Archive for the ‘Arizona Heating Systems’ Category

Tips for Saving on your Heating and Cooling Bills

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:

  1.  In Arizona’s desert climate, on average 50% of your annual energy bill is spent on running your heating/cooling system.
  2.  As much as 33% of a heating/cooling systems airflow could be leaking through ducts causing a loss of comfort and system capacity.
  3.  The impact is most severe in ducts installed in attics where temperatures can exceed 140 degrees in the summer
  4.  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



Wednesday, December 29th, 2010
Relax, we'll take care of it!

Relax, we'll take care of it!

Have hail damage?

 Don’t waste any more time!

Call us NOW at 480-266-3678  to get a free visual inspection of your equipment for hail damage and also get the pictures of the equipment emailed to you.

  Wait, there’s more!

Grab some extra savings  and get a 22 point precision tune up for $59.95

And that’s not all:

Start the year off on the right foot by purchasing a new unit and receive a $1500 incentive just for being our neighbor! 

Don’t forget the code word is: AIRPARK

* This offer expires February 28th, 2011
* $1500 incentive only applies if you purchase a high efficiency dual stage Trane system



Air Quality and Air Purification

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.



Heating systems in Phoenix Arizona

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. 



Don’t Buy a new air conditioner or heating system from Retail Home Centers without knowing who is doing the work !!

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!

 

 



Importance of Fall Tune Ups

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.



Arizona Public Service is offering cash rebates of up to $250.00 to test and seal your ductwork.

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



Benefits of regular precision tune ups on your Phoenix air conditioning and heating system

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!



How An Arizona Air Conditioning Company Can Help You Go ‘Green’

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.



How To Choose An Arizona Air Conditioner Company To Install Or Repair You Home’s System

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.