Category Archives: Maintenance

The 2022 Inflation Reduction Act for Home Energy

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Cooling, heating, power, and water usage savings can quickly add up to big savings not only for household budgets, but also for helping do your part to protect our planet for future generations. With Congressional recent approval of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, homeowners can receive incentives to adopt energy efficient options that are powered by clean, green energy. The incentives revolve around tax credits and rebates for replacing fossil fuel water heaters, furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, and stoves for renewable energy choices, such as rooftop solar, electric HVAC, EV cars, and induction ovens. In other words, home efficiency will likely be changed forever by this sweeping legislation.

What’s in The Reduction Act

The act provides $9 billion in total energy rebates with $4.28 billion set aside for the High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Program. Consumers are eligible for up to $8,000 to purchase heat pumps, which can both cool and heat houses. There is included in the bill a rebate up to $1,750 for installing a heat-pump water heater. You may qualify for up to $840 for buying a heat-pump clothes dryer or an electric stove such as a high-efficiency induction range.
Some houses will need to have electrical panels upgraded to be able to handle these new appliances. The program will provide up to $4,000 for the upgrade. Savings that will show up in reduced monthly utility bills from your local energy provider. According to the organization Rewiring America, a household with an efficient electric heat pump for space heating and cooling, a heat pump water heater, one electric vehicle, and solar panels would save at least $1,800 a year. Over 10 years, these savings from electrifying home appliances and going solar, will grow to over $30,000 and $140,000 after 25 years (assuming an 8% annual return on investment).

There are other programs including a rebate of up to $1,600 to insulate and seal your home, and a rebate of up to $2,500 for improvements to electrical wiring depending on household income.

Call Bruce’s

Call us today at 480-968-5652 to learn more about the benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act for Home Energy – as well as all of your HVAC needs.

Ways to Balance Temperature Inside Your Home

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An accurately balanced HVAC system provides your family a comfortable living space. A balanced system is also far more efficient than one that’s off balance. HVAC systems are balanced when installed, but they may need adjusting from time to time. Now that warmer temperatures have arrived, you may have noticed some rooms in your home are markedly hotter than other rooms. This can often be remedied by balancing your system.

Adjust AC Fan Setting

The optimal setting for your air conditioning fan is the on setting. This allows the HVAC system to continuously circulate clean, cool air in your home even after the AC cycle has ended. When the AC fan setting is set to auto, indoor air will stagnate when the cooling cycle has completed.

Check Air Filters

Change out your air filters on a regular basis. This will improve air quality, increase air flow, extend the life of your HVAC system, and increase the efficiency of your air conditioner.

Check Electronic Equipment Placement

Large screen televisions, computers, and other devices can generate additional heat that may affect cooling in the room. The thermostat can pick up heat from appliances and devices which can cause your AC to run longer.

Check for Drafts

Check to make sure windows and doors are sealed properly. Drafty windows and doors can cause a room to be too hot.

Prevent Airflow Restrictions

Check vents to make certain that furniture or other items are not blocking vents supplying cool air. Vents need about 18 inches of space to work efficiently. If furniture can’t be moved, a magnetic air deflector can redirect air flow away from the furniture.

Check for Blockages

Look around and check room vents to see if dust, or even a buildup of cat or dog hair is impeding air flow. These types of blockages can be enough to change airflow significantly.

Check Vent Fins

Check air vent metal diverter fins. Closed fins allow less cool air into the room causing hot spots and stagnant air.

Call Bruce’s

When these DIY fixes don’t seem to be resolving home comfort levels, it may be time to call in the professionals. Your local HVAC experts at Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating will examine your system, conduct tests, and make associated measurements to help decide the best ways to optimize air balance. Adjusting fan speed, replacing supply lines, or installing dampers may be some of the suggested changes. Call Bruce’s today at 480-968-5652 to schedule your appointment.

Why You Shouldn’t Tackle DIY HVAC Maintenance

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So you consider yourself handy with a hammer and skilled with a screwdriver. That’s great! You can save yourself a considerable amount of money with even basic handyman skills. However, HVAC maintenance and repairs simply shouldn’t be considered as DIY-friendly. In fact, these tasks should only be left to trained and experienced service professionals, or you could be risking damage to your HVAC system, your home, or even yourself.

