Archive for the ‘Arizona Air Conditioning’ Category

Want to Know How Much a Home’s Energy Costs in Arizona Are?

Wednesday, August 27th, 2008

Whether you are thinking about moving and wondering how much you will pay for energy in your new home, or you’re simply curious, about what you can expect to bay for energy this year, we have your answer. Thanks to some handy tools by SRP and APS, anyone can quickly assess an Arizona home to discover their average expected monthly energy bill.

The first tool by APS is a simple application that only requires you to input the address you are interested in. If that address is an APS customer, it will provide you with the average bill amount during the last 12 months rounded to the nearest $5. Access this tool here.

SRP’s energy usage tool is more complicated, however it is quite useful if you don’t know a particular address or if you are not an APS customer. It is also incredibly useful for seeing how changes to your energy usage and appliances can significantly change your bill.

To start, go to SRP’s Home Energy Calculator and describe your home by answering a number of questions about the features and appliances your home contains. Then click the “calculate base house energy use” button.

The program will then come back with a ton of data projecting how much each appliance will cost you yearly and monthly, as well as a total overall cost projection.

To find out more about saving money on your Arizona air conditioning, call Air Conditioning by Jay at 602-266-3678



Does Size Matter in Arizona Air Conditioning?

Thursday, August 21st, 2008

With the push towards high efficiency air conditioners in Arizona, many top brands have beefed up the size of their units in order to inexpensively meet the demands required. Obviously, larger units mean bigger space requirements. Unfortunately, many find that there is never enough space to fit a large unit and are left to wonder how they can have a new Arizona air conditioner installed in their home.

Fortunately, there are some solutions. Thanks to new technologies, some of the top air condition manufacturers have developed significantly smaller units that are still incredibly efficient. These mini units are an excellent buy for someone looking to save space while still staying cool all summer long.

Here are some of the top picks for small air conditioners with huge cooling power.

York Latitude TCGD Series 13 SEER Air Conditioner

With a 13 SEER rating and an incredibly small footprint, the York Latitude is an excellent option for anywhere that size is an issue. This Arizona air conditioner can easily fit where most cannot yet it still offers the cooling power and efficiency of much larger models.

Other features of the unit include the much more environmentally friendly R-410A refrigerant, an all-aluminum MicroChannel coil with corrosion protection, a maintenance free fan, and a five-year parts and compressor warranty.



Carrier Performance Series Side Discharge Horizontal Air Conditioner

The Carrier Performance Series offers an ultra compact unit that can fit almost anywhere, but still offers major power and a 15 SEER rating. Additionally, the unit is incredibly quite at as low as 66 decibels. The refrigerant used is called Puron and is considered to be environmentally sound.

The Air Conditioner is also highly durable and weather resistant. A five-year parts and ten-year compressor warranty comes with every unit. Because of its design, it can be installed a near as six inches from a house and can also be placed on a roof or deck.

If you need help selecting the right low footprint air conditioner in Arizona, Air Conditioning by Jay can help. We offer a wide variety of air conditioners and are sure to have one that meets your needs



Get Environmentally Friendly Arizona Air Conditioning with Trane

Friday, August 15th, 2008

Are you ready to get environmentally friendly with your air conditioner in Arizona?

Earlier this month we wrote about what you can do to “go green” when purchasing a new Arizona air conditioner. We talked about looking for a system with a high SEER rating, choosing the new R-410A refrigerant, and getting a professional installation to ensure that your system lives up to its potential.

Trane, the maker of some of our most popular Arizona air conditioners understands the trend towards environmentally friendly units and has come out with some excellent options for eco-friendly homes and businesses.
Here are two of our favorite environmentally friendly Trane air conditioners:

Trane XL16iTrane XL16i Air Conditioner

The Trane XL16i in an ultra efficiency unit that offers a SEER rating of up to 17.15 making it incredibly efficient and likely to save you a ton on home cooling. Additionally the R-410A refrigerant means that you won’t hurt the ozone layer or release harmful toxins into the environment.

Other features include durable construction with WeatherGuard II, two-stage cooling to prevent interior temperature swings, and a ten-year limited warranty on compressors, outdoor coil, and internal functional parts.

Trane XR14

The Trane XR14 is a high efficiency unit with a SEER rating of up to 14. While not as efficient as the XL16i, the XR14 is

Trane XL16i

an excellent alternative for more budget conscious buyers. This unit also uses the safer R-410A refrigerant and is therefore an excellent choice for anyone interested in lessening their carbon footprint.

Other features of the XR14 include durable construction, a sound insulator for quieter operation, a ten-year limited

warranty on compressors and the outdoor coil, and a five-year limited warranty on internal functional parts. There is also an optional Trane Air Cleaner that removes dust, pollen and other irritants throughout your home or business.

If you need help selecting the right environmentally friendly Trane air conditioner in Arizona, Air Conditioning by Jay can help. We offer a wide variety of Trane 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.



