Top 3 Reasons Why Air Conditioner Maintenance Is Important

Back in the 1980’s there was a popular commercial where the traditional, stereotypical home maintenance contractor uttered the phrase, “you can pay a little now – or pay me a lot later.” The sad truth is that this statement still holds water – especially when it comes to replacing your expensive cooling system due to lack of air conditioner maintenance in Phoenix. However, there are three specific reasons why keeping up on A/C maintenance is critical – beyond the negative results they can lead to eventually.

First – Air Conditioner Maintenance can Reduce Monthly Utility Bills

It’s estimated by the US Department of Energy that the simple task of replacing our indoor air filters once per month, can reduce our monthly energy bills by up to 20%. When you look at this statistic with an open mind, the question we have to ask ourselves is “why don’t we follow this advice?” The reality is that any cooling or heating system simply works more efficiently when it can breathe easily. And since the indoor filters are essentially the lungs of today’s cooling system, when they are clean and free of debris and obstructions – your HVAC unit doesn’t have to work as hard to keep you cool.

Second – Air Conditioner Maintenance can Extend Product Life

When was the last time you priced the cost of buying a new cooling system? If you’re like most home owners, you understand that today’s energy efficient AC systems can put a pretty hard dent in your pocket book. It’s for this reason that having routine AC maintenance completed is a wise investment in your economic future. According to the US Department of Energy, home owners that have regularly scheduled maintenance on their AC and heating systems have HVAC units that tend to last 3 times longer than those with little to no maintenance. The simple fact is that an AC system is a mechanical device. And just like your car or any other system that operates with moving parts, it requires frequent adjustments in order to work smooth.

Third – AC Maintenance Can Improve Indoor Air Quality

How much is your health worth? Honestly, this is a trick question, but in all seriousness; taking time to keep your cooling system clean and functional can help improve indoor air quality. And since the human body breathes the air inside our homes more frequently than any other location; it simply makes logical sense that the cleaner your system is – the better air quality you’ll breathe. However, here are some stats to support this argument.

• Homes that have routine ac maintenance including cleaning the ductwork in your homes tend to have higher indoor air quality than those that do not.


• Air duct cleaning also helps to reduce the amount of harmful bacteria that leads to flair ups of allergies, COPD, Asthma and even spreads the common cold and flu.


• If you reduce the chances of having these medical conditions flair up, simply by having your HVAC system cleaned annually, you’ll significantly reduce your chances of getting sick. And if you’re less sick, you’ll miss fewer work days. And the fewer days you miss at work – the more; well, you get the point.

Taking proactive measures to activate a routine air conditioner maintenance program is not only economically smart, but it also can significantly impact your overall health. Contact your local air conditioning companies in Phoenix to ask them about their air conditioner service and maintenance programs and how you can save money on routine service.

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Are you in the Scottsdale or Phoenix area? Work with the most trusted, NATE certified AC technicians in the Valley to handle all of your AC maintenance needs. Call Scottsdale Air Heating & Cooling at 480-359-7141 Today!

Read related articles:

• My Air Conditioner Is Making Noise: What Can I Do?


• Scottsdale Arizona AC Contractor: Hiring Someone Honest


• HVAC Issues that Caused Air Conditioning Repair in Scottsdale

 

Read the full story at: http://www.scottsdaleair.com/3-reasons-why-air-conditioner-maintenance-is-important/

[New Post] Tips To Save Money On Paradise Valley Air Conditioning Service published on scottsdaleair

Hot Summer Tips To Save Money On Your Paradise Valley AC Service

We all love to save money – especially when it comes to keeping our Paradise Valley air conditioning running strong. Perhaps the concept of saving money on AC maintenance is not as cool as saving on a new pair of shoes, or on that new car you’d like to buy. However, the reality is, there are several things you can do on your own that will help save tons of money and energy each month prior to your routine AC service.

Tip #1 – Change Out Your Indoor Air Filters Every Month In Summer

The best way to reduce buildup of dust, debris, dirt and other harmful stuff that often leads to air conditioning system failure is to replace your indoor filters every month. In Paradise Valley and other communities in the Phoenix Valley, we experience high winds nearly all year long. However, in summer, these winds are often combined with monsoon rains and humidity.

When we get humidity, the dirt and debris collects in our indoor filters and tends to turn to hard mush which blocks the air flow considerably. The best way to eliminate this condition is to replace the indoor air filters every month to permit your AC system in Paradise Valley to breathe easy. When your Paradise Valley Air Conditioning System breathes easier, its more energy efficient and saves you money on monthly energy bills.

Tip #2 – Check Your Thermostat For Settings Weekly

Another common item that tends to become damaged and needs to be repaired during a routine AC service visit is the thermostat. Believe it or not, the thermostat is a highly sophisticated and calibrated device. And when it’s bumped or rubbed the wrong way it can, and often does, fall out of calibration. If the thermostat is not working right, it can lead to an AC system that doesn’t work very efficiently.

