Category Archives: Replacement

5 Indicators of a Failing Furnace

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This time of year, you don’t want to be dealing with a failing furnace. With evening temperatures dropping into freezing territory, it’s just too cold to turn a blind eye to a furnace that’s on its last legs.

Fortunately, furnaces typically provide several warning signs that they’re about to go out. If you pay attention, you can likely catch them and call for rescue repair or replacement before you’re left in the cold.

Here’s what to look for:

Uneven Heating

You can hear the furnace running, but your rooms aren’t as warm as they should be. Unless you have windows or doors open, it’s quite possible that you’re dealing with a furnace that’s losing heating capacity. And this problem rarely gets better on its own, so heed the warning and call Bruce’s at 480-968-5652.

Noisy Operation

All furnaces make some noise when they run, but the sounds shouldn’t be getting increasingly loud. Rattling, booming, clicking and squealing are all sounds that indicate it’s time to call in the experts.

Short Cycling

Start, stop, start, stop. When a furnace gets into this annoying pattern, it can indicate a variety of problems. A furnace should run in heating cycles of at least 15 minutes before cycling down. If you are experiencing short cycles, consider it time to get your furnace checked out.

Rising Heating Bills

A properly maintained furnace should maintain approximately 95% of its original energy efficiency throughout its life. If your heating bills are creeping up month after month, you may need repair, or it may be time to consider a replacement.

It’s Always Chilly

If you’re turning the thermostat higher and higher to keep the house barely comfortable, your furnace is likely failing. Instead of continuing to bundle up and hope for the best, call an expert at Bruce’s. We’re here to help.

With 24/7 service, Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating is your go-to source for all your home’s heating needs. Whether it’s a simple repair or the installation of a complete new system, we bring our expertise and experience every time.

Why Choose American Standard for Your Heat Pump Replacement?

For many Phoenix area homeowners, a heat pump is the right choice for heating and cooling. Why? Our mild winters make heat pumps a smart and affordable option. At Bruce’s, we recommend American Standard heat pumps because of their durability and high energy ratings.

If you’re ready to replace an old air conditioner or furnace, you may want to consider a heat pump which can provide both cold and hot air from one unit. We’re happy to show you the selection of American Standard heat pumps and help you determine the best model for your home and budget. We offer free estimates, so give us a call to schedule a time that works for you.

What About SEER and HSPF?

When you begin the process of replacing HVAC equipment, you may have questions about some of the terminology used. This includes two ratings that evaluate efficiency – Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) for air conditioners and Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) for heating equipment. In the case of heat pumps, you’ll find ratings for both. The higher the rating, the more efficient the system is. You will find that with higher ratings come higher equipment prices. But, it’s important to consider that higher rated units offer lower operating costs. This means that the payback period is likely shorter than you think. At Bruce’s, we can help you calculate the best option.

American Standard Heat Pumps

American Standard offers heat pumps for all budgets. The Silver 14 and Silver 15 heat pumps are built for lasting performance and value and can save you nearly 50% on your energy usage.

The Gold 17 heat pump can save you up to 56% on heating and cooling costs, and it includes a two-step Duration compressor that delivers two-stage cooling. The Platinum 18 heat pump offers the highest SEER rating with an innovative, variable speed system that delivers consistent, energy-efficient cooling and heating.

Get a free quote on the replacement or installation of an American Standard heat pump by calling the experts at Bruce’s at 480-968-5652.

Tax Planning and Purchasing a New HVAC System

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If your aging HVAC system was running on borrowed time over this hot, long summer, you may want to consider replacement sooner than later. One of the many reasons to consider purchasing a new HVAC system is taxes. Yes, taxes.

In January 2020, the US Congress renewed the Non-business Energy Property Tax Credit, also referred to as Section 25C of the tax code. This credit enables you to obtain up to $500 in tax credits when you purchase and install an Energy Star certified, energy efficient HVAC System component. This includes air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces and more.

Taking advantage of this tax savings is simple. You’ll need to fill out IRS Form 5695 as part of your 2020 tax filing. There are several tiers of energy efficiency that determine the amount of the tax credit you will receive. These tiers are calculated by the Consortium for Energy Efficiency. For example, an energy efficient air conditioner will obtain a $300 credit. Add more items, and the savings is greater. This credit is available for primary residences only. It is not for HVAC installations in vacation homes or investment properties.

With the political landscape continuously changing, no one knows how long this tax credit will remain available. So, it’s smart to take advantage of it while it’s here. And, you’ll also gain a host of other benefits once you do decide to upgrade to a more efficient HVAC system. These include measurably lower operational costs, greater efficiency, improved temperature control, and increased home value. You’ll also get the wonderful added benefit of knowing that you won’t be dealing with an HVAC system breakdown next summer.

