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Five Nagging Plumbing Problems That Drive Homeowners Up the Wall


This entry was posted in Plumbing on by .

A woman wearing gloves is kneeling on the floor.

High on the list of potential headaches homeowners experience are plumbing problems. Those gurgling drains, dripping faucets, and mysterious leaks can turn even the most patient homeowner into a mad scientist. Let’s delve into the five most common plumbing woes in Arizona and explore solutions to keep your sanity and plumbing pipes intact.

1. The Drip, Drip, Drip of Dripping Faucets:

This seemingly minor annoyance can quickly evolve into a major source of frustration and wasted water. The culprit behind most drips is usually worn-out washers or faulty faucet cartridges. Luckily, replacing these is often a fairly simple DIY project. However, if you’re feeling less than handy, don’t hesitate to call your local top-notch plumber to silence the incessant dripping and save yourself precious water.

2. The Gurgling Drain Debacle:

That unsettling bubbling sound coming from your sink or shower could indicate a clog lurking somewhere in the drainpipe. Hair, soap scum, and other debris are the usual suspects. Plunging, a plumbing snake, or using an environmentally friendly drain cleaner can often dislodge the blockage. However, if the gurgling persists, it might signify a deeper issue requiring professional plumbing intervention.

3. The Phantom Flush of Running Toilets:

A continuously running toilet is more than just annoying, it’s a silent money drainer. Worn-out flappers, leaky valves, or faulty fill mechanisms are common culprits. Your trusty plumber can quickly diagnose and fix the problem.

4. The Low-Flow Woes of Shower Frustration:

A weak shower flow can quickly turn your morning ritual into a frustrating experience. Mineral buildup, clogged shower heads, or faulty pressure regulators can be the reason behind the lackluster pressure. Cleaning the shower head, checking for clogs, and adjusting the pressure regulator might do the trick. If not, an experienced plumber can help identify and address the specific cause of the low flow.

5. The Unwelcome Guest Called Leaky Pipes:

Even a small leak can lead to a major headache. Leaks behind walls, under sinks, or around fixtures can cause water damage, mold growth, and skyrocketing water bills. Don’t ignore leaks! You should promptly address them, even if it seems minor. Early detection and repair by your local qualified plumber can save you significant trouble and cost down the line.

At Cool Blew, we pride ourselves on providing first-rate professional plumbing services. Call us today for all your plumbing and HVAC needs at 623-872-2900 to schedule an appointment. We’re available 366 days a year, 24/7 on this leap year for any plumbing emergencies.

Benefits of a Home Energy Audit for Arizona Homeowners


This entry was posted in Other on by .

Energy efficiency rating of house: A+ rating indicates high energy efficiency, reducing energy consumption and costs.

The Arizona sun may be generous with its warmth, but that generosity doesn’t always translate to lower energy bills. As an Arizona homeowner, navigating scorching summers and chilly winters means keeping a watchful eye on your energy consumption. This is where a home energy audit comes in, offering a comprehensive examination of your home’s energy efficiency and uncovering potential savings opportunities.

What is a Home Energy Audit?

Think of it as a thorough physical for your home. Trained professionals assess your home’s energy usage, identify areas of inefficiency, and provide recommendations for improvement. This typically involves inspecting insulation, windows, doors, appliances, and your HVAC system. They use specialized equipment to pinpoint air leaks, measure energy consumption, and identify potential problems. Best of all, a home energy audit tax credit offers 30% of the cost for a home energy audit, up to $150 per year.

Why Should You Get One?

There are several compelling reasons for Arizona homeowners to consider a home energy audit:

1. Save Money on Your Energy Bills:

This is the most obvious benefit. By identifying and addressing energy inefficiencies, you can significantly reduce your monthly energy costs. Studies show savings of up to 30% are possible after implementing recommended improvements.

2. Increase Your Home’s Comfort:

Poor insulation, air leaks, and inefficient appliances can lead to uneven temperatures and drafts, making your home uncomfortable. The audit can pinpoint these issues and suggest solutions to improve comfort and indoor air quality.

3. Extend the Life of Your HVAC System:

Regular maintenance and addressing inefficiencies can extend the lifespan of your HVAC system, saving you from costly replacements down the line.

4. Increase Your Home’s Value:

Energy-efficient homes are increasingly attractive to buyers. An audit report can be valuable documentation for potential buyers, highlighting your home’s energy-saving features and potentially increasing its resale value.

5. Help the Environment:

Reducing your energy consumption translates to a smaller carbon footprint, benefiting the global environment and contributing to a more sustainable future.

