[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.

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

[New Post] Tips For Finding Affordable AC Repair in Fountain Hills published on scottsdaleair

There is nothing worse than walking into your home in the dead of summer only to discover your AC system is not working right. When this happens, the first move you often make is to the phone book to call your local HVAC repair company. Who are we kidding – nobody uses the phone book anymore, do they? It’s now estimated that over 80% of homeowners look for contractors online these days and are using phone books as doorstops. Since this is becoming the norm, here are a few tips for finding a good AC repair company in Fountain Hills online.

3 Tips For Finding A Dependable AC Repair Company

Tip #1 – Search with Google First

It’s always best to start at the top of any list. And when it comes to finding a solid and dependable AC repair company in Fountain Hills, Google is among the best places to start. Search engines like Google will rank website pages based on keywords that consumers type into their search engines based on two primary elements:

1)   The proper use of the keywords in written content on a particular website page with a focus on quality as opposed to the density of the keyword within the content.

2)   The amount of times that website page has been viewed by others.

The fact remains that companies ranked higher on Google when you search online for AC repair in Fountain Hills place an emphasis on online marketing – and this is a good thing when it comes to hiring a dependable AC contractor.

When a company understands that online marketing provides the best VALUE in reaching potential customers it shows that the business is proactively producing quality with everything they touch. This includes the routine services they provide their customers.

Tip #2 – Check Out Angieslist.com and BBB.org

Once you’ve found a good company on Google that provides dependable AC repairs in your hometown, the next step is to make sure they are reliable and dependable. Checking out independent consumer review websites like Angieslist.com and the Better Business Bureau can often complete this. These sites are dedicated to protecting consumers against shady contractors and rewarding good businesses by showcasing their positive service records for people to see. When a company has a positive review on BBB.org or on Angieslist.com, you can depend on them to provide you with affordable and value-driven AC repairs.

Tip #3 – Ask your Friends and Close Family Members

Word of mouth advertising is not dead. In fact many businesses, such as Costco, rely on this to grow their companies. If huge corporations like Costco Wholesale feel confident in this marketing philosophy, so can you. This is why it’s a great idea to get feedback and recommendations from friends and close family members that live in the area. As with all recommendations, use them as a starting point and do your own research to determine what company you should work with in the future.

As you can see, finding a good AC repair company in Fountain Hills is very simple when you follow these easy three tips. And, just like hiring any contractor, make sure that once you find one, take the time to meet with them to discuss details and verify all credentials, licenses and insurance requirements before signing on the dotted line.

Read the full story at: http://www.scottsdaleair.com/tips-for-finding-affordable-ac-repair-in-fountain-hills/

[New Post] How Often Do Home Air Filters Need To Be Changed in Scottsdale? published on scottsdaleair

One of the leading causes of common colds, allergies and other illnesses is poor indoor air quality. And in the dusty and windy desert it’s not surprising how common these medical conditions pop up. Recent research by the Department of Energy, however, indicated that by simply changing your indoor home air filters once every month can reduce the onset of most allergic attacks and common colds by 70 percent.

Reasons for Changing Indoor Air Filters

When Should I Change out Indoor Air Filters?

In Arizona, or any other State in the Southwestern US, it is recommended to replace your indoor home air filters on a monthly basis. This is due to the increased dust and dirt that circulates and finds its way into the homes, ductwork and rafters of many Arizona homes. One thing to remember is that the filters work both ways, by circulating the dirty air from inside your home into the HVAC system, but also distributing cool or warmer air into the house through the ductwork. And since the ductwork is often dirty, this means dirty air in – dirty air out.

The best way to reduce this problem is to keep these filters replaced every month. Doing so will help improve your indoor air quality significantly.

What other reasons Should I Replace Home Air Filters?

