Hay fever season is here for an estimated 40 to 60 million Americans. If you’re one of the unlucky sufferers of this common condition, you’re probably already suffering from sneezing, sniffling, and itchy, watery eyes. Luckily, spring HVAC maintenance can remove many of the allergens that can cause symptoms of hay fever. Proper maintenance can remove pesky allergens like dust mites, mold, and pollen, helping you avoid irritating allergic symptoms. In fact, these common home contaminants found in your indoor air can be easily controlled.

Use high quality air filters

You know air filters are your first line of defense against poor air quality in your home. MERV is the filter industry standard. Filters with higher MERV ratings offer increased filtration. Look for MERV ratings of at least 8, with 20 being the highest rating. This will go a long way toward reducing indoor allergens. Replace air filters every month for best results. Dirty air filters not only will contribute to seasonal allergy symptoms, they also decrease HVAC system efficiency.

Clean the outdoor unit

The outdoor HVAC unit pulls in air circulating throughout your home. Airborne particles make the air in your home harder to breathe. Check for dust, dirt, and debris and clear it away from the unit frequently to keep allergens from being pulled into the system and entering inside.

Dust house vents

Even if you make it a habit to dust weekly you may forget to dust air return vents. Dust mites are the most common hay fever trigger, so cleaning your air ducts will get rid of dust mites and help reduce allergy and breathing symptoms. Cool air transported through air ducts can also lead to condensation and mold which is a major irritant for many allergy sufferers. Dust lingering in home vents and registers will blow throughout your home, so clean them on a regular basis. Use a damp or treated cleaning cloth to keep from kicking up dust particles and worsening your allergy symptoms.

Schedule an annual maintenance appointment

Spring allergy season is a great time to schedule HVAC maintenance.. Servicing by an HVAC professional will help reduce indoor allergens and ensure your system is healthy, and your air filtration system is dust and blockage free.

Cool Blew offers expert maintenance services, which can improve the efficiency of your HVAC system. Call Cool Blew today at 623-872-2900.

You enjoy being handy around the house, making common household repairs with a wrench or screwdriver. We get it! Saving yourself a great deal of money and honing your handyman skills is rewarding. However, HVAC maintenance and repairs simply shouldn’t be something to add to your list of do-it-yourself projects.

The following are just a few of the many reasons why it’s wise to only let a skilled, experienced HVAC technician maintain and repair your system:

1. HVAC Systems Need Professional Tools

HVAC systems need to be periodically serviced, repaired, and carefully calibrated with equipment and tools designed specifically for HVAC specialists. Everyday tools are not only impractical when it comes to fixing your HVAC system, they can be risky.

2. Safety Threats

HVAC systems require knowledgeable and experienced technicians who are trained to minimize the risks of working with flammable, pressurized gas, high electrical voltage and environmentally toxic combustion fumes that have the potential of causing injury or even death.

3. Decreased HVAC System Capacity

Do-it-yourself repairs and system tune ups have a high likelihood of decreasing the operating life and efficiency of your system. Without professional training, you can make mistakes with the system that could prove to be difficult to resolve in the future. And there’s always the chance that you can unknowingly turn a minor problem into something major, which can lead to expensive repairs down the road.

4. Voided HVAC Warranty

Replacing parts on your HVAC unit with generic parts or performing any do-it-yourself maintenance will likely result in a voided warranty. You must work with an HVAC trained and licensed professional as all repairs and maintenance usually require documentation by the HVAC manufacturer. In other words, to maintain your warranty, don’t do the job yourself.

Call Cool Blew Instead

We know that it can be appealing to attempt a DIY project like HVAC maintenance. But, stop before you start. For expert HVAC maintenance that will keep both your warranty protected and give you peace of mind, call Cool Blew instead at 623-872-2900.

A trained professional can detect HVAC issues before they cause bigger system problems. The benefits of using a trained HVAC professional will far exceed the potential damage you may incur by doing DIY servicing and cleaning of your system.