Cool Blew Does Energy Audits

A home energy audit is a long-term investment. By understanding your home’s energy usage and making informed improvements, you can create a more efficient, comfortable, and sustainable living space in the heart of the Sonoran Desert.

Our experienced technicians are available for home audit questions and servicing concerns 24/7 including all holidays. Call us today at Cool Blew at 623-872-2900 to schedule maintenance. Don’t wait, invest in an audit today and unlock the full potential of your home’s energy efficiency.

Show Your HVAC System Some Love This Valentine’s Day


This entry was posted in HVAC Maintenance on by .

A heart-shaped house on a wooden table, symbolizing love and home.

Valentine’s Day brings images of red roses, chocolates, and romantic dinners out. As an Arizona homeowner, why not also use this love holiday as a reminder to show some love to one of your most hardworking home systems, your HVAC! After all, life in the Valley of the Sun would be nearly unbearable without reliable air conditioning in the summer and heat during brief periods in winter. So, let’s celebrate February 14th by ensuring your heating and cooling equipment knows how much you appreciate it keeping your home comfy.

Give Your System Some TLC

HVAC systems work year-round dealing with the extremes of Arizona weather. Over time, neglecting maintenance leads to inefficient system operation, higher utility bills, and increased breakdown risks. Simply dedicating some tender loving care around the Valentine’s Day holiday, you’ll be helping out your HVAC system. You’ll want to clear debris around the external compressor unit, inspect all ductwork for leaks, replace air filters, and schedule one of the recommended twice yearly professional tune-ups. Just a little attention to ease your HVAC’s workload pays off all year long.

Check In on Its Health 

When was the last time your local expert HVAC technicians really assessed your HVAC systems overall health? They can use Cupid’s holiday to check in and document any troubling noises, measure vent output temperatures, log runtime hours, and note error codes or lights. Catching even minor issues now guards against major repair needs down the road while keeping your HVAC system running at peak condition.

Set the Mood with Comfy Temps

Crank the heat and break out the fuzzy blankets for a cozy Valentine’s movie night or keep things light and airy for a romantic candlelit dinner. Customizable thermostat comfort is one of the best HVAC gifts you can give your valentine, so why not leverage it to set the mood.

Give it Some Space

With spring just around the corner, you’ll want to whip your exterior HVAC housing into shape by clearing cluttered unit corners or weed-choked landscaping pressing up against exterior HVAC equipment. Your system will function better when given room to breathe.

Happy Valentine’s Day

At Cool Blew, we love our Valley of the Sun customers. Our experienced technicians are available for questions and concerns 24/7, including all holidays. Call us today at Cool Blew at 623-872-2900 to schedule maintenance. We’re here to provide that extra special HVAC love this Valentine’s Day.

Potential Late Winter Issues: When Your Heat Pump Goes Haywire


This entry was posted in Heating on by .

A woman wearing a beanie gazes at a wall, captivated by its presence.

As a Valley of the Sun homeowner with a heat pump system, the last chilly weeks of late winter can cause some issues. While your heat pump provides very efficient heating and cooling for most of the year, the transition periods when the weather is highly variable can mean problems if the system isn’t optimized for these conditions. Here are some common heat pump malfunctions and ways to remedy them before they leave you out in the cold.

Defrost Cycle Malfunctions

Heat pumps rely on occasional defrost cycles to clear built-up ice on the external coils. But if it’s not cold enough outside compared to inside temperature setpoints, your unit might fail to defrost properly or often enough. The evaporator coil can become a solid block of ice, which dramatically reduces heating efficiency. Closely monitoring your heat pump and manually activating the defrost mode if you suspect ice buildup can help restore normal operation.

Compressor Overheating

Late winter’s up-and-down temperatures confuse heat pumps. The frequent switching between heating and cooling modes can strain your pump’s compressor. It can overheat from working too hard trying to adjust output to match ever-changing outdoor and indoor temps. Ensure your pump has proper clearance on all air intake and hot exhaust sides. Improper insulation or airflow causes most overheating issues.

Failed Thermostat Signals

Glitchy thermostats during extreme weather shifts also plague heat pumps during our winters. Signals get crossed on whether to heat or cool, leaving your pump unable to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. Resetting or replacing the thermostat often fixes this issue. You may want to consider a newer digital model better capable of handling rapid outdoor temperature swings if your heat pump doesn’t have this type of thermostat.

