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.

Halloween season has arrived! Picking out the right costumes, decorating your home for Halloween, searching out the perfect pumpkin, and buying candy are some of the fun filled activities. It’s also the time when Phoenix metro homeowners don’t want any Halloween HVAC surprises. Check out our list to make sure you’re focused on trick-or-treating and not on spooky HVAC issues.

Haunted HVAC Symptoms Requiring Attention

Have you noticed any of the following issues with your HVAC system:

• Leaking water or other fluids
• Uneven cooling in your home
• Blowing warm or room temperature air
• Tripped circuit breaker
• Continuous running system
• Strange sounds like buzzing, squealing, or rattling

These can be symptoms of problems that need to be taken care of before potentially causing an HVAC meltdown. Let’s investigate further why you should be concerned.

Eerie Leaks

Excess water from the air conditioning unit can build up outdoors where the condensate line discharges the moisture. The condensate tube line can be blocked, cracked, or the drain pan can be broken. Clogs along the line can damage the AC unit, leaks in the line can result in mold growth, and a broken drain pan can cause water damage to your home and landscaping.

Unsettling Temperatures

Blocked vents, leaking ducts, or dirty indoor air vents can cause uneven cooling inside your home. You’ll want to make sure all vents are unblocked, open, and free of dust and other debris. A short-cycling AC unit turning on and off frequently can mean not enough cool air is reaching every room to cool down your home evenly.

Strange Noises

Are you hearing unusual sounds like screeching, squealing, rattling, or buzzing emanating from the AC unit? These noises can be signs of a broken compressor, motor, defective belt, broken fan blade, or components. Sometimes even a loose screw or air filter can result in a rattling noise when the blowers are activated.

Call Cool Blew for HVAC Problems

Don’t wait and make a pre-Halloween call to your HVAC professionals at Cool Blew if you notice any of the issues identified in the list. These can be signs of more severe damage that warrants an inspection of your HVAC system now. Our certified technicians will ensure your system is primed and ready for the seasons ahead. Call us today at 623-872-2900 to schedule your appointment. Happy Halloween!

It’s that time of the year to think about maintenance for your heating and cooling system. Some homeowners enjoy doing maintenance type tasks themselves. Some routine work you can do yourself. But for most HVAC maintenance, hiring an experienced technician is recommended. Let’s take a look at some minor items that can be done DIY and what tasks should only be done by a professional.

Easy DIY Tasks

Here are some maintenance items requiring a small amount of effort. Anything beyond these tasks should be done only by an HVAC technician with the tools and knowledge to complete without damaging your system.

• Checking and replacing HVAC air filters.
• Adjusting thermostat settings.
• Cleaning the area around your outdoor HVAC unit to remove any debris, branches, and gravel that may be blocking vents.
• Ensuring all the vents are open and not blocked by carpet, furniture, or other home furnishings.
• Doing a visual inspection of exterior HVAC components.

Complex Pro Maintenance Tasks

Recommended twice-yearly maintenance on your HVAC system requires an extensive set of technical skills to complete. The items below are tasks that should be completed in the fall and spring to make sure your system is running efficiently and ready for all weather conditions.

• Cleaning the air regulator.
• Inspecting and cleaning system drain lines.
• Inspecting belts for wear and damage.
• Lubricating moving parts.
• Cleaning drain pans, heat exchanger, flue, and condenser coils.
• Inspecting and testing ductwork for air leaks.
• Checking refrigerant lines for leaks.
• Recharging refrigerant if needed.
• Inspecting HVAC wires for wear.
• Tightening electrical connections.

When To Hire a Professional

Preventative HVAC maintenance is well worth the cost. Servicing ensures that your system continues to keep your home comfortable and safe. Some other benefits include:

• Improving indoor air quality.
• Helping to avoid system outages and breakdowns.
• Decreasing the frequency of necessary HVAC system repairs.
• Extending the lifespan of your system.

Schedule Maintenance Today

Cooler weather will be arriving before you know it. By servicing your equipment in the fall, you’ll be guaranteeing efficiency and ensuring that the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system is in top shape. You’ll want to hire the right experts to help with detailed inspection, cleaning, and repairs. Call Cool Blew’s top-notch technicians today at 623-872-2900 to schedule an appointment.

July 4th, a day to commemorate our independence, is almost here. This American holiday steeped in tradition is a day to spend time with family and friends, swimming, parades, and watching fireworks. Along with all the holiday festivities, you’ll want to enjoy indoor time in the cool comfort of air conditioning. Here are some holiday tips to help keep you and your family cool without overworking your HVAC system.