Spring is rapidly approaching with temperatures climbing, and flowers already in bloom. As you prepare for the seasonal shift, don’t forget HVAC maintenance.

The optimal time to schedule air conditioning maintenance is now. Damage or stress placed on your system over the past months can be addressed with some springtime attention. Air conditioning maintenance includes a professional inspection, tune up, and cleaning by a trained Cool Blew technician. We highly recommend scheduling bi-annual HVAC system tune ups—one in the fall for heating, and one in the spring for your air conditioner.

Why Is Spring the Right Time for HVAC Service?

Triple-digit temperatures will be here soon, requiring you to flip the switch on your air conditioner. It’s no surprise that late spring and summer are peak times for HVAC repairs, placing HVAC technicians in high demand.

When you schedule a professional tune up prior to when the peak temperatures hit, you’ll be guaranteed a convenient appointment. You’ll also gain the peace of mind knowing that your system is ready to keep you cool all summer long. Post-winter repairs can also be handled proactively.

Why put off HVAC maintenance for when we’re in the midst of a scorching heat wave? Be prepared by taking the preventive route. Schedule professional maintenance now, and you’ll be glad that you did this summer.

Springtime Maintenance Checklist

During maintenance service, one of our technicians will perform a tune up and cleaning that includes:

• Air filter – Clean or replace if needed
• Bearings – Inspect for wear and lubricate
• Blower motor – Measure amperage and voltage
• Capacitors – Inspect and test
• Compressor – Monitor, measure amperage and volt draw, and wiring connections
• Condensate drain – Flush and treat with anti-algae
• Condenser coil – Clean and remove debris
• Contactors – test and inspect for burned or pitted contacts
• Duct work – inspect for energy loss
• Electrical disconnect box – Inspect for proper rating and safe installation
• Electrical wiring – Inspect and tighten connections and inspect for exposed wiring
• Fan blade – Inspect
• Indoor coil – Inspect
• Refrigerant – Monitor operating pressures
• Safety devices – Inspect for proper operation
• Service valves – Inspect for proper operation
• Thermostat – Test for proper operation, calibrate, and level

Residential Preventive Maintenance

Don’t forget to ask about our residential preventive maintenance agreements. You can gain valuable benefits, including priority service, discounts on repairs, no overtime fees, and more.

Call today to schedule your spring maintenance with Cool Blew at 623-872-2900.

With hay fever season approaching rapidly, it’s a great time to showcase one of the most integral components of your HVAC system—the air filter. HVAC filters help keep your home clean and healthy. But there is more than one option when it comes to choosing a filter. Here are the types of air filters to choose from and a few details to help you make the right choice for your household.

Fiberglass

These are the most common and most affordable option. Fiberglass air filters are effective in helping to keep your system efficient, but they’re not the best choice for removing dust and pollutants from your indoor air. If you’re prone to allergies or other respiratory problems, you may want to consider a higher-grade filter.

Pleated

Fabricated from polyester or cotton folds, pleated air filters are more effective at filtering particulates than those made from fiberglass. Filtering performance of pleated filters is determined by the number of pleats. The more pleats, the greater the performance. Both fiberglass and pleated filters should be swapped out at least once a quarter. Here in the desert, it’s a good idea to get on a regular monthly schedule of changing your air filter.

Washable

Although more expensive than disposable fiberglass or pleated filters, washable filters can save you in the long run. They can be easily cleaned, so you don’t need to replace them. It’s important to clean them according to the recommended schedule determined by the manufacturer. You’ll want to ensure the filter is completely dry before using it to prevent mold and bacteria growth.

Electrostatic

Electrostatic air filters attract dust and airborne particulates through electrostatic charge, preventing them from being blown through your home. These filters come in both washable and one-use models.

HEPA

High efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are a good choice for homeowners with allergies and respiratory conditions. They have been proven to be effective in screening up to 99.97% of contaminants. The US Department of Energy recommends this type of filter in homes and businesses.

