Memorial Day honors those who’ve died in our nation’s wars. Also, Memorial Day signals the unofficial start of summer. With excessive heat on the way in Arizona, you’ll want to make sure your house and HVAC system are ready. Your AC unit is your first line of defense for keeping your family cool and comfortable. This is when an HVAC system tune up is beneficial to ensure your system can keep pace with increased usage demands, help extend its lifespan, and even prevent costly repairs.

Maintenance is Your AC Lifesaver

Ideally, you should schedule system maintenance two times per year. It’s best to have a full inspection of your HVAC system before the Valley of the Sun shifts into extreme weather conditions. This is the perfect time to have your local experienced technicians at Cool Blew ensure that your AC unit is working properly, and the system is all set for summer. Here are some of the benefits you’ll enjoy by scheduling servicing now.

Decreased Energy Costs

Regular servicing helps to keep your AC unit operating efficiently, and it won’t have to be continuously running to cool down your home. With all components checked and serviced, a tuned-up system will help your family stay cool and safe from the outside heat. An HVAC system running less often means less electricity is consumed. This can translate to a noticeable decrease of your monthly utility bills even during the summer months.

Preventative Care

Cool Blew’s experts have the training and knowledge to work on all types of HVAC systems. During maintenance, they’ll inspect your system to identify issues and address any needed repairs on the spot. Small problems such as blown fuses, low refrigerant levels, or even a dirty air filter can turn into big problems when you least expect them. By scheduling your tune up now, you can potentially reduce the chances of suffering from expensive system breakdowns by up to 95%.

Maintain System Warranty

If your HVAC system is covered by a manufacturer warranty, a system repair claim may be denied if you can’t provide proof that you’ve had the system regularly serviced. HVAC maintenance is key to proper functioning of your AC all summer long. The cost of a tune-up will be well worth it if your air conditioning unit experiences an unexpected and costly failure.

Call Cool Blew for Your Tune Up

If you haven’t already scheduled your air conditioner tune-up, now is a great time to do so. Call Cool Blew today at 623-872-2900 to schedule an appointment. We’re open 24/7 including all holidays and weekends. Happy Memorial Day from Cool Blew!

Earth Day is observed on April 22 as a global effort to change what we do in our daily lives to make planet earth a better place to live. Over five decades since Earth Day’s founding in 1970, climate change and how to mitigate its effects is front and center internationally. Every action, no matter how small, can help change our environment for the better.

According to some estimates, HVAC systems account for 28% of the world’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Proper maintenance and efficient HVAC operations can make a real difference in building a healthy, sustainable world. Here are four helpful tips to conserve energy and ensure your HVAC system is running as smoothly as possible in the greater Phoenix metro area.

1. Use Your Window Coverings

A simple trick to decrease energy consumption is to close your curtains, drapes, and blinds. This is the perfect way to help control temperature inside your house. In the cooler months, you can keep them open letting the sun’s rays heat your home. In the warmer months, keep your window coverings closed during daytime hours to reduce the radiant effects of the sun.

2. Check Your Filter

The easiest way to make certain your HVAC system runs efficiently is to check and change your air filter at least monthly. An air filter clogged with dirt, dander, and debris disrupts the airflow through your heating and cooling system making it work longer which increases your monthly energy bills.

3. Tune Up Your HVAC Equipment

By adhering to regular maintenance, you’ll be on the way to saving energy and money. That means scheduling twice yearly servicing on your air conditioner and heating system. By having your system checked by a trained HVAC professional, you’ll ensure it’s operating at its most efficient level and that all components and parts are in good working order. This will catch any issues before they become costly.

4. Seal Your Heating and Cooling Ducts

Sealing your heating and cooling ducts is vital to the health of your HVAC system. Air ducts are designed to move air from your heating and cooling system throughout your house.

Cool Blew

By performing these tasks, your family can have a positive impact on the environment. Contact your cooling and heating professionals at Cool Blew today at 623-872-2900 to learn more about how you can improve the efficiency of your HVAC system. Our technicians are available 24/7, including holidays and weekends. Join us in celebrating the world’s largest environmental movement on Earth Day 2023.

