In Arizona, air conditioning is heavily relied upon for maintaining good indoor air quality and a comfortable home. But, because it is such an integral part of our everyday lives, Arizona air conditioning repair is a common necessity for maintaining a properly working unit. 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.

Because of year-round warmth, air conditioning in Arizona is heavily relied upon for keeping homes cool and comfortable during the day. However, what many homeowners aren’t aware of is that over time and through continued use, or through simple misunderstanding of how their system is designed to work, their air conditioning systems can become unbalanced, resulting in higher utility costs, decreased A/C performance and a higher risk of costly repairs in the future. To keep your Arizona air conditioning unit running smooth and efficient, the system needs to deliver air equally throughout the home’s air ducts.

Understanding Arizona Air Conditioning -- Air Ducts

Think of your home’s heating and cooling system like a tree. At the trunk, sits the furnace, A/C compressor and blower motor. Out from the trunk, or the furnace, sprouts a multitude of branches, or air ducts. These air ducts deliver the forced-air into each room in the home. Ideally, the air will be dispersed evenly throughout the branches, but quite often, the air conditioning and heating in Phoenix homes can become unbalanced.

How Do Air Ducts Become Unbalanced?

Most commonly, unbalanced air ducts in an air conditioning and heating system in Phoenix involve a simple case of a homeowner trying to manually manage the flow of the air conditioning in their Arizona home. They may close off a few of the vents in rooms that aren’t used every day, like a guest bedroom or secondary bathroom. In the mind of the homeowner, by closing off certain vents, it will force more air into the areas the family uses most, thus making the rooms cooler, faster. Unfortunately, this isn’t how your Arizona air conditioning system is designed to work. Closing off vents will obstruct the flow of air throughout your home, causing the system to become unbalanced and forcing it to work harder than intended. While homeowner misunderstanding is the most common cause of unbalanced air ducts in, in some cases, there may be a larger problem at fault. If all of your air duct vents are open and you’re still experiencing unbalanced temperatures in your home, it’s probably time to hire reputable air conditioning services in Phoenix.

Air Conditioning Services Phoenix – How to Tell if Your Air Ducts are Unbalanced

The easiest way to tell if your Arizona air conditioning system is suffering from unbalanced air ducts is to go from room to room.

• Do one or more rooms feel marginally warmer or colder than the rest of the home?

• Do certain vents expel too much air, while others produce barely a whisper of air?

• Do you have certain vents that are noisy?

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, then your air ducts are unbalanced. If the vents are open in the affected rooms and you still experience the same results, contact a qualified contractor who specializes in air conditioning in Arizona to inspect the efficiency of your system.

Balanced Air Ducts for Safe and Efficient Air Conditioning in Arizona

Most air conditioning and heating in Phoenix homes are running 20 to 40 percent below their designed capacity. Ensuring that the air flow of your system is balanced can help you protect your investment, extend the life of your furnace, lower your utility bills and make your home much more comfortable. An Arizona air conditioning service can inspect your home’s air ducts today and soon, you’ll be breathing easier knowing that your system is balanced, efficient and working exactly as it was designed.

As you may already know, a refrigerant called R-410A, also known as Puron and Prozone, is much safer for the environment and now available for air conditioning units and heat pumps. Due to the fact that R-410A has less chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) than R-22, the impact on the ozone layer is substantially reduced, which is a huge step in the prevention of global warming. Most Arizona A/C service companies that have a background in energy efficiency and eco-friendly alternatives for home heating and cooling have already adopted R-410A into their lexicon and are trying to educate consumers about the environmental benefits of this refrigerant. While the federally mandated switch to R-410A is imminent, the following provides some important things for Arizona residents to keep in mind on how to best prepare for the phase out of R-22 for heating and air conditioning in Phoenix, AZ.

Air Conditioning and Heating Arizona -- Details of the R-22 Phase Out

After 2010 and under the Clean Air Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will mandate that production of R-22-based air conditioning and heating systems cease. However, those who have already purchased an HVAC system with R-22 will be able to use their equipment until 2030. Air conditioning and heating systems typically have a lifespan that is shorter than two decades. Those who decide to purchase air conditioning and heating systems in Arizona with R-22 refrigerant will have ample time to get full use out of their HVAC equipment. Scientific evidence does support the fact that R-22 refrigerant has a fairly low impact on the ozone layer. In fact, consumers can find a number of R-22 based Arizona air conditioning and heating systems that bear the ENERGY STAR logo. However, equipment leaks and the by-product produced through R-22 manufacturing are important factors in the depletion of ozone.