UV

Using ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and viruses, UV filters have become more popular since the start of COVID-19. However, it’s important to note that these filters are better at killing microorganisms than screening dust and other pollutants. This is why some recommend using a UV filter in conjunction with a standard air filter.

Cool Blew – Your HVAC Experts

Have questions about HVAC filters? Call Cool Blew today. We’re here with the answers and the service you need to ensure your home is comfortable 24/7/365.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. While love is in the air, why not show a little love for your air conditioning and heating system? The wonderful thing about caring for your HVAC system, is that it will reciprocate in the form of fewer repairs and lower utility bills. No, you don’t need to buy a box of chocolates or a dozen, long-stem red roses. But you do need to make these gallant gestures:

Change Your Air Filter

Swapping out that dirty old air filter is one way to say “I love you” to your HVAC system. Why? A clean air filter prevents your system from having to work harder than necessary to cool and heat your home. By doing this two-minute task, you will reduce your energy bills, prevent the overheating of system components, prevent frozen evaporator coils, and minimize uneven cooling and heating throughout your home.

Open the Vents

Closing vents doesn’t save energy, it actually makes your system work harder by causing a pressure imbalance. So, open the vents and let the love and air flow freely through the ductwork.

Call an Expert for Maintenance

Doesn’t your HVAC system deserve the best when it comes to regular maintenance? Don’t scrimp on or altogether skip seasonal tune ups. By scheduling regular HVAC maintenance with a qualified service technician, you can keep a healthy long-term relationship with your system. Remember – you should have your HVAC system maintained at least once or twice a year.

Want to buy your HVAC system something extra special this Valentine’s Day? Consider a maintenance plan that delivers the benefits of:

• Priority service
• No overtime charges
• Discounts on repairs
• And much more

Happy Valentine’s Day

At Cool Blew, we love our customers and their HVAC systems 24/7/365, including Valentine’s Day. Call today to schedule service at 623-872-2900.

With air quality more of a concern than ever, many of our customers have inquired about HVAC duct cleaning. They wonder if it’s a good idea or a waste of money. At Cool Blew, we’re here to provide you with honest answers and professional advice.

Air duct cleaning is not typically part of general HVAC maintenance, but there are times when it is a good idea. We follow guidance from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which recommends that air ducts in a home should be cleaned when:

• There’s visible mold growth inside the ducts or other components of the HVAC system.
  Mold can make for dangerous conditions, including making you and your loved ones sick. If mold is found, you’ll not only want to get your ducts cleaned, you’ll also need to identify the cause of the mold and get it corrected.
• Vermin, rodents, or insects are in the ducts.
  Whether you’re alerted to the presence of critters because you hear them or see evidence of their droppings, you’ll want to schedule a duct cleaning, along with an exterminator. You will also want to eliminate any sources of water or food that are attracting them.
• Excessive dust and debris
  Over time, plenty of dust and debris can collect in your ducts. By looking at your air filter, you can gauge just how much is building up and being circulated in your home. By scheduling duct cleaning every few years, you can reduce allergens and help keep your entire HVAC system running more efficiently.

How Are HVAC Ducts Cleaned?

Ducts are primarily located above the ceiling or under the floors of a home. This means that it really does take an HVAC professional to clean them. At Cool Blew, our technicians have a specialized cleaning process that removes the debris from your ducts without causing any to spill out into your home. We thoroughly clean and sanitize ducts, always keeping your safety and comfort in mind.

Have questions about HVAC duct cleaning or want to schedule a service call? Call the experts at Cool Blew today at 623-872-2900.

The new year is finally here – time to wipe the slate clean and maybe even make a few improvements in 2021. While eating healthier or getting a solid eight hours of sleep each night are positive resolutions to tackle, they both require self-discipline and dedication to stay with them for more than a couple of weeks. On the other hand, vowing to take better care of your HVAC system is easy to accomplish while also delivering some significant benefits.