Living in the Valley of the Sun, you know how vital it is to have an HVAC system running with the best air circulation for our excessively hot and dry Sonoran Desert climate. In terms of home energy efficiency, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 will be reshaping our home energy systems for decades to follow. The transition away from fossil fuels to clean energy is expanding the incentives for homeowners to transition quickly to new energy efficient air conditioners and heat pumps. By 2030, it’s expected the average taxpayer will save at least $1,000 a year in energy costs. What are the three major programs for homeowners?

The 25C Energy Efficiency Home Improvement Tax Credit

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 increased tax incentives to 30% of your total HVAC project cost. The 25C Energy Efficiency Home Improvement Tax Credit can only be used to offset your tax liability. This cap includes:

• Up to $600 for a qualified air conditioner or gas furnace.
• Up to $2,000 for electric and gas heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, and boilers.

There are no income requirements for this program, and it may be combined with other new federal energy programs such as HEEHR or HOMES. 

The High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Program (HEEHR)

This 10-year rebate program enables homeowners to switch over to electric home appliances and systems. It’s a point-of-sale rebate you’ll receive upon purchasing qualifying products. As part of the Inflation Reduction Act, the HEEHR program will cover new electrification projects and installation costs of 100% for low-income homeowners and up to 50% for moderate-income households. Qualifying products include:

• HVAC electric heat pumps with a maximum rebate of $8,000.
• Electric heat pump water heaters with a maximum rebate of $1,750.
• Weatherization such as insulation, air sealing, and ventilation with a maximum rebate of $1,600.

The Home Energy Performance-Based Whole-House Rebate Program (HOMES)

The HOMES and HEEHR program implementations will be overseen by the state of Arizona’s energy office. The HOMES program is based on the overall performance of energy efficiency and electrification improvements in your house. The goal is to incentivize local companies doing these energy improvements to complete high-quality installations with maximum energy savings.

Cool Blew Is Ready

Ready for professional help with your home HVAC and weatherization projects? Call Cool Blew today at 623-872-2900. We’re your locally owned servicing and installation professionals serving the Valley of the Sun homeowners 24/7 including nights and holidays.

A new HVAC unit is a major investment in your home. In fact, it’s one of the biggest purchases you’ll make besides replacing a roof or installing solar panels. Because of this, you’ll want to reduce the cost of purchasing a new HVAC system by taking advantage of the HVAC tax credits available to homeowners. These initiatives are now part of the Inflation Reduction Act passed by Congress and signed into law last summer. What does this mean for Arizona homeowners?

Federal HVAC Tax Credit

You can apply for the federal HVAC tax credit when you:

• Purchase a new HVAC system.
• Upgrade an existing home’s HVAC system.

The update or installation of a new HVAC system must be at your primary residence (second homes and vacation homes excluded) to qualify for the federal HVAC tax credit.

How to Qualify for the Federal Tax Credit on HVAC Systems

Prior to claiming a federal HVAC tax credit, you need to check your HVAC system’s Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). If you’d like help with understanding SEER, your local technicians at Cool Blew will be able to provide you with this information. They’ll let you know what air conditioners and heat pumps are eligible for the Federal HVAC tax credit prior to purchasing.

SEER and Tax Credits

The U.S. federal government encourages homeowners to switch over to HVAC systems that are more energy efficient by offering energy tax credits. The credit extends to 30% of the annual project cost of a furnace, boiler, or central air conditioner up to $600 as the maximum amount credited annually. Heat pumps are subject to a higher annual total limit of $2,000.
You’ll want to have a copy of the manufacturer’s certification statement that lists the SEER of your newly purchased HVAC system. This proof will need to be provided to claim a residential tax credit for HVAC system upgrades. Remember to keep all receipts for the items you’re going to write off on your taxes.

Cool Blew is Here to Help

At Cool Blew, we work directly with homeowners to maximize their savings on new HVAC systems. This includes providing the latest information on federal tax credits. We encourage you to call us today to learn more about these savings at 623-872-2900.

