[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] 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] Common Air Conditioning Problems In Phoenix AZ published on scottsdaleair

Believe it or not, even the strongest AC units can experience air conditioning problems in Phoenix. And whether you’re living in Scottsdale, Peoria or any city inside the Phoenix Valley, it is very possible that your AC system is close to breaking down and requiring emergency repairs. Most of these issues however, can be solved through routine maintenance check-ups for AC systems in Phoenix. And just like routine maintenance for a car, it’s best to schedule an AC service tune-up before you experience any of these typical AC problems.

Top 3 AC Troubles In Phoenix

#1 – The Air Conditioning Unit Doesn’t Cool

Yes, when living in Arizona and your AC unit doesn’t cool this means you’ve got a serious problem. That might go down as one of the most obvious statements of all time. But, there are several specific issues that could be causing this to occur inside your home or commercial building:

• The AC system is low on coolant.


• The AC thermostat is out of calibration.


• The AC filters are clogged up and need to be replaced.


• The AC belts are broken, loose or simply need to be adjusted.

The easiest way to solve this particular issue is to contact an experienced AC repair specialist in Phoenix to come and complete a routine service check-up. Most of the time, if you tell them that your AC system is not cooling but it is running, the solution can be very simple to fix.

#2 – The AC System is Leaking Water

Among Phoenix homeowners, the issue with AC systems leaking water can be very frustrating. However, several potential culprits cause most of these issues including:

• The AC drain line is not tight or has come apart.


• Low refrigerant levels that cause excess freezing inside the unit. When the unit warms up, the ice turns to water that leaks.


• Ductwork that is not sealed can lead to AC system leaking water.


• Condenser unit is not working properly – this tends to be the big one here in Phoenix.

A leaking AC unit is not something that you want to avoid fixing. This could be a minor issue now, but if left unattended, it can – and often will – lead to further problems developing. Make sure if you have any AC leaking issues to contact your local HVAC repair specialist in Phoenix.

#3 – AC System is Making Loud Noises

One of the most annoying air conditioning problems in Phoenix is an AC system that is making loud noises. This problem however, can be attributed to something loose or broken within the internal AC system. If you notice that your AC unit is making more noise than usual, you need to quickly address this by contacting a repair company as soon as possible.

It’s very possible that you’ve experienced, or are currently experiencing, one of these common air conditioning problems that happen frequently in Arizona. If this is the case don’t delay. Make sure to take a proactive step by contacting your local HVA service company to come and inspect and repair your system as quickly as possible. Doing so will ensure that you will save money on expensive major repairs and have an AC system that will keep you cool all year.

When you are ready to take care of those annoying AC problems give Scottsdale Air Heating & Cooling a call at 480.359.7141 today!

Read the full story at: http://www.scottsdaleair.com/common-air-conditioning-problems-in-phoenix-arizona/

[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 Duct Inspection In Scottsdale AZ: Important Items Needed published on scottsdaleair

One of the best ways to improve the air quality inside your home and its energy efficiency is to have an air duct inspection in Scottsdale performed. The air ducts are the respiratory system of a home. Everything you breathe inside will filter through these ducts, circulating hot air and cool air inside the house all year long. And although they are manufactured professionally, over an extended period of time the air ducts can become dirty, loose and even filled with holes that allow precious cool or warm air to escape. This is why scheduling an air duct inspection can be crucial.

An Air Duct Inspection In Scottsdale Should Always Include These 3 Items

Item #1 – Have Blockages In The System Inspected

The first item in any air duct inspection in Scottsdale needs to be a visual inspection of any blockages in the system. This is occasionally caused by excessive debris or buildup of dust, trash or other materials that will restrict the airflow of the HVAC system. This eventually leads to more stress being placed on your cooling and heating equipment, which eventually leads to an increase in energy consumption. This can also lead to poor air quality as the dirty material trapped within the air duct system is being distributed every time the air circulates throughout your home.

Item #2 – Check For Leaks In The Air Duct System

When you have leaking air ducts it can cause several issues to occur, including:

• Loss of cool air in summer or heated air during winter. This causes the HVAC system to operate very inefficiently. The direct result is that they system has to work harder to achieve the desired results. And when it works harder, it consumes more energy and can break down easier.


• Introduce more debris into the system. Which as we stated above will lead to higher monthly bills and also impact clean air.


• Leaky air ducts in Scottsdale will also introduce a new friend to your home – pests. Insects and rodents love to find their way into your home through small holes in the air duct system.

