In the Valley of the Sun, utility bills skyrocket during the summer. Not only do homeowners spend more on electricity for air conditioning, water consumption also increases to keep pools filled and landscaping green. To help you keep Phoenix utility costs down, here are a few best practices worth considering.

1. Focus on the Minor Fixes

Even seemingly minor adjustments can have a big impact over time when it comes to your energy usage. To maintain a cooler home during summer daytime hours without blasting your air conditioner, close drapes and blinds to keep out the heat. Make sure your fireplace damper is also closed to prevent cool air from going up the chimney. Turn on your ceiling fans and reduce your use of heat-generating appliances like dryers, stovetops and ovens.

2. Raise the Thermostat

You may be surprised to learn how much you can save by simply setting your thermostat a few degrees higher. It’s significant! By turning your thermostat to 78 to 80 degrees, you’ll see real savings without sweltering.

3. Reset Your Water Heater Thermostat

By turning your water heater thermostat to 120 degrees or less during the summer months, you can save approximately $10 a month or more. And if you’re familiar with Phoenix summers, you know that that there’s little need for hot water when it’s 110 degrees outside.

4. Change Your Air Conditioner Filters

Efficiently running air conditioners simply use less electricity. By replacing the filter to your HVAC system every month – or even more if there are monsoon dust storms – you can gain the advantage of better air flow and lower utility bills.

5. Replace Standard Light Bulbs

Changing out standard bulbs with LEDs can save energy and money. Start with your highest-use bulbs and fixtures and make it a point to make the switch completely to gain the biggest savings.
Finally, don’t delay in fixing electrical, HVAC, or plumbing issues around your home. Properly running systems use less water and electricity and make your home more enjoyable all year long.

Call Cool Blew today for all your plumbing, electrical and A/C needs.

Spring is just around the corner – making it the ideal time to renew and refresh your home. Along with scrubbing down floors, cabinets and counters, you don’t want to forget your HVAC system. Starting the season with a tuned-up air conditioner with clean vents and filter ensures you’re ready for when temperatures begin to climb.

Here are the steps to spring clean your HVAC system:

Start with the Filter

Let’s face it. The desert is dusty. If you live in Phoenix or any of the surrounding cities, you’re likely battling dust on a daily basis. Well, that dust doesn’t just collect on your coffee table. It also finds its way into your HVAC system. This is why you want to regularly replace your system filter. A clean filter not only helps to collect dust and other particulates from entering your indoor air, it enables your system to work efficiently.

Clean the Condenser

And all this dust, dirt and debris doesn’t just enter in your house, it also collects inside your air conditioner’s condenser. Fortunately, it can be easily cleaned. Simply turn off the system and remove the motor cover to gain access to the fan and coil. Remove debris, like leaves, grass, dirt and dust. If the condenser is really dirty, don’t be tempted to wash it with water. This can create mud that can clog the system. Instead, use a condenser coil cleaner available at most home improvement or hardware stores.

Evaluate the System

With a clean filter and condenser, it’s time to check the system. Turn it on by flipping the thermostat to the cool setting and lowering the temperature. Carefully listen for how long it takes and for any unusual sounds. If it doesn’t start quickly check to make sure your air conditioner is plugged in. If it doesn’t start or if it’s making unusual sounds, call Cool Blew for further evaluation.

Make Time for a Tune Up

Regularly scheduled tune ups on your HVAC equipment are essential for preserving your investment. With a seasonal tune up, you can keep your system running efficiently and identify issues before they turn into big problems.

Call Cool Blew today to schedule your spring cleaning HVAC system tune up and prevent unexpected air conditioning problems this year.

When it comes to air conditioning and staying comfortable in your desert home, it’s all about air flow – the free movement of cooled air throughout your house and the transfer of heat from inside your home to the great outdoors. A key component to extracting heat from the inside of your home is your air conditioning system’s condenser, which is located outside. The condenser coils are truly where the rubber meets the road – where the indoor heat is transferred and released. If anything is hindering the coils from releasing heat, the efficiency of your air conditioner can be greatly compromised. Your AC unit will be forced to work harder and use more energy to accomplish its cooling mission. Quite simply, the dirty little secret of air conditioning is if your condenser coils are clogged, your utility bill will most likely be going up.