Are you finding it difficult to regulate the temperature in your home? Would you like to save hundreds of dollars every year on your utility bills? If you have an older home, you could be struggling with an oftentimes overlooked problem—a broken thermostat.

To find out, start by having your HVAC system’s thermostat checked by your trusted, locally owned HVAC repair company to diagnose the issues encountered. Either way, you’ll want to change out your manual thermostat to a digital, smart programmable thermostat model. A thermostat functioning properly will provide you with a far more comfortable home with a significant reduction on your energy bill.

Get Smart

Unlike manual thermostats that can only be set to one temperature, programmable thermostats can be programmed to fit into your lifestyle. Smart thermostats help reduce energy consumption when you’re running errands, working at an office, away on vacation, or asleep. Different temperatures for different situations while keeping your home comfortable for your family, pets, and plants. You’ll gain control over your household’s temperature settings with scheduled settings for maximum convenience and comfort. Programmable thermostats store settings and can easily repeat settings each day. You can always manually override the set programming temperature.

Change Over

Another benefit of programmable thermostats is that they help to extend the lifespan of your HVAC system by allowing it to run less often while still keeping your home comfortable. This translates into even more cost savings on your energy bills!

Call Your Dedicated Professionals at Cool Blew

If your old manual thermostat isn’t working as it should be, or you’re simply interested in upgrading to one of the new, money-saving programmable thermostat models, contact Cool Blew today. We’re happy to answer your questions and to help you choose the right programmable thermostat for your specific needs. We’re also knowledgeable on the latest APS, SRP, and manufacturer rebates that may be available to help you save even more money. Plus, Cool Blew offers an in-home estimate on heating and cooling equipment maintenance, repairs, and on purchasing a brand-new HVAC system.

At your locally owned Cool Blew, we are dedicated to educating our customers in the Valley of the Sun about energy and home comfort issues. We’re equally focused on helping your family save money, vitally important in today’s economy. If you’d like to learn more about programmable thermostats, contact us today to schedule an appointment at 623-872-2900.

At Cool Blew, we love delivering quality service and affordable HVAC repairs in Peoria to homeowners throughout the Valley. In fact, we’ve been doing so for more than 20 years. With 2023 upon us, we wanted to take this opportunity to thank all our customers and to remind you that you have a trusted HVAC contractor ready to help—if and when you need one.

Cleaner Air in 2023

Every year, homeowners are faced with deciding which major improvements will fit in their budget within a given 12-month period. Because AC units are built to last a long time and are often out of sight, out of mind, air conditioning can be one of those home improvement projects that gets pushed back from one year to the next. Often, other more visible home repairs take precedence. But, if your air conditioner is over 10 years old, or if you’ve noticed service calls and repairs adding up, it might be time to consider a new HVAC system.

Service is Our Business

Many Phoenix homeowners are surprised to learn that winter is a great time for major HVAC service or installation. Scheduling service in January, February, or March guarantees your air conditioner will be in top form once hot weather arrives. Unfortunately, many people wait for their AC unit to break down before they call for service. Now is the perfect time to be proactive and schedule your twice-yearly HVAC maintenance. Our service pros know how to detect and fix small issues before they grow into major ones. Our service technicians will perform a full HVAC evaluation and inspect each and every component in your system to help decide what may be needed to keep your system running smoothly and efficiently.

We Are Valley of the Sun Family

At Cool Blew, we understand the importance of delivering white glove service and great value to all our loyal customers. And as a locally owned business, we understand and appreciate our customers in these challenging economic times. We consider our service professionals to be the best in the Valley of the Sun—delivering the best value, too. Call Cool Blew today at 623-872-2900 to schedule all your service needs.

During the fall and winter, Arizona homeowners rejoice in switching off their air conditioners for at least a couple of months. While it’s easy to turn your attention away from your air conditioner to heating when you don’t need it, it may be the best time to consider replacement. If you’ve already identified that you will soon need a new unit because it’s old and beginning to malfunction, there are significant benefits to replacing it now, rather than waiting until the spring or summer.