There are several other benefits besides increasing indoor air quality and reducing the onset of colds, allergies and other breathing conditions such as COPD. Here are just a few:

1)   Replacing indoor air filters will save money on monthly utilities. Every HVAC system works virtually the same basic way: it brings air into a unit, cools or heats that air, and circulates that air back into the home. However, one of the biggest drains of energy is when that air is blocked or obstructed by dirty and clogged air filters. It is estimated by the US Department of Energy that by replacing your filters on a monthly basis, you can save as much as 25 percent on your monthly energy bills.

2)   Replacing indoor air filters also extends life of any HVAC system. Another common problem that HVAC systems have is they tend to become clogged up with dirt, debris and other particles that embed themselves onto mechanical moving parts inside a unit. Again, by improving the quality of air that is circulated into these systems by replacing indoor air filters frequently, you improve the system’s ability to ‘breathe’. And when a mechanical device can ‘breathe’ easy, the results are always positive.

3)   Replacing indoor air filters frequently can also help your indoor electronics. Nobody likes removing dust from furniture, but many of us never consider that all this dust also collects inside our electrical devices. Again, by replacing home air filters every month, you’ll also reduce the amount of dust that gets trapped in your major electrical units like TV’s, computers and other electronic devices. This will extend the life of these systems and, again, potentially save you money in the long run.

Keeping your home as clean as possible, improving your indoor air quality and having your Scottsdale AC run smoothly is simple when you take time to replace your home air filters on a monthly basis.

Read the full story at: http://www.scottsdaleair.com/how-often-do-home-air-filters-need-to-be-changed-in-scottsdale/

[New Post] Learn What A Split System Air Conditioner Can Really Do published on scottsdaleair

A growing trend among Arizona homeowners is the installation of split system air conditioning inside their homes. Like a heat pump system, the introduction of this new technology is providing homeowners with several benefits that go much further than keeping your home cool in summertime.

3 Commonly Asked Questions About Split System Air Conditioners And Their Benefits

Question #1 – What is a Split System AC Unit?

A split system air conditioning unit is exactly as it’s named – split into two different sections: the outdoor unit and an indoor unit. Traditionally the outside portion is installed near a wall or outside a particular room that you want to cool. This outdoor system houses the AC compressor, condenser coils and the expansion coils, while the indoor system includes fans to circulate air and to keep your home cool.

Question #2 – How does a Split System differ from traditional AC Units?

The biggest difference between a split system and a traditional AC unit is that it does not require a lot of ductwork. Instead, the split system uses several electrical wires and tubing to circulate air throughout your home. Not only is this a more affordable solution but also it’s better for the environment. Ductwork tends to cause older AC units to operate very inefficiently due to the fact that ductwork will leak over a period of time. By removing this element from the indoor air-cooling equation, you are able to save considerable energy and increase efficiency.

Question #3 – What are the Benefits of a Split Air Conditioning System

The new split system AC units provide Arizona homeowners with several benefits including:

• They are much quieter systems. The parts that make the most noise with air conditioning systems include the compressor and fans that will cool the condenser are located outside the home. This removes the majority of noise and allows an higher comfort level.


• They offer homeowners customizable options to increase comfort and maximize efficiency. Another benefit of these systems is that they can be tailor-made to cool individual rooms or larger rooms as needed. This increases efficiency and can save money on utilities as well.

Split system air conditioning units offer homeowners with more options to keep their homes cool during the extreme summer heat. One minor hurdle is the initial cost of these units. However, they have been shown to save a tremendous amount of money in monthly energy bills and tend to last longer than traditional systems.

Since most homeowners are looking for value these days, a split air conditioning system is one that not only keeps your home comfortable, but will also save money each month the unit is in operation. This allows you to spend a little bit of money now, to save a lot of money down the road. And in today’s economic climate, this aspect is one that truly pays off in the long term.