As you can see, even the smallest hole in the air duct system can lead to huge issues. So make sure anybody that inspects your air duct system in Scottsdale checks for leaks. If they find any leaks, make sure they can offer you an affordable solution to fix them.

Item #3 – Must check for Damaged Sections of the Duct Work

Unfortunately construction is never a perfect industry. From time to time, ductwork will be damaged during the construction phase – and never noticed until it’s too late. Broken sections of duct work will also impede the flow of air; especially when softer and often cheaper materials are used in the construction of your home. When an area is crushed it reduces the smooth flow of the air leading to increased monthly bills and inefficient HVAC control.

As you can clearly see, it’s very important to have these three areas inspected during any air duct inspection in Scottsdale. Always remember to contact a professional and licensed HVAC contractor that has vast experience in performing all types of work in Scottsdale.

Ready to take care of your duct system? Call us at 480-359-7141 and we can help today! You can also read more about our Aeroseal air duct sealing process and the energy savings that come from this service. 

Read the full story at: http://www.scottsdaleair.com/air-duct-inspection-in-scottsdale-az-important-items-needed/

[New Post] Scottsdale Arizona AC Contractor | Hiring Someone Honest published on scottsdaleair

How To Know You’re Hiring An Honest Scottsdale AC Contractor

Contacting the air conditioning repair guy to get your AC unit back in tip-top shape is rather simple. But, how can you make sure that the Scottsdale AC contractor you’ve retained will provide you with honest, trustworthy and factual service? The sad truth is that there are many AC contractors out there that try and take advantage of home owners by nickel and diming them with hidden costs and unexpected bills that show up after a typical AC service.

Have Peace Of Mind When Hiring A Scottsdale AC Contractor With These 3 Tips

Tip #1 – Check out their Website & Social Media Pages

One of the best qualities any company can have is open and transparent communication. And without a doubt the best place to easily verify this important consumer attribute is online; such as their website and social media channels. There are several ways to examine their record and ways they communicate with their customers such as:

• Does their website have a blog? When a company takes time to update their customers on new services, offer tips, advice and other helpful items, you can feel confident that they take pride in open communication and taking care of their customers.


• Do they post direct links to user reviews? If a company is proud of their customer service record, they’ll actively show their potential customers. Usually when an AC contractor in Scottsdale is not too confident in their customer service, they’ll do exactly the opposite.


• Do they have an active social media platform, like Facebook and Twitter pages? And if so, do they post spam or do they interact with their customers and potential customers online?

Tip #2 – Verify their Service Record with BBB

The Better Business Bureau has been a leading provider of factual reviews on a company’s business dealings within the communities they service. When a consumer has filed a complaint with the BBB about a Scottsdale AC contractor, the BBB spends plenty of time actively researching their claims to ensure they only post factual information about the company. If a company has a solid reputation with the BBB, you can be certain that they operate their business under positive ethics and will generally treat you very honestly. When a company has a bad reputation with the BBB, contact another AC contractor.

Tip #3 – Interview The AC Contractor Before You Hire

Finally, the best way to find peace of mind when working with any contractor is to interview them first. Nothing is better than meeting somebody personally to interact with them – especially when you are planning to pay them for a service. When you take the time to sit down and ask them questions that are relevant and important to you it becomes much easier to work with them.

Consider asking them a few questions including:

1. Do you have a few references of previous recent customers I can contact?


2. How long have you been licensed to complete AC repairs in Scottsdale?


3. What insurance protection does your company carry?

By taking time to simply do a little bit of research about any Scottsdale AC contractor you intend on hiring, you can protect your home and family from unscrupulous vendors that provide poor quality work.

Ready to put your trust in us for your AC installation and repair needs; add your email address to the form on the right and subscribe to our newsletter today!

Read the full story at: http://www.scottsdaleair.com/scottsdale-arizona-ac-contractor-hiring-someone-honest/

[New Post] Your AC May Be Leaking Water Due To A Cracked Condensate Pan published on scottsdaleair

One of the most annoying and stressful things to discover is finding a leak in any major appliance. The reason it is annoying is two-fold:

a)   It is often hard to find where the leak is coming from

b)   It often results in a service call to a contractor to find and attempt to fix the leak

However, did you know that frequently when you notice that your AC is leaking water, the cause is actually due to a condensate pan that is cracked and can be easily replaced by a professional HVAC contractor?