Arizona A/C Service for Equipment With R-22

Chemical manufacturing of R-22 is set to continue until 2020. Once chemical manufacturing comes to a close, service for R-22 based heating and air conditioning equipment in Phoenix, AZ, will require recycling of the refrigerant. According to the EPA, since the R-22 phase out will occur so gradually over the course of the next two decades, the cost for servicing R-22 based equipment should also increase slowly in line with the fading supply.

Arizona Air Conditioning and Heating -- Switching to R-410A Equipment

The most efficient heating and air conditioning in Phoenix, AZ, benefits consumers and the environment. You can not only help reduce ozone depletion, but also save money on the cost for utilities. Even replacing an Arizona air conditioning and heating system that is no more than a decade old may be worth your while in terms of energy savings and environmental impact. If you're currently in the market for a new HVAC system or expect to be fairly soon, you can avoid putting off the inevitable by purchasing R-410A-based equipment right now. Start reaping the benefits of lower utility bills and do your part in the fight against global warming.

Those who live in Scottsdale know that the mild winters can feel pretty cold after a summer of triple digit heat. If you have not purchased a heating furnace replacement before, though, then you might not know much about picking out a model and size that suits your residential or commercial building. You might even feel overwhelmed by the number of heating furnaces on the market. Not only do you have to choose between electric and gas, you also have to decide what size you need to heat your building properly. Learn a few basics about heating furnace replacement units and successfully communicate your needs to your Scottsdale heating furnace company.

Scottsdale Heating Furnace Services – Why Size Matters

One of the most important things for property owners to think about when they purchase replacement units for their heating furnaces is how much space they need to heat. This has a significant influence on the sizing and capacity of the gas furnace that you will need. Purchasing a heating furnace replacement unit that is too small will result in improperly heated areas of the building. An undersized heating furnace might run all day trying to keep the building warm, which can wear out the machine quickly. You might think that the easiest thing to do, then, is purchase an extra large heating furnace. Unfortunately, an oversized heating furnace replacement unit can also cause other problems. Oversized units often turn themselves on and off too frequently in an attempt to regulate heat in small spaces. This is called short-cycling and it can lead to problems like moisture buildup in the heat exchanger and an overall inefficient heating system. Over time, you might find that you not only spent too much money on a large furnace, but that you continue spending more money on utilities each year.

Heating Furnace Replacements -- Measuring the Heating Capacity

When your Scottsdale heating furnace services professional talks about the size of a replacement, what they really might mean is the capacity of the unit. The capacity of heating units is measured in 1000s of British Thermal Units (BTUs). Your Scottsdale heating furnace company will include information about the input capacity and efficiency of each replacement unit. You can use this information to determine the output capacity that you need to choose a system that fits your building or space well. Calculating the output BTUs is simple -- just multiply the input BTUs by the unit’s efficiency. If, for instance, your Scottsdale heating furnace company has a 100,000 input BTU replacement unit that operates at 85 percent efficiency, then you know the system creates 85,000 BTUs of heat. Use this number to determine which size you need for the area to be heated.

Scottsdale Heating Furnace Services -- Determining the Proper Output BTU for your Building

Unfortunately, it is not always easy to decide exactly how many BTUs you need to heat a building. Your Scottsdale heating furnace company will use a variety of factors to determine the furnace capacity a building needs. For instance, buildings with poor insulation require more output BTUs to keep them heated because they tend to leak air. For the best replacement unit customized to the needs of your space, contact an experienced Scottsdale heating furnace company. A professional heating furnace company often uses sophisticated programs to determine the right capacity, which will ensure you purchase the most efficient system and avoid problems that arise from replacement units that are too large or small.

