Tag Archives: Air Conditioner

What If Your Air Conditioner Stops Working in the Middle of the Night?


Get 24/7 AC Repair in Chandler, Gilbert and Phoenix Valley Cities Call (480) 968-5652 any time for immediate service!

Have you ever been awakened in the middle of the night by the uncomfortable feeling of perspiration on your neck and the alarming realization that your room is much warmer than it should be? It usually takes about three seconds for the panic to enter your brain, “OMG, it’s 3:00 am, and my air conditioning is not working!” There’s an old saying that Arizonans are born with five senses and quickly develop a sixth; sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, and temperature. Desert dwellers have an infallible inner-thermostat that immediately detects the slightest increase in room temperature due to a drop-off in air conditioning – even in a deep sleep! What should you do if your air conditioner has stopped working in the dead of night?

Air Conditioning Quick Reference Checklist

If your air conditioning stops working or you notice warm air coming out of your air conditioner vents, there are some handy troubleshooting steps you can take to possibly remedy the situation. Here’s a quick reference guide to midnight air conditioning repair operations:

  • Midnight Emergency Tool Kit – To prepare for a late-night AC repair adventure, you might want to create a midnight emergency tool kit which can be a lifesaver not only for air conditioning problems but other issues, as well. Establish a convenient place for your storage kit nearby, so you don’t have to go searching in the darkness. You should include various items, including a working flashlight, a few basic tools, a pair of gloves, some rags, an extra set of batteries for your thermostat, a notepad and a pencil in case you need to write down information or model numbers. It’s helpful to have the phone number of your HVAC repairman and other emergency numbers (plumber, utilities, etc.) on a contact sheet in your kit. It might seem like overkill, but it will be extremely useful to have everything together in one location, so you don’t have to waste time rummaging around in the middle of the night.
  • Check Vents and Airflow – The first thing you’ll want to do is to check your vents and establish if you are getting any cool air, warm air, or no air at all. Check more than one vent to confirm the airflow and temperature throughout the house.
  • Thermostat – Check the thermostat to see that it is on, and the display is lit. If your thermostat is dead, it’s possible that the batteries have worn out or your thermostat is not getting power. Obviously, if the thermostat is inoperable, it cannot signal the air conditioner to cycle on. If the thermostat is working, but you don’t hear anything, try switching the fan from “auto” to the “on” position. If the fan comes on that indicates your thermostat is communicating with your HVAC system. If it does not come on, and if you have no air coming through your vents and you don’t hear the usual air conditioner sounds, it’s time to check the power.
  • Electric – Always check the electric power box and the AC circuit breakers before you proceed with any other troubleshooting. Unfortunately, many service calls have been performed only to find out the HVAC unit was not getting power. Sliding the breaker switch to the “off” position, waiting 10 seconds then resetting the breaker switch to the “on” position maybe all the repair needed. Why might you lose power to your air conditioner? Sometimes, the power grid simply shuts down during the night or after a storm. Power surges can cause your breakers to be tripped. Your AC unit could have its own electrical issues.
  • Evaporator Coils Freezing Up – A common cause of warm air coming out of AC vents has to do with the evaporator coils icing up. If this happens, you’ll notice reduced airflow or the air will not be as cool as it normally is. If you see ice on your AC unit, shut it down and let the ice melt.

Choose an Expert in AC Repair and Service

Experiencing air conditioning issues in the middle of the night can be upsetting. One of the wisest decisions you can make is to call the best air conditioning service in the Phoenix area. Call Bruce’s Air Conditioning and Heating.

Is That Summer Cold Caused by Your Air Conditioner?



Have you heard coughs and sneezing lately? Are you struggling with a bug that you can’t seem to shake? While it’s not cold and flu season, there are still plenty of viruses to go around, and this summer seems to be especially bad when it comes to upper respiratory infections. But, could those unpleasant symptoms be caused by your air conditioner or rooftop air conditioner?
It’s a question that many Arizona homeowners often ask, and the answer is actually multi-faceted.

Cold Air Isn’t the Cause

Many people believe that cold temperatures produce colds. Yet, this theory never has been proven true. However, that’s not the end of the story. Cold, dry indoor air can aggravate eyes and the mucous membranes in your nose, which can make catching a virus more likely.

The Stress Factor

It has been proven that viruses are more likely to hit individuals with weakened immune systems. One cause of lagging immunity is stress on the body caused by moving between chilly, air-conditioned indoor spaces and fiery hot outdoor heat.

Allergies Can Mimic Colds

The common symptoms of colds, like sneezing, stuffy noses, coughing, and sore throat, can also be caused by allergies. Airborne, allergy-inducing contaminants, such as pollen, animal dander, and mold, are commonly found in HVAC systems with dirty air filters. When they are blown into your home, the result can be cold-like symptoms that never seem to get better.

Combating the Summer Cold

Although there is no way to completely eliminate the chance of getting the dreaded summer cold, there are some strategies that can greatly reduce your risk. These include:

  • Maintaining an indoor temperature between 72 and 78 degrees
  • Allowing some air circulation in your home by opening windows and doors in the early morning and evening hours
  • Cleaning or replacing air filters on a regular basis

Learn more about how to care for your air conditioner to ensure the comfort and health of you and your family with hvac repair company in chandler. Call us at 480-968-5652.

