Author Archives: Bruce's Air Conditioning

A white wall vent featuring a clean, simple vent cover, seamlessly integrated into the wall's surface.

Why You Shouldn’t Close Your HVAC Vents

This entry was posted in HVAC on by .

As the hot Arizona summer begins to wind down, your thoughts probably turn to cooler days and the impending fall season. Many Valley of the Sun homeowners see this as the perfect time to close off unused rooms and vents to save energy. However, this seemingly logical approach can actually do more harm than good to your home’s air conditioning system and overall comfort.

Reasons Why Closing Vents Is a Bad Idea

  • Inefficient Cooling: Your HVAC system is designed to circulate air evenly throughout your home. Closing vents disrupts this balance, forcing your system to work harder to maintain desired temperatures. This increased strain can lead to higher energy bills and premature system failure.
  • Moisture Buildup: Closed vents can create areas of high humidity. This moist environment is a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and dust mites, which can trigger allergies and other respiratory issues.
  • Uneven Wear and Tear: When air is forced through fewer vents, the pressure increases, putting extra stress on your system’s components. This can lead to uneven wear and tear, reducing the lifespan of your HVAC equipment.
  • Duct Damage: Restricted airflow can cause damage to your ductwork, leading to leaks and reduced efficiency.
  • Comfort Issues: Even if you’re not using a room, it’s important to maintain a consistent temperature throughout your home. Closing vents can create uncomfortable hot and cold spots, affecting your overall comfort.

Better Ways to Save Energy

Instead of closing vents, consider these energy-saving alternatives:

  • Programmable Thermostat: Utilize your thermostat’s programming features to automatically adjust temperatures when you’re away or asleep.
  • Regular Maintenance: Schedule professional HVAC maintenance twice yearly to ensure your system is operating efficiently.
  • Proper Insulation: Ensure your home is adequately insulated to prevent heat gain and loss.
  • Seal Air Leaks: Seal any gaps around doors, windows, and ductwork to prevent air infiltration.
  • Utilize Ceiling Fans: Ceiling fans can help circulate air and create a cooling effect.

By following these tips, you can enjoy a comfortable and energy-efficient home without resorting to closing vents. Remember, a well-maintained HVAC system is essential for surviving the harsh Arizona weather.

Contact Bruce’s:

Bruce’s technicians are experts in ways to reduce your monthly home cooling and heating expenses. You’ll still want to keep your AC unit running smoothly even though summer is winding down. Call Bruce’s today at 480-968-5652 for all your HVAC questions, servicing, or maintenance. We’re here to keep your HVAC system running smoothly!

A content dog adorned with a Labor Day-themed accessory, exuding happiness while enjoying the holiday atmosphere outdoors.

Keeping Your Home Cool and AC Happy over Labor Day


Arizona’s Labor Day weekend can be a scorcher. You’re trying to keep cool and well-hydrated while enjoying the holiday. But with the heat comes a crucial question. How do you keep your home cool and comfortable without overworking your AC unit? Here are some top tips to ensure a cool, fun Labor Day holiday in the Valley of the Sun.

Embrace the Power of Shade

Before cranking up the AC, consider natural cooling techniques. Blocking the sun’s rays is key. Close blinds, shades, and curtains on south-facing windows during peak sun hours between 10 am to 4 pm.

Become a Ceiling Fan Fanatic

Ceiling fans don’t actually cool the air. But by circulating air, they create a windchill effect, making you feel cooler. Ensure your ceiling fans are rotating counterclockwise during the summer to push cool air down.

Smart Thermostat Strategies

Set your thermostat to a higher temperature, 82 degrees or higher, when you’re not home and lower it gradually before you return. Don’t change the setting if you have pets or temperature sensitive home furnishings. This way, your AC isn’t constantly battling the Arizona heat while you’re out enjoying Labor Day festivities. Additionally, consider using smart home features to control your thermostat remotely, ensuring a cool haven upon your return.

AC TLC

A well-maintained AC unit is essential for an energy-efficient home and lower utility bills.