What to Look For In an Environmentally Friendly Arizona Air Conditioner

Thursday, August 14th, 2008

With increasing concern about global warming, greenhouse gasses, and pollution, more people than ever have look towards more environmentally friendly and “green” options for keeping their home cool this summer with an Arizona air conditioner.

By considering a few very important options when choosing a new Arizona air conditioner, you can reduce your carbon footprint, avoid toxic chemicals, and save a whole lot of money thanks to reduced cooling costs.

If you have followed this blog for any amount of time, you’ll know that choosing an A/C unit with a high SEER rating is essential for energy conservation. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. The higher the rating, the more efficiently the air conditioner operates. An efficient air conditioner means that not only will you have lower cooling costs, but you also be helping the environment by using less energy.

Currently SEER ratings are required to be at 13 or higher, but chances are that if you have an older unit it has a SEER rating much lower than 13. In fact, modern Arizona air conditioners are up to 60% more efficient then older models. Replacing your old air conditioner is a great way to save money and go green.

Another very important issue to consider when purchasing an air conditioner in Arizona is the type of refrigerant used in your system. We’ve written previously about the EPA mandated phase out of the R-22 refrigerant and its replacement with the R-410A refrigerant. The EPA determined that the older R-22 chemical could be toxic and likely depleted the ozone layer.
Fortunately, scientists have discovered that the R-410A chemical caused no such problem and many have begun to purchase air conditioners with the new refrigerant. Using it is certainly the environmentally friendly option and it will also save money in the long run thanks to the expected price increase in R-22.

The final issue to consider when looking for an environmentally friendly Arizona air conditioner is the qualifications of the technician that installs the unit. Ultimately buying the best system in the world is pointless unless it is selected and installed correctly. Make sure that your technician is trusted and qualified to install air conditioners with the R-410A refrigerant.

Air Conditioning by Jay has helped homes and businesses all around Arizona install environmentally friendly air conditioners since 1983. Our technicians are master certified and have top level certifications from SRP, HPC, NATE, BEI, as well as most systems manufacturers. Contact us today by using our privacy assured online form or call 602-266-3678.



Find the Latest Rebates for Your Arizona Air Conditioner

Monday, July 28th, 2008

How to find the latest and greatest rebates to save you a ton when buying a new air conditioner in Arizona.

During the exceedingly hot Arizona summers, having a working air conditioner in your home ranks just behind food and shelter as the most important part of your continued survival. Without a working air conditioner in Arizona many people are forced to leave their homes and take refuge in better cooled places until it is bearable to return late at night when the temperature is slightly lower. As anyone who has needed to have their Arizona air conditioner repaired will tell you, this is far from an ideal or comfortable situation to be in for any amount of time.

If you are worried that your older air conditioner might break during a week of 115 degree days or you are simply interested in the energy savings and increased comfort that a new high efficiency air conditioner in Arizona provides, then it might be time to do some research. Many people who are shopping for a new unit find that no matter where they look, the price of a new unit is very expensive. However, they don’t realize that with the large savings they will have on their energy bill, the increased comfort they will gain, and the decreased harm to the environment, the unit is actually a far more affordable investment then they think.

Of course choosing to invest in an Arizona air conditioner is still a big purchase, but thanks to a variety of rebates from a number of sources, your air conditioner might end up costing you a lot less than you thought, even before the energy savings begin.

In Arizona, the utility companies APS and SRP both offer excellent rebates for anyone looking to purchase a new high efficiency system. Additionally, there are many tax incentives and rebates from all levels of government as well as a number of private organizations looking to encourage more energy efficient homes.

For an excellent way of finding many of the rebates you are eligible for, check out this rebate calculator.

If you need help choosing the right Arizona air conditioner that will keep your home cool and get you all of the best rebates, give Air Conditioning by Jay a call. 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.  Give us a call at 602-266-3678 today.



How to Zone Your Home for Top Arizona Air Conditioner Results

Monday, July 28th, 2008

An explanation of zoning systems and how they increase your comfort while saving you a ton on Arizona air conditioning bills.

As we all know, no two people are the same. Some people are tall, some short, some people want the temperature of their Arizona air conditioner set at 80 degrees, and others find 72 degrees to be optimal. Unfortunately, those people often live in the same house and many are often forced to compromise on a temperature that leaves nobody completely satisfied.

Fortunately, today’s technology allows everyone to be happy and all the while save a bunch of money on cooling costs. Using a system of dampers in the ductwork, zones of the house are created and each is controlled by its own thermostat. Zones can be segmented by upstairs and downstairs, by living area and sleeping area, or even individually room by room. Additionally if you have a home office, you can keep that cool without needing to cool the rest of the house that is left empty for much of the day.

The benefits of a zoning system are numerous and will make everyone in your family more comfortable while costing you less money. Since each room can set its own temperature, everyone in the house can be in their ideal comfort zone at all times.

Additionally, using a zoning system allows you to only use your Arizona air conditioner where it is needed. For instance during the day time, it is generally unnecessary to keep bedrooms cool as there will likely be nobody in them. By using a zoning system, no air will be used to cool unused rooms, thus saving you huge amounts on your energy bill.

