Ideally, an air conditioning system in Arizona should provide quality service for anywhere from 10 to 20 years. The difference lies in how the homeowner chooses to maintain their system.

Routine Inspection is the Key to Optimum HVAC Health

Just as the human body requires regular check-ups to ensure optimum health, so does a home’s HVAC system. An Arizona air conditioning service can perform the inspection and routing preventive maintenance your system needs to make sure it last for years.

9 Ways an AZ Air Conditioning Contractor Can Improve Your A/C

When an Arizona air conditioning service contractor performs an inspection on your home’s HVAC system, he takes the time to check all of the integral components that are essential to proper operation and efficiency. During this inspection, the HVAC inspector will usually perform the following tasks:

1.)    Test the thermostat to ensure that it is effectively communicating with your HVAC system so that it starts, operates and shuts off properly. If you have a programmable thermostat, the contractor can also program it according to your lifestyle so your system only runs when you need it most.
2.)    Check and clean out the system’s water drain. A plugged drain can cause an overflow of condensation water will may eventually damage your floors or walls.
3.)    Check moving parts for proper lubrication and lubricate if necessary. If movable parts are grinding for lack of lubrication, it can cause your HVAC unit to run less efficiently and eventually result in frequent costly repairs.
4.)    Check all electrical connections and tighten if necessary. Loose or bad electrical connections are dangerous and can damage the sensitive components of your HVAC system.
5.)    Measure the system’s voltage to ensure all circuits are getting the right voltage. If your HVAC system isn’t receiving the proper voltage in the right components, it won’t operate the way it’s designed to and eventually the components will be ruined and need to be replaced.
6.)    Check and adjust the blower components for optimum air flow. Poor air flow can reduce your system’s efficiency by 15% or more.
7.)    Check and clean the Evaporator and Condenser coils. Dirty coils will cause your system to run longer and work harder, the results of which you will see on your monthly utility bill.
8.)    Replace the air filter. This should be done monthly by the homeowner to reduce allergens and pollutants in the home and to ensure maximum air flow.
9.)    Educate the homeowner on how to efficiently operate their HVAC unit to ensure comfort in the home and a lower utility bill.

Contact Wolff Mechanical and Schedule an HVAC Inspection Today

Schedule an inspection of your home’s HVAC system by Wolff Mechanical and make sure your system’s ready for summer. We provide our customers with outstanding service and support and have been servicing the Phoenix Valley since 1990.

Phoenix Heating & Cooling Problems – Leaky Ducts

Leaky ducts can cause a wide range of problems in your home. For instance, leaks in the ducts may cause one room to be hotter in the summer and colder in the winter when compared with the other rooms in the house.

Properly sealed ducts also keep allergens and other pollutants like insulation particles, garden chemicals and dust from entering and being dispersed throughout the home’s environment. And, according to the EPA, leaky ducts can reduce your home’s efficiency by 20%, the result of which you’ll notice on your utility bill.

Leaky Ducts are a Health Risk

Many homes feature gas-fueled appliances like water heaters, clothes dryers and furnaces. Under normal operations, the carbon monoxide created by these appliances is expelled from the home through their individual exhaust ducts. But, when a leak is existent in the home’s duct system, that carbon monoxide can be pulled back into the home rather than being expelled outside the home. This is called “backdrafting.” A qualified Phoenix air conditioning contractor can help prevent this dangerous risk by making sure your ducts are properly sealed.

How to Find a Qualified Arizona Contractor for Duct Sealing

When looking for a reputable air conditioning service in Arizona to seal your ducts, make sure that they will perform the following tasks before you agree to their service contract:

·    Perform a complete and thorough inspection of the entire duct system, including the basement, attic, crawlspace and garage if necessary
·    Perform a full system balance evaluation of the system’s supply and return
·    Seal all connections and/or leaks using mastic, metal tape or aerosol-based sealant
·    Ensure that all registers and grills in the home are fitted tightly to the duct-work
·    Repair damaged or disconnected ducts
·    Straighten out or replace crushed flexible ducts
·    Include filter replacement as part of the duct sealing service
·    Properly insulate ducts in areas where it is required (with an insulation carrying an R-value of 6 or higher)
·    Re-evaluate the system once again after duct sealing is complete
·    Perform a combustion safety test to check for backdrafting

Schedule an experienced Arizona air conditioning contractor to inspect your home’s duct-work today. With over 20 years of reputable service, Wolff Mechanical is one of the leading air conditioning services in Phoenix. All us to put our experience to work for you to ensure your home is as safe and efficient as it’s meant to be.