  • Change the Air Filter: A clogged air filter forces your AC to work harder, reducing efficiency and increasing your energy bill. Replace your air filter at least once a month during the summer peak season.
  • Clean the Outdoor Unit: Dust and debris can accumulate on the condenser coil, the radiator-like part outside, hindering heat release. Gently hose down the coil with a low-pressure spray to remove dust buildup.
  • Keep Vents Open: Check all your home vents to make certain they are open. Closing vents causes your AC to work harder resulting in higher monthly utility bills.

By implementing these simple ideas, you can enjoy the Labor Day holiday with a perfectly balanced equation: a cool and comfortable home, a happy and efficient AC unit, and a relaxed and refreshed you.

Call Bruce’s

Bruce’s technicians can help you avoid potential AC unit failures during holidays and all year long. Call us today at 480-968-5652 to schedule an appointment. We’re available whenever you need our expertise 24/7/365. Happy Labor Day!

: Top 5 Reasons Why Your Air Conditioner Keeps Tripping the Breaker

Top 5 Reasons Why Your AC Keeps Tripping the Breaker

The Arizona summer sun is a force to be reckoned with. When the heat intensifies, so does our reliance on our air conditioners. But what happens when your AC sputters out, leaving you facing a stifling hot home and a tripped circuit breaker?  Here’s a breakdown of the top five reasons why your AC breaker trips during Arizona’s scorching summers, and who you can contact to get cool air flowing again.

1. Low Refrigerant Level

Imagine your AC as a tireless machine, and refrigerant as its fuel. This magical coolant absorbs heat from your home and releases it outside. However, if there’s a leak in the system, or the refrigerant level is low, it’s like running on fumes. It works harder, consuming more power, and potentially tripping your home’s breaker to prevent damage.

2. Clogged Air Filter

Think of your air filter as a security guard for your AC. It traps dust, pollen, and other unwanted guests, keeping your indoor air fresh. But a clogged filter is like a guard sleeping on the job. The AC struggles to pull in clean air, forcing it to work overtime. This extra strain can overload your circuit and trip the breaker.

3. Overheating Condenser Coil

Arizona’s relentless sunshine can be brutal, not just for you, but for your AC unit as well. The condenser coil, which looks like a radiator outside your home, can become clogged with dust, leaves, and debris. This impairs its ability to release heat, causing the unit to overheat. As a safety measure, the breaker trips to prevent damage to your AC.

4. Electrical Components Failing

Just like any appliance, your AC has electrical components that can wear down over time. A failing capacitor, which provides a quick burst of power to the compressor, or loose wiring can cause power surges or shorts. These electrical gremlins trip the breaker to prevent damage to the unit and potential fire hazards.

5. Circuit Breaker Overload

While it’s tempting to blast the AC while running other power-hungry appliances, especially during peak usage times, this can overload the circuit. The breaker trips to prevent overheating and potential damage.

Call Bruce’s Experts

Understanding the reasons behind a tripped breaker is essential for achieving a comfortable AC cooled home. Contact your local expert professionals at Bruce’s today at 480-968-5652. We’ll diagnose any issues and fix them promptly so that you can keep your cool this summer. Bruce’s knows cool!

A dust storm engulfs a residential area, obscuring homes and creating a hazy atmosphere in the neighborhood.

How Monsoon Dust Storms Can Damage Your HVAC System

This entry was posted in HVAC on by .

Thank goodness for our HVAC systems that keep our homes cool during the long Arizona summers. But enter the monsoon storms, and a threat emerges – the haboob. These colossal dust storms can wreak havoc on your house, especially your air conditioning unit. Let’s delve into what haboobs are and how they can potentially damage your vital air conditioner during the sweltering summer months.

Haboob Havoc: A Wall of Dust Descends

Imagine a scene straight out of a sci-fi movie. A menacing wall of dust, towering tens of thousands of feet high, engulfs the horizon. This is a haboob, a phenomenon that occurs primarily in Arizona during the summer monsoon season, June to September. These powerful dust storms are formed by strong winds whipping up loose soil from desert basins north of Tucson. The result? A suffocating, visibility-reducing wall of dust that can last for up to an hour, wreaking havoc on everything in its path, including your air conditioner.