Here are the reasons why DIY HVAC is never a good idea.

1. HVAC Systems Require Special Equipment

Both maintenance and repairs of HVAC equipment require specialized tools and equipment that are built specifically for professional HVAC technicians. Common toolbox tools simply won’t get the job done.

2. Safety Concerns

Heating and cooling systems include flammable, pressurized gas, high electrical voltage, toxic combustion fumes and other dangerous items that have the potential of causing injury or even death. And improper work by someone untrained can pose an ongoing risk of fire or carbon monoxide poisoning for the operational duration of the system.

3. Decreased Efficiency

DIY repairs are likely to lead to substandard operational efficiency. System components, that are no longer performing up to manufacturer standards, ultimately lead to higher monthly operating costs in the way of utility bills. And there’s always the chance that you can turn a minor problem into something major unknowingly, which can lead to expensive repairs down the road.

4. Voided Warranty

Manufacturer warranties typically require proof that all maintenance and repairs are performed by qualified HVAC contractors. If you want to maintain your warranty, don’t do the job yourself.

Call Bruce’s Instead

We understand that it can be tempting to attempt a DIY project like HVAC maintenance, but we highly encourage you to put that wrench down and call Bruce’s instead at 480-968-5652. We offer convenient appointments with friendly technicians who can answer your questions and provide the quality service that your HVAC system deserves.

American Standard HVAC System Spring Maintenance Tips

Next week, Arizona meteorologists predict an early return to warm temperatures. This means it’s time to start thinking about spring seasonal HVAC maintenance. As an American Standard Customer Care dealer serving Chandler, Tempe, Santan, and the surrounding cities of the greater Phoenix area, we thought it was a good opportunity to share a few of their HVAC system maintenance tips.

Swap Out the Filter

Replace your HVAC filter before the start of spring to help minimize pollen and other particulates from agitating hay fever symptoms. Do you or a loved one struggle from serious allergies? Consider an American Standard air cleaner to further limit particles from entering your indoor air. Call Bruce’s today for a free quote.

Test and Clean the Cooling System

Schedule your maintenance check and HVAC cleaning from Bruce’s, your local American Standard Customer Care dealer and maintain your system’s efficiency. Small issues will also be identified and fixed before they turn into expensive breakdowns.

Clear the Condenser

Take a few minutes to clear the area around your outdoor air conditioning condenser from weeds and other vegetation that can hinder air from moving freely around the unit.

American Standard has been enabling families to enjoy home comfort with a wide range of HVAC services for 140 years. At Bruce’s we’re proud to represent this quality, long-lasting brand. And as an American Standard dealer, we are dedicated to providing you with the latest information on models and their features and benefits. Want the inside scoop on financing, rebates, warranties and discounts? We have that, too. Call us today to get started.

Will You Feel That Valentine’s Day Heat?

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With Valentine’s Day just days away, you don’t want to be dealing with a heartbreaking heater or air conditioning problem. In other words, it’s a great time to show your HVAC some love by taking a few steps to keep it running properly and efficiently.

This begins with replacing your air filter and calling for a preventive maintenance check. For nearly 50 years, Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating has been by the side of Arizona homeowners, ensuring their HVAC systems are optimally maintained. We believe in relationships built to last! So, give us a call today to schedule your HVAC maintenance service at 480-968-5652.

A Valentine’s Day Gift for Your HVAC System

Never thought of buying HVAC-related gifts for Valentine’s Day? Why not? This Valentine’s Day consider upgrading to a smart thermostat which can automatically increase or decrease your home’s temperature, based on your lifestyle needs, time of day, or current temperature conditions. Not only will this lower your monthly heating and air conditioning costs, it will also help extend the lifespan of your system.

Or, how about an air purifier? Your system will benefit from the addition of an air purifier to help rid the air of allergens, germs, and mold. This will make the air you breathe cleaner and help improve the symptoms of your loved ones with allergies and asthma.

And a gift to consider that will keep on giving throughout the year is an HVAC maintenance contract. You’ll gain the advantage of regular tune-ups to identify and address issues proactively. You’ll also get the advantage of convenient appointments, discounts on necessary repairs, and the confidence knowing that you have a trusted service provider that loves your HVAC system as much as you do.

Happy Valentine’s Day from Bruce’s.