Low Pressure Buildup

Pressure gauges track heat pump operating performance. But substantial pressure differences between outdoor and indoor coils can happen on very cold nights or extremely warm afternoons in February and March. You may notice your pump struggling to reach set temps. Checking refrigerant levels and recharging if too low corrects most low-pressure conditions which your experienced technicians can do for you.

Cool Blew Has You Covered

If you’re struggling with no heat, your experienced heat pump technicians are here to help you. Call your locally owned HVAC experts today at Cool Blew at 623-872-2900. Were available 24/7 including weekends and holidays for servicing and questions related to your home’s heating and cooling. We’ll ensure that you’re up and running as quickly as possible.

Benefits of Installing a Tankless Water Heater


This entry was posted in Heating on by .

A person adjusting the control panel of a water heater.

Few things are more frustrating than running out of hot water right in the middle of a shower. For Valley of the Sun homeowners tired of waiting for traditional tanks to slowly reheat after running dry, switching to tankless water heating offers an enticing alternative. Freed from the size constraints and energy issues plaguing conventional water heater designs, tankless models provide a steady flow of instant hot water on demand. Let’s learn about the top perks of going tankless.

Unlimited Hot Water

Tankless systems heat pressurized water directly without storage as it flows through heating elements or burners. This eliminates annoying lukewarm showers or smaller model limitations on baths, laundry, and cleaning. You’ll be able to enjoy long steamy showers and fill that soaking tub without worrying about your hot water supply running out. Newer construction and larger homes with many household members can benefit from the endless hot water supply by installing two tanks.

Energy Savings

Heating water only on demand rather than maintaining a standing tank’s temperature 24/7 will substantially cut your monthly utility bills. Highly efficient modulating burners and advanced heat exchangers make tankless models much more economical than even energy-efficient storage tank heaters. The reduction in standby heat losses lets tankless systems achieve efficiency ratings around 95-99% compared to 75-80% for traditional tank heaters.

Simple Maintenance

Lacking an inner tank susceptible to mineral buildup and corrosion, you’ll discover tankless heaters require far less complicated maintenance over their lengthy lifespan. No anode rods need replacing either. Just an annual vinegar flush of the heating components and inspection of key parts is all that’s required in areas with moderately hard water like Phoenix metro.

Compact Design

Eliminating a bulky storage tank trimmed with insulation means tankless water heaters occupy a fraction of the space. Their sleek, wall-mounted design even allows convenient indoor positioning. Smaller models can easily be tucked into a master bathroom closet while larger whole-home versions can be placed in a garage.

Ready for Endless Hot Water Without the Tank

Are you tired of cold-water showers or running low on hot water for your household? The combination of endless flow on demand, smaller size, reduced energy appetite, less maintenance, and superior longevity makes the decision to install a tankless water heater an easy one. 

Need a reliable and trustworthy experienced plumbing service to install your tankless water heater? Give Cool Blew a call today at 623-872-2900 to schedule an appointment. Proudly serving customers Valley Wide since 2002.

Stop Letting the Heat Out!


This entry was posted in Heating on by .

A person holding a thermal camera in a room, capturing temperature variations.

While Arizona winters can feel balmy compared to many other parts of the country, the Valley of the Sun can still suffer from winter storms and teeth-chattering cold temperatures. So, it’s important to ensure you’re not throwing money away by losing your home’s heat. Here are the most common ways indoor air can escape.

Poorly Sealed Doors and Windows

Improperly sealed doors and windows remain the biggest sources of avoidable heat loss in your house. One easy way you can check is to feel around windows and door frames on cold windy days for air leaks. Even tiny leaks can equate to major energy losses during the year. You’ll want to repair worn seals, install rigid storm windows, use window insulation film kits, and replace overly loose window frames to keep warm air inside.

HVAC Duct Leaks

Inadequately sealed duct joints and connections especially in attics can result in heated airflow never reaching your living spaces. While minor leakage inevitably occurs in any ducting system over time, excessive heat waste should get promptly fixed. Your local certified HVAC technicians can thoroughly test for and fix duct leaks.

Fireplaces and Chimneys

Traditional masonry fireplace flues constantly draw in outside air to replace rising warm interior air. You’ll want to install high-quality dampers that seal tightly when closed. You’ll also want to keep glass doors shut when not in use to minimize pesky drafts from roaring up the chimney. Special chimney block-off plates also help limit unwanted airflow and heat loss.

Unsealed Lighting and Electrical Fixtures

Light housings, bathroom vent fans, ceiling fixtures, and worn wall plates all enable heated indoor air to freely escape while allowing cold air infiltration through the tiniest of gaps. By meticulously caulking and sealing gaps, you can help curtail sneaky electrical heat loss through these access points.

