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.

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

How to Protect Your AC Unit During Monsoon Season in Phoenix

One of the biggest causes of major damage to cooling systems occurs from July till late August. This is the time of year when we receive the majority of our severe thunderstorms and heavy rain in the Phoenix Valley. With this extreme weather comes several opportunities for damage to these expensive units. There are a few things you can do to protect your AC unit during monsoon season in Phoenix that are cost effective and will take very little time to complete.

First – Trim Trees and Tall Brush From Around Air Conditioner

Most damage that is done to AC units during the monsoon season is because of falling trees, branches and other debris that can find itself embedded inside the unit. Thunderstorms can pack quite a wallop with high winds and tons of flash flood opportunities that often break down loose tree limbs. The best thing that homeowners can do to reduce this potential damage from occurring is to take time to trim those long and loose tree branches that are close to your AC unit before the summer monsoon storms arrive.

Another potential cause of damage is when loose grass, weeds and brush get ‘washed’ into the bottom areas of the AC system. This will cause the coils and filters to become clogged up, restricting airflow and sometimes leading to complete system shut down. As such, take time to make sure when you mow during the summer, collect as much loose grass and weeds as possible – so when the heavy rains come, debris won’t embed itself in your cooling unit outdoors.

Second – Consider Installing a Surge Protector

Electrical damage is also a huge potential risk during the summer thunderstorm season. Many homeowners take a proactive measure by installing surge protectors on their outdoor AC units. However, one item that goes largely unprotected is the indoor fan circulation system. This critical component is also a major part of the entire home HVAC system and is just as vulnerable to lightning strikes or power surges that can impact any area of the home.

Surge protection is essentially an insurance policy for any electrically powered device; and since you can’t be 100% certain as to where lightning will strike during a monsoon storm, it’s always a safe bet to be protected. Contact a local HVAC contractor to ask them about the surge protection units they offer for all HVAC equipment.

Third – Consider Moving Your AC Unit to Higher Ground

Besides being struck by debris or potential lighting power surges, the other leading cause of AC damage during monsoon season is flooding. The only practical way to reducing this potential threat is to consider moving your cooling unit to a higher platform – or to an area that is elevated from standing or flowing water. Many homeowners are actively contacting HVAC contractor in Phoenix AZ to install a concrete platform that protects the unit from water that can and often does flood the AC system.

Another solution to this problem is to consider moving your AC system to a place in your back yard that is elevated naturally. The worst place for any cooling unit to be located is at the bottom of a slope or hill, where water is going to naturally flow during the heavy rain season.

These three tips are simple ways of reducing the damage potential to your cooling system thanks in part to the monsoon storms that always arrive in late summer. Take time to visit with your local HVAC contractor to discover other ideas that can help you protect your cooling system throughout the year.

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In need of an AC repair company to come look at your unit after a monsoon? 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.

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Read the full story at: http://hayscoolingandheating.com/protect-your-ac-unit-during-monsoon-season-in-phoenix/

Why is my Phoenix Home AC Unit Not Cooling Properly?

There is simply nothing worse than a Phoenix home AC unit not cooling properly. Whether you live in a townhome or a multi-level single family home, the proper operation of a cooling system is not only critical for comfort in the summer heat, but it can also lead to potential health issues; especially for people that live with respiratory illness or medical conditions. In order to expedite the repair process, and to give you a better understanding the common AC unit problems that occur in the Phoenix Valley, here are some facts to consider.

What are the Common AC Unit Problems?

Before any issue is fixed, it’s critical to find the root problem. When your air conditioner is not cooling, there are typically three common issues that lead to these problems:

1.) Air Restriction Issues

When an AC unit is not free to breathe easy, it becomes overworked – thus leading to overheating and extensive parts wear. This often begins in the filtration system, where air is filtered into and out of the cooling unit throughout the house. The best way to avoid these potential air restriction issues is to make sure to replace your indoor filters every month.

2.) Leaking Coolant Issues

Today’s AC systems are called closed-loop units. This means that coolant simply continues to circulate through the system without running out. However, when an AC unit is not properly maintained, sometimes fittings and hoses can wear out or loosen up; leading to coolant that escapes from the closed-loop system.

3.) Improper Lubrication Issues

When your system is not properly lubricated, excess heat will build up, leading to premature parts wear and tear. Another factor that leads to lubrication issues is typical dust and debris that enters the cooling system when it’s not in use.

What are the Common Air Conditioner Solutions?