If you are interested in using a zoning system with your Arizona air conditioner, Air Conditioning by Jay can help. Contact us today by using our privacy assured online form or call 602-266-3678.



Your Air Ducts May Be Costing You A Lot of Money on Your Air Conditioning in Arizona

Friday, July 25th, 2008

An explanation of common air duct problems and why fixing them can save you a bundle on energy costs.

Did you know that in the typical home 20 to 40 percent of the cold air that moves through a duct system is lost thanks to broken, damaged, or incorrectly installed parts. This means that a large percentage of your energy bill could be going towards cooling completely unused portions of your house such as crawl spaces or the attic. Additionally, this leaky system means that you will have a harder time staying cool with your air conditioner in Arizona during this particularly hot summer.

Here are the most common duct work problems according to studies performed by APS, National Comfort Institute (NCI) and the Arizona air conditioner repair experts on the Air Conditioning by Jay Comfort Team.

  1. Leaks at the connection with the ducts
  2. Return air duct leaks
  3. Furniture is blocking the air duct register
  4. There are leaks at the equipment and filter slots
  5. Insulation has fallen off of duct work in attics and crawl spaces
  6. Supply air duct leaks
  7. Kinks in duct work or improper installation which restricts the airflow

The more leaks and kinks your home develops, the harder time your Arizona air conditioner will have cooling your home. An inefficient duct system will make your home less comfortable and will cost you a lot of extra money on your energy bill.

A highly trained Arizona air conditioning repair technician can quickly identify the problem areas within your home and replace or repair all of the damaged, disconnected, and undersized ducts which make up the bulk of the problem. Your technician should also seal any leaks and all registers and grills, replace filters, insulate ducts, and conduct safety tests as part of the repair work.

If you need help with your duct work or any other Arizona air conditioner repair problems contact Air Conditioning by Jay. Find out why we are trusted by more than 30,000 homes and businesses in the Phoenix, Arizona area by visiting our website or calling us at 602-266-3678 today.



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.



Calculate Your SEER Energy Efficiency Savings for a New Arizona Air Conditioner

Monday, July 21st, 2008

How to choose the right air conditioner that will save you money and keep you comfortable using a simple online calculator.

Buying a high energy efficiency air conditioner in Arizona can seem like an expensive proposal. When the price difference between a 13 SEER system and a 21 SEER system can be quite substantial, many people are left to wonder if the better system is really worth it. Despite the fact that Arizona air conditioning uses a huge percentage of the energy consumed during the summer months, many are unsure that the energy savings justify purchasing the higher rated system.

Thanks to a new cooling calculator, people looking to buy a new system can now see approximately how much they will save or spend depending on which system they buy. Armed with this information, anyone can be confident that they are buying the right system to keep them cool while saving both money and energy.

Use the cooling calculator to compare Arizona air conditioners and find the one that will save you money and keep you cool all summer long.

To use this calculator you will need some basic information about the units you want to compare including the SEER rating, the cooling capacity, the cost of the unit, and whether you will use a programmable thermostat. You can get this information from your technician or you can find most of it at the manufacturer’s website.

Keep in mind that this calculator is based off of average use and may be different depending on your circumstances.

Air Conditioning by Jay can help you choose the right Arizona air conditioner for your home or business. We offer a wide selection of units from all of the most reliable brands. Find out why we are trusted by more than 30,000 homes and businesses in the Phoenix, Arizona area by visiting our website or calling us at 602-266-3678 today.



Protect Your Family from the Flu with Trane CleanEffects System

Friday, July 18th, 2008

A profile of the new Trane CleanEffects filter system and how it can protect your family from the flu and other airborne health problems.

According to new research by the Harvard School of Public Health, in collaboration with scientists at Environmental Health and Engineering Inc., a Trane CleanEffects system removes over 99% of the common flu, or influenza A virus, from a standard home’s filtered air. This reduced concentration of the virus means that you and your family are much less likely to catch the virus within your home then if you were not using the system.

Additionally, the system asserts to remove 99.98% of airborne particles and allergens from your home’s filtered air, a figure higher than any other system on the market.

Whole house air filtration systems have become increasingly popular thanks to the additional health benefits of breathing cleaner air. Asthma and allergy sufferers report considerable relief from using air filters such as the Trane CleanEffects system. Because the unit keeps such a high percentage of allergens from ever entering the air you breath, allergy suffers can gain much needed relief anywhere in their home.

The use of a whole house air filter like the CleanEffects system means that air circulating throughout the house is kept clean from most airborne particles. This is a huge improvement over single room air purifiers that only operate within a small radius and are far less effective at catching most particles. Further, the system attaches directly to your Arizona air conditioner so there is no extra appliances laying around to trip you up or get damaged.

If you are interested in attaching a Trane CleanEffects system to your Arizona air conditioner, Trane master certified dealer Air Conditioning by Jay can help. Contact us today by using our privacy assured online form or by calling 602-266-3678.