What is the Average Air Conditioner Life Expectancy in Phoenix AZ

Like any other mechanical device, an air conditioning unit eventually will break down. This is a fact that every homeowner or commercial building owner must factor into their annual budget, as it’s very difficult to predict when these essential major appliances will finally kick the bucket. However, there are several factors that can impact the average air conditioner life expectancy in Phoenix AZ and some things you can easily do to extend the life of your AC unit.

Here are some facts to consider.

First – How Long Does an AC Unit Last in Phoenix AZ?

According the United States Department of Energy, the typical central air conditioning system has a life expectancy of 13-15 years. However, this is a broad stroke that covers data coming in from all 50 US States. In Arizona, due to the extreme heat, weather conditions and other factors, the typical AC unit life expectancy can be reduced by as much as 20% in many cases.

Two items that typically cause an AC unit in Phoenix to break down sooner than other areas of the US including:

• 
  The Extreme Heat: When an AC system has to work harder to cool a room or a house, it causes undo stress on the complete system. This is why many AC contractors recommend keeping the temperature setting at a conservative temperature frequently – so that once the room or home is cooled, the AC unit can slowly maintain the temps.


• 
  The Extreme Outside Elements: We get lots of wind and blowing sand in Phoenix, so no matter how good an AC unit is encased, a lot of this debris finds itself inside your cooling unit and can prematurely wear out parts.

Second – Are There Ways to Increase the Lifespan of an AC Unit Outside?

After looking at these first two major reasons for AC units breaking down, it might seem to be a daunting task to increase the lifespan of an AC unit in Phoenix. However, it’s really not that difficult. There are two things any homeowner can do to significantly extend the shelf life of any cooling unit:

• Replace your indoor filters every month. If your cooling unit can breathe easy and air can circulate throughout your home without restrictions, the AC unit will work much more efficiently. This also helps to reduce strain on the device and will save you money on utility bills as well.


• Have routine cooling service in Phoenix completed twice per year. Before flipping your AC on for the year, have a professional HVAC service technician service your AC unit. They’ll open it up and clean out all of that dirt and debris that blows into the unit in the winter season.

Third – Are There Ways to Increase the Lifespan of an Air Conditioner from Inside Your Home?

Besides replacing your indoor filters and scheduling regular air conditioner tune-ups there are not too many things that you can do inside your home to increase the lifespan of an air conditioner. However, the US Department of Energy suggests the following tips to reduce the onset of respiratory illness and will also reduce the workload for your AC system:

• Keep your thermostat set at an average temperature. Instead of setting your AC to be 65 during the day and 76 at night, keep it set at 72 around the clock.


• Dust your vents often during the summer. When you reduce the amount of particulate matter and dust entering the AC system, your indoor air quality will improve. However, it will also allow the AC unit to breathe easier – consuming less energy in the short and long term.

It’s always a good idea for homeowners and commercial building owners to keep track of the life expectancy of their cooling and heating systems. However, by staying proactive in regards to cooling system maintenance and completing a few indoor and outdoor maintenance checks yourself, you can prolong that expensive AC replacement service by a few years or more.

_____________________

Contact Hays Cooling & Heating today at (602) 714-8270 or email us to learn more about extending the life of your AC unit, system tune-ups, maintenance and repair services! It Pays To Call Hays!

Read related articles:

• The Ultimate Phoenix Home Air Conditioning Checklist


• 3 Expert Tips To Avoid Costly HVAC Repairs in Phoenix


• Best Types of Air Conditioners for Intense Phoenix Summer Heat

Read the full story at: http://hayscoolingandheating.com/average-air-conditioner-life-expectancy-in-phoenix-az/

Can You Save Money by Shading AC Units During Summertime

Ask any air conditioning expert about the easiest way to keep your cooling system running ‘cool’ and they’ll quickly reply; “keep it out of the sun”. It does not require a PhD in particle physics to understand that when a device that is engineered to cool warm air is left outside to absorb heat – the ability to do its job efficiently can be compromised. This is why several homeowners save money by shading AC units during summertime in Phoenix.

If you’re looking for the easiest ways to ensure your cooling system stays ‘cool’ in the extreme summer heat of Arizona, here are a few simple ways that you can lower your summer electric bill by keeping your cooling system covered.

First – Does Shading your Air Conditioner Work in Phoenix?

In short; the answer to this question is yes. The easiest way to answer this question is to examine why AC systems are often painted in lighter shades. Here are a few simple facts about how cooling systems are manufactured.

• Air conditioning units are made of metal in order to withstand the outside elements and also for additional integrity and strength. However, the interior portions of an AC system are also made from metal. Metal is designed to absorb heat; and when this metal heats up it releases heat waves that will heat up areas surrounding the unit.


• In order to reduce the amount of heat an AC unit absorbs from the sun, many manufacturers paint or powder coat their units in very light shades of brown, tan or white.


