With Arizona’s sweltering summer heat and mild but pleasant winters, a properly working HVAC system is an absolute necessity for homeowners. However, attempting to service or repair your own HVAC system is inadvisable and can lead to serious consequences. Here are some of the major reasons why you shouldn’t attempt DIY HVAC work and instead you should hire a reputable, local HVAC company.

Safety Hazards

HVAC systems involve complex electrical wiring, combustible fuel sources like natural gas, dangerous refrigerants, and powerful motors. Without proper training, attempting repairs on your own HVAC unit can put you at severe risk of electrical shocks, gas leaks, fires, exposure to toxic chemicals, and other safety hazards. Trained HVAC technicians have the knowledge and equipment to safely work on these systems.

Expensive Mistakes

Even if you manage to avoid injuries, attempting DIY repairs on an HVAC system if you don’t know what you’re doing is likely to create further damage and issues, which will then require expensive professional repairs. Inexperienced homeowners often misdiagnose HVAC problems, replace the wrong parts, or improperly reassemble components, compounding the original issues. Hiring a local pro gets it done right the first time.

Voided Warranties

Most HVAC equipment comes with a manufacturer’s warranty to cover replacements and repairs needed due to defects or premature failures. However, if you attempt DIY repairs, you will automatically void those valuable warranties. Professional HVAC technicians know how to properly service equipment without voiding warranties.

Shortened Equipment Life

HVAC systems are expensive investments that you’ll want to get the maximum lifespan out of through proper maintenance and repairs. DIY work done incorrectly can severely shorten the functional lifetime of your HVAC equipment by causing excess strain, poor energy efficiency, premature breakdowns, and other issues. Certified techs know how to care for your system.

Licensing and Code Requirements

In most areas, there are strict licensing requirements and building codes that HVAC work must adhere to—especially for more extensive repairs or full system replacements.

Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating is your local company for all things HVAC. Our experienced technicians can handle any type of HVAC servicing issue and now is a great time to schedule your twice-yearly HVAC maintenance. Call us today at 480-968-5652 to schedule an appointment. We’ll gladly perform a full system inspection and provide expert guidance for any suggested repairs.

The spring season brings perfect weather for launching home remodeling projects in the greater Phoenix, Arizona area. Whether you’re finally building that long-awaited addition, renovating bathrooms or kitchens, or doing an entire house overhaul, there are some crucial HVAC factors you need to account for during the remodeling process. Proper HVAC planning now can prevent headaches and ensure your home’s heating and cooling systems optimally function after the dust settles.

Size Your HVAC for the New Square Footage

One of the most important considerations when remodeling is whether your existing HVAC equipment will have sufficient heating and cooling capacity for your home’s new square footage. Adding rooms or finishing spaces increases the total air volume that needs conditioned air. If your system was adequately sized for the original home but is now undersized for the remodel, you may need to upgrade to a larger AC unit and furnace. You’ll want to work with an HVAC professional to perform a room-by-room load calculation factoring the added square footage.

Strategic Ductwork Extensions

For additions or remodels creating new rooms, you’ll need to extend the ductwork from your existing system to supply the new spaces with conditioned air. Careful planning of new duct runs is critical to avoid kinked, compressed, or excessive bends that restrict airflow. You’ll also want properly sized ducts meeting air velocity specs, sufficient return air pathways, and strategic supply vent placement for optimal circulation to each room. Experienced HVAC techs can map out the ideal new ductwork configuration.

Thermostat Relocation

If the remodel reconfigures your floor plan’s layout, your existing thermostat location may need to be repositioned. Thermostats should go on an interior wall in a frequently occupied space away from direct sunlight, drafts, and HVAC vents that could skew temperature readings.

Equipment Relocation

In some cases, a home remodel may require physically moving your HVAC equipment to new locations due to changing space configurations. Careful disconnection and reinstallation are required, so leave this to experienced pros.

Call Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating

With the intense summer heat of the Valley 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 to ensure your heating and cooling systems will function reliably and efficiently after the construction dust settles on your newly renovated Phoenix metro residence. Call Bruce’s today to schedule an appointment to discuss your project at 480-968-5652.

After an Arizona winter of heating use, your home’s HVAC system has accumulated dust, dirt, and other buildup that can severely impact its performance and efficiency as temperatures rise. As the warm spring weather arrives, it’s the perfect time to give your HVAC system some thorough cleaning and maintenance to ensure smooth, reliable cooling all summer long. Here are some essential spring-cleaning tips for your home’s HVAC system.

Replace Air Filters

One of the most important and simple HVAC maintenance tasks is regularly changing out the air filters. Over time, filters become clogged with dust, pet hair, dander, and other particles they’ve trapped. This blockage forces your system to work harder, wasting energy and putting extra strain on components. Spring is an ideal time to swap dirty filters for fresh new ones.

Clean Condenser Unit

The condenser unit for your central AC is the bulky cabinet sitting outside your home. Over the winter, it likely accumulated leaves, dirt, and debris around the unit and on the coil fins. Clear away this buildup and use a pump sprayer or garden hose (never a pressure washer) to gently rinse off the condenser coils. This allows proper airflow for efficient cooling.

Clear Drainage Pipe

A clogged condensate drainpipe can allow condensation to back up into your cooling system, potentially causing water damage. Locate the PVC drainpipe from your AC unit and inspect it for blockages from sediment, algae, or mineral buildup. Use a wet/dry vacuum or pipe brush to clear out any clogs and allow proper drainage.

