Your house is the largest purchase you’ll ever make in your lifetime. And your HVAC system is the most expensive appliance inside your four walls. Therefore, it’s critical that your HVAC system get the attention it needs to continue operating properly for many, many years. 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.

If you notice an increase in your monthly utility bills or that your home is accumulating more dust than usual, leaks in your home’s duct-work may be the cause. Properly sealed ducts are important for the efficiency of your heating or air conditioning unit, but perhaps even more importantly, they’re important for the comfort level and safety of your home.

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 is one of those things that people either strongly believe in, are vehemently against or simply don’t have an opinion. Many homeowners are skeptical when it comes to duct cleaning services. Some may believe that having the ducts cleaned in the home doesn’t really make that much of a difference. Meanwhile, others claim that it makes a dramatic difference in the quality of their indoor air. These contradictions can cause those in the middle to wonder whether or not duct cleaning is really worth it.

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.

If you own a home in Arizona, you should have the interior air quality tested annually to ensure that your home is as safe as possible for you and your family. And one of the things you should have your home tested for is the existence of Radon. 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.

In Arizona, the summers are primarily dry and hot, with occasional days of humid weather thrown into the mix from time to time. But it’s these long stretches of dry, arid weather that can often cause a number of health-related problems. Having a balanced, properly-sized air conditioning service in Arizona is one of the best ways to combat these uncomfortable and potentially dangerous health complications.

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.

As the housing industry works to create more energy efficient homes, it makes it more essential than ever for homeowners to make sure that the ventilation in their home is adequate. This is especially the case in hot regions, like Arizona. Air conditioning, if used for a prolonged period of time without a source of fresh air will regenerate the same, stale air throughout your home, thus increasing the likelihood of dust, allergens and other pollutants in the home. 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.

Efficient heating and air conditioning in Phoenix, AZ, improves the quality of your indoor air. However, relying solely on your Phoenix air conditioning system can only take you so far. 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.

Wolff Mechanical has received several consumer inquiries asking for advice on the legitimacy of some advertising offers for a free or $29.95 air conditioning and heating service tune-up. Typically, these offers run during the slow season for Phoenix air conditioning contractors and reach consumers via television, phone, newspapers and online. In point of fact, these free and questionably low-cost air conditioning and heating tune-up offers in Arizona are too good to be true. Read on for the facts and let Wolff Mechanical show you how to get the most cost effective Phoenix heating and air conditioning service.

The Mechanics of Too Good to Be True Phoenix Heating and Air Conditioning Offers

Ads that boast free or $29.95 Phoenix heating and air conditioning tune-ups defy belief, and for plenty of good reason. A proper tune-up is of interest to most consumers because it can improve the efficiency of the Phoenix air conditioning and heating unit, thereby lowering energy bills and increasing the longevity of the HVAC system. However, these free or outrageously low-priced offers fail to deliver on the actual purpose of a tune-up. In order to improve the energy efficiency and overall operation of your air conditioning and heating unit in Arizona, a tune-up should include a 32-point check and cleaning of the system, as well as having the coil cleaned. Such too good to be true offers are mere marketing ploys designed to bait and hook the consumer with a great deal that's impossible to beat. Only once these Phoenix air conditioning contractors enter the home of a consumer does the veil lift itself to reveal that the "tune-up" is nothing more than a chance to sell parts or accessories and of course, to recommend repairs.

Phoenix Heating and Air Conditioning -- Get a Second Opinion on Repair Lists

Signing up for one of these questionable tune-up offers can wind up costing you a lot more on air conditioning and heating in Arizona in the long run. If you're left with a repair list or should something suddenly go wrong with your HVAC unit, make sure you get a second opinion. Wolff Mechanical has answered many a repair call following these Phoenix air conditioning and heating tune-ups, only to find unplugged equipment and a list of unnecessary repairs. Too good to be true heating and air conditioning tune-up offers can be bad for the consumer, the environment and the HVAC industry at large. Give Wolff Mechanical a call if you've been presented with a repair list. We have your back with an honest second opinion.

The Scottsdale climate may have its share of exceptionally warm summers. However, when the night sets in, especially during the winter months, temperatures can drop substantially and the time comes to turn up the heat. With average Scottsdale lows in the 40-degree range from November through March, finding a qualified heating furnace company is necessary to ensure the indoor comfort of your Arizona home. Learn more about hiring a reputable Scottsdale heating furnace contractor and stay cozy inside.