A great solution to this problem is to check your thermostat every week. Here are three easy things you can do:

• Check the settings on the thermostat. If somebody inside the house has ‘adjusted’ the temperature settings themselves, make sure it was done correctly and that the programming is not impacted. Quite often people who don’t know how to use the thermostat start pressing buttons until they get what they want. The results however could cost you money during routine service.


• Check to see if the thermostat has moved. As we stated above, sometimes people will accidentally bump the thermostat. If this happens, make sure to check it to verify that the temperature settings are correct. If you notice that your AC is not cooling as good as it should, call a service technician quickly so they can repair the thermostat issue before it turns into a big problem.

Tip #3 – Check The Outdoor AC System For Debris

An air-conditioning system works similar to a vacuum cleaner: air flows in and out of the unit freely – or at least that’s the way it’s supposed to work. One major cause of AC system overheating is when it’s blocked by debris outside like tumbleweeds, tree branches, leaves and excess dirt. A great way to solve this potential problem is to simply check your outdoor AC system every time you walk outside. If you notice any debris blocking the sides or top of your AC system, simply remove the obstruction and you should be good to go. If you notice water leaking from your outdoor system, you might want to call the service company to inspect this potential problem.

If you follow these three tips for keeping your Paradise Valley air conditioning system running smooth, you’ll quickly see savings in your monthly energy bills and the AC tune up company will thank you for making their job much easier.

Check out our monthly deals; call us at 480.359.7141 or add your email to the form at the top right of this page!

Read the full story at: http://www.scottsdaleair.com/tips-to-save-money-on-paradise-valley-air-conditioning-service/

[New Post] Typical Late-Summer Issues with HVAC Systems in Phoenix, AZ published on scottsdaleair

When properly maintained, HVAC systems in Phoenix tend to hold up quite nice considering the intense heat they have to combat. But, a truth that often is never discussed is just like any other mechanical device extensive use tends to accelerate the system’s life. And since we depend on having a strong HVAC unit keeping our commercial and residential buildings cool in the summer heat of Phoenix, it’s important to combat those late-summer issues that tend to pop up for HVAC units in Phoenix.

Three Common HVAC Problems Experienced In Late Summer In Phoenix

Coolant Issues For HVAC Systems In Phoenix

One of the most common problems that HVAC systems experience relates to coolant. In a perfect world, a commercial or residential HVAC unit would not need to have coolant charged as many of these systems are called ‘closed loop’ units where the coolant doesn’t leak. However, the reality of the matter is that extreme temperatures can cause damage to supporting parts on any HVAC system. For example, the coolant passes through hoses within any HVAC system and if exposed to hot conditions, those hoses can and often will leak.

The result here is that your HVAC system will need to have coolant added and the hose repaired or replaced to reduce the chance of this problem happening again. There are a few warning signs that will indicate this type of problem including:

• Inconsistent temperature spikes. If the HVAC system in Phoenix is leaking coolant you’ll notice that the temperature will not be as cool as it should.


• Consistent running of the HVAC system. If you’re unit is leaking coolant, it’ll also keep running until it reaches the desired temperature setting on the thermostat. If you notice that the system is running longer each day, contact a HVAC repair specialist in Phoenix.

Thermostat Issues With HVAC Systems In Phoenix

Another commonly repaired component of any commercial or residential HVAC system in Phoenix is the thermostat. From time to time, a thermostat will fall out of calibration. And when this occurs, it’s important for you to get it fixed as soon as possible.

Some of the things that cause a thermostat to become ‘broken’ include:

• Frequent adjustments. It’s not uncommon for different people to have different comfort levels. And the quickest way for somebody to feel comfortable is to adjust the thermostat. However, when multiple people make adjustments, it can cause damage to the thermostat.


• Bumping into the thermostat. This is very typical in households in Phoenix with kids (especially teens) running around the house. When a thermostat gets bumped, it can fall out of calibration very easily. Believe it or not, a thermostat is a precision tuned unit. If you notice that your HVAC system in Phoenix is not running as well as it should, consider having your thermostat calibrated.

Regardless of the type of HVAC system in Phoenix you have, the best way to keep it running strong all year is to have a post-summer or mid-summer inspection completed by a licensed HVAC service professional. Simply taking time to examine the HVAC unit for wear and tear and potential issues that could arise could save you a ton of money and time on repairs.

Don’t wait until the issues are out-of-hand, call Scottsdale Air Heating & Cooling today at 480.359.7141

Read the full story at: http://www.scottsdaleair.com/typical-late-summer-issues-with-hvac-systems-in-phoenix-az/

[New Post] My Air Conditioner Is Making Noise: What Can I Do? published on scottsdaleair

It’s never fun to hear a strange noise coming from any major appliance. Traditionally this means a call to the repair guy and an expenditure of money you simply didn’t plan on spending. However, when it comes to the AC system, there are a few things you can do at home before making the call to the HVAC repair company when you hear air conditioner noise. This will help the HVAC contractor quickly fix and repair your AC system before more damage occurs.

