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.

With Earth Day 2024 celebrated on Monday, April 22, it’s a great time for Arizona residents to take a look at ways we can reduce our energy consumption and carbon footprints. Our hot desert climate leads to high energy usage for cooling, but there are lots of effective strategies to cut costs and be more eco-friendly. Here are some top tips for saving energy and the planet.

Maintain Your AC Unit

Your air conditioning system accounts for a huge portion of your electricity usage during those blazing Arizona summers. Make sure to replace your air filters regularly and have your unit serviced twice a year. This keeps it running efficiently and prevents costly breakdowns.

Seal Air Leaks

All that cold air your AC produces is wasted if it leaks out through cracks and openings around windows, doors, attics, and crawl spaces. Use caulk, weatherstripping, and insulation to seal up any drafty spots.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

These nifty energy saving devices adjust the temperature automatically based on your schedule, keeping things comfortable when you’re home but allowing the AC to cycle down when you’re away at work or running errands.

Use Ceiling Fans

Keeping air circulating allows you to raise the thermostat a few degrees while still feeling comfortable in your home. The breeze from fans makes rooms feel 4 degrees cooler without having to crank the AC.

Upgrade Insulation and Windows

While upfront costs can be high, improving insulation levels in your attic, walls and crawl spaces reduces heat transfer. Installing double or triple-paned windows with spectrally selective coatings also cuts cooling needs substantially. Plus, there are federal government tax incentives for these upgrades.

Adjust Lighting and Electronics

Use LED bulbs, turn off lights in unoccupied rooms, set computers to sleep mode, and unplug chargers around your house when not in use. Smart power strips make it easy to cut standby power use.

Happy Earth Day

Whether you implement a few simple changes or make larger efficiency upgrades, reducing your energy footprint is a win-win situation. You’ll save money while helping the planet! Take some steps this Earth Day to make your Arizona home more eco-friendly.

Contact your cooling and heating professionals at Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating today at 480-968-5652. We can provide tips on how you can improve the efficiency of your HVAC system. Our technicians are available 24/7, including holidays and weekends. Join us in celebrating the world’s largest environmental movement on Earth Day 2024.