[New Post] When Is The Best Time To Service Your Trane Rooftop Unit? published on scottsdaleair

As the summer heat begins to escape the Phoenix valley, many commercial business owners and home owners withTrane rooftop units might consider shutting down their systems. However, did you know that the fall is actually one of the best times to service any rooftop air conditioning system? And believe it or not taking the proactive measure to have routine AC service completed – when the weather is still relatively warm outside can save you a lot of money.

Here are a few reasons why the fall season is actually a great time to have your Trane rooftop unit serviced by professional Trane comfort specialists in Scottsdale.

First – Fall Maintenance can also impact Heating System Operation

One of the biggest misconceptions about commercial and residential HVAC systems is that heating and cooling systems have nothing to do with each other. On the contrary, both units both use several of the same components to efficiently circulate air though the entire building such as:

• Duct work. When you have your Trane rooftop unit serviced, one of the most common parts of any inspection is to examine the duct work. If your duct work is in need of repair, or is dirty and needs to be cleaned, the Trane comfort specialist can often schedule this to be done quickly. This duct work also is where warm air is circulated throughout a building. So by having your service completed now, you’ll be better prepared to have an efficient and cleaner-operating heating system when it starts to get cold.


• Thermostats. Another component that is inspected during your Trane rooftop service is the thermostat. And, just like the duct work, this individual component also impacts the operation of the heating unit. Sometimes thermostats fall out of calibration, so when you have it fixed and calibrated in the fall, the thermostat will be in working order to efficiently keep your building warm in winter.


• Filters. Finally, the filtration system that keeps dirty air from entering your building is also examined and in many cases replaced during your rooftop service. This is critical for efficient air flow for all HVAC units however it also impacts indoor air quality as well.

Second – Trane Rooftop Unit Maintenance also Impacts Energy Consumption

As the weather begins to cool down unfortunately the local energy department tends to increase rates. Across the board, prices per unit consumed of natural gas and electricity tend to be slightly higher in the fall season. Due to this, when you have your rooftop system serviced in the fall, it helps you reduce the amount of energy needed to keep your building cool on those warm days. As we stated above, each of those individual components that also work with the heating unit will impact the overall efficiency of the entire HVAC system.

Before you head into winter, you want to ensure that your HVAC system is operating at peak efficiency across the board, which is another reason why having your rooftop unit tuned up in the fall season is a smart idea.

As you can see, the months of October through December offer commercial building owners and residential home owners are great opportunity to have their Trane rooftop units serviced by professional Trane comfort specialists in Scottsdale.

If you have a Trane rooftop system, click here to contact us or call 480.359.7141
 to inquire about Scottsdale Air Heating & Cooling fall service specials.

 Read more about heating services:

• Should You Consider Solar Heating Systems in Scottsdale?


• Winter Energy Saving Tips That Work For Scottsdale Homeowners


• What Does A Good Home Heating Service Include?

Read the full story at: http://www.scottsdaleair.com/the-best-time-to-service-your-trane-rooftop-units/

[New Post] How Do Wi-Fi Programmable Thermostats Work In Scottsdale? published on scottsdaleair

We’ve all heard about Wi-Fi programmable thermostats in Scottsdale, but has anyone actually wondered how they work? They seem to be the rage of custom homebuilders and HVAC companies, but quite often, simplicity and factual information, not marketing buzz is the best selling point.

Facts About Wi-Fi Programmable Thermostats Before Investing

Question #1 – What Are The Key Features Of A Wi-Fi Programmable Thermostat?

When it comes to the key features, the truth is that Wi-Fi programmable thermostats have tons of bells and whistles. However, many of these options are very good for helping you streamline the way your home HVAC system works. Some of the best features of any Wi-Fi programmable thermostat include:

• You can control them from virtually anywhere. If you have access to a smart phone, tablet or even computer, you can access an online and secure control panel that will connect to your programmable thermostat. This allows you to monitor your home or office temperature and make changes quickly from remote locations to adjust the temperature in order to save money. This is a huge benefit for winter visitors and those that have homes in Arizona but travel frequently.


• They offer flexible programming. Another nice feature of Wi-Fi thermostats is their programming flexibility. You can control different settings by the hour, day, minute, week, month or any other time period you can consider. You can also control different settings for different rooms.


• Auto Alert Feature: When you have your Wi-Fi programmable thermostat connected to your smart phone, you can set it up to send you updates and other reminders. Some of the best updates include letting you know when routine maintenance needs to be scheduled. And again, for those that travel frequently or live elsewhere, this gives you the luxury of scheduling maintenance checks while you’re not even home.

Question #2 – What Type Of Cooling Or Heating Systems Are Compatible With Wi-Fi Programmable Thermostats?

One of the best features of new technology is the flexibility they offer to work with multiple HVAC systems. Most Wi-Fi thermostats work with:

• Central Air Conditioning


• Central Heating


• Heat Pumps


• Furnaces


• And more

There are also mobile units that many people living in Scottsdale install inside their RV’s and traveling trailers.  As you can see, there are several types of HVAC systems that can be controlled with Wi-Fi programmable thermostats in Scottsdale.

Question #3 – What Can A Wi-Fi Programmable Thermostat Do That My Current System Can’t?

Besides the features we’ve posted above, there are a few other items that a programmable Wi-Fi Thermostat can accomplish that other basic units simply can’t, including the following:

• Wi-Fi Thermostats are extremely accurate: One of the best advantages of technology is that everything across the board tends to improve. This is the case with Wi-Fi thermostats, as they are known to monitor all phases of your home comfort system extremely accurately. This allows a homeowner to improve their overall home comfort levels to peak efficiency.


• Most Wi-Fi Thermostats display outdoor conditions: Many Wi-Fi thermostats can communicate with sensors outside to display an accurate reading of the outdoor heat and humidity. This is a nice additional perk if you’ve ever wondered if it was warm or cold outside and didn’t want to poke your head outside the door.

The bottom line is that Wi-Fi programmable thermostats offer homeowners and commercial building owners several benefits and upgrades simply not available with older systems. The best thing to consider is your specific application and whether or not this type of technology is beneficial for you.

Contact Scottsdale Air Heating & Cooling  at 480.359.7141 and we will answer your questions about the specific thermostats we sell, install and  service.

Read the full story at: http://www.scottsdaleair.com/how-do-wi-fi-programmable-thermostats-work-in-scottsdale/

[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] 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] 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/