Archive for the ‘Energy Efficiency’ Category

Solar Power Your Arizona Air Conditioner With No Upfront Costs

Wednesday, September 24th, 2008

New GeoSmart loans by APS offer Arizonans solar power with no upfront costs.

APS is bound and determined to get more Arizonans to switch to solar power. Already, between APS incentives and government tax credits, a 3-kilowatt rooftop solar electric unit takes a hefty $21,000 price tag and reduces it to a much more reasonable $9,000.

Even with this large discount, there are still surprisingly few people switching to solar power for their home and Arizona air conditioner. Despite the electricity savings as well as the huge environmental benefits of using the sun as a renewable energy source, many are unable to meet the high upfront costs required to purchase a solar unit.

In order to encourage more people to switch over to solar power, APS has devised a way to entirely eliminate the initial costs of installing solar panels. In partnership with the Electric Gas & Industries Association (EGIA), APS is now offering access to GeoSmart ® Loans. GeoSmart loans are competitive unsecured financing specifically for people who want to invest in solar power for their home.

The loan covers the entire cost of purchasing the unit and offers rates between 7.99% and 12.99% depending on which options you choose. The loans are for anywhere between $2,500 and $50,000 and are for offer terms for 10, 15, or 20 year periods.

This program is an excellent option for those who are concerned about the environment, or anyone who simply wants to save money on their monthly energy bills.

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

Tags: Efficiency, Going Green, Solar
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Using Weatherstripping to Save Up to 15% on Your Arizona Air Conditioning Bill

Friday, September 19th, 2008

How to use weatherstripping and caulking to seal your home and save as much as 15% on your energy bill.

Did you know that an improperly sealed home can waste up to 15% of your energy bill compared to a home that is properly sold? Chances are, unless your home was built recently, you have numerous leaks that allow the cool air that your Arizona air conditioner provides to escape.

Weatherstripping and caulking your home are two of the least expensive ways that you can save money on your Arizona air conditioning bill and keep your home cool this summer.

You can use caulking to seal small cracks and holes in your home that are responsible for some of your energy loss. This is a relatively cheap and easy process if you know of any cracks or holes that need to be fixed. There are a number of different types of caulk available including acrylic which can be painted over and cleaned with water, silicone, which is good for tile, glass, and metal, and adhesive caulk works best with countertops and sinks.

Weatherstripping involves sealing doors and windows that are responsible for most of your home’s energy waste. A typical front door has a quarter inch crack at the bottom which is constantly letting cold air out of your house while bringing the warm air in. Using weatherstripping allows you to eliminate those cracks from both the doors and the windows and can save you a lot on your energy bills.

There are a number of types of weather stripping available including self adhesive foam, felt, interlocking metal, V-strips, and tubular rubber. The difficulty of installation and price for each of these methods varies greatly with the self adhesive foam tending to be the easiest and cheapest while the interlock metal is often more expensive and requires a professional to install.

If you need help keeping your Arizona air conditioning bill low give Air Conditioning by Jay a call. We guarantee same day service for Arizona air conditioning repair and installation. Please feel free to browse this website for more information or call Valley wide at 602-266-3678 to schedule an appointment today

Tags: Efficiency, Maintenance, Savings
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Is Arizona Air Conditioning The Green Alternative?

Thursday, September 18th, 2008

Is air conditioning in Arizona more environmentally friendly than heating in New England? The results may surprise you.

We’ve all heard the line about how much air conditioning in Arizona is environmentally harmful and how we should not settle in such unsustainable climates. At the same time, we have the image of the “green” New Englander using a wood stove that does little harm to the environment.

Is it possible that the reverse is true? An article on Wired Magazine’s website claims that air conditioning actually emits far less CO2 then heating. It makes sense too. Taking 70 degrees as the ideal temperature, we see that in Phoenix we only need to lower the temperature by 40 degrees from 110 to get to ideal. However, during the winter months when we need little more than a sweater, the New Englander is facing 0 degrees and must heat his house up by 70 degrees. That’s 30 degrees more then what we in Arizona faced during the summer.

