Tag Archives: Air Conditioner

2 Common HVAC Problems In Phoenix

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Arizona Sunrise - HVAC Problems In Phoenix - Bruces ACTemperatures here in Phoenix are generally either hot or mild throughout the entire year. Unfortunately, heating and air conditioning systems often develop problems that must be dealt with quickly and professionally.

The following are two common problems affecting HVAC systems and how to deal with them.

HVAC Problems In Phoenix That Are Common

Common HVAC problems in Phoenix:

 

1. Faulty Thermostat

HVAC systems are designed to operate automatically. The thermostat is responsible for switching the HVAC system between heating and cooling. A faulty thermostat may lead to overheating or over-cooling of rooms. Frequent adjustment, low batteries and mechanical damage from impact are to blame for problems associated with thermostats.

 

2. Coolant Problems

The cooling system in air conditioners has the same working principle as refrigerators. On older units, coolant runs through the evaporator and condenser, absorbing and carrying away heat to the outside. If the coolant leaks, cooling will not take place. A good indicator of coolant problems is abnormal temperature spikes. The AC may be running but the temperature of the room may not be dropping to the desired level. While this may also indicate a faulty thermostat, the level of the coolant in the AC unit should be checked.

 

HVAC Maintenance And Repairs

Here at Bruce’s Air Conditioning, we offer professional HVAC maintenance and repair services for all you heating and cooling issues. Regular maintenance helps improve the efficiency of your system as well as helps to minimize breakdowns and repairs. We can also advice a homeowner when to replace an old HVAC unit.

As a resident of Arizona, you can count on Bruce’s Air Conditioning to cater to all of your heating and cooling needs throughout the four seasons of the year. Call us now to help protect your HVAC system from the desert heat!

 

Can Rain Damage My Air Conditioner?

Can Rain Damage My Air ConditionerAs we’ve seen recently, we can get some pretty severe weather here in the southwest. Despite our heat and desert conditions most of the year, rain storms are common and can cause a great deal of damage. Rain and other types of weather can definitely do some damage to your air conditioner. In fact, excess rain or water near your unit can flood and severely damage your air conditioner. You’ll want to work with our professionals at Bruce’s Air in Chandler, AZ for most things. However, there are things you can do to prepare your air conditioner and HVAC system for impending storms or inclement weather.

Preparation For Storms And Mother-Nature

One thing you’ll want to do is make sure your system is installed properly and anchored securely. You will also want to keep the ground near your air conditioner free and clear of any excessive growth of plants or grass. If you know there’s a storm coming, you may want to turn off the unit entirely (if possible) and cover it securely with some kind of tarp. Unless it’s excessively hot (which could be the case here in Arizona!), this is a good precautionary measure to take to avoid a short circuit or electrical damage.

Other things to consider during heavy rainstorms are the objects in the yard near where the air conditioning unit is located. Items such as toys, grilling equipment, patio furniture and lawn tools can become dangerous when the wind tosses them about. They can also cause damage to parts of your home, including the air conditioner. As a general rule, remove all toys, patio furniture, grilling equipment and other debris you feel may cause damage to your air conditioner.

Additional Help Might Be Needed

One of the best things you can install in your home is a sump pump. A sump pump will help prevent water damage to your air conditioning unit. They do this by automatically activating whenever the water levels in the air conditioning basin reach a certain depth. The excess water is pumped up and out of the location, keeping water away from the air conditioner unit and causing further damage.

Remember! When you need air conditioning service, look no further than Bruce’s. We’re your go-to source, rain or shine, 365 days-a-year.

Understand Air Conditioner Coolant or HVAC Coolant

Understanding HVAC CoolantIf you are own an air conditioning system, you’ve probably heard the word Coolant. But, do you know what it is and how it’s used?

Coolant is the cooling agent or refrigerant in many air conditioners or rooftop air conditioners. Coolant is necessary for your air conditioning system to cool your home.

The HVAC Coolant, R22

R22 is one of the most popular types of refrigerants used in cooling systems. However, it was found to have the potential of causing depletion of the ozone layer in the atmosphere. Because of the risks to the environment, R22 is being phased out. The United States is one of 190 countries participating in this phase-out.

What does this mean for Arizona homeowners with air conditioners that use R22?

January 1, 2015: There will be a ban on the sale and use of R22. There is an exception to service the needs of existing refrigeration and air conditioning equipment.

January 1, 2020: There will be a complete ban on the production and import of R22 refrigerant, and it will no longer be available to homeowners.