Do You Have a Home Business?

If you run a business from your home, your HVAC purchase may qualify you for even more tax savings. The costs associated to the purchase and installation of a new air conditioner can be partially deductible – if you can show that it is an ordinary and necessary expense to operate your business. Consult with your tax professional for more details.

Call Bruce’s today for a free estimate on a new HVAC system.

Are Programmable Thermostats Worth It?

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Are Programmable Thermostats Worth It - BrucesAC.comIf you are like a number of homeowners looking to cut the cost of your energy bills, you may have considered spending the money on a programmable thermostat. While most studies show that a programmable thermostat doesn’t save homeowners a lot of money on their energy bills, these same studies show that most people are not using them correctly.

Here are a few ways you can use your programmable thermostat to save money.
 
 

Ways Your Programmable Thermostat Can Save Money

 

Early Morning

Let’s be honest, waking up in a cold house is not fun. Running across the house to turn up the heat and then waiting for it to take the chill out before you get in the shower is time wasted. A programmable thermostat will take care of this issue for you. You will be able to stay in your warm bed while the thermostat adjusts the temperature to your preferences. Setting the thermostat to raise the temperature about thirty minutes before you get up will make getting out of bed easier.

When You Are Not Home

Have you ever wondered how much energy you waste while you are not home? The answer depends on if you manually change the thermostat before walking out the door. Most people do not change the thermostat before leaving for work. A programmable thermostat will allow you to set the temperature to automatically adjust during times you are not home. This is great for people who work long shift or leave town frequently.

When You Are Sleeping

If you are like most people, you climb into bed and snuggle under a few blankets in the winter months. If you are under all those blankets, do you really need your home to be a sweltering eighty degrees too? Probably not, but who wants to wake up to a cold house and wait for the heat to kick on after you run across the house to adjust it to a comfortable temperature? Now you can program your thermostat to turn down the temperature about an hour after you go to bed and turn it back up about an hour before you wake up.

Save Money With A Programmable Thermostat Over Time!

By using your programmable thermostat properly, you can save a fortune on your heating and cooling costs each year. This makes the cost of purchasing a programmable thermostat worth it in the long run.
 

Call Us Now To Get More Information On Programmable Thermostats &
How We Can Conveniently Install One For You!

 

Should I Replace or Repair My Equipment? 5 Questions to Ask Yourself

Repair or Replace - 5 Questions to Ask Yourself - BrucesAC.comIf your heating or cooling unit is not functioning properly, you may have asked yourself “should I replace or repair my equipment?” Before deciding to repair or replace your heating or cooling unit, there are a few questions you should ask yourself.

By answering these questions, you will be able to determine what the best course of action is.


 
 

Questions To Ask Yourself To Determine If You Should Replace Or Repair Your Equipment

 

1. Age Of Your Unit

Older units can be difficult to acquire replacement parts for repairs. As manufacturers design and market newer more energy efficient models, they begin to phase out older models and their parts. If your home has an older unit that needs repairs, it may be more cost effective to replace the unit rather than searching for much needed parts.

2. Efficiency Of Unit

If your air conditioner or heater is older than 10-15 years the best idea is to usually replace the entire unit rather than attempting to have it repaired. Many people choose to replace older units before repairs are even needed. This is due to the inefficiency of the overall unit. While your heating and cooling unit may seem to be working fine, chances are it is not functioning to its full potential. A newer unit will heat and cool your home while using less overall energy.

3. Overall Condition Of Unit

While an older unit may warrant replacement, you should always consider the condition of the existing unit. In many case, your unit may only need to be fine-tuned or cleaned up. Not every issue within your heating and cooling system requires parts to be replaced. Having a heating and cooling specialist that can repair and fine-tune your older unit, like us here at Bruce’s AC, may save you money in the long run.

4. How Often Is Your Unit Running?

Is this the home you live in all year or a vacation home that is used only on occasion? If your unit is beginning to show signs of trouble but is not used all the time, you may be able to have it repaired and buy yourself some time. If you rely on your heating and cooling unit on a regular basis, you may find that replacing it is a more convenient option. This will help you to avoid the air conditioner going out on the hottest day of the year.

5. How Long Do You Plan To Stay In Your Home?

Whether or not you are planning on staying in your home for many more years is a big factor in deciding whether to repair or replace your heating and cooling units. If you are planning on moving soon, you can save money by having the unit repaired. If you are looking at residing in the home for many more years, a replacement will be a better option as you won’t have to worry about a possible failure down the road.
 

Need A Repair Or Replacement Or Not Sure? Call Us Now – We Are Here To Help!