Duct Cleaning – The EPA Recommends It

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that ducts be cleaned as needed for the effective removal of mold, pests and debris that gets collected in the ducts over time. While routine duct cleaning is not required, the EPA does agree that cleaning them periodically does have its benefits.

The Importance of Duct Cleaning

Most forced-air vents are located on the floor, which makes them prime targets for dropped or spilled food and drink, pet dander and dust and other small particles. These substances get inside the vents where the heavier items sit and molder while the dust, pollen and dander get dispersed into the air each time the heat or air conditioning kicks on.

While routine air filter changes help to limit the amount of allergens in the air in your home, they can’t be 100% effective as simply opening your door or windows allows outside dust and particles to enter your home.

If you or one of your family members are sensitive to allergens and have been experience worsening episodes, dirty duct-work may be to blame. In addition, clean ducts allow the forced air to flow more freely which will help keep your heating or cooling bills down while making your home more comfortable.

Precautions When Choosing a Duct Cleaning Contractor

One of the biggest problems, and one of the reasons some people don’t believe in duct cleaning services in Phoenix, is that not all contractors clean ducts equally. Some companies come into your home and fail to clean the ducts thoroughly, which can result in an indoor environment that is worse than it was previously. Inexperienced contractors can also damage or break your home’s ventilation system if they aren’t careful. For these reasons, it is very important that you choose a Phoenix duct cleaning service that is reputable and has a long history of outstanding results.

Duct cleaning is worth it, especially in a high-pollen, high-dust zone like Arizona. Schedule an appointment for quality, thorough duct cleaning in Phoenix and start breathing easier.

Radon is a colorless, tasteless and odorless gas that is naturally derived from underground uranium deposits. Outdoors in nature, the gas seeps up from the ground and simply blends with the atmosphere where it’s diluted to harmless measures. But, in some homes, Radon can seep up through cracks in the foundation to collect in the basement area or other low-lying areas of the home. If the home has poor ventilation, that gas can become more and more concentrated over time. When exposed to a high concentration of Radon, humans can suffer some dangerous health complications.

The Dangers of Radon Exposure

Radon is a radioactive gas that with prolonged exposure is known to increase one’s chances of developing lung cancer. According to the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), over 21,000 people die in the United States each year from cancer caused by exposure to high levels of Radon. In comparison, drunk driving accidents account for just over 13,000 deaths each year.

The EPA categorizes the severity of Radon levels in three Zones, Zone 1 being the least exposed and Zones 2 and 3 being high-level Radon areas. The entire State of Arizona is rated Zone 2.

How Can a Phoenix Air Conditioning Contractor Help with Radon?

One of the best ways to prevent Radon from building up in your home is to make sure that your home’s ventilation is as good as possible. An Arizona air conditioning contractor can inspect your home’s air conditioning and furnace, as well as the home’s overall ventilation, to make sure your home’s indoor air quality is healthy and safe.

Additional Ways of Minimizing Radon Exposure

If your home’s basement features an earthen floor, you should have a concrete pad installed along with an air-gap sub-floor system. If you already have concrete in place, but it is cracked in areas, seal the cracks to prevent Radon seepage. Of course, if you live in a high-level zone, you may also choose to go with a ventilated sub-floor system for the best ventilation possible. You should also seal cracks and openings in your basement’s walls and around any pipes or drains.

Start making your home’s environment as safe as possible for your family. You can do just that by calling a reputable Phoenix air conditioning contractor today to schedule an inspection of your home’s ventilation system. Once you find out your air quality is good, or you fix a potential problem, you’ll definitely be breathing easier.

Proper AZ Air Conditioning Can Help Prevent These Problems

Respiration Problems – When the human body is exposed to too much dry air, it can negatively affect the respiratory system in a number of ways. For starters, seriously dry indoor air quality can cause a number of problems including bronchitis, asthma, emphysema, sinusitis and frequent nosebleeds. Respiration also uses up a lot of body fluids, so it can be very easy to become dehydrated during lengthy exposure to dry air.

