[New Post] Save Money On Your Air Conditioning Installation In Scottsdale published on scottsdaleair

It has become common in many households these days to find smart ways to save on purchases. With gas prices still hovering around $3.50 per gallon, and the price of groceries increasing each month, finding clever and effective ways of saving money on major expenses such as air conditioning installation in Scottsdale is just as important.

Tips To Save Cash When Hiring AC Installation Company

Tip # 1 – Have A Load Calculation Completed Before You Install

The best way to save money on any major appliance purchase and installation is to always ensure you buy the right sized unit for your home. This is especially critical for replacement AC units. A professional HVAC contractor will always insist on having a load calculation completed before they sell you any new AC unit. However, this should be something that a conscious consumer requests. A load calculation is a detailed measurement that considers several factors, from how many floors a home has, to the square footage and even the direction of windows and doors to determine how big of an AC unit is right for the home.

A load calculation also considers energy efficiency as well as comfort. Since energy consumption rates are not lowering anytime soon, a great way to save money is to begin with a highly energy efficient new Air Conditioning Unit.

Tip #2 – Compare and Contrast Consumer Brands

After having a load calculation completed, the next step in saving money for a new AC installation service in Scottsdale is to compare the brand name units. Some systems are better than others. For example:

• Some brands tend to last last longer than most other brands; you want to stay focused on highly energy efficient systems look for the Energy Star® rating.


• From time to time different manufactures will offer rebates and incentives to purchase their products. But make sure you check the fine print in these ‘deals’ before you buy anything.


• Check with the AC installation company to verify that they are ‘specialists’ for the brand of unit you are purchasing. If the HVAC installation experts have been highly trained by the manufacture to install their systems, you’ll be surprised on how efficiently the job will be completed.

Tip #3 – Have Your Ductwork Inspected and Repaired Before Installation

Another great way to save money on installation of a new AC system in Scottsdale is to have your home’s ductwork inspected and repaired if needed before the new unit is actually installed. A new AC unit is just one piece in the complete home AC system. And if the ductwork inside your home is dirty, leaking or broken in any way, it will significantly impact the performance of your AC system. Plus, a broken or dirty ductwork system can also lead to premature wear and tear of your new system leading to expensive repairs.

If you’re in the market for a brand new air conditioning unit and are searching for the best ways to save money on air conditioning installation in Scottsdale, simply follow these three important tips. You’ll be surprised how much money you’ll save when you buy and install the proper sized and brand of AC system.

Read the full story at: http://www.scottsdaleair.com/save-money-on-your-air-conditioning-installation-in-scottsdale/

[New Post] What To Ask A Contractor That Provides AC Repair In Scottsdale published on scottsdaleair

GI Joe said it best – knowing is half the battle. And when it comes to hiring the right AC repair contractor in Scottsdale, knowing what type of questions to ask them can – and often will save you tons of time, money and ensure you retain the right person for the job. So if you are in the market for any type of AC Repair in Scottsdale, and have never contacted an AC repair technician, here are a few questions that you should ask that will help you find the right person to get your AC system back in good condition as the summer heat approaches.

3 Questions For An AC Repair Technician In Scottsdale

Question #1 – Are you a Licensed, Certified and Insured AC Repair Contractor in Scottsdale?

This might seem to be rather redundant and silly to ask, but believe it or not, these certifications and license requirements are highly important for receiving quality AC repairs in Scottsdale and surrounding communities. The facts don’t lie – there are some very unscrupulous contractors that provide some HVAC service and repairs in every state. But when a company is licensed and certified by the State of Arizona, are members of the State of Arizona Registrar of Contractors and is insured to provide all HVAC repairs, you’ll be hiring a company that is highly qualified.

Question #2 – Are there any hidden costs I need to Know About?

Most AC repair specialists operating in Scottsdale will be very transparent about all costs to complete repairs on your AC system. However, just like we mentioned above, there are some vultures out there that will take advantage of homeowners. In order to protect yourself from these ‘bad guys’, here are a few tips that you should consider to verify that the AC repair specialist operates under good business ethics:

• Check with the Scottsdale BBB. The Better Business Bureau is a great source of information for Arizona homeowners to check about the business practices of any contractors.


• Verify the AC contractor credentials. If a company tells you that they are licensed or certified with a particular group, verify this by contacting that agency.


• Visit Angieslist.com. This website is a wonderful source of accurate and fair, consumer-based reviews. If a company is on Angie’s ‘Good List’, you can trust them.

Question #3 – Can I get a Quote in Writing: Please?

They say that saying ‘please’ always makes things easier. However, when it comes to protecting yourself, you shouldn’t have to ask nicely for a written price quote on repairs. Most AC contractors pride themselves on transparency and giving customers factual information about all repairs. This extends into providing them with a detailed written quote for any repair services even before they start the job. The goal of any good AC repair company should be to be as open and clear as possible with their customers so they can earn the trust of the customer.

