Archive for the ‘Arizona Heat Pumps’ Category
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 »
Tuesday, October 20th, 2009
Heating systems in Phoenix Arizona
With forecasted highs of 98 degrees in the middle of October, most people don’t think about the heating portion of their HVAC system. It doesn’t seem as important as their air conditioning. Until it gets cold that is. But as residents of the valley of the sun know, it still gets cold enough in winter for the need to heat your home. You don’t need to see snowdrifts outside to feel the chill of the dessert at near freezing temperatures. Plus, after months of triple digit heat, it doesn’t take much to feel uncomfortable.
People generally believe that Phoenix heating systems don’t get the wear and tear from constant use in Arizona. But the fact is, most heating systems in Arizona are heat pumps. What this means is that after running all summer as an air conditioner, when it runs in heat mode, it is an air conditioner running backwards. The same components that ran all summer long are now running again, backwards. The condenser fan motor, blower motor and the compressor are running year round. They are still running just as they did in the summertime, only moving the refrigerant in the opposite direction. they actually “air condition the outdoor air”. In summer they absorb heat from inside your home and move it to the outdoor air. In Winter they absorb heat from the outdoor air and move it into your home.
If you do have a gas furnace, its true, the compressor and outdoor fan motor do not run in the winter, but, the indoor blower that ran all summer is running all winter. Gas furnaces also produce carbon monoxide. Improperly vented flue pipes can cause serious health problems. The fact that the furnace isn’t used all summer can increase the chance of birds or other critters nesting in your flue pipe. This can prevent proper venting causing unsafe conditions for you and your family.
Routine maintenance in the fall may seem silly, but it is just as important as your summer tune up. Checking combustion on gas furnaces and defrost operation of heat pumps can save you energy, frustration when the cold does come, and assure your safety in the winter months.
Most Heating and cooling companies offer maintenance programs that provide a summer tune up and a winter tune up. Other benefits include discounts on repairs, extended service hours, extended warranties on repairs made and other services to keep your system running as efficiently as possible.
Consumer Reports states in the June 1998 issue (page 3)
” Consider purchasing a service plan, perticulary if it combines cooling and heating functions. Most plans include 2 visits… a plan may allow the contractor to spot problems before they lead to a breakdown. You may also get discounts on repairs and recieve priority service, which could be a blessing should your cooling system break down during those blistering summer months or on a bitter cold day”
Air conditioning by Jays Comfort Team offer 3 tiers on Comfort Club Memberships to meet your individual needs.
Each offer amazing benefits to keep you comfortable year round. To learn more visit www.dialcomfort.com or give us a call @ 480-922.4455.
Tags: Arizona Heating Systems, fall tune ups, gas furnaces, heat pumps, Heatings systems, routine service on heaters
Posted in Air Conditioning Industry News, Arizona Heat Pumps, Arizona Heating Systems, Arizona Indoor Air Quality, Arizona Weather, Better Breathing, Energy Efficiency, Maintenance, Trane Furnaces in Arizona | 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 »
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 »
Wednesday, May 28th, 2008
Many people are concerned about the environment and how to conserve energy is part of that.
How can an Arizona air conditioning company help you as a homeowner go ‘green’?
Today’s air conditioning units are more that 60% more efficient that the ones manufactured more that just a few years ago. That means they use far less power to cool your home during the hot summer months. This can also save you a lot of money on your monthly energy bills.
The new air conditioning units also use a new gas for the refrigerant. This helps protect the ozone layer and helps reduce global warming.
A great Arizona company like Air Conditioning by Jay can help you save money and be environmentally friendly. Talk with one of our air conditioning design specialists to find out what works best for you.
Tags: Air Conditioning, Environmentally Friendly, Geothermal, Going Green
Posted in Arizona Air Conditioning, Arizona Air Conditioning Repair, Arizona Heat Pumps, Arizona Heating Systems, Energy Efficiency | No Comments »
Tuesday, May 27th, 2008
It’s no wonder that Arizona has the most air conditioner installation and repair companies in the USA. No where else in the nation is it as important, with summertime temperatures going as high as 115 degrees, sometimes even higher.
So how do you find one to work with you and your home’s system without worry? Both of the big power companies in the Phoenix Metro area, APS and SRP both recommend that you deal with certified contractors. With a normal central air conditioning system costing thousands of dollars, certified, licensed contractors have the expertise and experience to correctly diagnose problems and fix them right the first time.