Skin Conditions – In areas of excessive dryness, the body’s largest organ, the skin, can start to dry up, resulting in cracked and irritated patches of skin, eye dryness and itchiness and itchy, scaly skin.

Static Electricity – When the air moisture is low in AZ air conditioning, the dry air allows for a greater probability of static electricity to develop. In extreme cases, static electricity has been proven to start fires, damage electrical equipment and cause problems with sensitive medical devices.

Apparent Temperature – When the atmosphere inside the home is significantly dry, those who live there can suffer from what’s called “apparent temperature.” This is when the body feels cold, even though the temperature on the thermostat is set at a comfortable level.

When Should You Call a Phoenix Air Conditioning Repair Service for Dry Air?

Most AZ air conditioning systems should really be checked and inspected at least once a year. However, if you have not had yours serviced in a while and you are experiencing problems with static electricity, severely dry nasal passages, breathing problems and/or other respiratory issues, you should call an Arizona air conditioning contractor to inspect your system.

In some cases, a whole-home humidifier can be added to your central air conditioning system to help balance out the moisture in the air. After your system is inspected and the air quality test is complete, if it is determined that your indoor air quality is suffering, the contractor will provide you with a detailed explanation about the ways you can improve the air quality in your home.

What makes matters even worse is that many homeowners (a) don’t know how to properly use air conditioning in Arizona, and (b) have developed some very bad money-wasting habits with their A/C usage.

Phoenix Air Conditioning Mistakes –- Not Using a Programmable Thermostat

Programmable thermostats feature an internal timer that can automatically turn the unit off or on at various pre-scheduled times during the day and night. If you are still using the old manual thermostats, you are making a mistake that could be costing you hundreds of dollars a year. Running your air conditioning in Arizona when you’re not home is like throwing money out the window.

Phoenix Air Conditioning Mistakes – Closing Registers in Unoccupied Rooms

Many homeowners are under the assumption that if they close off registers in unoccupied rooms, it will allow more air to flow into the rooms where the registers are open. This is false.

Any professional Arizona A/C service company should tell you that your unit is designed to work with all of the registers open. Closing off certain ones will cause the system to become unbalanced and inefficient.

Phoenix Air Conditioning Mistakes – Improper Sizing

If you are having a new air conditioning unit installed in your home, make sure the service you choose is installing the properly sized unit for your home. If the Arizona A/C service company installs a unit that is too small or too large, your system will be inefficient and waste energy. It can be easy to rely solely on the individual who is providing your air conditioning services in Phoenix, but always ask them to double check and if possible, get multiple quotes to check for similar numbers.

Phoenix Air Conditioning Mistakes – Forgetting to Change the Filter

The number one reason for inefficient Phoenix air conditioning is also the easiest problem to fix — changing the filter. A dirty air filter will cause your A/C unit to work extra hard, which in return will cause it to use more electricity. Filters should be replaced at a minimum every three months or monthly if you have pets or live in a dusty region.

Phoenix Air Conditioning Mistakes – Congested Condensers

Condensing units need good airflow in order to work properly. Unfortunately, many homeowners store things around them or allow grass or weeds to grow high around them. Air conditioning in Arizona is used nearly year-round, so homeowners must be vigilant about keeping the area around their condensing unit clean and unobstructed.

Lastly, another tip to help you stop wasting money on Arizona air conditioning. Keep your shades closed during very hot, sunny days. By opening them, the sun’s rays will heat the interior of your home, forcing your air conditioning to run constantly.

Hire the most reputable air conditioning services in Phoenix today and make sure your Arizona air conditioning unit is working as efficiently as it can. The service repairman who inspects your A/C unit will be able to provide you with advice that will help you get the most out of your system so you can start saving money.

Because energy efficient homes are constructed so air-tight, it makes it virtually impossible for fresh air to naturally seep in, meaning that in these cases, the homeowner may need to become more proactive in getting fresh air into the home.

Air Conditioning & Heating in Arizona – Importance of Fresh Air

When your home has good ventilation, you’re making your home more livable, more comfortable and ultimately, a healthier place to live. It also allows your Arizona air conditioning system to function as it was originally intended to.