Check Refrigerant Levels

Low refrigerant levels make your air conditioner work harder and become less efficient. Most systems use highly stable refrigerants that shouldn’t need topping up. But have your local HVAC pro check the level and add more if needed, as well as inspect for leaks during your spring maintenance.

Ductwork Inspection

Your HVAC ducts have collected dirt and gunk all winter. In accessible crawl spaces, your local professional can inspect ductwork for dust buildup and vacuum out any contaminants. Duct leaks can also dramatically reduce cooling efficiency, wasting energy. Having a technician perform a full duct inspection and seal any air leaks is one of the best gifts you can give your HVAC system this spring.

Call Bruce’s to Schedule an Appointment

Make an appointment today with your highly trained and reputable professionals at Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating. Call us today to schedule your spring HVAC maintenance tune-up at 480-968-5652. We’re your experienced Valley of the Sun HVAC technicians!

As a Phoenix-area homeowner, you know firsthand the importance of a smoothly functioning HVAC system during weather extremes. But over time, those snaking ducts transporting heated and cooled air can start to fail. Slow leaks eventually undermine your indoor comfort and send utility bills soaring. Here are the most common culprits behind duct leaks.

Old Age

Like most home infrastructure, your ducting ages. The constant airflow and cycling temperatures expand and contract metal joints while accumulating dust, pet hair, and grime. After five to 10 years, adhesive seals start giving out allowing precious hot or chilled air to escape into your walls, basement, and attic instead of your rooms. Gradually deteriorating ducts are the main source of leakage.

Poor Connections

Shoddy HVAC installation is more common than you’d expect, with home builders sometimes failing to firmly tape and clamp your ducting segments. Even small gaps between the drywall and registers or detached straps along the duct run allow substantial airflow loss over your home’s lifetime. Poorly connected fittings are prime weak points.

Damage and Dislocations

Ducts also get inadvertently crushed behind storage boxes, drywall imperfections create air gaps, settling foundations apply external pressure, and gnawing critters compromise duct integrity. Pets and children can bump into ducts kinking the duct shape or physically disconnecting parts impeding flow which strains the blower motor and wastes excess energy trying to circulate air.

Improper Design

Ductwork design can result in unnecessary twists. Sharp corners or undersized tubing for your home’s square footage are common mistakes. This forces excessive static pressure and airflow declines up to 40%.

Inadequate Maintenance

Just like replacing HVAC filters, occasionally having experienced local HVAC technicians verify duct integrity helps maintain efficiency. Cleaning accumulated mineral deposits and microbial growth inside the lining also optimizes flow.

While complete duct replacement sometimes becomes necessary over time due to Arizona’s brutal heat, spot checking for leaks every few years can extend lifespan. Your expert technicians can listen for whistling, feel for temperature variances room to room, and look for mold or soot around vents signaling lost air. With a proactive maintenance approach, you can avoid untimely duct disasters!

At Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating, our phone lines are open 24/7 to handle emergencies as they arise. Call us for all your ductwork and HVAC questions at 480-968-5652 to schedule an appointment. We’re happy to perform a full system inspection and provide you with a detailed assessment of your HVAC system. Why not call us today?

As the seasons shift and temperatures fluctuate in the Valley of the Sun towards the end of winter, homeowners face a critical question. When to switch between heating and cooling systems? Striking the perfect balance can optimize comfort, save energy, and extend the lifespan of your HVAC equipment. Let’s explore the best advice on navigating this seasonal switchover.

HVAC’s Temperature Rule of Thumb

While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, the 50°F rule serves as a general guideline. When outdoor temperatures consistently stay above 50°F for several days, consider shutting off your heating system. However, remember, this is just a starting point, and several factors influence the ideal timing.

1. Local Climate

In the Valley of the Sun with our milder winters and hotter summers, you might opt for gradual transitions instead of abrupt switch-offs.

2. Personal Preference

Some individuals are more sensitive to temperature changes than others. Consider your comfort level and adjust accordingly. Some may prefer cooler indoor temperatures even when the outdoor reading exceeds 50°F, while others might tolerate warmer settings for longer.

3. Home Insulation

Well-insulated homes retain heat and cool air more effectively, allowing for longer stretches between system transitions. Conversely, poorly insulated dwellings might lose heat or gain coolness quicker, necessitating earlier adjustments.

4. Energy Efficiency

Shutting off unused systems for longer periods conserves energy and reduces costs. However, repeatedly powering them on and off within short intervals can be counterproductive. Aim for a balance between comfort and efficiency.

5. Equipment Maintenance

Regular HVAC system maintenance ensures optimal performance and lifespan. Consider scheduling seasonal checkups before making the switch to ensure both heating and cooling systems are functioning efficiently. You’ll want to prioritize your comfort, energy efficiency, and equipment health while keeping individual preferences in mind. By finding the balance that works best for you and your family, you can create a comfortable and cost-effective living environment throughout the year.

Bruce’s HVAC Expertise

With a little planning and awareness, you can master the art of seasonal system transitions, ensuring your home remains a haven of comfort and efficiency, regardless of the weather outside. Call Bruce’s today for all your questions about mastering the art of seasonal system transitions and servicing. Our certified technicians are available 24/7 by calling 480-968-5652 to schedule an appointment. Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating knows everything about HVAC systems and the intricacies of Arizona’s changing weather seasons.