Tuesday, October 24, 2017

How to Prepare for Your HVAC Installation

hvac installationAre you nervous about your upcoming HVAC installation?


A well-installed HVAC system will efficiently serve your home or business for years to come. Proper preparation can help the installation workers quickly and effectively get cold air pumping into the room.


Take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with ways to make sure your space has the best possible environment for installation.



Double-Check the Technical Stuff


New air conditioning systems don’t come in a vacuum – it has to work with the existing space and ductwork.


Great ductwork needs to be leak-free. Escaped air into the attic or walls means that the system has to work harder to cool or heat the rest of the house or office. Test the ductwork for leaks before your HVAC installation date.


Also, consult the installation company you are working with to make sure that you have chosen the best system size and capacity for your home or place of business.


Make Room for Your HVAC Installation


If your home has animals, especially ones who are unfriendly to strangers, keep them in a locked room away from the installation area. You can also board them at a dog hotel for the day.


Move furniture away from the work area. HVAC parts can be large and unwieldy – your installation team will thank you.


Strategically schedule your installation. If at home, make sure that adults will be available to help out. If you have young children, pick a time they are away at school.


At work, choose days that the business is not open or even just select a week that you’re not too busy. Stressed out employees frustrated with the bulk and noise of an installation will cause chaos and make the HVAC installation more difficult to get right.


Don’t forget the small detail of warning employees that an installation will be happening. You won’t believe how easy this is to forget and it causes headaches for everyone involved.


Prep for Your New Outdoor Condenser


The outdoor condenser – that huge cube attached to the outside of the building – is an important piece of equipment that will operate best out of way, outside, and in some shade.


If a worker suggests placing it in the garage or some other area where it doesn’t have easy access to outdoor air, immediately reject the idea. The heat from the unit will counterproductively raise the temperature of your home.


Clear the yard or lot to make way for the condenser. There should be at least three or four feet of clearance around the unit.


If you must place it next to a fence, make sure the fence has plenty of air-flow holes. This is especially important in Phoenix. It gets so hot that the unit needs plenty of circulation.


If there isn’t a lot of natural shade available to help keep the cube cool, consider planting some trees or putting up a canopy. As previously mentioned, if you do plant foliage, don’t put plants too close to the unit.


All Ready to Install


Double-checking that technical details are in place, setting up a great environment for workers, and prepping the area for the new system will ensure a frustration-free installation.


Check out our blog for tips on choosing a system and maintaining it post-installation.


_____________________


Contact Hays Cooling & Heating today for top tier HVAC repair in Phoenix. Call us at (602) 714-8270 or email us to to schedule an appointment! It Pays To Call Hays!


 


Read Related Articles:



Read the full story at: https://hayscoolingandheating.com/hvac-installation/

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Your Ultimate Scottsdale HVAC Maintenance Checklist

scottsdale hvac maintenance checklistDid you know that regular HVAC maintenance can decrease your utility bills by up to 40 percent while increasing your family’s overall comfort? Has it been awhile since you’ve had any maintenance done on your HVAC system?


If so, don’t worry. It’s never too late to get started.


And, to make things easier, we’ve put together the ultimate HVAC maintenance checklist so you can stay on top of it all year round!


How Often Should I Do HVAC Maintenance?


Before we get into specific maintenance tips, let’s first talk about how often you should be doing HVAC maintenance.


Generally, speaking how often you perform maintenance will depend on the type of system you have.


For a system that both heats and cools, you should perform maintenance once in the spring and once in the fall. For a system that only cools, you should perform maintenance at least once a year before the cooling season starts. For a heating-only system, you should perform maintenance once a year, before the heating season begins.


Ultimate HVAC Maintenance Checklist


For Outdoor Units


  • Check and — if necessary — adjust refrigerant level

  • Remove dirt, leaves, and debris

  • Inspect base pan for blocked drain openings and remove any obstructions

  • Inspect and clean coil and cabinet

  • Inspect fan motor and fan blades for damage

  • Inspect control box, controls, wiring, and connections for damage

  • Inspect compressor and associated tubing for damage

For Indoor Units


  • Inspect and clean blower assembly

  • Inspect and replace fan belt if needed

  • Check combustion blower housing for lint and debris

  • Inspect and clean evaporator coil, drain pan and condensate drain lines

  • Check for gas leaks in gas furnaces

  • Inspect, clean, and adjust burner assembly

  • Inspect, clean, and adjust ignition system and safety controls

  • Inspect heating elements

  • Inspect flue system for proper attachment and signs of corrosion

  • Inspect control box, associated controls, wiring, and connections

  • Clean or replace air filters

  • Check ductwork for leaks

How to Get the Most Out of Your HVAC Unit


For maximum energy savings and comfort, keep these extra tips in mind.