The Shocking Truth About Surge Protection and Your Air Conditioner


What did the surge protector say to the lightning bolt? “I’m shocked by your destructive behavior. Until you learn how to conduct yourself properly – you’re grounded!”

When it comes to electricity, where it comes from and how it works, most Americans are somewhat “unenlightened.” Often misunderstood, electrical power is so intricately woven into the fabric of our lives, most people only think about it when it’s not there, like when a power outage occurs. Utility companies in the United States generally do an excellent job of keeping the power flowing and the lights on. However, there are numerous causes for occasional power surges which can do damage to home appliances and knock your air conditioning unit out of service. With summer storms just a few months away, it’s a good idea to consider the benefits of installing an air conditioning surge protector to shield your air conditioner or rooftop air conditioner from the dangerous effects of power fluctuations.

When Lightning Strikes

Did you know lightning strikes the earth 100 times per second? That adds up to over eight million times per day. Phoenix residents are familiar with spectacular displays of lightning, especially during the monsoon season. Located in Tucson, the NLDN (National Lightning Detection Network) monitors all lightning strikes in the continental United States and reports that Arizona averages over 600,000 strikes per year. Lightning is a significant cause of power surges due to the fact that one bolt of lightning can generate over 100 million volts of electricity. That kind of voltage can do a tremendous amount of damage and fry your air conditioning unit in a matter of seconds. An air conditioner surge protector on your HVAC unit will prevent damage to your components and channel the lightning bolt into the ground.

There’s also more to be concerned about when it comes to electrical surges than lightning. Extreme power usage throughout the Valley of the Sun during summer heatwaves can cause power dips on the grid and resulting power surges when the power goes off and back on.

It Will Never Happen to Me

Phoenix television stations do a great job of reporting the weather. Whenever we see dramatic footage of lightning bolts hitting trees or power lines during a thunderstorm, we always think, “That’ll never happen to me.” Hopefully, you never will experience lightning closeup, and your home will go untouched for as long as you live there. However, the relatively low cost of a surge protection unit can provide peace of mind for you and your family for years to come.

To learn more about surge protection to protect your HVAC system, call Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating at 480-968-5652.

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.

4 Reasons Why Water Could Be Leaking From Your AC

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4 Reasons AC Leaks WaterDuring the summer months one of the most frequent calls we get is:

“There’s water leaking from my AC.”

This common issue has a variety of causes. Most of them can be resolved without too much fuss, but more importantly, they can be prevented with regularly-scheduled maintenance.

The following are four reasons that your AC could be leaking.

4 Reasons Your AC Could Be Leaking Water

Your AC will naturally pull water vapor from the air as it condenses on the evaporator coil, which is the part of your AC unit that makes the air cold. From there the water will drip off and fall onto the aptly-named drip pan and then through a PVC drain pipe to the outside somewhere. Naturally, during the start of the summer as temperatures and humidity rise, you will start to use your AC more, which will pull more water from the humid air and exacerbate any existing issues with leakage.

1. Clogged Drain Lines And Drip Pans

The first and most common reason why your AC unit will leak water is a clogged drain line. Dust, dirt, mold, insects, insulation, or anything else that can make its way into the line can lead to it being clogged. The pan can only hold so much water and then it will overflow. When you have regularly scheduled preventative maintenance performed, the technicians will generally blow the drain line out to prevent that. They will also add special acid tablets to the drain pan that will help stop any clogs from forming in the line. The pan itself must also be installed on a slope towards the drain plug so that the water will flow that way. If it’s not, then water can easily overflow. It is possible that the pan could have rusted through as well, which clearly would cause leaks.

2. Installation Issues

The line itself can also be the cause of the issue if the PVC wasn’t cemented together when it was installed. Another improper ac installation cause is not having a p-trap or air vent installed on the drain line, which will allow the water to drain in the negative pressure created when the unit is running. If those weren’t installed the water will be pulled back into the pan until it overflows. (Caveat being that not all systems need to have a p-trap or air vent installed on the line.)

3. Ice Formation

Another reason why your AC unit will leak is from the formation and melting of ice on the components, which can happen for several reasons. The first is a low charge pressure. When the pressure is low the temperature inside the evaporator coil can actually drop in temperature and cause the humidity pulled from the air to freeze on the coil and then drip off later onto the walls or ceiling.

4. Low Air Flow

The fourth reason is the low air flow. Not having enough air flowing over the evaporator coil can cause ice to form, like the above reason. This can be problematic for an AC unit because forming ice insulates the coil from the air blowing over it, causing it to stay cold, and causes more ice to form – creating a cycle. Things like dirty filters are the most common cause of this (so change your filters regularly), less common issues are fan related.

Have A Leak Or Need Preventative Maintenance? Call The Air Conditioning Experts Today!

The good news about a residential and commercial air conditioning leaking water is that most of the time it can be fixed without too much fuss. However, you can avoid an emergency call simply by having regularly scheduled maintenance performed. Now that monsoon season is here and the humidity has increased, air conditioning leakage is more common. So before the next big storm hits the valley, and you need AC repair, give us a call now or click on the button below to learn more about our maintenance services, which could prevent this issue from happening. One of our expert air conditioning technicians will effectively and quickly service your unit.

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