Unlike most of the country that is still dealing with an especially challenging winter, here in the Valley of the Sun, we’re already beginning to enjoy warmer daytime temperatures. Soon, it will be time to turn on your air conditioning system once again. Are you ready to flip the switch?

It can be incredibly frustrating when you want to turn on your air conditioner on a warm afternoon, and it doesn’t work. The good news is that this can be prevented with these four simple steps that you can take now before temperatures begin to soar. Here’s what you need to do to get prepared.

Test the System

Typically, HVAC system failures occur when the air conditioning is turned on for the first time after a long break. To test out your HVAC, turn down the temperature on the thermostat and change the setting to cool. Make sure you hear the unit turn on, then check to make certain that you feel cool air coming from the vents in each room. If not, you may need to do some DIY troubleshooting or contact your local HVAC experts at Bruce’s.

Replace Your Air Filters

Keeping your HVAC filter clean can cut energy use up to 15 percent and increase the lifespan of your air conditioner. In dusty climates like ours, it’s recommended that you clean or replace your filter every one to three months. You’ll want to change out the air filter even more frequently if you have pets that shed, during monsoon season, or you have allergy sufferers in your house.

Check Your System’s Drainage

Air conditioning units tend to get clogged over time. This is particularly relevant for homeowners with outside condensers. Clogs happen when dust, dirt, leaves, and vegetation build up in the drain pan and around the unit. When an air conditioner can’t drain properly, water flow can be impeded in the drain lines. Sometimes this will result in the growth of mold and mildew potentially getting into your home’s indoor air.

Time for a Tune Up

A seasonal maintenance tune up is important for keeping your air conditioner working at optimal performance. Many times, regular maintenance is necessary for your HVAC system’s warranty. At Bruce’s, we highly encourage our customers to take advantage of our semi-annual HVAC system tune ups. Call us today at 480-968-5652 to schedule your tune-up with your locally owned Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating.

No matter where you reside in the Valley of the Sun, improving the effectiveness of your HVAC system is a constant challenge and always a concern. If your energy bills have been getting out of control like inflation has, you might want to consider some long-term home improvements that can keep your home comfortable all year long.

Projects to Decrease Your Monthly Energy Bills

Insulate

Many Phoenix homes have their AC unit located on the roof. This means the air conditioner expends energy lowering the temperature of the air in the cooling process, then the cold air is immediately dispersed through ducts in the hottest part of your home—the attic. The ducts in your attic, especially if they are leaking or not insulated, can rob your HVAC efficiency by up to 40 percent. Improving the insulation surrounding your AC ducts and fixing leaks can greatly increase the amount of cold air reaching the rooms in your house. Increasing the amount of insulation in your attic can lower your utility expenditures, saving you even more money.

Seal Doors and Windows

Have all your windows and doors sealed. Sealing windows and doors can pay huge dividends when it comes to preventing the loss of cold air and keeping the hot air out. Many people are shocked to find out how much energy is being wasted. Having a home energy audit will provide you with useful information about your home’s energy efficiency.

Easiest Way to Add Energy Efficiency

One of the most important aspects of effective air conditioning is the free flow of air throughout your entire system. Air from your home is constantly being circulated through your air conditioner and passing through air filters. The air filter is one vital component that needs to be cleaned or replaced regularly. Dirt, grime, pet hair, dander, dust, and other particulates will accumulate on air filters negatively impacting the cooling process.

Improvements Create an Energy Efficient House

At Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating, we encourage all our customers to make their houses as energy efficient as possible. Call us today at 480-968-5652 to schedule a fall checkup. One of our friendly service technicians will be happy to provide you with an evaluation of how you can make your home a model of energy efficiency. You can’t beat our heating and cooling expertise at Bruce’s.

So far, you’ve managed the summer swelter as well as anyone can in the greater Phoenix area. But the heat isn’t quite over yet. Because air conditioning is critical to comfortable living in the desert, it’s a good idea to pay attention to these AC oversights that can crop up this time of year.

Dirty Filters

This may be the most common oversight of all air conditioning-related issues. In Arizona’s dusty desert climate, clean air filters are absolutely essential. Running your AC unit 24/7 throughout the entire summer means you are moving a tremendous volume of air through your home each and every day. Replacing your air conditioning filters on a monthly basis is advised, especially if you have someone with a respiratory condition living in your home.

Old Thermostats

Over the last three years, programmable thermostats have grown incredibly more useful and much easier to use. In other words, it’s time to ditch the old school thermostat for one that’s smarter. Consider these four top line benefits of a smart, programmable thermostat:

1. Smart thermostats learn your schedule and habits and will adjust the indoor temperature accordingly.
2. Raising the temperature when you are at work or away from the house saves money.
3. Programmable thermostats save you time. You won’t be forgetting to constantly reset the temperature.
4. All models now include a smartphone app that allows you to control your thermostat from anywhere.

