For Arizona residents, the start of air conditioning season is not dictated by a date on the calendar, but by those first few days of skyrocketing temperatures. We all have our own tipping point when dealing with the arrival of triple digit heat. So how do you know when it’s time to switch from fan to AC mode? Here are some guidelines to help you decide the ideal timing for cool relief.

Consider the Temperature Trends

Many HVAC professionals recommend turning on your air conditioning once outdoor temps consistently hit 80-85°F during the daytime hours. This gives you a transition period when you’ll still get some energy-saving natural ventilation at night before sustained highs settle in for the long haul. Monitor the weather forecast for stretches where the daily highs will exceed this range. That’s your cue that warmer weather has arrived.

Evaluate Indoor Comfort Levels

A less scientific but equally valid gauge is when indoor temps make your home feel uncomfortable and sticky despite using ceiling fans and other passive cooling methods. Once you find yourself sweating while lounging inside, the AC becomes essential for maintaining an acceptable living environment.

Start the Season Gradually

When you do decide it’s AC season, try easing into it by setting the thermostat a few degrees higher than normal at first, around 78-80°F. Let your home and AC unit adjust over a couple days. Then work down to your regular comfort setting of 75°F or lower. This gradual approach prevents spikes in energy usage from that first extended run cycle.

Prep for Home Remodeling

With the intense summer heat quickly approaching, it’s imperative that any major home remodel accounts for HVAC accommodations. Plan early and partner with your qualified HVAC contractors at Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating to ensure your heating and cooling systems will function reliably and efficiently after the construction dust settles on your newly renovated Phoenix metro residence.

Listen to Your Body’s Signs

Ultimately, your own physical response to the transition of seasons may be your most accurate sign that AC is required. If you find yourself feeling uncomfortably hot, sweaty, lethargic, or unable to sleep at night due to the heat, don’t push it any longer. Call Bruce’s today to schedule an appointment to discuss your air conditioning system at 480-968-5652. We’ll help you beat the heat!

 If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you know the struggle is real once spring arrives in Arizona. The warm temperatures and dry air create the perfect storm for trees, grasses, and weeds to release clouds of pollen that make their way into your home and wreak havoc on allergy symptoms. But there are some steps you can take to reduce indoor allergen levels and find relief.

Start with Good Door and Window Seals

One of the main ways pollen enters the house is through cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and other openings. Inspect these areas and seal up any drafty spots using caulk or weatherstripping. This creates a tighter barrier against exterior allergens while also improving energy efficiency. While you’re at it, make sure exterior door sweeps and seals are in good condition.

Use High-Quality Air Filters

Your HVAC air filters trap particulates like dust and pollen before they can circulate through your home. Make sure you are using pleated, high-efficiency filters with a MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) rating of 8-12. These finer filters catch more microscopic allergens than basic flat filters. 

Keep Windows and Doors Closed

As tempting as it is to throw open the windows and let in fresh air, doing so also welcomes allergens inside. Your best bet when pollen counts are high is to keep all windows and exterior doors closed. Run your AC or fans instead to filter interior air.

Clean Rigorously

Pollen that does make its way in will settle on surfaces like floors, furniture, and blinds. Vacuum frequently using a model with a HEPA filter. Damp mop floors and wipe down other surfaces with a microfiber cloth to remove clinging pollen grains. Wash bedding weekly in hot, soapy water. And consider replacing window treatments and upholstery if they have become pollen collectors.

Remove Shoes and Change Clothes

Pollen can hitch a ride into your home on shoes, bags, and clothing. Make it a habit to remove shoes when entering. Also, change clothes after spending significant time outdoors and toss them in the laundry.

Call Bruce’s

Making sure you have a clean HVAC system means you’ll be breathing in clean air, free of pollen, dander, mold, and dust. Call your local experienced technicians at Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating today to schedule your spring HVAC maintenance tune-up at 480-968-5652. We’ll make certain your home is free of those pesky allergens. 

What a long, hot summer it has been in the heat island known as the Valley of the Sun. Homeowners have been experiencing record high temperatures and high energy bills all summer long. With your AC blasting away for months and the arrival of fall, there can be some common situations that may occur before the cooling season arrives —around Halloween typically.

AC Blowing Warm Air

Is your AC running, but only warm air is blowing from the indoor vents? There are a few items to evaluate before calling for servicing. The first thing you’ll want to do is check the thermostat to see if the temperature settings are accurate. Then, check the air filter to see if it’s clogged with dust and debris. A clogged air filter can result in frozen evaporator coils which can lead to the AC pumping out warm air.

AC Leakage

A common symptom with AC units is excessive leakage which can be a sign of a wide variety of underlying issues. One of the main causes of widespread leakage is from a blocked condensate line. The condensate line, also known as the drain line, is the plastic pipe running through the AC unit draining moisture outside. It collects evaporator coil moisture with the line ending by draining into the drain pan. Line clogs can damage the AC unit, cause water damage, and even mold growth. If the drip pan is cracked, you may notice water pooling by the outside AC unit.

