[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] How To Find A Dependable HVAC Contractor In McCormick Ranch published on scottsdaleair

Good help is indeed hard to find. But when it comes to hiring a dependable HVAC contractor in McCormick Ranch, it can be as difficult as searching for that perfect needle in a huge haystack. McCormick Ranch has been one of Scottsdale’s best communities for the past four decades. But just like any other area, from time to time, homeowners need to retain the services of a dependable and honest HVAC contractor. Whether it’s because you need your heating system tuned-up or need to have an air conditioning system inspected before summertime, there are a few important keys to finding and hiring a good, honest HVAC contractor.

3 Important Tips for Choosing an HVAC Contractor in the McCormick Ranch Area

First – Check with the BBB

The Scottsdale Better Business Bureau is a wonderful place to find out details about any contractor – especially those that provide HVAC services. When a company has a positive consumer record with the BBB, you have a good indication about the way that company conducts business on a daily basis. On the contrary, when a HVAC service company has a unscrupulous record with several customer complaints with the BBB on file, you might want to skip contacting them.

Always contact the BBB to check up on any HVAC contractor before hiring them to work on your McCormick Ranch home.

Second – Verify their Credentials

Just like hiring an employee, selecting a reliable HVAC contractor to work on your home should be completed with an interview. After you’ve verified that a company is in good standing with the local BBB, take the time to schedule an interview with the contractor. During this interview you can and should ask them a few important questions including:

• Are you licensed, certified and insured in the State of Arizona? If so, can you provide me with copies of your certifications and proof of insurance?


• Do you have a list of previous customers that we can contact as references?


• What is your policy on repairs, tune-ups and installation services?

Simply asking these questions however is not enough. You should also consider their responses as well. Anybody that scoffs on providing you with answers to these simple questions should not be considered as a trustworthy HVAC provider. However, if they are open, honest and transparent you can feel very confident that they’ll deliver exceptional service.

Third – Check with Angieslist.com

For several years, Angieslist.com has been the go-to online portal for consumer based reviews and facts on HVAC contractors that service the McCormick Ranch community. The great thing about Angie’s List is that every review posted is actually submitted by actual customers like you. This means that the information posted there is factual and can be trusted to be dependable. When a company receives Angieslist.com service records for superior service, you can also count on them to be a great provider.

Finding a good HVAC contractor in McCormick Ranch is easy when you keep in mind these three simple keys. Remember though, that any contractor that you hire should always be licensed and insured in Arizona, should always be open and honest and have a positive consumer record.

Read the full story at: http://www.scottsdaleair.com/how-to-find-a-dependable-hvac-contractor-in-mccormick-ranch/