Procrastination

One of the most serious oversights when it comes to air conditioning is saving money by foregoing regular service calls. It’s easy enough to forget. Especially if your AC unit seems to be working just fine. Yet, it’s important to remember that the Sonoran Desert is an unforgiving place. Many AC units are located on the roof where temperatures can easily exceed 150 degrees. Running flat out for months at a time, HVAC systems are put under tremendous stress. The simple fact is regular maintenance is the best insurance against expensive major repairs.

Oversight Experts

At Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating, we believe in preventive maintenance all year round to ensure little problems don’t turn into big ones. Especially now that monsoon season is almost over and fall is at our doorstep, our friendly and knowledgeable technicians will assess your HVAC system. We promise to provide you with outstanding maintenance while documenting priority repairs to keep your AC unit running cold and strong the rest of the summer season. Call our experts today at 480-968-5652 to schedule your visit. It’s never too late so don’t wait!

The Labor Day three-day weekend is when we celebrate the traditional end of summer. Arizona homeowners begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel for the last vestiges of monsoon season and blazing hot temperatures. Yet, we all know that we’re going to experience many more weeks of having to crank the air conditioning to keep cool and comfortable.

And we also understand that with high temperatures come high utility bills. And who doesn’t want relief from those skyrocketing summer energy bills? Fortunately, while the temperatures are still hot, there are some strategies you can take to lower expenses by reducing the load on your air conditioning unit.

Cover Windows

Help keep your house cool by closing blinds, curtains, shades, and shutters during the peak sunny hours of the day. This will block the sun’s rays from heating up your home’s interior spaces.

Ceiling Fans

You probably have at least a couple of ceiling fans. Nearly every Arizona home does. Make it a habit of turning them on when you’re in a room. While they don’t actually lower the temperature, they can circulate air and help your body to feel cooler by up to four degrees lower than what the thermostat is set at.

Air Filters

It’s easy to forget to change those air filters, but they really can make a difference when it comes to the efficiency of your air conditioner. If you haven’t recently, replace that dirty filter. Especially during monsoon thunderstorm season, you’ll want to inspect and possibly change out filters every month. You’ll not only save on air conditioning costs, but you’ll be breathing in cleaner, healthier air.

BBQ

Labor Day weekend is the time for barbecues, swimming, and salads. By not using the stove and oven, you’ll help keep your home cooler. Even better, minimize the use of other heat-producing appliances, like dryers and dishwashers.

Smart Thermostat

Is your thermostat past its prime? It may be costing you hard earned money. A smart thermostat enables you to gain better control of your home’s temperature by reducing wasted energy and lowering your monthly electricity expenses. You’ll probably be surprised by the inexpensive price of these cost-cutting devices and often APS and SRP offer discounts or rebates to buy smart thermostats.

Want to learn more ways to save on air conditioning before summer officially ends? Call your expert technicians at Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating today at 480-968-5652. Don’t sweat it, call Bruce’s now.

Has your air conditioner tripped your circuit breaker more than once this monsoon season in the Valley of the Sun? It’s a widespread issue that can be a real hassle – especially during our oppressively hot and humid summer months. The good news is that often simple fixes can solve the problem. Here are the five most common causes for AC-related circuit breaker tripping.

1. Dirty AC Unit

Monsoon storms can blow a lot of debris into your unit, making it difficult for it to disperse heat and cool indoor air properly. If you haven’t done so recently, call your licensed air conditioning professionals at Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating to have your unit professionally cleaned by one of our technicians who has the right equipment to clean it effectively.

2. Dirty Air Filter

When your air filter is blocked with dust, dirt, and debris, it makes your air conditioner work harder to circulate clean air. This causes the blower to draw more electricity and potentially trip the breaker. The quick fix is to replace the air filter. In fact, you should be replacing the filter at least once a month during Arizona’s dusty monsoon thunderstorm season.

3. Old Compressor

As a compressor starts to age, it can have difficulty starting, pulling more power than normal. This can trip the breaker. Often, a capacitor can be installed to give the compressor motor extra electricity to get it moving.

4. Old AC Motor

The motor in an air conditioner can run for many years, but eventually it can result in the wire insulation to break down—causing a “short.” When this happens, more electricity can be passed through than the wires can handle, causing overheating and sometimes a fire. If you smell smoke or see your motor burning, exit your home, and call 911 immediately. If you suspect a shorted motor, don’t hesitate in calling Bruce’s for service.

5. Breaker Bad

Defective or undersized breakers for the size of the HVAC system can result in a circuit breaker tripping. An experienced technician can quickly diagnose this problem and replace the breaker if necessary.

Call the Experts Today

Tired of circuit breaker-related air conditioning problems? Call your local expert technicians at Bruce’s today at 480-968-5652. We’ll be able to troubleshoot the problem and fix it properly the first time to ensure you have a steady stream of cooling throughout the rest of summer and beyond.