• This tends to reduce the amount of ambient temperature inside the cooling system itself; which makes the cooling of the air that goes back into your home much easier on the system.

In the end, the best way to reduce the potential of increasing the outer shell temperature of any metal device is to block the sun’s access to the unit. This is the major reason why when professional HVAC companies prepare to install a new system, they complete a load calculation; which factors in several elements including which location around the house is less likely to absorb heat from the sun. However, every HVAC expert will also tell you that if you have an opportunity to provide shade to your cooling system during the majority of the daylight hours – you would be wise to do so.

Second – What Can be Used as a Shade for an Air Conditioner Unit?

You can get very creative when it comes to shading an air conditioning unit in Arizona. In fact, one of the easiest ways to lower your energy bill during the summer in Phoenix is to make sure your cooling unit is not in direct sunlight during the late morning or mid-afternoon hours. Typically, homeowners will use the following methods to keep their AC systems covered from direct sunlight:

• 
  Location: HVAC Companies in Phoenix will inspect your home before installing a new system to determine which side of your house is outside of direct sunlight most frequently. Typically, this will be North or South facing wall.


• 
  Foliage: If your home has many trees or large bushes, clever placement and installation of the AC unit can easily provide a natural solution for shading your air conditioner in Phoenix.


• 
  Covers: This type of solution is manufactured after the unit has been installed. There are many pre-fabricated wooden ‘AC houses’ for lack of a better phrase that are installed directly over the units. However, the key to proper installation of these shade systems is to ensure that the cooling unit has plenty of room to breathe and expel heat.

Third – Besides Covering Your AC Unit, Are There Additional Ways to Lower Your Electric Bill in the Summer?

Simply put, the best ways to keep your AC unit running efficient are to ensure you activate a monthly at home maintenance program that will permit your cooling system to breathe easy in the summer heat. Here is what you should do every month:

• Replace your indoor filters.


• Remove any branches or dirt that is blocking the outside vents of your AC unit.


• Keep your interior ducts and vents free of dust.

It’s also a great idea to contact your local HVAC Company for heating and cooling services in Phoenix to set up a pre-summer and post-summer AC inspection and service; so they can dig deep into your cooling units and make sure all of the interior parts are good to go when you need them to work the most.

_____________________

Contact Hays Cooling & Heating today at (602) 714-8270 or email us to learn more about shading your home air conditioner, system tune-ups, maintenance and repair services! It Pays To Call Hays!

Read related articles:

• 3 Ways to Save Money on Air Conditioning in Phoenix AZ


• Facts About Thermostat Setting For Summer In Phoenix 


• Top Summer Air Conditioning Tips To Keep Your Energy Bills Cool

Read the full story at: http://hayscoolingandheating.com/save-money-by-shading-ac-units-during-summertime/

How to Avoid AC Damage from a Haboob in Phoenix

The summer haboob dust storm is something that simply comes with the territory of living in the Phoenix Valley. These large dust storms can be rather intense, brining blowing sand, dirt, debris, sticks, and sometimes heavy rain that can cause serious damage to your home – and the cooling systems outside of the house. There are a few things that conscious homeowners can do to avoid AC damage from a haboob in Phoenix that are cost effective and will not require a lot of hard labor.

Here are a few tips to consider:

Tip #1 – Take Time to Prepare – Before the Haboob Season Approaches

Being proactive about preparation is the best way to stay off crisis situations – regardless of the individual issue. When it comes to haboobs, there is really no way to predict when they will arrive. This is why it’s so critical to take preventative measures to find out what causes damage to outdoor cooling units, so that you can remove any potential obstacles that could lead to expensive repairs. Here are a few of the common items that cause damage to AC damage during a Phoenix dust storm.

• Dust and debris gets trapped inside the AC unit after the storm


• Tree branches break off and hit the AC unit


• Heavy lawn furniture or other loose items hit the AC unit

As you can see, most of the damage is due to objects that either hit the unit, or become trapped inside the unit after the storm hits. The best way to reduce the potential for damage is to eliminate the issues:

• If you are home when a haboob hits, turn off your AC unit.


• After the storm passes, take a few minutes to remove all the dust and debris that surrounds your AC unit. This will ensure that once your system turns on again, the dust won’t be sucked into the system or the fans.


• Trim your tree branches frequently in the summer season – and remove any loose branches that most likely will break off with extreme wind.

Tip #2 – Understand That Phoenix Dust Storms Can Be Intense

Many Phoenix area homeowners are pretty good about understanding how intense a haboob can be – and the damage it can cause. However, there are a few things that you can also do to that will help you avoid damaged to AC coils such as:

• Make sure you wash off your AC unit after a haboob hits. The simple act of washing the outside of your cooling unit before turning it back on will remove the dust and dirt that you can’t see that is trapped inside the outer filter system.