A typical house heated by oil fuel in the north east emits near 13,000 pounds of CO2 annually. During that same year a house in Arizona will only produce 900 pounds of CO2. That’s really quite a difference when you consider that Arizona Air Conditioners continue to improve in efficiency every year.

If you need help selecting the right Arizona air conditioner for your home, Air Conditioning by Jay can help. We offer a wide variety of air conditioners in Arizona 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

Tags: Efficiency, Environmentally Friendly, Geothermal, Going Green, Savings
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Keep Cool and Eco-Friendly This Summer with Carrier Air Conditioners in Arizona

Friday, August 29th, 2008

If you want to go green, stay cool, and save lots of money on your Arizona air conditioning energy bill this summer than it may be time to switch to a Carrier air conditioner. Since they were founded in 1902, Carrier has been a leader in air conditioning innovation. Now they have taken that same creative spirit to design some of the most energy efficient, environmentally friendly air conditioners in Arizona.

An environmentally friendly system allows you to stay extra cool this summer and avoid the guilt over using outdated air conditioners that pollute the environment. Using the new refrigerant called Puron, Carrier has eliminated the harmful effects to the greenhouse that many believe are at least partially responsible for global warming. Plus, by choosing a highly efficient unit, you will not only be saving money on your energy bills, but you will also reduce the amount of energy that power companies produce in ways that are harmful for the environment.

Here are two of our favorite “green” Carrier air conditioners that you can use to stay cool this summer.

Infinity Series 24ANA1

The Infinity Series 24ANA1 is a top of the line Carrier air conditioner with the features to match. With a 21 SEER rating it is one of the most energy efficient air conditioners in Arizona. Additionally, thanks to its Puron refrigerant, it is harmless to the environment. It’s also Energy Star compliant which means that it is rated by the U.S. government as having superior energy efficiency.

Other features of the unit include the Infinity Control for remote programming, a noise level of only 70 dB, durable construction, and humidity control. The unit is covered by a 10-year compressor limited warranty and a 5-year parts warranty.

Comfort Series 24ACA4

The Comfort Series 24ACA4 is an air conditioner for people who are concerned about the environment but want an economical alternative to the Infinity Series. With a 14 SEER rating and Puron refrigerant, this unit is still an excellent choice for anyone looking to “go green” or for anyone who just wants to save some money on their energy bill.

The 24ACA4 has durable galvanized steel construction with WeatherArmor to provide protection against the elements. And with a noise level of only 74dB, chances are it is a lot more quite then air conditioners that you are used to. The unit is covered by a 10-year compressor limited warranty and a 5-year parts warranty.

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

Tags: Environmentally Friendly, Going Green, Replace, Replacement
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Go Green with York Air Conditioning in Arizona

Wednesday, August 20th, 2008

York air conditioners in Arizona offer quality, comfort, and even fashion. But did you know they also can be incredibly environmentally friendly?

With high SEER ratings for fantastic energy efficiency and many models with the new R-410A refrigerant for a safer, non ozone depleting Arizona air conditioner, York is a fantastic choice for anyone who is interested in eco-friendly living.
Here are a few of our favorite York air conditioners that will keep you cool while keeping the environment protected.

Affinity 8T Series

The Affinity 8T Series is an excellent Arizona air conditioning unit for anyone who wants maximum efficiency and quality eco-friendly design. With an 18 SEER rating and R-410A refrigerant, this model offers high end cooling strong enough for any home.

The Affinity 8T Series is up to four-times quieter and 60% more energy efficient thanks to its two-stage compressor technology. It offers a five year parts warranty and a ten year warranty for the compressor. In addition it has qualified for both Energy Star and the Good Housekeeping Seal. Another feature unique to the York Affinity Series is the customizable panels which include 70+ collegiate logos and seven designer colors.