For Cooling Systems


  • During the summer months, set the thermostat as high as comfort permits

  • Make sure attics are adequately ventilated to relieve heat buildup

  • Don’t use the air conditioner unnecessarily

  • Draw blinds or drapes to block sunlight during the hottest part of the day

  • Don’t run kitchen and bath exhaust fans longer than necessary

For Heating Systems


  • During the fall and winter months, set the thermostat as low as comfort permits

  • Lower the thermostat a degree or two when expecting a large group of guests

Bonus Tips


  • Make sure your home is properly insulated

  • Weather-strip and caulk around all entrance doors and windows

  • Cut heat transfer through your windows with double-glazing

  • Use wood- or metal-frame storm windows to cut heat transfer

  • Install storm doors at all entrances to your house

  • Keep all windows and doors closed

  • Make sure fireplaces have tight-fitting dampers

Looking for Reliable HVAC Services?


If, when you’re going through your HVAC maintenance checklist, you come across a problem that requires a professional’s help, don’t trust your system to just anyone!


If you are in need of an HVAC repair company in Scottsdale, contact Hays Cooling and Heating a five-star rated, family-owned company ready to help.


 


_____________________


Contact Hays Cooling & Heating today at (602) 714-8270 or email us to to schedule your HVAC maintenance! It Pays To Call Hays!


 


Read Related Articles:



Read the full story at: http://hayscoolingandheating.com/scottsdale-hvac-maintenance-checklist/

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

5 Signs Your Phoenix Home Needs AC Repair

ac repairHow much money do you think it costs to repair an AC? On average, you can expect to spend $336 on AC repair, even though some can cost as much as $1,000.


Phoenix, AZ residents don’t have the luxury of being able to wait out AC problems.


The key to avoiding a high price tag on repair costs is to spot AC problems fast so they don’t get worse over time.


Five Signs You Need AC Repair


Even with regular AC maintenance, it can be tough to tell when your air conditioner needs a tune-up or repair. Sometimes condensation or a strange rattle is a fluke, other times it’s a sign of a serious problem.


Want to know some sure signs that you need an AC repairman? If you notice any of these five problems, you’ll need to contact someone ASAP.


1. Weak/Uneven Airflow


It’s only natural for an AC to weaken over time, but a major change in airflow is a sign that something is wrong.


Do you feel like your airflow isn’t as strong as it used to be? Does the airflow feel uneven in certain areas, or almost like something is keeping it from flowing freely?


Changes in airflow may be fixed with a new filter, or there could be an issue with the motor or other internal parts. Either way, if you continue to notice issues after you clean or replace the filter call a repairman.


2. Constant Thermostat Adjustment


Playing with the thermostat isn’t too unusual if you’re trying to find a comfortable temperature. But if you find yourself tuning it to extremes you may need to get your unit checked out by a repairman.


Having to turn your AC way up to feel cool, or even turning it down to keep the house from getting too frosty, are signs that you need AC repair.


If you suspect that you’re having temperature problems, take note of how many times you adjust it over the week and where you turn the nob. If you find yourself having to adjust more than twice a day, it may be time to call the AC experts.


3. Your HVAC Bills Are High


Some people expect to see a bit of a spike in their electricity bill during the hottest months of the year. A slight increase is normal, but an increasingly steep climb isn’t.


If you’ve noticed a considerable increase in your electric bill, it may be time to call a repairman. Your high bills may not be caused by a rate hike, it could be a stressed AC in need of repair.


4. Bad Smells


If you notice a moldy smell in your house, you should check out your AC unit before you start cleaning the house. Mold growth can lead to respiratory problems and a decrease your home’s air quality.


This isn’t a problem to take lightly.


