While Arizona is known for its scorching summers, many newcomers and even long-time residents are surprised by how chilly it can get during the winter months, especially at night. This leads to a unique set of challenges when it comes to home heating. Here are five common mistakes Arizona homeowners make when trying to keep their homes warm and comfortable during the cooler seasons.

1. Turning Up the Thermostat

Cranking the thermostat won’t heat your home faster. Setting your thermostat higher than necessary only increases energy consumption and puts unnecessary strain on your HVAC system. For optimal efficiency and comfort, choose a comfortable temperature and consider using a programmable thermostat.

2. Heating an Empty House

If you’re away for the day or extended periods, a smart thermostat can be your energy-saving sidekick. By setting it to adjust temperatures based on your schedule, you can avoid heating unoccupied spaces. This simple change can significantly reduce your energy bills and help the environment.

3. Over Reliance on Portable Heaters

When faced with a chilly night, many homeowners reach for portable electric heaters. While these can be effective for spot heating, relying on them too heavily can lead to high electricity bills and potential safety hazards. Use portable heaters sparingly and ensure your main heating system is working efficiently.

4. Ignoring Humidity Levels

Arizona’s dry climate can make indoor air feel cooler than it actually is. Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air. This can make your home feel warmer at lower temperatures, allowing you to save on heating costs.

5. Neglecting Heating System Maintenance

Many Arizonans focus so much on their air conditioning systems that they forget about their heating systems until they need them. This can lead to inefficient operation or even breakdowns when the temperature drops. Schedule annual maintenance for your heating system before the cool season begins. This will ensure it’s running efficiently and catch any potential issues before they become major problems.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can stay comfortable during the cooler months while keeping energy usage and costs under control. Remember, efficient heating is not just about turning up the thermostat—it’s about creating a smart, well-maintained system that works with Arizona’s unique climate.

Call Bruce’s

At Bruce’s our technicians know how to keep the heat on and save on energy costs. Call the experts today at Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating at 480-968-5652. We’re here for you 24/7/365.

With winter in full swing, many homeowners are firing up their furnaces. While a properly functioning furnace should operate without any noticeable odors, unusual smells can occur. These smells might be harmless, or they could indicate a more serious issue that needs to be addressed. Let’s explore some common furnace odors, what they might mean, and how to address them.

Dusty or Musty Smell

This is often the most common smell when you first turn on your furnace for the season. It’s usually caused by dust and debris that have accumulated in the furnace or ductwork over the summer months. This smell should dissipate within a few hours. If it persists, change your air filter and consider having your ducts professionally cleaned.

Burning Smell

A brief burning smell when you first start your furnace is normal and usually caused by dust burning off the heat exchanger. However, if the smell persists, it could indicate an overheating motor, frayed wiring, or a clogged filter. If the smell doesn’t go away after a few hours, turn off your furnace immediately and call your local professional HVAC technician.

Rotten Egg Smell

This is one of the most dangerous smells and likely indicates a gas leak. Natural gas is odorless, but utility companies add a chemical called mercaptan to give it a distinctive smell for safety reasons. If you smell rotten eggs, immediately turn off the gas supply, evacuate your home, and call your gas company or emergency services.

Electrical or Metallic Smell

This could indicate an overheating motor or frayed wiring. It might also mean that the heat exchanger is cracked, which is a serious safety hazard. Turn off your furnace immediately and call a professional HVAC technician for inspection and repair.

Chimney-like Smell

This could indicate a backdraft from the chimney, allowing exhaust fumes to enter your home instead of exiting through the flue. This is a potentially dangerous situation as it could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Turn off your furnace and call a local HVAC professional immediately.

Moldy or Mildew Smell

This could indicate mold growth in your ductwork or furnace system, often due to excess moisture. Have your ducts inspected and cleaned by a professional. Consider installing a dehumidifier to control moisture levels.

Call Bruce’s for a Free Estimate

Need help with your funky furnace smells? The smart place to start is with your local experts at Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating. We have the Valley of the Sun’s top technicians for heating services. Call us today at 480-968-5652 today to schedule your appointment.

While Arizona winters are milder than in many parts of the country, desert nights can still get chilly, prompting most residents to fire up their heating systems. But, in our efforts to stay cozy, we can make mistakes that can lead to energy waste and can even be risky. Here are some common heating mistakes to avoid during the short but chilly Arizona winter.

1. Cranking Up the Thermostat

One of the biggest mistakes is setting the thermostat too high. In Arizona, you rarely need indoor temperatures above 68°F. Each degree above this can increase your energy consumption by 3-5%. Instead, you’ll want to reduce the temperature at night, wear additional warm clothing, and add blankets to stay comfortable at night. You may want to consider a programmable thermostat to optimize temperature settings during the daytime, at night, and when you’re away from home.

2. Heating Empty Spaces

Heating rooms you’re not using wastes energy. You can avoid this by closing doors in unused rooms, consider installing a zoned heating system for additional temperature control, and using space heaters only in occupied rooms. Never leave space heaters unattended and place them at least three feet away from flammable objects.

3. Blocking Vents

Furniture, curtains, or rugs blocking vents can restrict airflow, reduce heating efficiency, and even create fire hazards. You’ll want to ensure all vents are clear and unobstructed.

4. Misusing the Fireplace

While fireplaces can add warmth and ambiance, they can also waste heat if used improperly. You’ll want to close the damper when the fireplace is not in use, add glass doors to prevent warm air from escaping, and consider a fireplace insert for greater efficiency.

5. Forgetting About Ceiling Fans

You may not realize that ceiling fans can help distribute warm air in winter. You’ll want to change the fans to rotate clockwise at low speed which pushes warm air down from the ceiling.

6. Neglecting Home Energy Audits

A home energy audit is a long-term investment. These can identify specific areas where your home is losing heat and provide tailored recommendations for improvement. Best of all, a home energy audit offers a 30% tax credit up to $150 per year.

Contact Bruce’s

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can stay comfortable during the winter months without seeing a dramatic spike in your energy bills. As a locally owned business, we understand and appreciate our customers. We consider our HVAC professionals to be the best in the Valley of the Sun. Call Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating today at 480-968-5652 to schedule all your home’s service needs.