• Consider adding a surge protector to your outdoor cooling unit. Sometimes Haboobs come with lightning and can cause a power spike. The surge protector will help reduce electrical damage that is common with these intense summer storms.

Tip #3 – Do Things That Will Help Avoid Structural Damage to Your AC Unit

There are a few things you can do to reduce the potential of structural damage to your AC unit during a summer haboob in Phoenix. Consider building a shed or shelter unit that covers your AC system outdoors. This will significantly reduce the potential of excess dirt and dust from surrounding your AC after a haboob. It can also reduce the chance of large items hitting your AC system during heavy wind events.

The haboob is a freak of nature that can’t be predicted but can cause a ton of damage to homes in the Phoenix area. However, by taking some proactive measures and knowing what to do during and after a haboob in regards to your AC system, you’ll be better prepared to reduce damage to your home and your cooling system.

__________________________

In need of home air conditioning repair in Phoenix after a nasty haboob? Then call the Hays Cooling & Heating team today for all of your air conditioning needs. It Pays To Call Hays! Call 602-714-8270 today.

Read related articles:

• How To Maintain Air Conditioner Efficiency In Phoenix AZ


• Top Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips From AC Experts In AZ


• 3 Expert Tips To Avoid Costly HVAC Repairs In Phoenix

 

Read the full story at: http://hayscoolingandheating.com/avoid-ac-damage-from-a-haboob-in-phoenix/

Why is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up in Summer?

Believe it or not, one of the biggest issues facing Phoenix homeowners in the hot summer heat is an AC unit that freezes up. This might seem to be a virtual impossibility with average temperatures over 100 degrees daily, but the frozen AC system is a major problem that occurs – primarily due to restricted airflow. Before we answer why is my air conditioner freezing up in summer, it’s important to understand how these units work and what you can do to reduce the chances of an AC unit freezing.

What Causes an AC Unit to Freeze?

Any air conditioning system works by circulating air from the house to the cooling system and back into the home. The restriction of airflow is the major reason why an AC unit will freeze. Without question, the major cause of restricted airflow is dirty filters. According to the US Department of Energy, every home should replace their indoor filters once per month, especially in hot and dusty areas like the Phoenix Valley. It’s also important for home owners to inspect their vents frequently, as a blockage inside their ventilation system can also reduce the flow of air to and from the cooling system and can lead to frozen coils.

Easy to Identify Air Conditioner Freezing Up Symptoms

There are a few warning signs that any homeowner can recognize that will indicate that your AC unit is freezing up or that it has done so already.

Look for the following:

• A sudden decrease in the performance of your air conditioning unit. This is mainly directed to how efficient the unit works. If you notice that your cooling unit is running longer than it should, this could be a warning sign that it’s struggling to cool the air efficiently.


• Reduction in airflow from the vents inside your home. If you notice that the AC system is running longer, stand next to one of the vents and see if the airflow is ‘slower’ than usual. This could be a sign of a blocked vent or restricted airflow. As we stated above, these two factors often lead to frozen coils.


• See if you can notice a lot of condensate draining from the AC unit. Standing water next to an AC unit is a telltale sign that there are multiple problems. However, if you notice that there is extra water dripping from your AC unit; this could be a sign of frozen condensate coils.


• Warm air blowing from the AC unit. Another simple warning sign that you have a frozen system is if you can feel warm air blowing into your home.

Is Low Refrigerant the Only Freezing Factor?

A major misconception about frozen AC units is that low refrigerant levels or leaking refrigerant levels are the only thing that causes the unit to eventually freeze. As we’ve talked about above, the biggest factor is that the system simply can’t breathe. However, it’s important to realize that all of the symptoms above can also be warning signs of a coolant leak. AC units are designed as closed-loop systems, a loss of refrigerant efficiency can lead to frozen coils as well.

How You Can Reduce Chances of an AC Unit Freezing

There really are only two things you can do to reduce the chance of having your AC system freezing. First, give your AC unit every chance to breathe easy by replacing your indoor filters once per month. Second, call your local HVAC contractor in Phoenix to complete maintenance and service to your AC unit before the summer heat approaches. During this inspection the heating and air conditioning contractor will test for leaks, fill up any lubricants and inspect all phases of operation.

Taking proactive steps to notice the warning signs and fix the problem before it become a major issue are two simple ways that home owners can reduce the potential of their AC unit breaking down when they can least afford it.

__________________________

Is your AC unit freezing up during the summer? Then call the Hays Cooling & Heating team today for all of your air conditioning and heating needs. It Pays To Call Hays! Call 602-714-8270 today.

Read related articles:

• Signs You Might Need AC Repair in Phoenix Arizona


• Best Types of Air Conditioners for Intense Phoenix Summer Heat


• Why Is My Phoenix Home AC Unit Not Cooling Properly?

 

Read the full story at: http://hayscoolingandheating.com/why-is-my-air-conditioner-freezing-up-in-summer/