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.