Are you ready to be a better HVAC system owner in the coming year? At Cool Blew, we can help. The following resolutions can extend the life of your heating and cooling equipment, while enabling you to improve your home’s comfort and save you money.

Change Your Filters Regularly

Your indoor air has contaminants that can trigger allergies, asthma and other health issues. When was the last time you changed your filter? If you can’t remember, it has been too long. Consider filter replacement a quick monthly task. Once you’ve done it a couple of times, you’ll be able to swap out a filter in less than 60 seconds. Not only will this improve your home’s air quality, it will help keep your system running more efficiently, too.

Invest in Preventive Service

Seasonal maintenance checks on your heating and cooling equipment can help keep moving parts functioning optimally. They’re also helpful for spotting problems early on before they turn into costly breakdowns. Call us any time to schedule preventive service.

Get Ductwork Inspected

HVAC duct leaks can cause temperature fluctuations in your home, along with costing you a lot of money. With a thorough inspection, duct leaks can be identified and repaired. You might be surprised by how much you can save with this one simple HVAC decision.

Invest in a Programmable Thermostat

Gain better control of the temperature in your home in 2021. With a programmable thermostat, you can easily set the right temp for when you’re home and when you’re not, as well as different times of the day and night. Trust us when we say that it will help you save on your monthly utility bill while making your home much more comfortable.

Get More HVAC Knowledgeable

By learning about your HVAC system, you can become more proactive about identifying and addressing minor concerns before they become serious issues. Even if you don’t want to tinker around with the system yourself, having a basic understanding of how heating and cooling systems operate can be downright helpful. You may even find yourself offering a few tips to others, too.

Wishing you and your family the best HVAC year ever!

Looking for a special gift for a friend or family member? Tired of giving gift cards, money or gadgets that just don’t get used? We have another idea for you to consider. How about a preventive maintenance agreement for your loved one’s HVAC system? It’s a unique, thoughtful gift that is also practical.

The benefits of a preventive maintenance agreement are impressive and ideal for any homeowner. Services include:

• Priority service
• Improved capacity and extended life of the system
• Discount on repairs
• Emergency service
• No overtime
• Schedule service reminders

And with each maintenance visit, the system will be thoroughly cleaned and checked to ensure its optimal performance. This includes:

• Clean and check air filter
• Check operation of thermostat
• Check temperature split
• Inspect wiring, connections and fuses
• Inspect motor bearings
• Lubricate all motors
• Inspect condensate pan
• Check condensation drain line
• Clean outdoor coil
• Inspect air ducts for leaks
• Check amps on motors and correct low and high voltage
• Check all run and start capacitors
• Monitor gas pressure
• Clean and insect burners and burner assembly
• Clean flame sensor
• Inspect igniter
• Monitor flue draft
• Inspect heat exchanger for rust and cracks
• Monitor defrost cycle
• Run and test system

2020 – The Year of the Practical Holiday Gift

In this time of social distancing, home has become more important than ever. And our HVAC systems are essential for keeping home comfortable. This is exactly why a preventive maintenance agreement makes such a great gift this year. Whether you have a loved one who has just bought their first home or is retired and on a fixed income, a maintenance agreement can eliminate the hassles of maintenance and help ensure that unexpected breakdowns don’t happen.

Worry-free HVAC is a gift that will continue to give throughout the year. Call Cool Blew today at 623-872-2900 to learn more about our preventive maintenance agreements.

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.

Loss of Cool Air or Heat

Neglected systems are prone to unexpected and sudden system breakdowns. And you know what that means? Yes, you got it. You’ll be dealing with an uncomfortable home and an unhappy household.

Reduced Airflow

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

Overflowing Drain Pans

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

Misaligned Belts

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

Bearing Failures

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

Leaking Refrigerant

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.

Broken Compressor

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

Heat Exchange Failure

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

What’s not scary? Making an appointment for a tune up of your HVAC system. Don’t wait until you’re dealing with the unexpected. Schedule some time with Cool Blew today.