Check the Product Line of Your Prospective Scottsdale Heating Furnace Contractor

You can learn a lot about a Scottsdale heating furnace company simply by examining the product line. Most reputable heating furnace service contractors are certified to carry top of the line products like Trane and Lennox, among other highly regarded brands. Additionally, be on the lookout for energy efficient models. An energy efficient HVAC product coupled with skilled installation is the key to a well running Scottsdale heating furnace system that doesn't break the bank and keeps you comfortable indoors.

Hire a Scottsdale Heating Furnace Company With Experience

A reputable Scottsdale heating furnace contractor will have the requisite qualifications to advise on the best system for your home, as well as handle all of your installation, maintenance and repair needs. A heating furnace service provider with several years of experience and success in the industry is indicative of a company that has rightfully earned a spot in the limelight.

Scottsdale Heating Furnace Services -- Customer Service

Almost any heating furnace company will be there for you when the time comes to purchase an install a product. However, what about extended services, such as maintenance and repair? A Scottsdale heating furnace contractor that offers emergency repair services around the clock can be an important highlight. A team of skilled professionals with a quick response to your heating furnace service needs can make the difference between any old company and the one that deserves your business. Furthermore, you shouldn't have to settle for one-size-fits-all heating furnace services. Large national chains may offer some impressive systems, but some of them lack personalized customer care and regional knowledge. Regardless of which route you take, whether a local Scottsdale heating furnace contractor or a nationally recognized brand, make sure you're getting the best possible service and expertise. The right Scottsdale heating furnace company can meld quality HVAC product offerings with local expertise and the personalized services you want.

Scottsdale Heating Furnace Services -- Warranty Offerings

Find out if your prospective heating furnace company offers a product and service warranty and whether you can expect any hassle if you're unhappy with the system or installation. When all is said and done, a reputable Scottsdale heating furnace contractor will go the extra mile to make sure that you're satisfied.

Hiring a Qualified Scottsdale Heating Furnace Company -- Check References

A reputable heating furnace service provider will have a reference list ready for prospective clients. Contact some of their references to learn more about their business practices and customer satisfaction. Above all else, don't forget to ask your family, friends and neighbors to recommend a few contractors. You can learn a great deal about the reputation of a Scottsdale heating furnace company by inquiring with the people you trust.

Phoenix may have its share of heat, but the dry desert climate also lends itself to cooler times of the year. Consequently, adhering to Phoenix heating furnace repair needs is a must if you want to guard yourself from the chilly nights. Read on for some tips on obtaining Phoenix heating furnace services and make the most of your HVAC system.

Contact a Qualified Phoenix Heating Company for Maintenance and Repair Services

Hire a Phoenix heating furnace contractor to conduct maintenance and repair services for your HVAC system. A qualified Phoenix heating furnace services company can provide you with a recommended maintenance schedule and ensure that your furnace is in tip top shape at all times.

Phoenix Heating Furnaces -- Annual Inspection Is Necessary

As a general rule, annual inspection of your furnace is a necessary safety precaution. Your Phoenix heating furnace repair contractor will check the efficiency of the entire system and ensure that all safety standards are being met.

Phoenix Heating Furnace Repair -- Annual Maintenance Checklist

Newer furnaces may have a self shut-off device when a problem arises with the operational quality of the equipment. However, older furnaces are not equipped with a such devices and can keep running, depositing toxic fumes throughout your home. The company you hire to conduct annual Phoenix heating furnace services should clean the equipment and check the venting system, combustion chamber and heat exchanger for signs of deterioration. Temperature and blower control settings should be adjusted as necessary. Additionally, your Phoenix heating furnace contractor will need to test for carbon dioxide, as deadly doses can be distributed through the interior of your home and go undetected for some time.

Phoenix Heating Furnace Repair -- Filters

The furnace filter should be cleaned or replaced approximately three times a year. Without a clean filter, your heating furnace is less efficient, which will not only overwork the entire system, but also reflect on your utility bills. Cleaning and replacing the filters is something you can do or can be incorporated into the maintenance schedule by your Phoenix heating furnace services company.

How to Tell If Your Furnace Is Running Poorly

Between maintenance and repair intervals, you can be on the lookout for the operational quality of your Phoenix heating furnace. Signs of a poorly running furnace include a constant dusty or gas odor. If the burner has a yellow flame rather than a blue one, this is an indication that it needs to be cleaned. Any weird sounds coming from your furnace, such as a loud thump, may indicate a broken belt. Grating sounds can signal an electrical problem. In fact, any disturbing sounds should be considered worrisome. If you detect anything is wrong with your furnace, contact a Phoenix heating furnace company immediately. In order to ensure that your furnace stays running well, you should keep the area clean and free of debris and any other barriers. Stay on top of your maintenance schedule and be sure to hire a qualified Phoenix heating furnace contractor for repair needs.