Recent testing performed by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) and scientists at Environmental Health and Engineering, Inc. led to some groundbreaking results. The study revealed that the Trane CleanEffects™ whole-house air purification system is able to eliminate over 99 percent of the influenza virus. The analysis was conducted inside of an HVAC test duct, in which the influenza A virus, also known as the common flu virus, was released into the air. Removal efficiency was evaluated through before-and-after measurements of air samples, concluding that more than 99 percent of the virus was successfully removed through the Trane CleanEffects™ air cleaning system. Due to striking parallels between the various forms of flu virus, researchers were able to deduce that the Trane CleanEffects™ whole-house air cleaning system operates under the same level of efficiency in eradicating similar influenza virus particles, including avian influenza, which is a strain of influenza A virus, as well as influenza B and influenza C. Clean indoor air is crucial in preventing the spread of illness. A reliable air cleaning system such as Trane CleanEffects™ is even more critical for those with allergies, asthma or compromised immune systems. In addition to substantial protection from the influenza virus, installing Trane CleanEffects™ can guard against any number of airborne particles that invade your home, such as pollen, dust, smoke, pet dander and mold. The Trane CleanEffects™ system operates in collaboration with a home's central air conditioning system and can successfully eliminate particles as tiny as .1 microns, the size of influenza virus particles, which escapes most other air purification systems.

As a Phoenix resident who likely depends on A/C for more than half of the year, you understand the importance of regular maintenance and repair to the vitality of your air conditioning system. While a professional Phoenix air conditioning service contractor is necessary to perform certain repairs and maintenance, there are some things you can do independently of your contractor to keep you’re A/C unit running in tip-top condition at all times. In addition, knowing more about the components of you’re a/c unit will help you identify problems at the onset and prevent costly repairs. Learn more about the anatomy of your Phoenix air conditioning unit and maintain a seamless flow of comfortable indoor air.

Air Conditioning in Phoenix AZ -- Refrigerants

Your air conditioning system uses a refrigerant to decrease the temperature of indoor air. Only a licensed Phoenix air conditioning service contractor can purchase and handle refrigerant. Until now, R-22, or Freon, has been the most widely used refrigerant for air conditioning units. However, given the negative impact of Freon on the ozone layer, the federal government has enacted a law to have R-22 replaced with R-410A by 2010. R-410A, also known as Puron, is a much safer, more environmentally friendly alternative to Freon that does not deplete ozone and contribute to global climate change. At this point, if you're in the process of replacing your Phoenix, Arizona, air conditioning unit, it's best to avoid Freon systems altogether.

Phoenix, Arizona Air Conditioning -- Outdoor Components of an A/C System

The design of your Phoenix air conditioning system is such that speeds up the process of refrigerant vaporization and condensation. The outdoor components or your A/C system mainly consist of a cooling fan, condensing coil and compressor. The compressor element of your Phoenix, Arizona air conditioning system pumps the refrigerant gas from the interior of your home and pressurizes it to a high temperature gas. The high pressure gas then enters the condensing coil. The cooling fan also transfers outdoor air to the condensing coil to aid in the process of converting the refrigerant gas into a liquid.

Air Conditioning in Phoenix, AZ -- Indoor Components of an A/C System

The indoor constituents of your Phoenix air conditioning system consist mainly of air filters, ductwork, a thermostat and the Air Handler Unit (AHU), which is comprised of a blower, evaporator coils, condensate system, plenums and a thermal expansion valve. Once the outside condenser coils cool the refrigerant into a liquid state, the refrigerant is then pumped to the evaporator coils of the AHU. The blower distributes warm indoor air over the evaporator coils. The air cools and is distributed throughout the home via the ductwork. The ductwork of your Phoenix, Arizona air conditioning system has a main trunk and branches out toward individual registers in order to distribute air evenly throughout the home. Additionally, the ductwork consists of supply and return air ducts. Supply ducts are for distribution, while return ducts transfer warm air back to the AHU so the process can begin all over again. Air filters keep the indoor air free from dust and other debris. The thermostat monitors the temperature in your home and kicks on the air conditioning system when temperatures rise.

Phoenix Air Conditioning Service -- Homeowner Maintenance Tips

There is a lot you can do to ensure quality air conditioning in Phoenix, AZ. Among the many DIY maintenance tasks are keeping the condenser coils clean by using a gentle brush and oiling the condenser fan with non-detergent machine oil. You should also change the filter according to manufacturer guidelines and calibrate the thermostat. Be sure to consult you Phoenix air conditioning service contractor for more maintenance tips.