Read the full story at: http://www.scottsdaleair.com/learn-what-a-split-system-air-conditioner-can-really-do/

[New Post] Air Conditioner Sales SkyRocket In The Summer Months published on scottsdaleair

When the summer heat arrives, many homeowners quickly discover that their older AC unit has waited for just the right moment to break down. And when it’s over 100 degrees outside, finding an affordable air conditioner to replace your older one can be difficult. Because AC systems tend to break down early into the summer season we’ve seen a boom on air conditioner sales between the months of May into July.

Reasons For This Trend And Actions You Can Take To Avoid Them

Why Do AC Sales Increase in the Summer?

Traditionally, air conditioning units break down as soon as they are activated for the summer season. There are reasons for this:

• Lack of routine maintenance. When an AC system is properly maintained it can operate smoothly for a very long time. Before and after the summer season, a professional HVAC contractor will take the time to make sure that the unit is properly maintained. They fill up all fluid levels, tighten up belts and hoses, replace filters and inspect mechanical parts for common wear and tear. By simply scheduling an annual ‘tune-up’ in spring you can avoid the trouble of having to pay for a replacement AC unit during peak season.


• Increased Use = Increase Potential for Damage. Another reason why air conditioner sales often peak in summer is due to the extreme temperatures we have in Scottsdale. When it’s above 100 degrees on a normal basis, it takes a lot of effort to cool a home to a comfortable temperature. This often results in AC systems being overloaded and can cause complete system shutdown.

What Can I Do to Save Money on AC Replacement in Scottsdale?

One of the biggest consequences of increased air conditioner sales in summertime is that costs to install these systems can also increase during peak season. This is simply due to supply and demand. But, there are a few things you can do to save time, money and avoid the hassle of trying to find somebody to install a new system during summer.

1)   Schedule routine maintenance every spring. This is a sure fire way to not only keep your AC system running longer and stronger, but also will save you money on monthly energy costs. During a service visit, you’re HVAC contractors will replace filters, top off fluids and inspect the system for overall wear and tear. This can help reduce the amount of energy needed to run your AC system efficiently – saving you money in the short and long term.

2)   Replace your indoor air filters every month. Another easy way to reduce the drag on your AC system is to simply replace indoor filters every month. It can get very dusty in the desert all year long so simply replacing your filters will not only reduce air flow and make it easier on your AC system to work, but it can also help increase your indoor air quality.

It is clear there are many reasons why air conditioner sales peak during early summer. But, by simply having your system checked out in spring by a dependable HVAC professional can not only help you reduce the potential of your unit breaking down, but if it needs to be replaced, you can get it done when business is not as busy, which could save you money as well.

Read the full story at: http://www.scottsdaleair.com/air-conditioner-sales-skyrocket-in-the-summer-months/

[New Post] Tips for Finding Factual Lennox HVAC Reviews Online published on scottsdaleair

It’s often been said that if it’s posted on the Internet, it must be true. But when it comes to finding reliable product reviews about HVAC systems it’s becoming more difficult to find factual information that isn’t packed with marketing fluff. However, there are a few tricks you can use to not only search for good Lennox HVAC reviews posted on the Internet, but also read between the lines to get accurate information you need in order to make a well-informed decision on which HVAC system you should choose.

3 Tips to Finding Truthful Lennox HVAC Reviews

Tip #1 – Search for Third Party Reviews

The first way to simplify the process of finding solid Lennox HVAC system product reviews is to consider the source of the posting. And the best sources of any product reviews are third party review companies like Consumer Reports. For years Consumer Reports has been the go-to source for consumers to find factual information about major appliances: from heating units and AC systems to refrigerators and more. Consumers depend on fair and balanced product reviews, which is what keeps many of these third party review companies in business.

So when you’re searching for good information about Lennox HVAC systems, always consider the source that is posting the online review before you take time to review the content.