Air conditioning in Arizona that has proper ventilation manages the level of humidity in your home, which ideally should be between 30 and 50 percent. Any higher or lower and it can cause a number of problems, from asthma-induced breathing problems and dry, itchy skin to an increased risk of mold development. Areas of low humidity are exceptionally prone to static electricity which can in some cases; result in a house fire or damaged electronics.

Air Conditioning & Heating in Arizona – Components of Proper Home Ventilation

In order to have good ventilation, there are certain things you need to include in your home along with your heating and air conditioning. In Arizona, attic ventilation fans, dryer vents, bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans, air exchangers and heat recovery ventilators all work great at getting the stale air out of the home.

Routine Air Conditioning Inspections to Ensure Proper Ventilation

One of the most important aspects to maintaining good air circulation in your home is making sure that your Arizona air conditioning unit is working the way it’s supposed to. One of the easiest ways to do this is to schedule an Arizona air conditioning service contractor to come out and inspect your system and your home’s ventilation. If your home is not properly ventilated, the contractor will provide you with some solutions.

It is recommended that you have a professional Arizona air conditioning service company inspect your heating and cooling system annually, with air filter replacements taking place every three months, or monthly if you have pets.

Since air conditioning units are such complex appliances, performing your own repairs is never recommended. When you notice your Arizona air conditioning isn’t working as it should, you should call in a professional Phoenix A/C repair service to find and fix the problem. But first, you have to be able to recognize when your Arizona air conditioning is showing signs that it needs repaired. Here are a few things to look out for.

Phoenix A/C Repair Signs – The Unit Will Not Turn On

If you have already checked the circuit breaker box and found no tripped breakers, then there may be a larger issue causing the problem with your A/C unit. Contact a reputable air conditioning repair company in Phoenix to come out and troubleshoot the unit.

Phoenix A/C Repair Signs – Build-Up of Ice Inside or Around the Unit

If you notice ice forming on the evaporator coils, on the refrigerant suction line or on the ductwork, there are a number of potential problems that could be causing it, including, poor air circulation, low refrigerant levels and condensation leaks. An air conditioning service in Phoenix, AZ can quickly find and resolve the problem.

Phoenix A/C Repair Signs – The Unit Is Not Producing Cool Air

If your air conditioning unit is running but not producing cool air, check to make sure your thermostat is set correctly and that no circuit breakers are off or tripped. If these all check out, then it’s time to call an experienced Arizona air conditioning repair company to troubleshoot and fix the problem.

Phoenix A/C Repair Signs – Water Around the Unit

If you notice excessive leaking around you’re A/C unit, there are typically two problems that can cause this — a frozen cooling coil or a leaking condensation pan, both of which require the attention of a professional air conditioning service in Phoenix, AZ.

Phoenix A/C Repair – Odors, Sparks or Smoke Coming from the Unit

If you’re A/C unit is producing a bad odor or you notice sparks or smoke coming from it, there may be a potentially dangerous problem with the system. Turn off the circuit breaker that powers the unit, call an experienced Phoenix A/C repair company and have them inspect the appliance as soon as possible. Avoid using the air conditioning until after the service contractor makes the necessary repairs and informs you that it is ok to do so.

An air conditioning unit is not something that do-it-yourself homeowners should attempt to troubleshoot or fix on their own. There are many different ways one can be injured if they aren’t completely familiar with the inner workings of an A/C unit.

Find yourself a reputable Arizona air conditioning repair company and have them perform scheduled maintenance on your heating and cooling system. Doing so will significantly reduce the potential for costly problems and future repairs and extend the life of your air conditioning unit for an additional five to ten years.

What many homeowners don’t understand is that their constant reliance on Arizona air conditioning and forced air heat can diminish the quality of the air in their homes – if they don’t do anything about it, that is.

Use the following tips to improve the indoor air quality of your Arizona home. Perform them as recommended and you will breathe healthier and reduce the risk of having to call an Arizona A/C service to repair an overworked system.

Optimal Indoor Air Quality and Efficient Heating and Air Conditioning in Arizona

• Replace the air filter for your Arizona air conditioning and heating system at least twice a year, or monthly if you have more than one pet.

• Use only high-quality, high-efficiency air filters for your forced-air system.

