[New Post] Tips To Protect Your HVAC Systems From Floods In Scottsdale published on scottsdaleair

Tips To Increase HVAC Flood Protection In Scottsdale

When the summer monsoon season comes, it often hits Scottsdale homeowners hard. And without question, one of the leading questions that many homeowners ask is what type of HVAC flood protection strategies can they take to be certain their outdoor AC unit does not become damaged when high waters arrive.

HVAC Systems And Expensive Flood Damage

Tip #1 – Consider Installing A Higher Concrete Base For Your HVAC Unit In Scottsdale

Typically, every HVAC system installed in Scottsdale is built outside; either on the side of a home or in the back yard. And with every new HVAC system, one thing needs to be done before installation: a concrete base or footer needs to be built. This is critical because it provides a stable support for the very heavy HVAC system. A great solution to reduce potential flood damage to the HVAC unit is to build a higher concrete base – perhaps a foot or two higher than normal. Standing water that flows no higher than 12” in most cases does most flood damage in Scottsdale.

There are a few things to consider before simply grabbing some Quick-Crete from the local hardware store:

• First, make sure that you check with local code enforcement or covenants inside your community to ensure that you can do this.


• Contact a professional HVAC company to help with the removal of the HVAC system while a professional contractor pours the new concrete slab.


• Have the same HVAC Company reinstall the HVAC system on the new concrete footer once it’s cured.

Tip #2 – Relocate Your HVAC System To Higher Ground

Many homes in Scottsdale have their HVAC system installed on the ground level for a few reasons:

• First, it’s easier for HVAC professionals to access, maintain and repair.


• Second, it’s easier for excess water to drain from a lower position.


• Third, it’s a traditional location and most homebuilders simply do what everybody else does.

Again, making sure you follow local code and community guidelines, first consider moving your HVAC unit to higher ground. Perhaps moving the unit to a second floor balcony or attic space that can completely protect the system from flood damage. This might be a bit extreme, but when you calculate the cost of replacing a HVAC system due to flood damage, it might be worth some discussion.

Tip #3 – Build A Flood Protection Wall

If you’re in the situation where you can’t move your HVAC system, or if it’s simply logistically impossible to build a higher concrete slab, another solution to improve HVAC flood protection in Scottsdale is to build a protection wall. Many contractors in Scottsdale specialize in designing and constructing an enclosed wall structure that will surround your HVAC system. In this case, they’ll make sure to follow local code enforcement and the 100-year flood levels to certify they do the job correct.

Any of these three tips are good ways to ensure you have maximum HVAC flood protection in Scottsdale. It is also a good idea to consider these options if you’re in the market for a new HVAC system as moving an existing system can be rather pricy.

We can always help with the purchase of a new HVAC system, call us at 480.359.7141

Read the full story at: http://www.scottsdaleair.com/tips-to-protect-your-hvac-systems-from-floods-in-scottsdale/

[New Post] 3 Questions To Ask About Your HVAC Unit After Vacation published on scottsdaleair

Did you know that many AC and heating system repair calls often come from Carefree home owners after they return from an extended vacation and ‘flip the switch’ to turn the system back on? The question that many homeowners often ask is; why does a Carefree HVAC system wait till we get back home from vacation to break down?

Ensure Your Carefree HVAC System Is Ready To Run

First – Why Does The HVAC System In Carefree Decide To Break Down After It’s Turned On After Vacation?

As we stated above, your HVAC system doesn’t know the difference between a vacation and anything else you do. But, it does know the difference between running consistently or sitting idle, collecting dust and debris then instantly expected to perform at peak efficiency. This is a major cause of most AC and heating system failures when people return from an extended vacation – especially for winter visitors that leave Arizona for extended periods of time.

An AC or heating system needs to be run in order to last. This might seem odd, but believe it or not, when you ensure your system stays operational around the clock, it’s less likely to break down than if you turn it off completely. This is why many Carefree HVAC experts recommend turning your temperature settings higher than normal in summer or lower than normal in winter if you leave for vacation. This will allow your HVAC system to circulate air from time to time and keep the moving parts lubricated.

