Archive for the ‘Arizona Weather’ Category
Friday, September 9th, 2011
Benefits of a Pentair IntelliFlo Variable Speed Pool Pump
Swimming pool pumps use a ton of electricity. It is estimated that standard pool pumps can consume as much energy as all other home appliances combined—often costing more than $1,00
0 per year!
A typical 1 1/2 HP single speed pool pump uses almost 5000kWh (392kWh per month, 8hr a day) of power a year or $1159. A two speed model uses 3431kWh to accomplish the same task at a cost of $789, saving $370. Variable speed pool pumps, which can run at many slower speeds, like the Intelliflo will use even less energy, resulting in savings from $620-1360 a year according to the company. This makes it the most efficient pool pump right now.
Variable Speed Pentair IntelliFlo® and IntelliPro® pumps can typically cut energy use up to 90%, generally saving $620 to $1,360 in utility costs annually. Pentair Pool has a Pool Pump Cost Savings Calculator to show variable speed pool pump savings and energy efficient design. Their Intelliflo VS-3050 variable speed pump costs $1100 plus installation. It uses permanent magnet motors like a Hybrid car, to save additional energy.
Features
- Energy savings up to 90% versus traditional pumps
- 8 programmable speed settings and built-in timer assure optimum speed and run times for maximum efficiency and savings
- Ultra-efficient permanent magnet motor design reduces noise and vibration for greater efficiency and longer pump life
- Dramatically quieter operation – as low as 45 decibels
- Totally enclosed fan-cooled (TEFC) design and low average operating speed makes IntelliFlo the quietest pump on earth
- Fully compatible with IntelliTouch®, EasyTouch®, SunTouch® and other brands of digital pool/spa controls for managing pump, heating, lighting, spa jets and water features.
- Built in diagnostics protect the pump for longer service life
*Savings based on comparison pump running between 6 and 12 hours per day at the national average of $0.15/kWh in a 20,000 gallon pool. Savings may vary based on plumbing size and length, pump model, service factor, flow rates and other hydraulic factors.
Tags: APS, Efficiency, Pentair Pool Pumps, Pool Pumps, Save Money, Savings, SRP
Posted in Arizona Weather, Comfort Team News, Energy Efficiency, Maintenance, Pool Pump, Uncategorized | No Comments »
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 »
Wednesday, December 29th, 2010
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
Posted in Arizona Air Conditioning Repair, Arizona Heat Pumps, Arizona Heating Systems, Arizona Weather, Energy Efficiency, Monthly Specials, Trane Air Conditioning, Trane Furnaces in Arizona, Uncategorized | 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 »
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.
Posted in Air Conditioning Industry News, Arizona Air Conditioning, Arizona Weather, Energy Efficiency | No Comments »
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.
- Leaks at the connection with the ducts
- Return air duct leaks
- Furniture is blocking the air duct register
- There are leaks at the equipment and filter slots
- Insulation has fallen off of duct work in attics and crawl spaces
- Supply air duct leaks
- 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.
Posted in Arizona Air Conditioning, Arizona Air Conditioning Repair, Arizona Weather, Energy Efficiency | No Comments »
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.
Posted in Arizona Air Conditioning, Arizona Air Conditioning Repair, Arizona Indoor Air Quality, Arizona Weather, Better Breathing, Energy Efficiency | No Comments »
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.
Posted in Arizona Air Conditioning, Arizona Weather, Energy Efficiency | No Comments »