Regardless of the type of AC repair in Scottsdale you need, make sure you ask any company you plan to hire these three simple questions. And make sure they provide you answers that will give you peace of mind and ensure they do the job right – the first time.

Read the full story at: http://www.scottsdaleair.com/what-to-ask-a-contractor-that-provides-ac-repair-in-scottsdale/

[New Post] Expert Tips For Air Conditioning Repair In South Scottsdale published on scottsdaleair

Calling the local air conditioning repair company in South Scottsdale might not be on top of your list of fun ways to spend a spring afternoon. In fact, many people consider the process of hiring an AC service provider just as fun as visiting the dentist. However, it doesn’t have to be a painful experience. In fact, there are a few things you can do to make this process easier and ensure that you hire the right company, dedicated to fixing your AC system right – the first time.

3 Important AC Repair Tips For South Scottsdale Home Owners

Tip #1 – Only Work with an Air Conditioning Company that Services South Scottsdale

This might sound ridiculous, but believe it or not, many residents of South Scottsdale will contact an HVAC provider that might ‘consider’ servicing their community – but does not place an emphasis on working in their area. There are several reasons why you should only work with an air conditioning repair company that specialized in your South Scottsdale community including:

• They know your community well. Each sub-division has different ‘perks’ that make them unique. From the location of where the AC units are placed, to the power supply of each community, working with a company that knows South Scottsdale homes helps ensure you’re receiving top service.


• The service company likely to arrive to appointments on time. Nothing is worse than having to cancel your personal events, work schedule, kid social activities due to waiting for your AC repair company to show up. But when you work with a local company that services the South Scottsdale community frequently, you’ll be surprised on how quickly the repairs will be completed – and that they’ll always arrive when scheduled.


• A local HVAC company is easy to contact for future air conditioning repair jobs or routine service calls – if needed.

Tip #2 – Make Sure You Learn A Few Basics About Your Home AC System

This is a great tip for any home owner. The more you know about the air conditioning unit that you have inside your home, the better prepared you’ll be to answer questions that the AC repair company has about the problems you are experiencing. Here are a few basics you should know about your AC system:

• Know what type of system you have. It will likely be a heat pump system, a central air unit, an all-in-one HVAC unit, a roof top AC system or a window AC system.


• Understand the brand name and size of your system. You can easily find this out by looking on the side of your AC system. This will also help the technician diagnose a potential problem or bring appropriate replacement parts if needed.


• Know the location of all AC components. Many air conditioning systems in Arizona have two primary components – an outside unit and the indoor ventilation system. Make sure you can easily tell the Air Conditioning Company where they are located – as it will also improve repair time.

Tip #3 – Don’t be Afraid to Ask Questions

Finally, the best way to feel comfortable about hiring an air conditioning repair company is to simply ask them questions about their service programs or the repair job itself. A good company will include friendly technicians that are dedicated to providing exceptional customer service. This means they’ll answer any questions you have – at any time.

There is no reason why contacting an air conditioning repair service in South Scottsdale should be a painful experience. Simply follow these three tips and you’ll be comfortable knowing that an outstanding company is getting your AC system operational just in time for the summer heat.

Read the full story at: http://www.scottsdaleair.com/expert-tips-for-air-conditioning-repair-in-south-scottsdale/

[New Post] Tips For Selecting The Right Programmable Thermostats published on scottsdaleair

The latest rage in home heating and cooling for Scottsdale residents is installing new programmable thermostats. A common reality is that thermostats will, over a period of time, wear out. Whether it’s due to frequent use, or simple wear and tear that every electronic item undergoes, the fact is that at some point you’ll have to replace your home’s thermostat. But with so many on the market to choose from, how and where do you start to find one that is both functional and user friendly?

Three Tips For Selecting A Great Programmable Thermostat For Your Scottsdale Home

Tip #1 – Determine What Type Of HVAC System You Have

The first thing you need to determine before you start shopping for any programmable thermostat is what type of system it will power. For example – if you have separate heater and air conditioning units, you’ll need to find a thermostat that can function for two individual units. On the other hand, if your HVAC system is an all-in-one that both heats and cools, like a heat pump system for example, then you’ll need to buy a thermostat that works for those specific systems. You’ll be surprised to learn that not every thermostat is functional for every type of heating or cooling system – so start by determining what type of system you have. This will make your search for the right programmable thermostat much easier.