Affinity 3S Series

The Affinity 3S Series is the younger, less expensive brother of the 8T Series air conditioner. Offering many of the same features as the 8T, the 3S has a 13 SEER rating and the same R-410A refrigerant to prevent damage to the ozone layer.

With an innovative fan guard design and the York QuietDrive™ System, the 3S offers quiet, dependable performance. It offers a five year parts warranty and a ten year warranty for the compressor. In addition it has qualified for the Good Housekeeping Seal. Like the 8T, it includes customizable panels with over 70 collegiate logos and seven designer colors.

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

Tags: Geothermal, Going Green, York
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Amana Offers a Wide Range of Environmentally Friendly Air Conditioners in Arizona

Tuesday, August 19th, 2008

Amana is known for their long warranty and excellent air conditioners in Arizona. However what many are not aware of is their excellent selection of environmentally friendly air conditioners that will decrease your carbon footprint while keeping you cool during the hot Arizona summer.

Amana offers a number of excellent air conditioners with a variety of features and at many price points. Here are two of our favorite Amana air conditioners that are great for the environment, and your wallet.

Amana ASX18

The ASX18 is the most efficient residential air conditioner offered by Amana with an 18 SEER rating. It makes use of the R-410A refrigerant to help protect the ozone layer and avoid dangerous chemicals.

Amana offers an incredibly impressive lifetime unit replacement limited warranty for the condensing unit and a 10-year limited warranty on all other parts. Additionally the unit includes a high-density foam compressor sound blanket and a unique sound control top for quiet operation. The unit is also Energy Star qualified.

Amana SSX14 Distinctions

The SSX14 is an excellent environmentally friendly alternative to the ASX18 for those who want to avoid the higher initial costs of an ultra high efficiency unit. With a 14 SEER rating, this Arizona air conditioner still provides excellent efficiency and with its R410A refrigerant, it’s eco-friendly.

The SSX14 also includes a lifetime unit replacement limited warranty for the condensing unit and a 10-year limited warranty on all other parts. It is also created to run quietly and is run-tested in the factory before shipping. The design is Energy Star qualified and performance certified in accordance with the air conditioning and refrigeration institute.

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

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Eco-friendly Arizona Air Conditioners by Lennox

Monday, August 18th, 2008

Lennox offers some of the most popular Arizona Air Conditioners around, in part because of their stellar reputation, but also thanks to their commitment to “developing energy-efficient heating, cooling and indoor air quality products that help homeowners save money, enhance air quality and improve their health.

All of Lennox’s air conditioners are Energy Star qualified, a U.S. government-sponsored designation which recognizes excellence in energy-efficient performance. According to the EPA, if just one in ten households installed ENERGY STAR heating and cooling products, the change would keep more than 17 billion pounds of pollution out of the air.

Many Arizona air conditioners made by Lennox are perfect for those who are interested in environmentally friendly units, however here are just a few of our favorites:

Dave Lennox Signature Collection XC21

The XC21 is one of the most energy efficient air conditioners on the market today with a SEER rating of 20.5. Additionally the unit uses the chlorine-free R-410A refrigerant rather than the ozone depleting R-22 chemical common in many air conditioners. The system also boasts incredibly quite operation as low as 69 dB, which is approximately 13 times quieter than a standard air conditioner.

The unit also includes a high-pressure safety switch, an onboard operations monitor, and a ten-year limited warranty on the compressor and covered components.

Merit Series 14ACX

The 14ACX is an economical and eco-friendly alternative to the XC2. Its SEER rating of up to 15 means that you will still see significant savings over an older unit and its R-410A refrigerant means that you won’t be ruining the environment.

This Arizona air conditioner is also quiet (just 76 dB), corrosion resistant, durable, and it offers a 5-year limited warranty on covered components. Its dependable scroll compressor means it provides smooth, efficient and reliable operation.

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

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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 XL16i

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.

Posted in Arizona Air Conditioning, Energy Efficiency, Trane Air Conditioning | No Comments »

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.

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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.

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