Dirty, Clogged Condenser Coils Hamper Heat Transfer

In order to disperse the heat from your home to the outside, condenser coils need free flowing air to pass over them. If your coils are covered with dirt, crud and grime, it becomes similar to a layer of unwanted, unnecessary insulation preventing the flow of air over the coils. In some extreme cases, we’ve seen condensers that have been neglected and not cleaned for years and as a result, are almost completely blocked. When that occurs, the homeowner will notice “uncool” (warm) air coming out of the vents.

Because the condenser sits outside or in some cases, on top of the roof, it is at the mercy of the elements. Rain storms, monsoons, wind driven dust, leaves, grass and debris can all find their way into this key component of your air conditioning system. Here are some of the most common condenser issues we encounter:

• Damaged Condenser Coils – Obviously, dirty coils create problems. However, they can be cleaned. If a condenser coil is actually broken it can negatively impact the entire AC unit. Condenser coils are occasionally damaged by accidents, such as falling trees or branches during heavy storms. Corrosion and rust can compromise older units. There are even cases where well intentioned homeowners have damaged their coils accidently while rigorously cleaning their condenser.
• Leaks or Failing Tubes – Being exposed to the elements, condenser tubes and seals are more susceptible to leaks. In Phoenix, this is often due to the intense heat which results in extra wear and tear on the unit. Checking for leaks and faulty tubes requires special equipment. Our service technicians will perform a full inspection on your condenser, the coils, seals and tubes to make sure there are no leaks or broken seals.
• Faulty Capacitor, Bad Relay Switch and Control Board Failure – Capacitors, relay switches and control board failures are all electrical issues that can occur as a result of uncontrollable factors, such as power surges, power outages, rainstorms, lightning and wear and tear. Over time, electrical parts can simply wear out. Occasionally, there will be warning signs that a particular part is about to give out. However, the best approach to dealing with electrical problems is to schedule regular service calls so your air conditioner is being inspected by expert professionals.

It’s No Secret Our Service Is Second to None

It’s early in the year and scheduling a service call before you use your air conditioner for the first time in 2019 is a great idea. Your air conditioner has been idle for months and may have collected a lot of dirt and dust during its winter vacation. We’ll be happy to clean and inspect your condenser coils as well as your entire HVAC system. Give us a call today.

Imagine an appliance that doesn’t get a tremendous amount of use, rarely causes problems, works year in and year out and almost never seems to need service. For many Phoenix homeowners, that describes their furnace. In Arizona, your furnace plays a distant second fiddle to the hardworking and all-important air conditioner. A summer without air conditioning is utterly unthinkable. However, Phoenix weather is so perfect during the winter months, some residents can go an entire season without turning their furnace on. This can lead to a bad case of FNS (Furnace Neglect Syndrome).

OK, so there’s not really a condition known as FNS, but it is true that many Arizonans take their furnace for granted and let years go by without having a service check performed.

Furnaces Are Built to Last Decades – What Could Possibly Go Wrong?

It is absolutely true that most furnaces are manufactured to very high standards and are extremely reliable. The fact that furnaces are so dependable can lull homeowners into a false sense of security. Here are the top five reasons to have your furnace inspected even if it appears to be working just fine:

• Detect Carbon Monoxide Leaks – One of the most important reasons for a yearly furnace inspection is to check for carbon monoxide leaks – an odorless, colorless gas that can be potentially dangerous (even deadly) to you and your family. If you have a faulty heat exchanger or it becomes cracked, it’s possible for carbon monoxide to escape into your home. Our trained technicians will inspect your furnace to insure there are no carbon monoxide leaks.
• Check Igniters and Clean the Burners – Whether you have an older gas furnace with a pilot light or a newer electronic ignition system, it is essential that the igniting sequence of your furnace works perfectly. If you notice a hesitation or delay in the ignition process of your furnace once it is turned on, your burners might need to be cleaned. Our technicians will inspect this crucial part of your furnace.
• Inactivity Often Leads to a Dusty, Dirty Furnace – When your furnace sits inactive for many months, a year or even more, dust and dirt builds up and settles into the moving parts and fittings of your furnace. Occasionally rust will appear on the burners. You may notice the first time you fire up your furnace after months of inaction, there is a funny odor. That smell is the dust being burned off the exposed surfaces of your furnace. During a pre-winter inspection, our service techs will clean your furnace and get rid of excess dust and dirt, so it does not make its way into your home.
• Thermostat Checkup – The key to proper home heating starts with your thermostat. We will check the calibration, the wiring and the accuracy of your thermostat and make sure it’s working properly. We will also provide you with information about new wi-fi enabled “smart” thermostats which can save you money and help you heat your home more efficiently.
• Replace Dirty Filters with Clean Air Filters – Air filters keep your home free from indoor air pollutants, such as dust, dander and the fine desert dirt that tracks into your home. Replacing your air filters is a priority for any service inspection.