Raise your hand if your next question is “What is a condensate pan”? Fortunately we have some answers that will teach you a little about this important safety device and how simple it can be for a professional HVAC repair expert to replace.

Commonly Asked Questions About Condensate Pans

Question #1 – What is the Condensate Pan and where is it located?

The condensate pan is located on the air conditioning unit below the evaporative coil. Its job is to catch the condensation that drips off the outside of this coil as warm, moist air passes over the coil. Air conditioners work by cooling the warm air from inside your home by circulating the air over coils that are filled with refrigerant. This in turn causes the air to cool, and moisture to condense on the outside of the coils. This is also how your typical air conditioner dehumidifies a home.

Question #2 – What causes a Condensate Pan to break or crack?

The condensate pan is simply a place to collect this moisture. It often has a hose or attachment that circulates collected water to a drainage system. However, from time to time this pan can crack either due to extreme cold temperatures or wear and tear. When properly installed a condensate pan can last for years, but you can’t control the outer elements. This is why sometimes the pan will crack especially if you have a sudden freeze during the year. If there is any standing water inside and the water freezes, it can cause the pan to crack.

When this occurs, the normal flow of condensation leaks out of the cracked pan leading to commonly diagnosed and easily fixed leak.

Question #3 – What Can You Do to Fix this Issue?

If you discover any leak near an electrically charged major appliance, waiting or repair it yourself is not a good idea. The best thing you can do is follow a three step process:

• First – shut off the power to that outside unit


• Call a dependable HVAC contractor immediately


• Have them inspect the system for any further damage or have them repair the cracked pan

Under no circumstances should you attempt to fix this yourself. Always defer to safety and have a professional take the actions of getting this fixed. When you contact a HVAC professional to fix your AC system that is leaking water, it tends to result in a positive outcome for everybody.

Like what you’ve read? Subscribe to our newsletter in the right column. By adding your email address to the form on the right. You’ll be the first to hear about expert AC & heating tips along with monthly deals and special give-aways!

Read the full story at: http://www.scottsdaleair.com/your-ac-may-be-leaking-water-due-to-a-cracked-condensate-pan/

[New Post] Communicating With Scottsdale Air Conditioning Contractors published on scottsdaleair

Regardless of the industry, teamwork is a critical element in order to achieve success. And when it comes to fixing, installing or maintaining an air conditioning unit, knowing how to work and communicate with Scottsdale air conditioning contractors can significantly improve the working relationship. In fact, knowing what you can do to help articulate the issues that your homes AC system is experiencing can and often does lead to more effective and less costly repairs.

How To Work With Scottsdale Air Conditioning Contractors

Hint #1 – Learn the Basics about your AC System

For the most part, contacting the local AC repair company when you need service will be rather simple. You often need to provide some basic information in order to determine whether or not the company you’ve contacted is qualified and available to fix your problem. Some of the specifics you should investigate prior to contacting any Scottsdale AC Contractors include:

• What type of air-conditioning system you have cooling your home. Is it a heat pump system, an all-in-one HVAC unit or a central air system?


• What brand of air conditioning system is keeping your home cool? And, are there different parts to this system; i.e. is there a unit outside and one inside or just one outside?


• What size of AC system do you have?


• How long have you had this AC system installed inside your home and what was the last time it was serviced?

When you can find out these answers, and then contact the AC contractor, the process will flow much smoother.

Hint #2 – Try to Ensure Safety Prior to their Visit

Another helpful hint that will assist the contractor you hire to fix your AC system in Scottsdale is to consider the safety of the contractor when they visit your home. The best way to accomplish this is to think about what things inside your home can pose potential safety risks. Here are a few specific things to consider:

• Do you have any pets that might pose a danger to a visiting contractor? If so, take proactive measures to secure them before the contractor arrives.


• Are there any obstructions near the work area that might cause trips, falls, or other potential safety concerns? If so, take measures to remove them if possible. If nothing else, please communicate those potential safety concerns to any HVAC contractor.


• Do you know where your main power supply is located? You’re Scottsdale air conditioning contractor will need to access this and shut off power to the unit when they work on the ac system.

As you can see, some of these hints are very basic. However, by simply taking the appropriate action to find out answers to these questions can reduce the time spent on repairs and maintenance. Plus, it will ensure your Scottsdale air conditioning contractors will remain safe when they complete any repairs to your system.

Read the full story at: http://www.scottsdaleair.com/communicating-with-scottsdale-air-conditioning-contractors/