditioning, Arizona Air Conditioning Repair, Arizona Heat Pumps, Arizona Heating Systems, Arizona Indoor Air Quality, Better Breathing, Energy Efficiency, Maintenance, Monthly Specials | No Comments »
Saturday, August 22nd, 2009
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.
Tags: Investment, New Airconditioner, Replacement, Savings
Posted in Arizona Air Conditioning | No Comments »
Sunday, March 29th, 2009
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!
Tags: Efficiency, Maintenance
Posted in Arizona Air Conditioning, Arizona Air Conditioning Repair, Arizona Heating Systems | No Comments »
Monday, September 22nd, 2008
Over 50% of the heat gain into your home comes through your windows. Are you doing what you can to stop the heat?
The more heat that enters your home, the harder your Arizona air conditioner has to work to keep you cool this summer. By preventing heat gain, you can stay comfortable while saving money on your Arizona air conditioning bill.
Heat gain comes from a number of areas including walls, doors, ceilings and most importantly windows. Windows account for almost 50% of the heat gain that your home experiences each year. Many seek to combat this heat gain by installing new specially designed windows, however these are expensive and take a number years to recover the investment. Here are five ways you can stick with the windows you have while fighting heat gain.
- Check your windows for cracks or issues with caulking. Fix or replace if necessary.
- Install shade screens on windows and regularly inspect them for rips or tears.
- Use trees and shrubs to provide shade for your house. Deciduous trees are a popular choice because they provide shade during the summer, and shed their leaves during the winder for more sunlight.
- Use reflective window films to block out the sun. When buying these films, look for a heat gain coefficient of .40 or less.
- Install awnings over the windows.
By following these easy steps, you can stay cool for less without having to overwork your Arizona air conditioner.
To find out more about saving money on your Arizona air conditioning, call Air Conditioning by Jay at 602-266-3678
Tags: Air Conditioning, Savings
Posted in Arizona Air Conditioning | No Comments »
Saturday, September 20th, 2008
A short history of the Air Conditioner and how it shaped Arizona.
Air conditioning in Arizona allowed what was once a desert wasteland to become a thriving metropolis and ever popular vacation destination. Without the help of air conditioners, Arizonans would never have been able to withstand such harsh summer heat and create the expansive city we see before us today.
The first attempt at air conditioning was made in the 1830s by Dr. John Gorrie in Apalachicola, Florida to cool down hospital patients. It worked by blowing air over a bucket of ice and was used for malaria and yellow fever patients.
Over 50 years later, in 1881 a similar device was created for keeping dying president James Garfield cool and comfortable. This contraption kept the room over 20 degrees cooler, but at the expense of nearly a half million pounds of ice in two months.
By 1902, the first device that resembles a modern air conditioner was created by Willis Carrier, whose company still continues to make high quality air conditioners to this day. The machine cooled air and lowered humidity by using chilled coils.
After the first air conditioner was created, sales took off as many companies looked to purchase them for their industrial buildings and offices. The first home air conditioner was sold in 1914 to Charles Gates in Minneapolis. Unfortunately, the first models were incredibly large, expensive and highly toxic, so there was a lot of room for improvement.
Carrier continued to be an innovator by finding ways to replace the toxic chemicals as well as significantly reducing the size of the unit. Additionally, deals were made with movie theaters in 1925 which dramatically increased the popularity of the device.
After world war two finished, sales shot up dramatically with over one million units sold in 1953.
Air conditioners have continued to advance significantly as the years have passed, and have allowed millions to move to hotter states such as Arizona.
Air Conditioning by Jay can you help you keep cool this summer without a half million pounds of ice. 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
Tags: Contact Us, Customer Service, Right Contractors
Posted in Arizona Air Conditioning | No Comments »