If you are installing new equipment, certified Arizona air conditioning contractors know the size and tonnage that are the best fit for your home, and know about all the rebate plans, local, state, and federal, to save money on overall installation costs. This is no place to deal with amateurs!
Some Arizona HVAC contractors go way above the standard certification. Companies like Arizona’s Air Conditioning By Jay, that has lots of professional certifications and a sterling record with the Better Business Bureau.
Why all the certifications?
It ensures you that you get the best deal and the best installation and repair services on your Arizona air conditioning system.
Check it out for yourself. Tell Air Conditioning by Jay how we can help you.
Tags: Contracts, New Installation, Repair, Replace, Right Contractor
Posted in Air Conditioning Industry News, Arizona Air Conditioning, Arizona Air Conditioning Repair, Arizona Heat Pumps, Arizona Heating Systems, Comfort Team News, Energy Efficiency, Maintenance, Monthly Specials | No Comments »
Thursday, May 22nd, 2008
Being in the air conditioning business as long as I have, I get asked that question a lot.
The truth is that with today’s high efficiency air conditioning systems, the correct answer is what ever is comfortable for you is the ideal setting.
When your new system is installed properly by a certified air conditioning contractor and running at peak efficiency, it won’t matter much at all one, two, or five degrees either way on your electric bill.
One of the benefits of having your old equipment replaced with new super high efficiency rated units is that you don’t have to watch the thermostat setting all summer long trying to save a few dollars by making your home uncomfortably warm for part of the day.
Let AC by Jay show you how to be comfortable all summer long. Go to www.acbyj.com or call Valley wide at 602-266-3678 to schedule an appointment today.
Tags: Efficiency, Maintenance, Repair, Repairs
Posted in Air Conditioning Industry News, Arizona Air Conditioning, Arizona Air Conditioning Repair, Arizona Heat Pumps, Arizona Heating Systems, Carrier Air Conditioners, Comfort Team News, Energy Efficiency, Trane Air Conditioning, Trane Furnaces in Arizona, York Air Conditioners | No Comments »
Thursday, January 31st, 2008
A Heat Pump is an alternative to a standard furnace. Heat pumps can be highly cost effective. They actually work to heat your home in the winter and cool it in the summer.
In the winter, a heat pump extracts heat from the outside air and delivers it through your duct work into your home.
It works through the principle that even when the air temperature is cool, there are still units of heat in that air. The heat pump coils and coolant solution circulates and collects that heat. It delivers the heat to inner coils and heats them. Air blows across those coils and into your duct system and your home.
During extremely cold weather, heat pumps have a supplemental heating element that helps boost the heat. Heat from a heat pump tends to be a slower and most consistent heat. The heat pump will run longer with a more mellow flow of air.
However, because it is a single system, it can be economical to maintain and can provide heat efficiently in most climates.
Posted in Arizona Heat Pumps | No Comments »
Wednesday, November 28th, 2007
A heat pump is not a furnace. This is an important distinction that can greatly impact the quality of comfort you received form your heating system.
What is a heat pump?
Rather than generating heat via some fuel source - electric or gas - a heat pump is designed to absorb heat from the outside air. It then delivers this heat to an internal heating coil. The heat pump blows air across the heat coil, delivering it to your home.
The problem arises when the heat pump cannot absorbe any heat from the outside air. This occurs when the outside temperature drops below 40-45 degrees. When this occurs, the heat pump can go into a “defrost cycle” - which is, in affect, the same as running your air-conditioner.
Basically, the unit begins taking heat out of the home to ensure the mechanical parts of the heat pump are not negatively impacted due to freezing over.
In other parts of the country - where cooler temperatures are more common - a heat pump is almost never the exclusive heating method of a home. Usually, if a home has a heat pump, they will also have a furnace. However, due to Arizona’s warmer climate, most homes that have a heat-pump - have only the heat pump to warm their air.
On colder evenings and some colder days this will result in a your “heat” pump blowing cold air into the house.
If this is happening to you, there are some steps you can take to reduce this affect.
- Don’t set your thermostat down at night when you go to bed and then have the temperature go back up in the morning. You are asking the heat pump to absorb heat during the coldest part of the day and will cause it to go into defrost.
- Ensure that your air filter is clean and changed regularly. (Every 30 days is typical of most 1″ thick filters)
- Keep the area around your heat pump (outdoor unit) free of any growth or obstructions. Whenever possible you want 12-24″ of free air space around your unit to allow it to breath properly.
