Tag Archives: air conditioning repair

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.

Monsoon Season And Your Air Conditioner – What You Need to Know


Monsoon Season And Your Air ConditionerDust storms, torrential downpours, thunder, and lightning. Oh my! Monsoon season is officially starting in June.

While there’s not much you can do to prevent the summer storms, you can prepare your home so you can minimize the chance of damage. This includes protecting your air conditioner. As one of the most important and valuable components of your home, isn’t it worth a little TLC during the upcoming monsoon?

4 Ways  To Protect Your Air Conditioner During Monsoons

As your Chandler air conditioning repair specialist, we have several recommendations to help keep your air conditioner safe throughout the summer and beyond.

Trim Back Vegetation

Leaves, branches, and twigs are not an air conditioner’s best friend – particularly during a storm! Take the time to ensure shrubs, grass, and trees limbs are cleared away from your unit before the monsoons start. This can prevent something falling on it during a storm, or it getting clogged with debris.

Replace Your Filters

System air filters can get clogged quickly during dust storms. Start off the season by replacing them, and then make sure to check them frequently – particularly after a storm. By doing so, you’ll enable your air conditioner to run more efficiently while also improving your indoor air quality.

Get A Tune Up

This is the season when you definitely don’t want to experience a malfunction. Temperatures can soar into the 90s inside your home if it’s not cooled. Don’t take risks! Get a tune up to ensure everything is running as it should be. Call Bruce’s today to schedule a maintenance tune up. We’re your go-to source for all of your Chandler air conditioning service needs or anywhere in the Valley.

Get Familiar With Your Home’s Electrical System

Electrical storms are notorious for taking out the power in homes this time of year. A circuit breaker protects your home’s electrical system. Under normal use, there won’t be a problem. However, during a storm, circuit breakers can be tripped. If you experience a system malfunction after a storm, check the circuit breakers to see if this is the problem. It could save you from requiring a service call.