Tip #2 – Look for Scientific Data

Another sure fire way to read beyond the marketing spin posted in many product reviews is to consider the hard scientific facts. In the world of HVAC systems, this often means looking into the energy ratings and capacity of the product. Regardless of the manufacturer, there are three particular items that you should be concerned with regarding the quality of any HVAC system:

• The SEER Rating


• The size and capacity of the system


• Whether it is Energy Star^® rated or not

These three elements will often tell you all you need to know about any HVAC system. However, the most important part of finding the right unit to power your individual home goes much further than simply looking for ratings.

Tip #3 – Work with a Professional HVAC Contractor to Determine the Right Sized Unit

Reading product reviews online is a great initial source of information about the different brands, makes and models of HVAC systems. However, the most important step when it comes to picking the right HVAC unit is working with a professional HVAC contractor. In order to find the right ‘fit’ for your home, a load calculation is required, which the contractor will prepare. This method of determining the right sized system for a home or office space has been used for decades and considers many individual factors including:

• The overall square footage of the property


• The amount of floors, windows and doors


• The direction of windows, the insulation used and other important factors

By working with a licensed HVAC contracting company you are able to narrow down your search to particular models and sizes of HVAC systems, which will save you a ton of time in searching online for good Lennox HVAC reviews. Once you have a good idea as to the size of system you need, finding good information about a specific HVAC unit online will be much easier. From that point your can narrow your search to HVAC companies that install Lennox systems and are Lennox Dealers.

Read the full story at: http://www.scottsdaleair.com/tips-for-finding-factual-lennox-hvac-reviews-online/

[New Post] What Makes An Air Conditioning Company in Fountain Hills Great? published on scottsdaleair

It shouldn’t be a surprise to anybody that finding a qualified and dependable contractor to complete HVAC repairs can be an extremely time consuming process. And since there are several air conditioning companies in Fountain Hills, it’s becoming more difficult to know how to separate the ‘average providers’ from those that deliver exceptional service across the board.

What To Look For When Picking A Great Air Conditioning Company In Fountain Hills

First – Make Sure They Carry the Appropriate Licenses and Certifications

Most AC repair companies that service the Fountain Hills community are very reliable. However, a key component to determining if an air conditioning company operates above and beyond is their credibility. And this often begins with the certifications, licenses and permits they hold. Some of the important certifications that any HVAC company should have include:

• Registered with the State of Arizona BBB


• Members of the State of Arizona Registrar of Contractors


• Members of the Electric League of Arizona


• Being certified by the North American Technician Excellence (NATE) standard

When an HVAC company takes the proactive measures to work with the best organizations that help them provide complete HVAC services, you can count on them to produce quality results.

Second – Check Their Online Presence

Another important attribute that customers in Fountain Hills should consider is how much effort a business places on online marketing. This doesn’t mean that you should always hire the company that spams you often, nor does it mean that you should pick the first Google ad you see in the search results. What this means is take into consideration the quality of their online presence. For example:

• Review their website. Is it clean? Easy to navigate? Provide you with factual information that you can use?


• Follow them on Facebook and Twitter. Are they active with their social media pages? Do they engage their customers and followers? And do they answer public questions about their service quickly and promptly?


• Do they have a solid blog network that provides useful information that isn’t to sales pitchy?

In short, the effort that a company puts on their ‘public image’ is a sign of their desire to produce quality results across the board.

Third – Verify their Service Record with Pervious Customers

Finally, when you’re looking to hire the best air conditioning company go directly to the horse’s mouth; get feedback from their customers posted as customer reviews. There are two primary places to get factual information directly from previous customers of any HVAC company:

• Better Business Bureau (BBB)


• Angieslist.com

If a company operates under suspicious business practices, many customers will file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. However, when a company is really good about working with the public, the BBB will often highlight them as a certified BBB provider. Angieslist.com is another great online source to get consumer direct reviews about any air conditioning company that services the Fountain Hills community.

Regardless of where you get the info, always take the time to complete as much research as possible before hiring any air conditioning company in Fountain Hills.

Read the full story at: http://www.scottsdaleair.com/what-makes-an-air-conditioning-company-in-fountain-hills-great/