Tip #2 – Consider The Honeywell 8000

One of the best all-purpose thermostats on the market today is the Honeywell All-Vision Pro 8000 model, designed to work for both residential and commercial applications. This programmable thermostat is engineered to operate both functionally and also be extremely easy to use for most Arizona residents. Some of the unique features of the Honeywell 8000 programmable thermostat include:

• The unit has a 7-day programmable program so you can set the temperature for your home for each specific day of the week


• It is dual-powered system that can be hard-wired or battery powered. This is a great feature to have especially if you live in an area with frequent power outages.


• System has Smart Scheduler – allowing even the novice home thermostat owner to program the system in seconds for virtually any lifestyle


• The Honeywell 8000 controls humidification, ventilation and dehumidification


• The thermostat can link with multiple heating and cooling systems


• Extremely easy to use with a Plain Language set-up program; no manual needed for installation

Tip #3 – Always Consider Functionality Over Looks

The most important tip we can offer about choosing any programmable thermostat is to consider function and usability over fashion. There are many new, cool looking programmable thermostats on the market – some of them with unique Wi-Fi connectivity and programming features that allow you to access your homes heating from any remote location. But, if you don’t have a smart phone or simply don’t use that technology well – why buy it?

Any thermostat you purchase should be about one thing – and one thing only: heating or cooling your home efficiently. When it comes to buying any programmable thermostat, always defer to function over fashion. If you’re not comfortable installing and testing your new thermostat you’ll want to call a professional to help you instal your new thermostat and make sure it’s properly calibrated and working to your liking.

 

Read the full story at: http://www.scottsdaleair.com/tips-for-selecting-the-right-programmable-thermostats/

[New Post] What Is An Energy Audit And Why Should I Have One? published on scottsdaleair

One of the best ways to determine true energy efficiency is to have an energy audit performed by a professional company. However, many Arizona residents often ask ‘what is an energy audit’ in the first place? The reason most people are not familiar with the energy audit process is quite frankly – we’ve really had a need to have them performed in recent years.

But with rising costs of energy production and a focus on streamlining our monthly energy bills in every household becoming popular, many people have turned to professional energy assessment to diagnose their home energy efficiency level and suggest a course of action to improve it greatly.

Answers To Commonly Asked Questions About Energy Audits

Question #1 – What is an Energy Audit?

An energy audit is a process where a professional energy auditor that should be BPI Certified, will complete a room-by-room examination of your home and examine your previous energy bills to determine the energy efficiency of your house. There are many individual tests that they perform during this audit, which can include:

• Completing a thermo-graphic scan of the home to check for cold or hot spots in the house


• Completing a blower test to check out how efficient your heater or cooling system delivers air.


• Inspecting the ductwork and complete HVAC system for leaks, clogged ports or any obstructions that might limit the air flow potential


• Reviewing past energy bills for peaks and valleys of energy usage or any patterns that show where energy can be saved during each monthly cycle.

After they complete the basic examination of both the home and past performance of energy bills, the energy auditor will have a basic understanding of the energy efficiency of your home – then complete a course of action plan that will help you improve your energy efficiency level; and most importantly, find ways to save money.

Question #2 – How Can I Prepare for an Energy Assessment?

If you’ve seen the value of an energy assessment and would like to have one completed, there are a few important steps you should complete before the energy assessor arrives to your home that includes the following:

• Make sure you write down any problems your home has such as drafty rooms, cold spots or times during the year when you notice increases in energy bills


• Make sure you have copies of your energy bills from the past 12-month cycle ready for the energy auditor to review


• Be prepared to answer a few basic questions about household living that will give complete information for the energy auditor to make an informed decision

Question #3 – Why should we have an Energy Audit Completed in Arizona?

Finally, now that you’ve answered ‘what is an energy audit’, and what you should do to prepare for one, you might ask yourself why it’s important to have an energy audit in the first place. Well, the answer is rather simple – to save money in the long run. The average home in Arizona loses between 20-30% of its heat and cold due to common and rather easy to fix issues with the home. By having a professional examine and inspect your home, you have the potential to significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency. This will help you save money, protect the environment and improve the overall quality of life.

Read the full story at: http://www.scottsdaleair.com/what-is-an-energy-audit-and-why-should-i-have-one/

[New Post] Save Money with APS and SRP Utility Rebates in Scottsdale published on scottsdaleair

Last year the big push for the HVAC industry was based on consumers qualifying for Tax Credits if they purchased new Energy Star® rated units before the clock struck midnight on December 31^st 2013. The State of Arizona noticed how successful this program was across the US and went several steps further by offering several APS and SRB Utility Rebates in Scottsdale and surrounding cities in 2014 for many HVAC services.

3 Ways You Can Save Money This Year With Utility Rebates

Replacing Heat Pump or AC Unit

Just like most Federal rebate programs, the 2013 program was argued by many to be ‘overhyped’ based on what the consumer actually received, which equated to an actual tax write-off. However, when you replace a current heat pump system you have at your home or install a highly energy-efficient central cooling system, you can be eligible for a CASH rebate between $200 and $400. The amount of the rebate is based on the heat pump or AC unit energy efficiency ratings and the configuration of the equipment. So contact your reliable HVAC contractor today to inquire about their heat pumps and central cooling systems.