If your AC emits a bad smell when it’s on, it could be a sign of mold growth. An AC unit that grows mold is one that’s leaking water or other fluid, and that’s a sign that it needs repairs.


5. Strange Sounds


Your AC unit may make a gentle whirring sound when it’s on, but it shouldn’t be too noisy. Strange noises are a sure sign that you need AC repair.


A high-pitched squealing sound could be a sign that a belt is out of place. Or it may be a sign that there’s a part that needs to be lubricated.


Either way, don’t try to diagnose noise problems on your own. It’s best to have a trained ear listening in.


Do you think that you may need AC repair services after reading this post? Contact us today so we can help diagnose and fix your AC problems.


 


_____________________


Contact Hays Cooling & Heating today at (602) 714-8270 or email us to learn more about having your AC unit properly repaired, a tune-up, or inquire about our maintenance program! It Pays To Call Hays!


 


Read Related Articles:



Read the full story at: http://hayscoolingandheating.com/phoenix-home-needs-ac-repair/

Tuesday, October 3, 2017

Why is Trane Such a Trusted Brand in Phoenix?

why traneIf you live in Phoenix, you know high temperatures make air conditioning a necessity — not just for comfort, but also for personal safety.


Heat-related deaths are a genuine concern. The state’s largest municipality, Maricopa County, had 130 heat deaths in 2016.


This year the average high temperature in July was 106 degrees. Winter temps can average 46 degrees, so heating is equally important.


Extreme weather conditions mean you need superior equipment. Keep reading to learn why Trane(TM) is one of the most trusted brands in Phoenix.


Reliability


Every Trane(TM) product endures rigorous testing that goes beyond industry standards. Systems are tested in extreme heat and severe cold for 16 weeks.


Some units are subjected to 2,600 hours of continuous trials that include a week of salt spray to analyze corrosion resistance. This marathon simulates 5 years of wear and tear in a couple of months.


Trane(TM) is one of the most trusted brands in Phoenix because systems perform an average of 18-20 years compared to other brands which only last 10-12 years.


Want to see real-life examples of reliability? Check out these videos and photos of Trane products that conquered extreme situations.


Energy Efficiency


Trane(TM) offers packaged systems that maximize the efficiency of two units in one. Consumers can choose all electric, gas/electric or dual fuel options.


All split system air conditioner and heat pump matched systems with a SEER of 14.5 or above, 12 EER, or HSPF of 8.2 or above meet or exceed the EPA Energy Star efficiency requirements.


All the gas furnaces with an AFUE of 90% or above meet or exceed the minimum EPA Energy Star requirements.


Don’t forget, the higher the efficiency rating, the greater your savings will be.


Seasonal Maintenance


It’s a good idea to schedule preventative maintenance before the hot summer and cold winter seasons begin.


This ensures your system will provide top performance during extreme temperatures.


Seasonal maintenance increases the life of your system. It improves energy efficiency and reduces pollutants for consistent air quality. A 33-point inspection is designed to keep you cool in summer and warm in winter.


Trane(TM) Engineering


The company was founded in 1885 in Wisconsin. Over 130 years of experience and ingenuity are behind every product.


Beyond building HVAC systems, Trane has over 1500 patents for heating, air conditioning, and ventilation products. Patented innovations include compressors, coils, and air handlers.


Each product is uniquely designed, built, and tested by award-winning engineers who are respected throughout the industry for commercial and residential systems.


Smart Home Technology


One of the latest innovations is the Nexia smart home system. The Nexia app communicates with hundreds of smart home devices. You’ll never worry about an unlocked home or open garage door again.


When you pair Nexia with Trane’s innovative ComfortLink(TM) controls, you can adjust your home’s temperature from your smartphone or another web-enabled device.


Call the Comfort Specialists


Call at Hays Cooling and Heating to help with repairs, maintenance or installation of a new system. Our certified Trane Comfort Specialists(TM) are available 24/7. We look forward to serving you.


 


_______________________________________


Contact your Trane Comfort Specialists in Phoenix at Hays Cooling & Heating to learn more about Trane Units and any specials we may be running. Email us or call 602-714-8270 now!

 


Read related articles:



Read the full story at: http://hayscoolingandheating.com/why-is-trane-such-a-trusted-brand-in-phoenix/