The Heat Is On

With Thanksgiving behind us and the new year just ahead, take the time to have your furnace checked before you experience any problems. Preventive maintenance detects and solves small problems before they turn into big headaches. Give us a call at 623-872-2900 and one of our expert technicians will inspect your furnace and your entire HVAC system for you.

Many Phoenix homeowners schedule two HVAC maintenance checks per year. One in the spring to ensure the air conditioner is prepared for the grueling desert summer ahead and another in fall to prepare the HVAC system for winter. During the six months of Arizona summer, your idle furnace (depending on where it’s located) can make an attractive vacation home for squirrels, roof rats and other critters. During our fall checkups, we have found evidence of furry friends in furnaces and air vents. Unfortunately, rodents can find their way into very tight spaces. If you notice strange pitter-pattering noises in the middle of the night, you might have furry trespassers.

When Animals Invade

Many housing developments in the Phoenix metropolitan area are located near open spaces where animals abound. Even established neighborhoods are teeming with critters. It’s not uncommon for squirrels, rats and other rodents to seek refuge inside your outdoor HVAC unit or in your home via air ducts – many times gaining entrance through vents. Animals belong in the great outdoors. If your furnace or HVAC ducts have evidence of pests, it’s best to have us perform an entire system inspection and rid your house of these rodent intruders immediately.

Snakes and Spiders in Places They Don’t Belong

Phoenix residents have the added joy of occasionally discovering snakes and spiders in places they don’t belong. Snakes infrequently will make their way into the shade on the inside of an outdoor HVAC unit as well as black widow spiders spinning their webs on compressor hoses. We don’t report this to scare homeowners, but rather to let you know, over the years, we’ve seen just about everything. Always be cautious when uncovering an outdoor or utility room unit (or any HVAC unit) because you never know what you might find inside.

If you hear animals in your vents, or you see evidence of critters in or around your HVAC unit, the best solution is to call in professionals. Here’s a list of unwelcome visitors that may be trying to live in your HVAC system rent-free.

• Squirrels and Raccoons – These are determined and ingenious creatures (particularly raccoons). They often find their way into your home through old, damaged, or faulty vents. You will likely hear them before you see them. If you notice foul odors from their droppings, call us immediately for service.
• Mice and Rats – Small and crafty rodents can crawl into extremely small holes and spaces. They often cause damage by chewing on your refrigerant lines, electrical wires and other parts. Rats and mice love to pilfer insulation to build nests. Rodents present health risks for your family and need to be dealt with immediately. It is advised to clean and sanitize ducts if rodents have infested.
• Spiders, Insects and Roaches – If you live in Arizona, spiders, insects and roaches are going to occasionally make their way into your home. It’s simply unavoidable. What we have noticed, over the years, is that certain areas are more susceptible to infestation if they have been ignored for long periods of time. Having regular inspections insures that your HVAC system won’t be overrun by creepy crawlers.

Living in the Desert

Close to Nature The beauty of Arizona is being so close to nature. This means being surrounded by critters and furry creatures, some of whom will occasionally invade your home. Twice yearly service calls and regular HVAC inspections will protect you and your family from the problems they can bring. Give us a call today!