Quality air conditioning is crucial for Arizona residents. The best Arizona A/C service equipment not only cools your home, but keeps you safe from any number of airborne contagions. For decades, Lennox has been a leading manufacturer of air conditioning equipment in Arizona. Remaining steadfast on the forefront in quality HVAC equipment, Lennox air conditioning has developed a number of top-of-the-line clean air products. Learn how the Lennox PureAir™ Air Purification system can keep you healthy, cool and comfortable with clean indoor air.

Lennox Air Conditioning -- PureAir™ Product Features

The Lennox PureAir™ Air Purification system is a single filtration unit that incorporates the latest in air purification technology. The only product on the HVAC market that combats all three forms of airborne contaminants, the Lennox air purification system eliminates everything from dust and pollen to bacteria, mold and chemical vapors. PureAir™ prevents harmful contagions from infiltrating your home and keeps your family breathing clean air. Lennox provides some of the most advanced air conditioning in Arizona. The PureAir™ Air Purification system is capable of eliminating over 95 percent of all dust particles and pollutants from the air. Following rigorous lab studies, Lennox earned a MERV 16 (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) for PureAir™ filtration, the highest efficiency rating available. Additionally, Lennox Arizona A/C service equipment reduces harmful ozone and eliminates household odors, such as pet dander and the lingering smell of tobacco. The air in your home stays fresh with the highest quality air conditioning and filtration in Arizona.

Lennox -- Versatile Air Conditioning in Arizona

Although only a single unit, the Lennox air conditioning PureAir™ system filters the air throughout your entire home. In addition, it's compatible with your existing Arizona A/C service equipment and requires no cleaning.

Arizona A/C Service -- Lennox Warranty Advantages

Not only does Lennox provide Arizona homeowners with cool air conditioning and clean indoor air, they also offer a five-year limited warranty. Enjoy comfort and peace of mind with top-quality air conditioning equipment in Arizona.

With AZ residents relying on their Phoenix air conditioning units several months out of the year, getting the most from an A/C system is of the utmost importance. The following offers a comparison between two well-known manufacturers of HVAC units. Find out how Trane stacks up against Lennox and make the best decision on air conditioning for your Phoenix home.

Trane Vs. Lennox -- Quality AZ Air Conditioning

Trane and Lennox are considered top brands in the HVAC industry. Both companies have been in business for several decades, with long histories in manufacturing innovative heating and cooling products. Lennox and Trane provide customizable air conditioning systems for Phoenix residents. When it comes to efficient A/C in Phoenix, both Trane and Lennox provide air conditioning units that help you cut energy costs and lower your carbon footprint at the same time. From ENERGY STAR® approved models like the XR15 and top of the line XL20i, Trane air conditioning products highlight energy conservation, durability and clean air. Trane also offers the CleanEffects™ filtration system, which eliminates as much as 99.8 percent of allergens from the air and can be installed with any of their HVAC units. They also provide highly dependable compressors, along with Trane Spine Fin™ Coils and AlumaTuff® Coils, both of which prevent rust and corrosion to keep your Phoenix air conditioning system running at the highest level of efficiency at all times. As leaders in providing efficient A/C for Phoenix residents, Lennox offers great AZ air conditioning options, such as the XC21 and XR15. Each product contains a scroll compressor, which lowers utility costs and keeps stable temperatures. Lennox also provides Phoenix air conditioning systems that reduce sound and improve air quality, creating the highest level of comfort in your home.

Trane Vs. Lennox -- Arizona A/C Service and Warranties

There's a reason Trane and Lennox have been in business for so long. Both HVAC companies provide impeccable Arizona A/C service and offer their customers the utmost attention and respect. In addition to providing great A/C service for Arizona residents, both Trane and Lennox back all of their air conditioning systems with a warranty. The Trane XR15 comes with a 10-year limited warranty on the compressor, outdoor coil and functional parts. The top of the line XC21 model comes with a 12-year limited warranty on the compressor and a 10-year limited warranty on the outdoor coil and functional parts. Consumers also have the option to extend warranties on their AZ air conditioning units, which can cover labor and miscellaneous costs. Lennox offers the Quality Care 5-year limited warranty on parts. An extended 10-year warranty is also available, as well as a labor warranty.