Avoid Air Filter Overload

Maybe you’re having a barbecue on July 4, and outside doors may be left open at times when guests are going inside and outside. Of course, this is when smoke from the grills goes inside putting a strain on your HVAC air filter. Before having guests over or if there has been a recent dust storm in your neighborhood, change the filter. Keep in mind, if you have pets or family members with allergies or respiratory issues, checking and replacing air filters on a regular schedule, at least every 30 days, is very important to keep indoor air quality high.

Program Your Thermostat

It’s going to be an exceptionally hot 4th of July this year. If you program your thermostat in advance, you’ll be able to keep the indoor rooms comfortable for holiday celebrations. Smart thermostats have motion sensors that can detect when you and your guests are indoors which allows the HVAC system to automatically keep everyone comfortable at a set temperature.

Use Ceiling Fans

The advantage of using your ceiling fans in occupied rooms is that they make everyone feel cooler. Ceiling fans increase airflow and can actually make the room feel up to four degrees cooler.

Schedule HVAC Servicing

Proper HVAC maintenance can help avoid holiday air conditioning emergencies during summer. Your HVAC system should be thoroughly inspected, cleaned, and serviced twice yearly. Cool Blew’s

technicians will check refrigerant levels, electrical systems, connections, and clean the evaporator and condenser coils. If you’ve put off servicing on your system, make certain to schedule an appointment today to avoid any AC issues putting a damper on your holiday celebrations.

Call Cool Blew

Thinking your HVAC system needs to be serviced? Call our friendly certified experts at Cool Blew today at 623-872-2900 to schedule an appointment. We’re available 24/7/365. Have a very happy, cool, and comfy Fourth of July!

An important part of maintaining your HVAC system includes changing air filters to keep your indoor air clean. Most Valley of the Sun heating and cooling professionals recommend a twice-yearly check-up of HVAC systems to keep them running efficiently, reducing energy costs, and extending the lifespan of these units. Changing out air filters can lower monthly utility costs by up to 15% in the Valley of the Sun. Let’s take a look at some of the best reasons to check and change out your air filters.

Importance of Air Filters

Your first line of defense against dust, debris, and allergens from entering your home is your HVAC system’s air filtration. An HVAC system works by bringing air into your house by way of the heating or cooling system. It’s important that this air getting heated or cooled is clean, and the air filter is what keeps the air clean indoors. A clean air filter reduces contaminants such as dust, debris, mold spores, pet dander, bacteria, and other household allergens.

Reasons to Change Air Filters

When air passes through the filter, microscopic particles of dust and debris get trapped by it. These particles eventually become so widespread that it’s difficult for air to pass through. When the air filter becomes clogged, many issues can occur impacting your HVAC system and energy costs. Also, when your HVAC system works harder, it releases even more carbon monoxide and greenhouse gases into your home’s environment. Changing out your air filter takes less than five minutes and is one of the easiest and most inexpensive things you can do to keep your system running smoothly all year long.

When to Change Air Filters

The EPA recommends changing out air filters at least every three months. Your family may benefit from changing out air filters more often for these reasons:

• Family members with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues
• Young children at home
• Smokers in the home
• Long-haired cats or dogs
• Elderly family members

In these situations, you may want to consider changing out your air filter monthly. Replacing your air filter at the same time each month, when you pay the utility bill, helps develop a regular habit to maintain clean indoor air.

Call Cool Blew

Cool Blew professionals are your local experts in understanding HVAC air filters. Call us today at 623-872-2900 to schedule your maintenance visit and check your air filters. Our technicians will be happy to answer any of your HVAC system concerns 24/7/365. Our customers are our number one priority.

Maintaining your heating and cooling system is key to keeping your house operating smoothly during the year. In the Valley of the Sun, it’s especially important to tune up your HVAC equipment twice- yearly. When you neglect components for too long, you may be let down by your system not functioning when you need it most.
Buying a maintenance agreement with your local HVAC professionals ensures that preventive service will be covered throughout the year. You’ll have a heating tune up and a cooling tune up covered to ensure the longevity of your HVAC system. It just makes sense to protect your HVAC system with regular care that manufacturers recommend.

Why Does My Unit Need Routine Maintenance?

It’s easy to forget to schedule maintenance and having an agreement allows you worry-free scheduling and appointments at your convenience. Routine maintenance includes:

• Lubricating moving parts
• Inspecting the thermostat
• Inspecting the outside unit
• Checking air filters
• Checking for leaks
• Tightening loose wire connections.

What Are the Benefits of An HVAC Service Plan?

When you purchase maintenance services, your twice-yearly tune ups deliver:

• Decreased risk of HVAC system breakdowns.
• An HVAC system that is ready to perform at peak levels of performance.
• Money savings in overall system maintenance and unexpected repair costs.
• Increased system lifespan helping you avoid early HVAC system replacement.
• Increased energy efficiency from an expertly maintained HVAC system can decrease energy consumption up to 15%.

Why Purchase an HVAC Service Agreement?