Thin Insulation in Attics and Walls

While insulation effectively traps indoor warmth, many older homes can fall short of recommended R-value minimums for different areas in your attic and walls. Pay special attention to heat-robbing areas like uninsulated walls and rim joists. Upgrading to encapsulated blown-in attic insulation can make a huge impact in keeping heat indoors where it belongs.

Don’t let your precious energy dollars blow away into the winter winds through overlooked gaps and weak seals lurking around your home’s exterior. Call your local Cool Blew heating professionals today at 623-872-2900 to schedule an appointment. We’ll help you keep the heat indoors where it belongs.

Why Did My Heat Stop Working?

This entry was posted in Heating on by .

A cat hiding under a blanket on a couch.

It’s the dead of winter and you’ve just settled in for the night when you realize your home’s temperature is rapidly dropping. You crank up the thermostat, but your heating system remains silent. Uh oh! Like most homeowners facing heating issues, your mind races through worst-case scenarios of exorbitant repair bills and weeks spent shivering in the Valley of the Sun. However, many common heat pump and furnace malfunctions stemming from minor oversights can often be resolved at little cost if caught early. Read on to learn what to watch for, what may be causing problems, and possible solutions to restore warmth in your house.

Symptoms Your Heating System Needs Attention

If your HVAC system activates but blows relatively cool air that fails to reach the set thermostat temperature, or the system turns on and off repeatedly, inspect your air filters first. Dirty filters reduce airflow, straining systems to the point of shutdown or damage. Damaged thermostats can also lead to rapid cycling and system failures to ignite or power up from automated HVAC system safety lockouts. Strange new noises, burning smells, recent very high utility electric bills, visible sparks, or icy cold rooms indicate serious issues needing professional attention from your local HVAC technicians.

What’s Causing My HVAC Headaches

Most home heating breakdowns stem from lack of maintenance, dirty air filters or blocked airflow, wiring and control issues, low refrigerant, icing condenser coils, leaky ducts, burner problems, exhausted motors, corrosion, or general wear and tear. Before calling a certified technician, ensure your heating system has power, check your air filters, and confirm nothing is blocking indoor vents or the outdoor units.

Getting Heat Restored

If checking simple items hasn’t uncovered solutions, don’t delay calling in your local pros. Expert technicians have intricate system knowledge and specialized tools to efficiently diagnose and repair problems. Cool Blew also offers emergency after-hours service for emergency situations. Ask about our service warranties protecting parts and labor as well as financing options. For very old heating systems 10 years or older, replacement may be smarter than sinking more money into ever-worsening problems.

Experiencing a Major Chill

In a chill? You’ll want to take proactive steps by looking for early warning signs of HVAC heating system issues. Knowing frequent causes like dirty air filters and scheduling maintenance checks before each heating season can help avoid many major repairs down the road. Stay toasty warm by calling your local expert technicians at Cool Blew today at 623-872-2900.

What Do Dirty Condenser Coils Have to Do with Winter Heating Issues?


This entry was posted in Heating on by .

A woman in a fur coat, with her hand covering her mouth, exudes an air of mystery and intrigue.

When temperatures start dipping in Arizona, you may suddenly find your heating system struggling to keep your home comfortably warm. There are several possible culprits behind this frustrating issue. One of which is easy to overlook, dirty condenser coils.

What do HVAC condensers have to do with heating problems? Turns out, quite a lot. Here’s how dust and debris accumulation impacts heating efficiency—and what Arizona homeowners can do about it.

A Condenser’s Dual Roles

Your outdoor condenser unit plays a role in both heating and cooling cycles. Not only does it release heat to cool your house in the summer, but it also absorbs surrounding heat in winter to warm indoor air by way of your furnace.

Those coils you see on the exterior unit do more than just release or soak up heat. Their extensive surface area actually converts refrigerant from liquid to vapor and back again to either absorb or release thermal energy.

When Coils Get Clogged 

As with anything located outside your home, condenser coils easily get clogged with dust, leaves, pollen, stray branches, and other debris. As buildup accumulates, less air can flow across the coils. This restricts their heat transfer abilities.

The heating process heavily depends on the condenser operating optimally. Otherwise, refrigerant struggles converting from liquid to a heated vapor and back again. This prevents carrying thermal energy indoors to help keep your family cozy during wintertime.

Clear that Condenser

If your Arizona home’s heating system seems to not be functioning as it once did, no matter how often you nudge up the thermostat, dirty condenser coils can be the culprit. To get your heating system efficiently running, you’ll need to have those coils cleaned.

