Category Archives: Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Understanding SEER Ratings


Is it time for a new HVAC system? There are many considerations, including brands, capacity and price. As well, one of the key items to compare is the SEER rating.

What Are SEER Ratings?

While we certainly deal with plenty of searing heat during hot Arizona summers, SEER actually stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. SEER ratings are important when comparing HVAC units because they help you determine energy efficiency which translates into how much you’ll be spending on your utility bill each month.

The SEER rating was developed by the U.S. Department of Energy to give consumers an understandable comparison between manufacturers’ HVAC systems.

SEER ratings are not unlike the fuel efficiency of a vehicle. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the heating or cooling of a unit will be. In other words, an air conditioner with a SEER rating of 18 is more efficient than one that has a rating of 16.

The average 10 to 15-year-old air conditioner has a typical SEER rating of less than 10. Today’s models can have SEER ratings of 13 (the federal minimum) or greater. Higher rated units cost more, yet will have greater savings on monthly utility bills. There also are often tax credits and rebates to lower up-front costs.

The Benefits of Consulting an Air Conditioner Specialist

Of course, there’s more to choosing an HVAC system than looking at the SEER rating. It’s a smart idea to work with a professional HVAC system installer who has deep experience and knowledge in choosing the best system, based on the specific needs of a home and its occupants.

At Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating, we’re here to help you choose the right AC unit for your home that will keep you cool and comfortable for many years while also saving you money on your utility bill. We provide free estimates on the purchase and installation of new air conditioning units throughout the greater Phoenix metro area.

Call today at 480-968-5652 and get a free quote. We carry HVAC products from leading manufacturers, including Trane, Ruud, and Frigidaire.

Stay Cozy All Year With Preventative Fall And Winter HVAC Check-Ups

Stay Cozy All Year With Preventative Fall And Winter HVAC Check-UpsWith the mild winters in Arizona, you may not think about having your heating and air conditioning system professionally inspected and maintained until spring, when it’s already warming up. To guarantee your family’s comfort throughout the most severe seasons, the best times to have a professional inspection and maintenance are fall and winter.

Don’t Wait For An HVAC Disaster

According to a 2015 Emerson survey, the most common reason homeowners replace their HVAC system is a major breakdown. Most people wait until a system is completely non-functional and beyond repair to get a new one. However, the most common time for an heating and air conditioning system to break down in Arizona is in the heat of summer.

Arizona residents don’t want to be stranded without air conditioning in such high temperatures. With proper professional maintenance in the fall or winter, a professional technician can tell you if your system will need to be replaced soon. With this information, you can schedule a convenient time to have your technician replace your system. You wouldn’t want to go without the comfort of your HVAC system during the summer. At such a busy time, it can take days for a technician to make it out to your home.

If your system does need replacing in the fall or winter, you will have time to research and speak with your technician about your specific needs. What size, efficiency rating, and features does your home require?

What Maintenance Does My HVAC System Need?

According to ENERGY STAR®, a typical professional system maintenance should include the following:

  • Checking the thermostat settings – Make sure your thermostat is programmed to give you the perfect temperature when you are home and save money when you are away.
  • Tightening the electrical connections – A professional should also measure the voltage and current on all the motors in your system to keep your system working safely.
  • Lubricating the moving parts – Un-lubricated moving parts cause friction in your motors, which increases wear and tear, and reduces the efficiency and lifespan of your system.
  • Checking the controls on the system – Does your system start, operate, and then shut-off correctly?
  • Checking gas or oil connections, your gas pressure, and burner – A gas or oil leak can be dangerous. A dirty heat exchange or heater causes your system to operate inefficiently.
  • Inspecting, cleaning, and changing your air filters – This one doesn’t require a professional, you should do this yourself often. Check your owner’s manual for additional information.

Having your HVAC system professionally inspected in the fall or winter offers you the time and ability to choose the right system for your needs. If your system fails in the summer, as most do, you will likely be tempted to find the first available technician with a replacement – and that’s not always the best option. Targeted inspections during fall or winter mean greater peace of mind and a more comfortable home. Contact us today to schedule a visit.

The Importance Of Clean Commercial Indoor Air Quality

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What You Need To Know-Commercial IAQ-Bruce’s Air ConditioningYou might not be able to detect the invisible hazards in your building but it doesn’t mean they aren’t there. The commercial indoor air quality (IAQ) in many buildings contains nearly 2 to 5 times more pollutants than the air outside.

The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has laid down standards that govern the comfort and ventilation of what are considered ‘healthy buildings’. Buildings that don’t measure up to these standards are considered ‘unhealthy buildings’.

There can be a fine line between what a healthy or unhealthy building actually is, however, it doesn’t change the fact that the occupants need to have good air quality if they are going to be healthy and happy. Many times, asthma and allergies that people suffer from are due to poor indoor air quality in the buildings where they work or live. That’s why Bruce’s Heating & Air Conditioning’s IAQ services in Chandler, AZ of are so valuable.

Indoor Air Quality Products

At Bruce’s Heating & Air Conditioning we are aware that it’s much less expensive to put in preventative measures for moderating indoor air quality, than it is to repair one. Our IAQ products and services include:

  • Air purifiers
  • Total home humidifiers
  • Programmable thermostats
  • The innovative Trane CleanEffects™ and more!