Air Conditioning Breaker Switch

When the AC unit is turned on and off frequently, compressor and fan controls can wear out quickly. Air conditioning systems draw a large amount of power, especially during the summer months through late October when your AC unit is running full tilt for weeks at a time. There are many reasons your breaker switch might be tripped such as power grid failure, power surges, or electrical issues due to storms. If your air conditioner stops working, always check the breaker switch first. If your breaker switch is constantly going off, that is an indication of a problem. You may have an undersized breaker, a faulty breaker switch, or a loose breaker, all of which will require replacement.

Contact Bruce’s for Reliable AC Service

For the best in AC repairs, call your professionals at Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating today at 480-968-5652. Bruce’s certified technicians are an ideal choice for trustworthy servicing. Our expertise is anchored in providing exceptional customer service along with affordable cooling and heating solutions.

A recent survey showed about 24,000 homes in the Valley of the Sun without air conditioning. It’s hard to imagine surviving sizzling hot summers without being able to cool down indoors. But even if you have an HVAC system, there’s always a chance of a breakdown that can leave you without cooling. This is because your AC unit has a large number of wires, components, and circuits. Normal system wear and tear can eventually lead to parts breaking down, but a unit that hasn’t been serviced on a regular basis is especially prone to failures. And capacitors are one of the leading causes of breakdowns. Let’s take a look at why capacitors are vital to your air conditioning unit and some common failures.

What Are Capacitors

Capacitors are essential to the electric motors in your air conditioner and they’re the most common part that fails. Capacitors are a small oval, square, or cylindrical shaped device inside the AC unit. The primary job of a capacitor is to produce a bolt of electricity to start or run the compressor, blower motor, or fan motor.

Why Capacitors Fail

The number one cause of capacitor failure is from overheating. A quick visual inspection will immediately show a swollen or burst capacitor. A capacitor can overheat from four main reasons:

1. Compressors require more energy as they age, and this additional energy can overwork a capacitor.
2. A capacitor that runs for an extended period of time due to a heat wave.
3. Improperly charged refrigerant level in the AC unit.
4. Power surges or lightning strikes can damage a capacitor.

What Occurs When a Capacitor Stops Working

Here are some symptoms you may notice when a capacitor goes bad:

• The fan on the outdoor condenser unit is not spinning.
• The air conditioning unit is very hot.
• The AC starts and stops often.
• The AC unit breaker has tripped in the breaker panel.

If you notice your home is warmer or cooler than the set thermostat temperature, this can be a sign of capacitor failure. Also, if you have a faulty capacitor, you may notice a clicking sound upon start up or a loud hum if the motor can’t get going. Both sounds mean you should call your local HVAC technician for servicing.

Call Bruce’s for HVAC Electrical Issues

If you’re aware of any warning signs with your AC, you’ll want to contact your professionals at Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating. Electrical problems including capacitor issues can result in entire system breakdowns if left unfixed. Call Bruce’s today at 480-968-5652 to schedule an appointment. We’re ready to help 24/7, including weekends and holidays.

With daily high temperatures topping out at 110 degrees or higher this month, many homeowners in the greater Phoenix area have been dealing with AC issues. Arizona’s extreme heat results in weather-related deaths each year in our state. And heat-related disorders can happen quickly when you spend too much time in the heat, such as when air conditioning is not working or from overexertion according to the
Arizona Emergency Information Network.

So what situations are considered true air conditioning emergencies? Most AC companies claim to offer 24/7 emergency service, but when you call for servicing, they may not consider it truly an emergency. Your local professionals at Bruce’s have some guidelines to help you determine if you’re experiencing a situation that warrants emergency service.

AC Unit Failure

If your AC suddenly and completely stops functioning and the outdoor temperature is soaring over 100 degrees, do you call for emergency service or just wait a day or two for non-emergency servicing? This is considered a true air conditioning emergency situation in the Valley of the Sun. In other words, the loss of your AC will result in extreme discomfort or even a life-threatening situation.

At Risk Family and Pets

With a broken AC unit, indoor temperatures can rise well above 90 degrees. If you have young children, elderly adults or pets, or immunocompromised family members sensitive to excessive heat, high temperatures inside your house are a health threat. You’ll want to call right away for emergency servicing and seek out cooler shelter.

Safety Problems

Sometimes an emergency air conditioning repair may be more to do with safety issues. If your air conditioning unit is leaking and causing water damage inside your home, it’s time to call for help. This can happen from the condenser unit not working properly or even refrigerant leaking.

When your AC unit is having electrical issues such as a constantly tripping breaker or there’s a burning electrical smell, it’s an emergency situation. If you smell burning smells, call 911 first and safely evacuate your home.

Non-Emergency AC Issues

Here are some examples of non-emergency AC issues that can be handled during normal business hours:

• Regular maintenance and associated repairs.
• Repairs when outdoor temperatures are below 90 degrees.
• AC unit failure due to a localized power outage.

Bruce’s AC professionals are ready to help.

If you have an AC emergency, call Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating at 480-968-5652. Our highly trained technicians are here for you 24/7/365 including holidays and weekends with expert repair service. We’re here for you when you need trustworthy HVAC servicing all summer long.