Though you can DIY clean condenser coils, if it’s been some time since your last HVAC servicing, the best thing can be to have the coils professionally cleaned and serviced.

Cool Blew’s Service is Rated Five Stars

Your HVAC has been heating your home for a few months, and it may be experiencing some condenser hiccups. Scheduling a service call can help resolve your winter HVAC woes. We’ll be happy to clean and inspect your condenser coils, as well as your entire HVAC system. Give us a call today at 623-872-2900, and our technicians will be available to provide service 24/7.

Energy Efficient HVAC Systems and the 25C Tax Credit


This entry was posted in HVAC Systems on by .

A stack of dollar bills with a calculator and tax forms. Symbolizes financial management and tax obligations.

It seems like everything is more expensive these days, including rising utility bills over this past brutally hot summer for homeowners in the Valley of the Sun. Energy-efficient HVAC systems can offer you a way to decrease your monthly utility bills, increase your family’s comfort along with maximizing your hard-earned money in a long-term investment. This may sound counterintuitive with the initial expense of replacing your HVAC system, but this investment in your home is bolstered by two key tax benefits.

25C Federal Tax Credit

The Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C) provides generous federal tax credits for installing energy efficient HVAC equipment effective January 1, 2023.

  • Up to $600 each for a qualified air conditioner or gas furnace capped annually at $1,200.
  • Up to $2,000 for a qualified heat pump, heat pump water heater, or boiler.

The 25C tax credit resets every year which means you can use it over and over through 2032. You just need to choose equipment that meets the highest efficiency standards available at the time you plan to claim the credit. For most HVAC systems, that simply means finding the ENERGY STAR certification on the label.

Energy Audits

Energy audits are an indispensable way of finding out where your home may be wasting precious energy. By having your local HVAC professionals conduct an energy assessment before installing a new HVAC system, you’ll know exactly what your home needs and how to fix it. Up to $150 of an energy audit can go towards a tax credit to deduct the amount of the credit from the taxes you may owe.

If you’re ready to switch to a more energy efficient HVAC system, Cool Blew is here to help. We offer a wide variety of products so that you can find the best fit for your home and budget. Cool Blew is proud to offer affordable financing arrangements with leading HVAC financing companies. Give us a call today at 623-872-2900 to schedule an appointment.

Happy Holidays from Cool Blew


Thank you sign hanging in the snow: A sign expressing gratitude, covered in snow, symbolizing appreciation in wintry conditions.

This holiday season, we’re especially grateful for you, our valued Valley of the Sun loyal customers. You make it possible for us to serve our community and help our neighbors stay cool in the spring, summer, and fall along with toasty warm in the winter. When it comes to heating and air conditioning, there’s also plenty for all of us to be grateful for living in Arizona.

High Efficiency HVAC Systems

The biggest energy user in your home is your HVAC system. So, having a high efficiency system can make a big difference, in terms of your comfort. Additionally, energy efficient home improvement federal income tax credits are available for central air conditioning systems, furnaces, air-source heat pumps, and biomass stoves purchased and installed beginning in 2023. If your HVAC system is outdated or repairs are getting expensive, it’s a great time to think about an upgrade.

Air Filters

Clean air filters do so much to contribute to the indoor air quality inside your house. That’s why Cool Blew advises changing them out every two to three months, more frequently if you have pets or family members with respiratory issues. Clean air filters also extend your HVAC’s lifespan and ensure smooth operations.

Smart Thermostats

This handy home device is far more than just a trendy gadget to install on your hallway wall. A smart thermostat can do things that a traditional thermostat can’t, including saving you money. A digital, wi-fi connected smart thermostat enables you to check and control your home’s AC and heat remotely from an app on your smartphone. It can also optimize energy use based on your usage patterns and your personal temperature preferences. Cool Blew’s technicians can help you determine the best model for your needs and install it.

Annual HVAC Inspections

Twice-yearly maintenance for your HVAC system is the key to keeping heating and cooling working at the highest levels of efficiency. Regular servicing pays for itself by lower repair costs, fewer system breakdowns, and more efficient operation. Plus, your monthly utility bills with APS or SRP will be optimized.

Happy Holidays

The holiday season is a time for joy, reflection, and gratitude. We thank you for giving us the opportunity to service your HVAC needs. If you have any questions or if something goes awry with your heating system during the holidays, our experts are here to help.Our Cool Blew certified technicians can be reached 24/7, including weekends and holidays at 623-872-2900.

Happy Holidays from your HVAC friends at Cool Blew!