Trane Vs. Lennox -- Pricing Your Phoenix Air Conditioning System

Efficient A/C in Phoenix doesn't run cheap. However, the overall savings you'll receive by installing a Lenox or Trane air conditioning unit in your AZ home is well worth the upfront cost. Both products are highly dependable and efficient, which means lower energy bills and less repair needs. To add to your savings, a number of Trane and Lenox air conditioning products qualify for the new tax credit. Top of the line efficient A/C in Phoenix has never been more rewarding.

As an AZ resident who relies on a dependable air conditioning unit, you know that a clean filter is a necessary component to enjoying clean air inside your home. Trane, pioneers in home heating and air conditioning equipment, has developed a clean air system outfitted with innovative Trane CleanEffects™ air filtration. Learn more about how the Trane Clean Effects air filtration system can not only help lower your energy bills, but also reduce carbon emissions and substantially improve your indoor air quality.

Trane Clean Effects Filtration System -- Purified AZ Air Conditioning

Air quality is now a worldwide concern. Throughout many parts of the globe, proper indoor air purification has become a vital component to supporting the health and well being of one's family. The Trane air conditioning filtration system incorporates a revolutionary technology to eliminate 99.8 percent of pollutants and airborne illnesses. The result? Impeccable indoor air quality. The Clean Effects air filtration system has also been tested by Environmental Health and Engineering, LMS Technologies and professors at the Harvard School of Public Health.

Trane Clean Effects Filtration System -- Efficient A/C in Phoenix

Most air filters on the market are comprised of thick material. While effective at the onset, these standard air filters accumulate excessive amounts of dirt, which can reduce airflow and lead to pressure drop. As a result, the overall performance and lifespan of your AZ air conditioning unit can be compromised. The Trane Clean Effects air filtration system utilizes a patented design that is not only more durable, but also highly efficient. With the lowest pressure drop on the market, the Trane Clean Effects filtration system promotes proper airflow and keeps your AZ air conditioning unit running smoothly. With an efficient A/C unit in your Phoenix home, you can not only increase the endurance of your HVAC system, but also lower your utility bills.

Trane Clean Effects -- Easy to Clean Air Filtration System

Rather than dealing with the hassle of replacing your air filter at regular intervals or enduring a messy monthly cleaning routine, the new Trane air purification filter provides an easy maintenance solution. Simply vacuum or rinse the filter in order to preserve the comforts of clean AZ air conditioning.

Trane CleanEffects Filtration System -- Eco Friendly AZ Air Conditioning

The Trane Clean Effects air filtration system helps you do your part for the environment by lowering carbon dioxide emissions and increasing efficient A/C usage in your Phoenix home. The system is well under the FDA emission limit of 50 parts per billion for medical devices. With the Trane Clean Effects air filtration system, the ozone in your home does not exceed levels that occur organically in the environment.

Trane Clean Effects Air Filtration System -- Warranty Details

In addition to the peace of mind you'll enjoy from clean indoor air, reduced energy costs and an environmentally friendly air purification system, Trane provides a five-year warranty on parts for Clean Effects system filters, along with a ten-year warranty on electronics. For those who prefer additional assurance, Trane also offers extended warranties.

How to Choose the Right A/C Replacement Unit Selecting the right A/C replacement unit for your home or commercial structure is integral to sheltering from the Arizona heat and reaping the financial rewards of an efficient cooling system. However, with numerous variables and options to consider, locating the best air conditioning unit can prove quite the mission. Find out how to streamline the selection process and start enjoying the benefits of fresh indoor air. Phoenix Air Conditioning -- Match the Space With the A/C Replacement Unit In Phoenix and elsewhere, the size of the area for cooling must directly correspond with the air conditioning replacement system. An A/C unit that is too small will lead to inadequate cooling. The overburdened unit can also deteriorate more rapidly, resulting in additional expenses for A/C service and equipment such as compressors, fans, filters and thermostats. Conversely, installing an oversized air conditioning unit in your Arizona home or commercial building can yield an entirely different set of pitfalls. The larger the capacity of your cooling system, the more it will cost.

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