After January 2020: Refrigeration and air conditioning systems that use R22 will have to depend on any stockpile of existing refrigerant available to them.

Homeowners will either have to continue to deal with rising costs of R22 as stockpiles become more depleted until it is no longer available or switch to an air conditioner that uses more environmentally-friendly hvac coolant.

Energy-Efficient Air Conditioners

Because today’s air conditioners are more energy-efficient than ever and are designed to use the newer type of air conditioner coolant, we at Bruce’s Air Conditioning highly recommend homeowners with older systems to consider replacement before the ban, which is on the horizon. If you are considering the purchase of a new air conditioning system, we highly encourage you to call us today.

Tips For Getting Your Air Conditioning System Ready For Spring

Tips For Getting Your Air Conditioning System Ready For Spring

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spring-tuneupUnlike most of the country that is still dealing with the remnants of an especially harsh winter, we, here in Arizona, are already enjoying balmy daytime and evening temperatures. Soon, it will be time to once again turn on that air conditioning system. Are you ready?

It can be incredibly frustrating when you want to turn on your air conditioner on a hot Arizona afternoon and it doesn’t work. The good news is that this can be prevented with these four simple steps that you can take now before we hit triple digits. Here’s what you need to do:

Test the System

A large percentage of system failures occur when they are turned on for the first time after a long break. Why wait to find out if your system has a problem when you actually need it. Today, turn down the temperature on your thermostat and flip your switch to “cool.” Make sure you hear it turn on, and then check to make sure that you feel cool air coming from the vents in each room. If not, you may need to do some troubleshooting. It could be something as simple as a blown fuse, or you might need to call out a technician.

Clean Or Replace Your Filters

A/C filters get dirty very quickly in Arizona. A fast moving dust storm or even a light breeze can kick up enough particulates to clog your system. This causes your system to work harder and increases your energy consumption. Translation – higher electricity bill!

Keeping your filter clean can cut energy use by 5 to 15 percent and increase the lifespan of your air conditioner. In desert regions such as the Phoenix metro area, it is highly recommended that you clean or replace your filter every month or even more frequently if you have pets that shed or allergy/asthma sufferers in your home.

Check Your System’s Drainage

Air conditioners tend to get clogged over time. This is particularly true for those with outside condensers. This happens when dirt, leaves, and other debris get built up in the drain pan and around the unit. When an air conditioner can’t drain properly, not only can it impede water flow, it can cause mold and mildew to grow inside the hose. This can impact your indoor air quality, so it’s definitely worth your time and effort!

Get A Tune Up

A seasonal maintenance tune-up isn’t just a good idea. It’s really a must for keeping your air conditioner working at optimal performance, and in some cases, necessary for maintaining your system’s warranty. At Bruce’s, we highly encourage our customers to take advantage of our spring tune-up cooling service. We make it affordable at only $59 and convenient. Call us today  to schedule your tune up!

Save Money With A New, Energy Efficient HVAC System

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Save Money With A New, Energy Efficient HVAC SystemHave you been crossing your fingers for years hoping that your heating system won’t fail? If so, you’re not alone. Most homeowners choose to wait until their heating system fails before replacing it.

What few actually know is that, a HVAC system’s average lifespan is 10 to 15 years. If you are hoping your 20 year old system is going to keep functioning for yet another winter, you’re rolling the dice when it comes to its continued usage.

Signs Your System Needs Replacement

Some of the earliest signs that your system is wearing out is a motor failure and refrigerant leaks. A heat exchanger on an older unit within a gas furnace often develops cracks or a compressor in the outdoor unit will short out. These are not inexpensive repairs!

When a pattern of repairs begins to happen, it’s time to start considering a new unit. And, a replacement can not only prevent you from having to deal with an unexpected system failure, it can help save you money each month on your utility bill.

Time For A New Unit

Today’s HVAC systems that are composed of both an air conditioning and a heating system have many new features that improve their energy efficiency. These include variable speed fans, two stage compressors, automatic temperature/humidity controls, and more.

Along with improving your home’s energy efficiency and eliminating the need for costly repairs, a new system can be installed with indoor air quality improvements that can be especially helpful if you or your family suffer from allergies, asthma, or other breathing difficulties. A high-efficiency air cleaner can remove dust, dander, and other airborne pollutants from your indoor air to create a healthier, more comfortable living environment.

If you’re ready to start looking for a new system, the smart place to start is with Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating. For over 40 years, we’ve been helping Phoenix area homeowners with the highest quality heating and air conditioning service and installation. Call us today to schedule an appointment.