APS Residential Air Conditioner Rebate Program

New for 2014 is the APS residential Air Conditioner Rebate Program. This provides rebates to APS residential customers that replace their existing AC unit or heat pump with a new unit that has a minimum SEER standard of 13. All units that are rated 13 or higher on the SEER standard will qualify for a rebate of $270.00. You will receive this rebate check within 6-8 weeks of installing the unit and many HVAC professional companies are more than happy to help you fill out the paperwork correctly.

Here are a few ‘rules’ for this program though:

• The new AC unit needs to be installed by an APS Rebate Eligible Contractor (so ask your HVAC professional if they are APS Eligible)


• You must purchase and install the new system before December 31^st, 2014.

SRP Air Duct Test and Repair Rebate Program

Not to be outdone by APS, SRP wants to help homeowners by offering a unique rebate program as well. This one is designed to help improve the efficiency of your home heating and cooling systems. It’s called a Duct Test, where a licensed HVAC contractor monitors the efficiency of the duct work, checks for leaks and provides analysis to help you improve your home’s ability to retain heat and cool air.

The rebate covers:

• 75% of the cost of duct testing (up to $75)


• 75% of the cost of qualified duct repairs (up to $175)

In order to qualify for this rebate, you must be a current SRP residential electric customer with an existing home (as new homes are not eligible). You must also have the duct test and any qualifying repairs completed by a BPI Certified, SRP Approved contractor by December 31^st, 2014.

There are several great utility rebates in Scottsdale this year. To learn more about all the rebates offered in Arizona to homeowners and customers of APS and SRP, contact your local and dependable HVAC professional contractor today.

Read the full story at: http://www.scottsdaleair.com/save-money-with-aps-and-srp-utility-rebates-in-scottsdale/

[New Post] How To Hire The Right Heating Contractor In Scottsdale published on scottsdaleair

There are many qualified heating contractors in Scottsdale – but how do you hire the RIGHT one? With virtually every HVAC company promoting how many awards they’ve won, or how great their customer service is, how can you separate the ones who are spinning their facts from the ones you can trust to repair your heating system while you’re not home? In the next few paragraphs, we’ll list a few important details you should consider when you’re looking to hire the RIGHT heating contractor in Scottsdale.

Three Tips For Finding The Right Heating Contractor

Tip #1 – Always Double Check Certifications and Awards

Here is an easy to answer question – do you believe everything you see on the Internet? We’re willing to be the answer to this question is a solid NO. And there is a good reason for this – especially when the safety of your home and your valuables are at risk. Sometimes people are scrupulous and will do and say anything in order to get your business – even lie. This is why it’s vitally important to double-check any claims that any heating contractor makes about their certifications or awards won for customer service. For example – if a company is claiming they are A+ rated with the BBB – contact the BBB to verify this is factual. Or if a company has received several awards on Angieslist.com – verify with the website that this is accurate.

Tip #2 – Get a Second Opinion

Another important step when looking to hire the right heating contractor in Scottsdale is to consider getting a second opinion on heating repair services from a similar company and ask for additional references. The reason why this is a good thing to consider has nothing to do with price of the repairs – but has everything to do with integrity of the original company you are contacting. A reliable heating contractor will be very confident in the services they provide you and should be 100% certain that the rate they’ve provided you is fair, competitive and honest. They should have no problem with you contacting another company for comparison rates. Plus, if a company is trustworthy, they will also have no problem in giving you as many references as you’d like to verify their work. The key here is open and honest communication – and any good heating contractor will be more than willing to ‘open their books’ to you to gain and earn your trust.

Tip #3 – Set Up A Meeting

Finally, after you’ve completed your research about any heating contracting company you intend to hire, you’ll want to set up a meeting with them in person or over the phone to interview them. People tend to gain confidence in face-to-face meetings – and when you’re hiring somebody for any job, you’ll always want to talk with them first, right? By taking the time to speak with a heating contractor directly, you’ll be able to verify their experience and determine if they are qualified and trustworthy enough for you to hire them for any heating repair service you need.

Wouldn’t it be great to hire a heating contractor in Scottsdale that is so trustworthy that you can have the confidence that your heating contractor can complete any repairs or service while you’re at home or even away from home if needed. By doing your research and speaking with them directly before hiring them, this could be a reality. Simply follow these three steps and you’ll be certain to hire the best heating contractors in Scottsdale – the first time.

Read the full story at: http://www.scottsdaleair.com/how-to-hire-the-right-heating-contractor-in-scottsdale/