• Open your home’s windows in the early hours of the day before it gets hot outside so fresh air can enter the home while expelling the stale air.

• Use your bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans to prevent moisture from building up in the home.

• Inspect your exhaust fans to make sure they exhaust the air directly outside the home, not into the attic or a crawlspace.

• Reduce pet dander by bathing your pets regularly.

• Keep your cat’s litter box away from vents or air intakes.

• While vacuuming or dusting, turn your furnace’s blower motor on to collect any airborne particles.

• Bed linens should be washed in hot water at least once a week to help prevent dust mites from accumulating.

• Since allergens like to stick to the bottoms of the shoes, removing your shoes before entering your home will help keep the allergens outside and prevent them from circulating throughout your home.

• Remove any debris or junk that may be stored around your furnace as these things constrict airflow, causing your Arizona air conditioning and heating system to run less efficiently.

• Keep all of your vents open. Closing off vents can cause your heating and air conditioning system to become unbalanced. A forced-air system is designed and calculated to work at optimum efficiency with all of the vents opened.

• Contact a reputable Arizona A/C service to inspect your air conditioning system at least once a year.

Heating and air conditioning in Arizona is unlike any other part of the country and as such, it takes specific regional experience to properly service and maintain a forced-air system so it continues to operate at an optimum level. In order to keep your indoor air quality at its best, follow these tips and hire a reputable Arizona air conditioning and heating company to check your system if it has been over a year since your last inspection.

In order to maximize your indoor air quality and ensure that the air you breathe is free from harmful elements, work in tandem with your HVAC system and adopt some additional measures. Take a look at 5 ways you can reduce allergens and pollutants to ensure that clean air is circulating throughout your home.

No. 1 — Houseplants for Better Air Quality

The benefits of plant photosynthesis are widely known. However, a recent study led by NASA and ALCA revealed that a number of common houseplants provide additional benefits by removing harmful particulates from the air, such as benzene, trichloroethylene and formaldehyde. These contaminants can be found in any number of household cleaning products, paints, adhesives and other things you might typically store in your home.

Many of the houseplants used in the study are able to survive in areas with dim light, which means they are highly efficient at absorbing light and other elements in the air, including pollutants and allergens. Among the houseplants tested were bamboo pal, pot mums, English ivy, peace lily, gerbera daisies, Mother-in-law’s Tongue, dracaena marginata and golden pathos. You can purchase a variety of these houseplants, lessen the burden on your Phoenix air conditioning system and improve the quality of your indoor air.

No. 2 — Use Low- and Non-VOC Paint in Your Home

Many paints on the market can emit harmful elements into the air for a long time. Reduce the stress on your heating and air conditioning unit in Phoenix, Arizona, and use low- or non-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paint for your walls.

No. 3 — Blow Out the Candles

Candles may seem like a warm and welcome addition to almost any home; they can induce relaxation, inspire creativity and set the mood for a romantic evening with your loved one. However, of the 300 million candles sold each year in the U.S., over 3 million have lead in the wick.

Inhaling harmful concentrations of lead while these types of candles are lit is a chief concern. Additionally, particulates can attach to the dust in your home and amplify exposure. Be mindful of the types of candles you purchase, as well as the amount you have going at one time.

No. 4 — Clean Floors for Efficient Heating and Air Conditioning in Phoenix, AZ

You can enjoy efficient Phoenix air conditioning and heating and reduce pollutants with clean floors. Whether hardwood, carpeted or linoleum, the dust in your home is a magnet for allergens and harmful elements. The longer you let the dust settle, the more chemicals and toxins will accumulate.

Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter and strong suction power to reduce contaminants and remove allergens, including dust mites and pet dander. You should also vacuum thoroughly and follow up with a mop to remove any particulates that may have been left behind.

No. 5 — Radon Testing and Your Indoor Air

Radon is a radioactive gas that greatly increases the risk of lung cancer. No home is safe from radon; it can be released through your granite countertops and trickle up through the cracks in your home foundation via uranium-laden rocks and soil. Since radon is odorless and colorless, testing should be conducted each year, like clockwork.

Armed with efficient heating and air conditioning in Phoenix, AZ, and by incorporating these simple steps, you’re well on your way to the highest quality of indoor air for your home.