Haboobs pose a significant threat to your HVAC unit in several ways:

  • Clogged Condenser Coils: The condenser coil, located outside your home, is the workhorse of your AC. It acts like a radiator, releasing heat extracted from your home’s air. During a haboob, a thick layer of dust can coat the coil, significantly reducing its ability to dissipate heat. This forces the AC to work harder, leading to decreased efficiency and increased energy consumption. In extreme cases, a completely clogged coil can cause the unit to overheat and trip the breaker.
  • Infiltrated Air Filters: Your air filter acts as a shield, preventing dust and debris from entering your AC unit and damaging its internal components. However, haboobs can overwhelm even the most robust filters. Fine dust particles can bypass the filter and infiltrate the delicate machinery inside, potentially causing wear and tear.
  • Electrical Issues: While less common, haboobs can also lead to electrical problems. Strong winds can blow debris onto electrical components, causing short circuits or malfunctions. Additionally, the sudden influx of dust can compromise electrical insulation, increasing the risk of electrical fires.

Got AC Haboob Damage? Contact Bruce’s

If a monsoon dust storm has damaged your air conditioner, call your local professionals today at Bruce’s at 480-968-5652 to schedule an appointment. We’re your knowledgeable AC experts making certain your HVAC system is working optimally all summer long—and beyond.

Woman using thermometer on wall to check temperature.

Thermostat Woes and What to Do about Them


As summer temperatures continue to soar in the Valley of the Sun, homeowners are relying heavily on their air conditioning systems to maintain a comfortable indoor environment. At the heart of any HVAC system lies the thermostat—a critical component that can make or break your cooling experience. Unfortunately, thermostat-related problems are all too common during the scorching Arizona summers. Here are the most common causes of these issues and how you can address them.

Dust and Debris Buildup

Arizona’s dry, dusty climate means that fine particles are constantly circulating in the air. Over time, these particles can accumulate inside your thermostat, interfering with its sensors and mechanical components. This buildup can lead to inaccurate temperature readings and erratic system behavior. This is the time to consider professional cleaning and/or replacement.

Incorrect Placement

Thermostat location plays a crucial role in its effectiveness. In Arizona’s intense heat, a thermostat placed in direct sunlight or near heat-generating appliances may register higher temperatures than the actual room temperature. This can cause your AC to run longer and work harder than necessary, leading to increased energy bills and potential system wear. An HVAC expert can easily determine the best location in your home for your thermostat.

Aging Hardware

Like any electronic device, thermostats have a limited lifespan. Older models, especially those that have endured multiple Arizona summers, may start to malfunction due to worn-out components. Signs of an aging thermostat include inconsistent temperature control, unresponsive buttons, or a blank display.

Power Issues

Frequent power fluctuations, common during Arizona’s summer monsoons, can affect your thermostat’s performance. Power surges may damage the internal circuitry, while brief outages can reset programmed settings. Installing a surge protector for your HVAC system and opting for a thermostat with battery backup can mitigate these risks.

Wi-Fi Connectivity Issues

Smart thermostats have become increasingly popular, offering remote control and energy-saving features. However, these devices rely on a stable internet connection to function optimally. Arizona’s summer storms can disrupt Wi-Fi signals, leading to loss of control and potential comfort issues if the thermostat fails to operate correctly in offline mode.

Lack of Maintenance

Neglecting regular HVAC system maintenance can indirectly affect your thermostat’s performance. A dirty air filter or low refrigerant levels can cause your AC to work harder, potentially leading to thermostat-related issues as the system struggles to maintain the desired temperature.

At Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating, we specialize in all HVAC system components, including thermostats for preventative maintenance, repair, and replacement. Regular maintenance helps to improve the efficiency of your AC system and helps to minimize summer breakdowns. Call our technicians today at 480-968-5652 to schedule your appointment.