The primary way to reduce these issues is to have your cooling unit inspected prior to the summer season. By contacting professional HVAC companies in Phoenix to inspect and service your AC, they will typically provide three common services:

• They will replace all filters. Replacing the filters on a monthly basis is also a great way to reduce the potential of your AC system breaking down. It will also help to improve the energy efficiency of your system when you replace indoor filters yourself every month.


• AC Company will tighten all belts, hoses and fittings. This reduces the potential of leaks in the coolant or lubrication systems.


• Top off all lubricants. A properly lubricated metal part simply lasts longer and has much less chance for premature wear and tear.

Are there Preventive Air Conditioning Care Programs you can Use?

The answer to this question simply put is yes. There are many things that homeowners can do themselves to reduce the chance of your AC system breaking down.

• Replace your indoor air filters every month. Most preventative air conditioning care programs recommended by manufactures includes the monthly replacement of indoor air filters inside the house.


• Schedule a bi-annual cooling system inspection. By having your cooling unit serviced before and after the busy, hot summer season, you’ll extend the life of your equipment.


• Remove any obstructions on top of your outdoor cooling unit. If you have an AC system outside, take time every week to remove dirt, tree branches or leaves that obstruct the airflow. This will keep your unit running strong around the clock.

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Looking for a reliable, trustworthy company to get an AC repair quote from? call A+ Rated, Family-Owned Hays Cooling & Heating at 602-714-8270 Now. It Pays To Call Hays!

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3 Ways to Save Money on Air Conditioning in Phoenix AZ

A major factor that all homeowners must deal with is the rising cost of energy consumption in Arizona. Everybody that lives in the Phoenix Valley understands that the biggest increase in monthly energy bills occurs during the summer season. This often stimulates an aggressive search for affordable ways to save money on air conditioning in Phoenix AZ – regardless of the size of your home. Fortunately, there are three simple summer energy saving tips you can do to improve the energy efficiency of your cooling unit and thus reduce the cost of your monthly budget.

Look into How You are Setting Your Thermostat While You’re Gone

It’s estimated by the US Department of Energy  that homeowners will spend more than 60% of their lives inside their homes. Obviously, when it’s over 100 degrees outside, you want to be as comfortable as possible during this time – right? But what about that other 40 percent of the time when you’re out doing errands, at work or on vacation? This is often the time where energy consumption can be saved significantly. Here are a few tips that you can easily activate that will ensure you have optimal thermostat setting for Phoenix AZ homes:

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  Set Up a Programmable Thermostat. Technology is wonderful, and now there are several programmable thermostats  that can be customized to keep a home running extremely energy efficiently. Plus, many of these new devices are Wi-Fi enabled – allowing you to control the temperature inside your home from anywhere on the planet and through any mobile device that has internet access.


• 
  Set Your Thermostat to a Comfortable Level. The US Department of Energy also states that the largest energy consumption time period caused by cooling units is when it has to cool a home more than 5 degrees. Although it might seem tempting to shut your cooling system off when you’re not home, the reality is that this will cause your AC system to run harder when you do arrive home – not only draining more wasted energy; but also taking forever to cool your home to a comfortable level. The solution here is to set your AC system to a comfortable temperature (perhaps 3 to 4 degrees higher than you typically like it) during hours you’re not home.

Install or Use Ceiling Fans

AC units are designed to circulate warm air from the home, into the system and then convert it to cooler air that is returned to the home. One of the best ways to expedite this smooth circulation of air is to install and actively use ceiling fans. Ceiling fans have two primary settings:

• Circulate air up to the ceiling


• Push air down to the floor

The best way to use a ceiling fans to cool homes is to draw the warmer air closer to the air ducts inside the home that send air to be cooled. This helps the AC system receive the air easier – causing less drag and making the process much more efficient all around. You can also use ceiling fans to circulate the cool air to all parts of your room; again – allowing you to maintain a consistent and comfortable temperature and reduce hot or cold spots.

Schedule Regular AC Maintenance Checkups

Just like any mechanical device, an air conditioning system needs to be properly maintained to ensure smooth operation. Taking time to contact a Phoenix-area HVAC service company to perform annual or bi-annual maintenance is the best way to keep your system running strong. During a routine service check-up, a professional Phoenix air conditioning companies will complete several items that can improve energy efficiency by as much as 40% including:

• Changing out all filters
  


• Checking and repairing any leaks


• Tighten up all fittings and hoses


• Removing any debris or blockages in the system

All of these maintenance items are designed to reduce any flow restrictions – thus improving the energy efficiency of your cooling system across the board. When you activate these three energy saving tips, you can save money on air conditioning in Phoenix AZ significantly.

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

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Read the full story at: http://hayscoolingandheating.com/save-money-on-air-conditioning-in-phoenix-az/