Three Easy Tips To Diagnose The Cause Of Air Conditioner Noise

Tip #1 – Document When You Heard The Noise

The best tool for any contractor to use when attempting to fix something is having information about the actual problem. In the case of hearing air conditioner noise in Scottsdale, the best thing that you can do at home is to document when you heard the noise – and anytime you hear similar noises coming from the AC system.

Here are a few things to consider and write down:

• What time of day did you hear the noise?


• What was the temperature outside?


• What temperature was set on the thermostat when the noise occurred?


• Were there any other major appliances running at the same time you heard the noise?


• How often does the noise occur?


• Describe the sound that the air conditioning system is making.

These six basic questions will significantly help any HVAC contractor diagnose and repair your system.

Tip #2 – Don’t Try And Fix It Yourself

No matter how handy you might be around the house, trying to fix a noisy air conditioner yourself could lead to some significant safety concerns.

• First, remember that an AC unit is an electrically charged major appliance. And unless you’re a certified electrician or a licensed HVAC contractor, you should always treat the actual air conditioning unit as a potentially hazardous piece of equipment.


• Second, AC systems are very complex. Sometimes simply taking off a cover can damage the entire unit.


• Third, if the AC system is leaking refrigerant and you inhale these fumes, it could cause lung damage.

As tempting as it might be to try a DIY repair with an air conditioner that is making noise in Scottsdale, always leave it to the pros.

Tip #3 – Record The Noise With A Mobile Device

They say that imitation is the greatest form of flattery, however, when it comes to diagnosing that troubling air conditioner noise, it’s always best to get it recorded. Many of today’s smart phones come equipped with a recording device for people to record notes and other stuff. Why not use this to record the noise from the AC unit for the contractor to listen to himself? Not only will this give the contractor a good example of the sound and allow them to complete the repairs, but it could save you time and money as well.

Anytime you notice that annoying air conditioner noise, do your best to follow these three simple steps and you’ll be able to provide the HVAC contractor with valuable information to help them diagnose and fix your system in no time.

Don’t take anymore of that noisy air conditioner, call Scottsdale Air Heating & Cooling at 480-359-7141 today!

Read the full story at: http://www.scottsdaleair.com/my-air-conditioner-is-making-noise-what-can-i-do/

[New Post] Air Conditioner Depreciation And Rental Unit Owners Concerns published on scottsdaleair

One of the biggest advantages of owning a rental property is the tax benefits and deductions available to the owner. Whenever you replace or fix a major appliance inside a rental property, a major consideration is the taxes potentially paid or deducted. And when you have to replace the AC system, you might want to consider air conditioner depreciation as a cost efficient method to spread your tax savings and investment over a long-term period – up to 27.5 years.

Air Conditioning Depreciation And Its Impact On Rental Unit Owners

Fact #1 – What is Air Conditioner Depreciation?

In general, when you replace or repair an item inside a rental unit, you have two options:

• First, if you repair an item like an AC unit, you can deduct the total cost of the repair on that individual year taxes. That’s known as a single deduction.


• Second, if you replace the unit, you have the option to depreciate that cost and spread it out over a period of a few years. Based on recent IRS regulations it is up to 27.5 years.

When you repair an item, you’re returning the value of the home to status quo. However, when you replace an item, you are making an improvement, increasing the value of the property. So how does that impact you financially? Here is an example:

Let’s say that you decide to make a repair to your home AC system that costs you a total of $1,000. The licensed HVAC contractor arrives and makes the repairs, you pay them and everybody is happy. At the end of the year, when you file taxes for that property, you’ll have to deduct that repair cost during that individual year. However, if you replace the unit, and the cost is $3,000, you’ll have to depreciate this cost over a period of 27.5 years. So instead of having $1,000 tax deduction, you’ll only have about $105 deduction each year.

That’s a huge difference. But you’ll get that same deduction every year you file taxes and own that rental property. So you’ll have to determine what is best for your individual needs.

Fact #2 – How Does The IRS Classify Repairs Vs. Improvement

Began January 1^st, 2014, the IRS classified a property improvement under three different sections:

• Betterment of a property


• Adaptation of the property


• Restoration of the property

The easiest way to remember this is under the acronym BAR. All three equate to an improvement of the property and qualify the large expense as depreciation – not a deduction.

What Is Betterment?

You can create air conditioner depreciation under the betterment classification if:

• The improvement ameliorates a material condition or defect in the property that existed before you acquired the rental property. This means if you add a new air conditioner that increases the size of the property in some way (this is not typical). However, one that is common is if the addition of the new AC unit creates a material increase, which increases the productivity, quality, capacity or strength of the property.

What Are Adaptations?

This is typically used for room additions or adapting the space to create greater value. Not typically used in AC depreciation.

What Is Restoration?

This one is pretty simple to consider. If the addition or replacement of the new air conditioner restores the property value, this is when you’d use this classification.

As you can see, there are some new restrictions that the IRS has made in 2014 that actually help allocate tax deductions over a larger period. For more information about air conditioner depreciation and how to best use this deduction for your individual rental property, always defer to legal or accountant advice.

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Read the full story at: http://www.scottsdaleair.com/air-conditioner-depreciation-and-rental-unit-owners-concerns/