A/C Tips Archives - Valleywide Cooling

10Sep 0

September 10, 2020

Signs That It Is Time To Replace Your Air Conditioner

In the hot Arizona heat, there is no other piece of equipment or home appliance that is more important than your air conditioner. HVAC systems aren’t designed to live forever and your air conditioner has a limited life span. As it approaches the end of its useful life, it is often better to replace it before experiencing costly repairs or a total breakdown on the weekend or hot day.

Instead of reacting to an inconvenient failure, it is important to recognize the signs of when to replace your air conditioner so you can plan ahead. While it is recommended that a professional inspect and properly diagnose your A/C unit, below are some of the signs to watch for so you can call us to help.

Air Conditioner Age

While many people expect that there will be some major signs before a breakdown, sometimes equipment just wears out. The age of an air conditioner is a significant factor as to when you should get a new one installed. The manufacturer of the unit has an estimated service life which is covered by the warranty. The lifespan will vary by the brand and type of system, but generally HVAC systems that are regularly maintained will last about 10 to 15 years. If your A/C unit is close to 20 years old then you should definitely consider getting a new one!

Noisy Air Conditioner

A/C manufacturers and engineers spend large amounts of time designing systems to be a quiet as possible. If you begin to hear loud noises coming from HVAC system something is wrong. While a simple repair fix the issue, but regular and sustained clanging means the system is getting worn out and needs to be replaced.

High Energy Bills

With summer temperatures skyrocketing, it is expected to see higher utility bills. However if your energy costs seem to be higher than usual each month then you might have an air conditioner that is failing. An air conditioner that gets regular maintenance is expected to keep a 95 percent energy efficiency rating throughout its life. As the unit ages, that rating drops and energy bills rise. If you suspect this might be occurring, review your utility bills to compare monthly costs.

Expensive Repair Costs

It is expected that you will have to have your air conditioner repaired at some point during its life. However, like with any piece of equipment when the repairs become increasingly more expensive it is time to evaluate a replacement. When issues occur on a more regular basis and cost more to fix, it is time to get a new one. The rule of thumb is that if a repair is expected to cost half or more of what your system is worth, then it makes more sense to install a new A/C.

If you are experiencing any of these signs, call us today. We will inspect your air conditioner to see if it requires maintenance, repairs or replacement.

5Sep 0

September 5, 2020

Breathe Easier With Better Quality Indoor Air

The Value of Air Quality and Duct Cleaning

If you want to keep your living space fresh, healthy and pleasant for everyone, then you need to pay attention to the air in your home. The EPA reported that the air inside your home may be five times more polluted than the air outside. Due to this fact, poor indoor air quality is ranked as one of the top five environmental risks. If you have family members with allergies, asthma or are at risk for illnesses

Change Your Air Filters

One of the easiest things to do to improve the quality of the air in your home is to regularly change your air filters. Everyone gets busy in life, but mark your calendar and be sure to change your air filter when it is due. Also consider the type of air filter you are using and buy one with a higher MERV rating if you feel you need more protection from contaminants.

Air Duct Cleaning

After changing your filters, getting your air ducts cleaned is an important step in attaining better quality air indoors. Regular air duct cleaning does a lot for you and for your overall feeling of cleanliness. If you want to enhance the air quality inside of your residence, then you need to find a professional with the experience and training to give you a thorough and in-depth cleaning. Hiring a professional for air duct cleaning service will make a residence markedly more hygienic. This service also helps to safeguard your home from dust accumulation and other types of contaminants as well. Air duct cleaning can also be terrific for people who want to remove mildew, pollen, bacteria and pet dander from their homes.

Duct Sealing

Another way to help improve the overall air in your home is duct sealing. Faulty duct work can be responsible for leakages and allowing pollutants into your home. Valleywide Cooling provides testing and duct sealing to ensure your HVAC system works to its ideal potential.

Air Purifier

These advanced devices help to further purify your air by using electricity to attach to particles in the air and removing them. We have experience in installing and repairing Ion generators, electrostatic precipitators and UV air purifiers. Ask us if adding an air purifier to your home makes sense to improve your indoor air quality.

Energy Recovery Ventilators

Poor ventilation and poor air circulation is one of the main contributors to poor air quality. An energy recovery ventilator boosts the ventilation in your home while improving the overall energy efficiency.

Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

Clean air in your home makes everyone happier and more comfortable. Better air quality will reduce seasonal allergies and allow your family to be healthier all year long. At Valleywide Cooling, we recognize the need and importance of healthy air in our homes and businesses. We are experienced in installing, repairing and maintaining several different HVAC systems and equipment. Depending on your needs and budget we can customize ways to help improve your indoor air.

24Aug 0

August 24, 2020

Clever Ways To Keep Your House Cool in the Summer

Phoenix area summers can be brutal with temperatures exceeding 115 degrees on some days! While having a properly running air conditioner is a must, the skyrocketing electric bills can hinder your desire to keep the A/C running all day. Fortunately, there are other ways to help keep your house cool.

Air Conditioner Maintenance

When’s the last time you had your A/C checked? The first step in keeping your home cool during the summer is to make sure your air conditioner is working properly. Valleywide Cooling has regular maintenance plans to make sure your HVAC system is operating efficiently so it doesn’t break down in the middle of summer.