When you buy an HVAC maintenance agreement with locally-owned Cool Blew, your HVAC equipment will always receive the attention it needs to maintain its efficiency. An important consideration to be aware of is that most HVAC systems have regular maintenance as part of the warranty agreement.

Cool Blew

Call our technicians today at 623-872-2900 for more information on our HVAC maintenance agreement. Our professionals will help keep you comfortable throughout the year. You’ll have the benefits of worry-free maintenance and discounts on repairs. It’s always essential to select a qualified company to service your HVAC system. Locally owned Cool Blew is available 24/7 every day of the year for your servicing needs.

Here are five easy tips that can help you maintain a comfortable home while also saving money on your monthly utility bill.

1. Replace Air Filters

What’s the top cause of your system constantly turning on and off? Dusty, dirty, clogged HVAC air filters can contribute to uneven indoor temperatures. Changing your home’s air filters monthly will save you money on utility bills and increase the lifespan of your HVAC system. A clean air filter can reduce your system’s energy usage by up to 15%.

2. Seal Doors and Windows

Windows and doors are generally the second biggest offenders for heat or cooling loss. The best way to check for loss is to use a flashlight. When light shines through frame cracks or caulking, it means your home is losing conditioned air. It’s a clear sign that it’s time to use caulk and sealant. Doing this DIY step is a quick way to keep indoor temperatures comfortable.

3. Strategic Placement of Area Rugs

Flooring, like saltillo tile, linoleum, bamboo, natural and engineered hardwood can be chilly to walk on during cooler months. If you want a warm, comfortable experience for your feet, place area rugs in strategic locations throughout your home to keep heat from escaping through the tile and floorboards.

4. HVAC Thermostat Placement

A thermostat placed on an interior wall will operate at higher efficiency levels when it’s not placed near windows, exposed to direct sunlight from a skylight, or subject to frequent air drafts from opening doors. According to the Department of Energy, thermostats should be located where natural room air currents — warm air rising, cool air sinking — occur. A certified HVAC professional or trusty handyman can help you with the optimal thermostat location.

5. Invest in a Smart Home

A smart, long-term investment would be to consider installing a home automation system to save even more on monthly expenditures. A home automation system may include smart thermostats, smart power strips, smart lighting, smart appliances, and any other home automation technology such as Alexa that will remotely monitor and control your house. You’ll save money in the long run on your energy bills.

Use Cool Blew

Implementing these five tips will save you money on your monthly utility bills. How to expertly control indoor temperatures is what your local professionals at Cool Blew can do for you with HVAC installation and repair. Call our experienced technicians today at 623-872-2900 to schedule your appointment at a day and time convenient for you.

Fall has officially arrived in the Valley of the Sun. It’s time to transition from monsoon season to outdoor dining, outside festivals, and pleasant meals on your balcony, deck, portico, or patio. Running a household is challenging in the best of times. Between landscaping changes, preparing for upcoming holidays, and typical house repairs, you and your family can stay busy keeping up with everything.  You’re faced with so many demands on your precious time, it helps to have a simple system in place to lighten the workload.

HVAC ABCs

For many homeowners, programming the thermostat is the extent of their air conditioning involvement. That is, until the AC unit breaks down. Here are a few handy ABCs of HVAC service that will help you keep your system in top-notch form.

A is for Air Filters

Changing your air filters on a monthly basis, especially in Arizona, is a great habit to get into. Living in Phoenix means dealing with tons of ultra-fine desert dirt swirling through the air during monsoon season dust storms. The extremely hot, usually dry Sonoran Desert climate, excess of particulate matter from farms and minimally landscaped properties, and dust almost constantly floating in the air, necessitates paying attention to your air filters. Homeowners with cats and dogs know that pet dander can accumulate at a high rate. Clean AC air filters are your first line defense against a house full of pet generated dander.

B is for Breaker Switch

Anytime your air conditioning unit stops working, the first thing you should always do is check your breaker switch. Power outages, power surges, power poles knocked down due to car accidents or monsoon thunderstorms, and brownouts can trip your breaker. Many times, power will go out for a brief moment then back on without you realizing what has happened. Yet, 30 minutes later, you notice your house is getting very warm. Over the years, Cool Blew technicians have made numerous service calls for worn down, faulty, or easily tripped breaker switches.

C is for Capacitors

Actually, your AC unit has many Cs in it. Capacitor, compressor, condenser, coils, and contactor. But one of the most common air conditioning repairs is replacing burnt-out capacitors. In fact, more than 66% of all air conditioning repairs are related to this and other similar electrical issues.

Cool Blew is Here to Keep You Cool

Scheduling regular maintenance on your HVAC system twice a year, in spring and in fall, is the best advice we can offer to keep your HVAC system running smoothly. Call your local Cool Blew professionals today at 623-872-2900 to schedule an appointment. Your comfort is our business.