Second – How Can We Save Money On Utilities If The HVAC System In Carefree Is Left On During Vacation?

One of the best tools that a homeowner can have, especially somebody that leaves Carefree frequently on business or extended travel, is a programmable thermostat. Most of these new systems include WIFI technology allowing a homeowner to adjust the temperature of their AC and heating systems through their mobile device. You can also have the thermostat send you a text message if the unit is left on so you can adjust the temperature settings accordingly. As we stated above, it’s never a good idea to turn your AC or heating unit completely off. Instead, upgrade to a programmable thermostat that will allow you to monitor your home temperature settings and adjust for maximum energy efficiency.

Third – What Should I Do When I Return to Carefree From Vacation?

The lesson learned by many homeowners in Carefree is often that if your HVAC system is left off for a long time, it can – and often does – have issues. A simple solution to this problem is as stated above – don’t turn it off. However, if you’re going to shut down your HVAC system, make sure you contact a dependable heating and air conditioning repair company to inspect the system before you turn it on. A simple ‘check-up’ can save you a ton of money on costly repairs.

The best advice we can offer when it comes to keeping your Carefree HVAC system running strong is to leave it on but adjust the temperature to a setting that will save energy while you’re enjoying vacation or an extended trip.

Ready to have answers to all of your post vacation HVAC questions, call us today at 480.359.7141!

Read the full story at: http://www.scottsdaleair.com/3-questions-to-ask-about-your-hvac-unit-after-vacation/

[New Post] When Your AC Unit Keeps Tripping The Breaker What Can Be Done published on scottsdaleair

Electrical systems inside any home can be very complex and problems tricky to diagnose. However, when your AC unit keeps tripping the breaker, this could be a sign of a major problem with either your AC system or your electrical system. One of the first things to remember is an electrical issue is nothing to put off.

Important Actions When Your AC System Keeps Tripping Your Circuit Breaker

First – Contact An HVAC Professional

Anytime your AC unit trips the circuit breaker you should immediately contact an HVAC contractor. The reason for this is simple:  your breaker shouldn’t trip when the AC unit is in use. A certified electrician can professionally wire a properly installed air conditioner. They would know that the AC unit should always be wired to an individual circuit that operates ONLY the AC system for your home. If you have two AC units, they will be wired individually. So, when you notice that the circuit breaker for your AC unit has tripped, don’t delay – contact the professionals immediately at least for a consultation on what they suggest.

Second – Start Documenting The Problems

If you’ve called the HVAC Company and they simply tell you to reset the system and everything seems fine for a while; that’s a great and easy solution. However, the odds are that this will occur again. If it does, it’s important for you to keep a detailed log of things that might have been occurring at the time the circuit tripped. Consider the following:

• How many appliances in the home were running at the same time? Sometimes when a lot of large power-draining units are running at the same time it can overload the circuits.


• Was somebody in the bathroom using an outlet at the time? The GFI circuits inside a bathroom will sometimes trip when they are used (especially when a blow dryer and hair curler are plugged in at the same time). If they are in use at the same time the air conditioner trips the circuit – write it down.


• What time of day did this occur? And, if this has happened before, is it the same time of day?

Writing these items down will make it easier for an electrician or HVAC professional to diagnose the problem and fix it with as little expense and time consumed as possible.

Third – Don’t Attempt To Fix It Yourself

Under NO circumstances should you attempt to open up the circuit breaker board (the inside unit) or inside of the AC system if it’s causing the circuit breaker to trip frequently. The odds are that there is a short circuit wire that might be exposed. And if you come in contact with that wire you could be hurt. Remember – always leave electrical repairs to the experts.

Having your AC unit trip the circuit breaker frequently can really cause a lot of stress, along with raising the temperature inside your home. However, when your AC unit keeps tripping the breaker, don’t keep resetting and hope that everything will be fine – contact a licensed electrician or HVAC professional to visit your home as soon as possible.

Take charge of that annoying circuit breaker – call Scottsdale Air Heating & Cooling today at 480-359-7141.

Read the full story at: http://www.scottsdaleair.com/when-your-ac-unit-keeps-tripping-the-breaker-what-can-be-done/