Most HVAC experts will tell you that fall and winter are an optimal time to replace your HVAC system for several important reasons. First, fewer homeowners and business owners are replacing units during this time. This means that you won’t have an extended wait for an estimate or for installation. Replacing your unit while you’re not reliant on it also means that you won’t be caught unexpectedly with a system failure. As anyone who has survived the heat of an Arizona summer knows, an air conditioner failure can be very disruptive.

When Should You Replace Your HVAC System?

There are some indicators that signal that you should consider a replacement. Let’s take a look at four signs.

1. Older Than 10 Years

Although some air conditioners will function seamlessly for decades, others don’t. A good rule of thumb is to begin considering the possibility of replacement when your unit hits 10 years in service.

2. Problems with Efficiency

Have your utility bills increased considerably despite no change in your usage pattern? Has your unit always underperformed or cycled excessively? It may be time to call out an expert for a load calculation.

3. Low SEER Rating

You may also be struggling with an older air conditioner with a low Seasonal Energy Efficiency (SEER) ratio. Today’s air conditioners must have a rating of at least 13 and many quality units will have ratings well above 14. A higher SEER rating means greater efficiency and a lower monthly utility bill.

4. Extend Lifespan

While a new HVAC system can ensure your home is functioning smoothly for many years to come, you may still have plenty of years of life left in your existing unit. If so, the best way to maximize its lifespan is to get it serviced regularly. By keeping your HVAC system well-maintained, you can extend its usability dramatically.
Want to learn more? Call your HVAC experts today at Cool Blew at 623-872-2900.

Halloween is here, and it’s time to turn our attention to those spooky, scary things that send shivers up our spine. Yet, being frightened by a ghoul or ghost is one thing. Being haunted by a malfunctioning HVAC system is something else entirely.

The best way to avoid an unexpected and unwanted air conditioner or heater problem is to schedule regular, preventive maintenance. Without those twice-yearly tune ups and inspections, your HVAC system is at risk of some scary and potentially dangerous problems.

Boo–No Heat or Cool Air

A neglected system is prone to unexpected and sudden breakdowns. And you know what that means? Yes, you got it. You’ll be dealing with an uncomfortably cold (or warm) house and an unhappy household.

Hallo-Scream You’ve Got Restricted Airflow

Clogged, dirty air filters restrict airflow, create stress on your system, and rapidly diminish indoor air quality. If you do just one thing for your HVAC system, make it regular air filter replacements.

Drain Pans Gone Batty

Drain pans can leak and overflow if they’re not regularly cleaned. This can result in water damage, as well as unhealthy mold, spores, and mildew growth.

Spooky Acting Belts

A slipping belt can wreak havoc on bearings, pulleys, and shafts within your HVAC system. This ultimately will damage the motor, resulting in higher utility bills and expensive repairs.

Mind Your Mummy Bearings

Bearing cavities require regular lubrication to keep them operating effectively. If they aren’t maintained, you can expect to be dealing with costly issues of overheating and bearing failure.

Refrigerant Leaks are Witchful Thinking

Refrigerant leaks, big and small, can reduce the efficiency of your system. With a routine maintenance visit, any refrigerant level issue will be identified and repaired quickly.

Trick or Treat Broken Compressor

Like filters and drain pans, compressor coils require regular cleaning.

A Faulty Heat Exchanger Is Hair Raising

A faulty heat exchanger isn’t just a hassle. It can be downright dangerous by causing carbon monoxide to seep into your indoor air.

Calling Cool Blew Is a Treat

What’s not scary during Halloween? Making an appointment for a tune up of your home’s HVAC system. Don’t wait until you’re dealing with the unexpected. Schedule time with Cool Blew today. Worry-free HVAC is a Halloween treat that will continue to give throughout the year. Call Cool Blew today at 623-872-2900 to learn more about our preventative maintenance plans.

Have a spooktacular and safe Halloween from the team at Cool Blew!