Benefits Of Clean Commercial IAQ

The benefits of keeping your commercial building’s indoor air quality clean and fresh are great, including:

  • Lower operating costs
  • Minimized legal exposure
  • Comfortable work spaces & living spaces
  • Reduced risk of illness or disease from poor indoor air quality
  • Greater employee production
  • Healthier workers and tenants

The Experienced And Dedicated IAQ, Heating And Cooling Experts

Bruce’s Heating & Air Conditioning has been operating in Chandler, Arizona since 1972. We’ve been keeping families cool and comfortable with our expert heating and cooling services for more than 40 years. Our services have landed us in the Top Ten rankings of Arizona Business Magazine’s “Ranking Arizona” and we’ve been there for 5 consecutive years. We offer 100% Guaranteed Customer Satisfaction. You can trust Bruce’s Heating & Air Conditioning with your IAQ, as well as your heating and cooling needs.

Call Us Now To Learn More About Our Innovative And Effective IAQ Services!

Exposing Indoor Air Quality Myths And Facts

This entry was posted in Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) on by .

Indoor Air Quality Myths And Facts-www.BrucesAC.comAs technology advances, more and more buildings are becoming more energy efficient. However, even with these new technologies, it is easy for buildings to pose threats to your health as far as indoor air quality (IAQ) is concerned.

While the HVAC industry has advanced in recent years, most people are still at risk of health issues due to poor IAQ. Pollutants in the air you breathe can lead to irritation to the throat, nose and eyes as well as allergies. Poor IAQ may also lead to more complex problems such as sinus congestion, hypersensitivity, headaches and shortness of breath among other conditions.

Indoor Air Quality Myths And Facts

Here are both IAQ myths as well as facts that you’ll need to understand in order to learn the importance of keeping your indoor air properly clean at all times.
 

Permanent Gas Detectors Work

True. These devices are quite effective in detecting gasses present in the air you breathe. Performing regular maintenance tasks on your gas detectors goes a long way towards ensuring your air is free of harmful gasses.
 

It’s Difficult To Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

False. While it will cost you more money to improve your IAQ, it is quite doable. However, after doing the math, you’ll come to find out that improving your indoor air quality can save you more money in the long-run.
 

Gas Detectors Are The Same

False. There are many companies that manufacture gas detectors. They can operate differently and have unique features. Make sure to research before purchasing.
 

Choosing Gas Detectors Should Be Based On Your Room’s Square Footage

False. You shouldn’t use your room’s square footage to determine which gas detector to get. Coverage is dependent upon the type of gas you have because every gas behaves uniquely; again, do your research.
 

Gas Will Reduce Energy Bills In Industrial And Commercial Buildings

True. Gas detectors are designed to turn off or on the ventilation system based on the gasses present in the air. For instance, if there is too much carbon monoxide in the air, gas detectors will automatically turn on fans on your ventilation system in order to get rid of the harmful gas.

Discover How To Decrease Asthma And Allergies By Improving Your Indoor Air Quality
 
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Air Duct Cleaning Can Improve Your Health

Vent - Air Duct Cleaning Can Improve Your Health - BrucesAC.comDid you know that dirty air ducts can affect the efficiency of your home’s central heating and cooling system?

It’s not a problem that homeowners often consider when maintaining their HVAC systems, yet regular cleaning is not only essential to the operation of your HVAC components, it can also have apositive effect on your health. As your Chandler, AZ, experts for all HVAC issues, Bruce’s Commercial and Residential Services can perform air duct cleaning to restore your HVAC system to its original cleanliness and operating efficiency.

Duct Contamination Increases Over Time

Over time, a home’s air ducts become contaminated with dust, pollen and other debris. Mold can also grow, resulting in the release of spores into your home’s living space. Such undesirable particles result in indoor air pollution that can affect the health of those living in the building.

The only way to avoid serious duct contamination is to have a qualified service provider clean all of the components of your duct system. Components that should be cleaned include supply and return air ducts, diffusers, registers, grilles, heat exchangers coils, condensate drain pans, fan motors housing, condensate drain pans, the air handling unit housing and other associated components. Failure to clean one or more of these components can result in re-contamination of your home.

In a typical air duct cleaning, our technicians will use special tools to dislodge contaminants and debris from duct surfaces. Next, we will use a high powered vacuum to remove the debris into one of our trucks. Once this is completed, Bruce’s Commercial and Residential Services will sanitize your air ducts with biocides to kill microbial agents that will keep your HVAC system cleaner for a longer period of time.

Living In Arizona Creates Greater Duct Contamination

The desert climate of Chandler and surrounding areas of Phoenix’s East Valley naturally lends itself to contamination of HVAC systems with dust. Thus, it is doubly important to have periodic air duct cleaning to avoid the problems associated with contaminated systems. Call Bruce’s Commercial and Residential Services today to have one of our qualified technicians come out to assess the state of your HVAC system and recommend duct cleaning and other essential maintenance services.

Keep The Air In Your Home Clean & Healthy – Make An Appointment By Calling Us Today!