Insulate Your Attic

Your home’s attic is the first layer of defense against the hot rays of the sun. Additional insulation will help reduce the amount of heat that enters your home from the attic.

Attic Fan

Another great way to stop heat coming into your home is to install an attic fan. If there isn’t enough ventilation and air movement, the hot air will heat up the rest of your home. A smart attic fan can be easily installed and automatically adjusts the fan speed depending on the temperature of your attic.

Window Box Fans

Similar to an attic fan, box fans placed in the window on upper level floors will help vent hot air outside. The trick to this method is to face them outward especially when it’s hotter outside.

Ceiling Fans

Obviously ceiling fans are necessary in Arizona, but choosing the right ones can make all the difference in whether or not you stay cool. In addition, many people don’t install enough ceiling fans in their home. They should be placed wherever people congregate such as kitchens, living rooms and bedrooms. Ceiling fans are energy efficient and help move cool air around the house.

Keep Blinds Shut

We all appreciate natural light in our homes, but during hot summer days it can make your home unbearable. When the temperatures are spiking outside, draw the shades to block the sun and heat.

Unplug Electronics

This may seem unnecessary, but by unplugging electronics and appliances you aren’t using, you can help reduce the ambient heat generated by these devices.

Avoid the Oven

While noting beats a home cooked meal, using the stove during the hottest parts of the day is asking for trouble. Avoid using the oven or a cooktop to prepare dinner and cook early in the day or opt for meals that don’t require heating such as salads or wraps. If you prefer a hot meal, grill outside or use a crockpot instead.

Bed sheets

While cotton is a popular material for bed sheets, you’re doing yourself a disservice for not using them in the summer. Replace silk, flannel, satin or polyester sheets with light colored cotton sheets since they don’t hold as much heat as other materials.

Use your A/C Wisely

Before cranking your air conditioner to cool you off, be sure that there aren’t any leaks or rooms where you are wasting the cool air. If there is a spare bedroom that doesn’t get used, close off the vents and doors to help redirect the air to other areas of the home that need cooling off. Another way to help optimize your AC unit is to use a smart thermostat which can help efficiently operate your system and provide the best use throughout your home.

With these tips you can be sure to keep your house cool and save some money on your electric bill.

22Aug 0

August 22, 2020

The Best Ways to Conceal Your Outdoor Air Conditioner Unit

While it is an important item to keep your home comfortable, the outdoor HVAC or air conditioner unit can certainly detract from the appearance of your home. If you regularly entertain guests or just enjoy a backyard BBQ, then hiding your HVAC condenser unit should be on your to-do list. But before you jump right in and cover or conceal it, be sure not to block any air flow and allow for easy accessibility in case of repairs. Listed below are some effective ways to hide this eyesore.

Lattice Fence

Putting up a lattice fence is an easy and effective way to conceal your HVAC condenser unit. White is a popular color choice, but they come in a wide range of colors to match your home’s décor. The open slat design also allows for proper airflow to prevent overheating.

Bushes

This is a great way to conceal your outdoor air conditioner unit while adding some additional appeal to your yard. Choose native species that will be easy to maintain, but will also grow tall enough to hide the AC condenser unit. One note of caution is to make sure you plant the bushes far enough away that their branches and root systems don’t affect the unit.

Privacy Screen

Outdoor privacy screens are the perfect way to cover up your air conditioner unit. They are typically weather proof and UV resistant to stand up against the harsh Arizona sun. Privacy screens come in panels that can be easily adapted or configured to your needs.

Vinyl Enclosure

Another affordable way to conceal your HVAC condenser unit is to install a vinyl enclosure. They are very durable, water proof and are available in a wide variety of colors and designs. Consider adding a gate for easy access in case of repairs.

Vines

While lattice alone can help hide your air conditioner unit, planting vines will completely conceal it. The vines will make your exterior even more beautiful and add lushness to your yard. Vines can take a few months to grow in and consider using evergreen species so it will be hidden all year round. Climbing plants that do well in Arizona include the trumpet vine, primrose jasmine, honeysuckle and bougainvillea.

Small Storage Shed

It is a little more expensive, but a small shed can provide the look and concealment you’re looking for. These are durable and if it’s big enough you can still use it to store some yard tools. Just make sure that the material you choose is able to handle the amount of heat your condenser unit puts out and that there is enough airflow to it too.

Concealing your A/C condenser unit goes a long way towards improving the outside of your home. No matter what your style or budget is you can find a good solution that let’s your HVAC system work properly while keeping the esthetics of your home looking good.

Call Us Today

Category: A/C Tips

Signs That It Is Time To Replace Your Air Conditioner

Signs That It Is Time To Replace Your Air Conditioner

Breathe Easier With Better Quality Indoor Air

Breathe Easier With Better Quality Indoor Air

Clever Ways To Keep Your House Cool in the Summer

Clever Ways To Keep Your House Cool in the Summer

The Best Ways to Conceal Your Outdoor Air Conditioner Unit

The Best Ways to Conceal Your Outdoor Air Conditioner Unit