The signs of autumn are everywhere. Pumpkins for carving, fall decorations and Halloween costumes are on display in stores. Children are choosing their favorite scary characters in preparation for the big night of trick or treating. And you are correct, the “H” in HVAC is not for Halloween – it’s for heating. However, Halloween serves as a great yearly reminder that the extreme 100+ degree temperatures of summer will soon be replaced by the cooler nights of fall. That means winter is not far off.

October is the perfect month to schedule an appointment to have your furnace inspected. The “H” in your HVAC system has been idle for months. After avoiding the extreme Arizona heat for six months, many Phoenix area residents forget winter nights in the desert can get very chilly.

Your Furnace Has Been on Summer Vacation

HVAC systems are complex, and your AC has been getting heavy use throughout the summer. Switching to heat means engaging a separate component that has not been used for a long time. Here are a few reasons why October is the perfect month for a fall HVAC checkup:

• The Heat Is On – The first time you turn on your furnace each year can bring an unwelcome smell of burning dust. A fine layer of desert dirt and grime from summer wind storms can cover your heating elements and cause problems. During a fall service call, our technicians will inspect your furnace and remove any dust or debris from inside your heater. Also, it’s not uncommon for us to find evidence of furry friends making a home for themselves in your furnace. Air filters, which are also dust magnets, will be replaced. Remember, whenever you notice a burning smell, it’s always a good idea to have it checked out.
• Gas Furnaces – Gas furnaces are generally very reliable. With their igniters and gas burners, they are slightly more complex than electric heaters. Unfortunately, with months of sitting idle, they don’t always fire up perfectly the first time. There is nothing more annoying than trying to figure out the instructions for lighting the pilot with a flashlight in your hand on the first cold night. To ensure a safe, first time start up for your gas furnace, have it checked in advance.
• Have You Checked Your Thermostat Lately? – One of the most unsung and underappreciated elements of any HVAC system is the thermostat. Because they tend to work reliably and trouble free for years and years, we often inspect thermostats that are decades old. Replacing your old thermostat with a new smart thermostat can save money and make it easier to program your settings. Our service techs can explain the many options available. However, if your happy with your current thermostat, we’re happy to check it out and make sure it’s working properly.
• Thinking Ahead to the Holidays – If you schedule a fall HVAC checkup for October or November, you can put your mind at ease knowing you’re set the holidays ahead. Now is truly the best time to get prepared for winter.

Happy Halloween

Each year, October 31st marks the start of the holiday season. We wish you and your children a safe and happy Halloween. For service so good that it’s scary call Cool Blew today for your fall tune-up.

If you’ve ever caught a summer cold, you know how surprisingly bad they can be. In fact, these nasty viruses often last longer than winter colds! Why? In many cases, the culprit is an air conditioner circulating less than pristine air. The reality is a poorly maintained air conditioner can cause a range of very unpleasant health problems.

Even if you keep your home pristinely clean, unseen pollutants can circulate through your HVAC system if it’s not clean. Often, these go under the radar because they’re not visible to the naked eye. And, their effects are usually associated with other conditions or causes.

Is Your Air Conditioner Making You Sick?

Of course, not every illness can be traced back to your HVAC system, but the following symptoms could indicate the possibility of an AC-related illness:

• Frequent colds
• Ear infections
• Chronic headaches
• Allergies
• Asthma
• Lingering cough
• Sneezing
• Wheezing
• Dry, itchy skin
• Irritated nasal passages
• Sore throat
• Dry or watery eyes

Mold, dust, dander, bacteria and viruses can all circulate through your HVAC system. Individuals living or working in an environment where these particulates are in the air frequently report health problems ranging from allergies to serious illnesses. For those with weakened immune systems, young children and the elderly, symptoms can often be more pronounced.

What You Can Do

Air conditioner filters are designed to clean inside air and prevent the circulation of symptom-causing particulates. However, as they collect pollutants, they become less effective. Not only does this decrease the air quality, it also causes an air conditioner to work less efficiently. An easy and simple way to prevent symptoms from occurring is to change filters on a monthly basis.

Professional HVAC System Maintenance

Although changing your filter is an important step in preventing illnesses, it’s not enough to eliminate all pollutants. HVAC systems require regular maintenance. This includes cleaning the system and, if necessary, using a chemical cleaner to kill fungi, bacteria and viruses.