- Have electrical heat strips added to your existing heat pump system, if applicable.
If you are concerned that your heat pump is not working effectively or want to understand the available options to make your home’s heating and cooling system as effective as possible, contact a member of our Comfort Team. We would be happy to discuss how to make your home as comfortable as possible.
Posted in Arizona Heat Pumps | No Comments »
Monday, September 3rd, 2007
On the Lennox website, they offer a product selector that functions differently than some of the other manufacturers’ product selectors.
In addition to asking about size, efficiency, and comfort, Lennox’s product selector asks questions such as “Select the issues you think may affect how your air feels,” and “Have some concerns about your air? Click on all that apply.” By asking these sorts of questions, Lennox can help you select an air conditioner or heat pump that addresses your specific concerns about the air comfort and quality in your home.
Once you have completed the questions, Lennox gives you the opportunity to print out the questions and results so that you can give them to your air conditioning professional to help them understand your needs and concerns when having a new air conditioner or heat pump installed in your home.
Posted in Arizona Heat Pumps | No Comments »
Thursday, August 23rd, 2007
Installing an air conditioner in a customer’s home requires three groups of people. First, it requires a customer needing an air conditioner. Second, it needs a company such as Trane to build an air conditioner. Finally, it needs a comfort specialist, such as the technicians at AC By Jay, to install and help maintain that air conditioner.
With that in mind, Trane recently announced its Trane Dealer Connection software. This software is provided to comfort specialists to help ensure that all three parts of the puzzled customer, manufacturer, and technician can be connected in the most effective way. The software includes contact management software to help technicians keep track of their customers and is backed by a call center to help connect customers and technicians.
The Trane Dealer Connection is just one of the many ways that air conditioner manufacturers and comfort specialists are helping you meet your air conditioning needs. To find out how you can have a quality air conditioner installed in your home, contact the Comfort Team.
Tags: Customer Service, Maintenance, Repair, Repairs, Service
Posted in Arizona Air Conditioning, Arizona Air Conditioning Repair, Arizona Heat Pumps, Arizona Heating Systems, Arizona Indoor Air Quality, Arizona Weather, Better Breathing, Carrier Air Conditioners, Comfort Team News, Energy Efficiency, Maintenance, Monthly Specials, Trane Air Conditioning, Trane Furnaces in Arizona, York Air Conditioners | No Comments »
Thursday, August 9th, 2007
While it feels almost painful to be talking about heat while the thermometer is still registering above 100 degrees, Trane (trane.com) has just announced a new furnace that it claims is the most energy efficient gas furnace.
According to the press release, the Trane XV95 furnace features two-stage gas valves and variable speed motors, which is a lot like saying that it will save you money. The XV95 is also ENERGY STAR compliant, so having one installed in your home can qualify you for certain federal tax credits.
So while the rest of us are thinking about our air conditioners keeping us cool, Trane is preparing to keep us warm, come winter, while still reducing our electric bills. If you have had enough of the summer heat and are ready to prepare for cold winter days, give the Comfort Team a call and see how you can have a new, energy efficient furnace or heat pump installed in your home.
Tags: Furnaces, Heating Season, Maintenance, Repair, Repairs
Posted in Arizona Air Conditioning, Arizona Air Conditioning Repair, Arizona Heat Pumps, Arizona Heating Systems, Carrier Air Conditioners, Maintenance, Trane Air Conditioning, Trane Furnaces in Arizona, York Air Conditioners | 1 Comment »
Tuesday, May 29th, 2007
We have talked before about how air conditioners, heat pumps, and air filters work to keep you cool in the hot Phoenix temperature and ensure you comfort living. But sometimes just reading a description of an air conditioner or other device is not enough for us to really understand how it works. Thankfully, the website Howstuffworks.com has created a video which explains how the air conditioner works and shows animations of the process. This way, whether you learn best by reading, hearing, or seeing, you will be able to start to understand how your air conditioner works. The website also has numerous pictures of different types of home and commercial air conditioners and explanations of different types of air conditioners. All together, it is a useful resource for understanding just how your comfort living is being maintained.
Tags: Air Conditioning, How they work, Repair, Repairs, Service
Posted in Arizona Air Conditioning, Arizona Air Conditioning Repair, Arizona Heat Pumps, Arizona Heating Systems, Carrier Air Conditioners, Maintenance, Trane Air Conditioning, Trane Furnaces in Arizona, York Air Conditioners | No Comments »