It has been a very active monsoon thunderstorm season in the Valley of the Sun this year, with plenty of rain, dust, and humidity. The long stretches of intense heat and humidity have taxed HVAC systems valiantly trying to keep Arizonans comfortable. The higher humidity causes your home to feel warmer, with the AC unit running longer to keep it cool indoors. If you’re like most homeowners, you’ve probably noticed your energy bills going up.

So what are some best practices to help you and your family conserve precious energy while remaining cool and comfortable this summer?

Cover Windows

Block sunlight from entering your home by closing blinds, shutters, drapes, and shades. This will prevent indoor temperatures from soaring during the hottest part of the day.

Turn On Ceiling Fans

Turn on your ceiling fans as a very low-cost way to stay cool indoors. Remember to turn off any ceiling fans when you’re no longer occupying a room or outdoors on the patio.

Use Appliances in the Evening

Wait to wash clothes, run the dishwasher, and if possible, the oven until after the sun goes down. This helps to reduce indoor heat from raising temps and reduces your energy consumption during peak usage hours.

Turn Off Lights and Phantom Energy Devices

An easy way to save energy and money is to keep on only the lights around your home that you need. Check around your house and switch off unnecessary overhead lights, desk lamps, and floor lamps. Turn off phantom energy devices, such as electronics, surge protectors, and kitchen appliances that are not being used. Even though the devices are not in use, they still use energy to stay on. Switch all bulbs to energy saving LED bulbs for additional energy savings.

Reset Pool Pump Timer

A best practice is to reset the pool pump timer to operate after dusk. You’ll save energy, especially if you’re on a time-of-day energy plan with APS or SRP, and it’s a smart energy saving strategy.

The good news is that by taking proactive steps to reduce your energy consumption, you’ll be helping the local power grid and you may also see the benefit of a reduced utility bill next month. Call your local experts at Cool Blew today at 623-872-2900 to schedule an appointment.

We all know that consistent, quality sleep is essential for mind and body. Whether you’re struggling to fall asleep, wake up too early, or find yourself tossing and turning throughout the night, lack of sleep can make you feel grumpy, forgetful, and tired. It can also lower your immune response and put you at greater risk for a variety of conditions. In other words, sleep deprivation is no laughing matter.

If you’re struggling to stay awake during the day, one of the key considerations is your HVAC system. By optimizing your thermostat and making a few key adjustments, you can promote better quality sleep.

Thermostat Settings

Your body’s internal core temperature drops when you sleep. Sleep experts suggest setting your thermostat between 60 and 67 degrees for optimal sleep. With a programmable thermostat, you can adjust the settings in advance, so that it lowers the temperature at bedtime and adjusts it to a warmer temperature during waking hours.

Air Filter

It can be especially challenging to sleep if you’re suffering from allergy symptoms, asthma, or COPD. By regularly changing out your AC air filter, you can quickly improve indoor air quality and reduce the number of allergy-causing particulates in your house’s air.

Ceiling Fan

Ceiling fans are especially beneficial in the hot and humid months of Arizona’s monsoon season. By turning on your ceiling fan, you’ll benefit from the fan circulating the air within the bedroom. The cooling effects of sleeping soundly with a ceiling fan on are well-documented. Turning your ceiling fan on can help keep you comfortable with the humming sound of a fan conducive to good sleep.

Humidity Levels

Properly managing humidity levels indoors is a key piece for quality sleep. Humidity levels over 50% for a sustained time period can disrupt your sleeping patterns. And high humidity can produce mold, mildew, and other harmful particulates that can trigger allergies or illnesses. Running a dehumidifier during summer months can reduce indoor humidity levels, improve indoor air quality, and help you get a good night’s rest.

Need HVAC Maintenance or Repair?

Cool Blew is your residential HVAC expert in the Valley of the Sun. We’ve been maintaining residential air conditioning and heating units for over 20 years. Don’t take chances with sleep-hindering HVAC breakdowns. Call Cool Blew today at 623-872-2900 to get a seasonal tune-up and gain peace of mind that your system is working optimally.