Learn more now about preventing illness by maintaining your HVAC system. Call the experts at Cool Blew today!

Fright night is a lot of fun at the movie theater, which is a place, by the way, where many Arizonans go to avoid the heat. Years ago, there was an amusing ad campaign for a scary movie. In the radio commercials, the announcer implored, “When you get to the theater, just keep reminding yourself, it’s only a movie, it’s only a movie!” With Memorial Day approaching and the Fourth of July just around the corner, here’s an air conditioning summer holiday “Nightmare on Your Street” that’s unfortunately going to be all too real for some Arizona homeowners.

A Four Day Holiday Weekend with No Air Conditioning

In fact, one Phoenix area resident recently recalled a long and scary Fourth of July holiday weekend (Thursday through Sunday night) that made her think she was starring in her own horror show. A heatwave had descended on the Valley with temperatures hovering around 114, her air conditioner started pumping not-so-cool air on Thursday night then completely stopped working by early Friday morning and (cue the shrieking violins from Psycho) all of the air conditioning companies she called were booked solid. The combination of a heatwave and a holiday weekend meant every available service tech was working overtime. By Friday afternoon, her house was hotter than (well, you know), and there was no repairman in sight. Even with windows open and fans blowing, the inside temperature reached 98 degrees. Sleeping was almost impossible. It took four days, numerous phone calls and multiple appointments to get her problem resolved.

Early Warning Signs Your Air Conditioner Might Need Service

Some might consider this story a “scary” tactic, but unfortunately, it’s all true and in Arizona, it happens every year. If your air conditioning system is causing you concern, please don’t wait for a breakdown to occur. Some warning signs your AC may need a service check include:

• Major red flag – warmer air (not as cold as it usually is) coming out of your vents
• Decrease in airflow or a noticeable increase in your energy bill over same time last year
• Loud thumping, straining or unusual noises coming from your air conditioner
• Musty smell or excessive water leaking from AC unit
• Unusual electrical or burning smell from AC unit (important to call for service immediately)

If you are experiencing any of these problems, your air conditioning system may need to be checked. With Memorial Day and Fourth of July coming, make sure to get out in front of this situation so your holiday weekends are cool, and the only horror shows you see are at the theater. Call Cool Blew today to schedule a summer tune-up.

Spring cleaning is a term generally associated with a thorough house cleaning or emptying the garage to get rid of accumulated junk. Out with the old, in with the new. Are you aware that your HVAC unit runs better with regular maintenance? And, your air filters and system also benefit from a deep cleansing on a regular basis. Spring is the perfect season for yearly maintenance before the HVAC busy summer season hits.

One of the most important, yet unseen, aspects of a clean house is clean air to breathe day in and day out. Protecting your family from dust and allergens, especially during the pollen-heavy spring and summer months can be crucial to those suffering from asthma or other respiratory conditions. The fact that we cannot see the insides of our home air delivery system often means air ducts suffer from neglect. Dust and dirt accumulates over time, and it’s important to include air ducts on your spring cleaning list.

Desert Climate

When it comes to air conditioners and compressors, the desert can be a harsh and unforgiving environment. Exposed to the elements, often installed on roofs where temperatures soar, air conditioning units are subjected to intense sunlight, extreme wind, heavy rainstorms and constant dust. No other household appliance withstands the year in, year out stresses that your HVAC system routinely absorbs. Dirt and dust blowing in the desert wind is an ever-present nemesis and can negatively impact the workings of your compressor and air conditioning unit. It would surprise many homeowners to see what an HVAC spring cleaning reveals.

Spring Checkup

During the winter months, your air conditioning compressor can accumulate dirt and debris which may hinder the inner workings of the unit. Our trained technicians will perform a detailed inspection and restore your air conditioner to top form. Just like your car, regular maintenance checks of your HVAC unit will help prevent major problems from occurring.

Spring in Arizona is the best time to take advantage of the most perfect winter weather in the U.S. While you’re busy with outdoor activities, don’t overlook the opportunity to schedule a checkup for your HVAC system before the summer heat hits. Call Cool Blew today to schedule your maintenance check at 623-872-2900.