Month: September 2017

HVAC Maintenance Tips for Pet Owners

September 21, 2017

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    Having a pet is one of the greatest joys of life but at the same time one of the greatest responsibilities. Owners have to take care of them because pets are not simply toys; they are family members who need care and attention.

    Pets require walking and cleaning up after, but there is also effort required when it comes to maintaining your HVAC systems and providing a safe environment for them. Air conditioning in Gilbert, Arizona can be a welcome addition for homeowners, but they also need to have their pets in mind.

    Here are some of the useful tips for HVAC maintenance for pet owners.

    Regular cleaning

    Pet owners should give their pets regular baths in order to prevent possible accumulation of dirt they have brought from outside walks. Pet dander is one of the leading causes of allergies, especially when it is distributed through an HVAC system. Regular baths need to be followed by regular brushing, as well as vacuuming and dusting of the home area.

    Regular HVAC check-up

    Homeowners should have their HVAC systems checked up regularly, especially if they have a pet. Having a pet means their dander or hair can get in the HVAC system and clog it, resulting in reduced efficiency and increased energy consumption. Regular check-ups will also prevent the allergens from spreading, as well as increase the heating and cooling system lifespan.

    Upgrading the filter

    Apart from the obligatory regular filter check-up, a good idea might be to upgrade it. The right choice for pet owners is a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter, which can be used to better filter out the allergens and pollutants in your home.

    Check for exposed wires

    An HVAC system can have exposed wires, which can be interesting to your pets. No matter if they are puppies or grown pets, they might find themselves chewing the wires, which can lead to a real disaster. In order to prevent this from happening, you should check the whole place for exposed wires, and enclose them in a conduit, so your pets can’t get hurt.

    Cover the condenser units

    If your pet can roam the backyard freely, it might find its way to the outside condenser unit of your HVAC system and make trouble. Some pets might try to dig or claw the units, which might hurt their feet or damage the unit. Others, such as dogs, might urinate on the unit, marking their territory, which can corrode the unit and leak to dangerous leaks. This is why it is a good idea to enclose the outside unit inside a fence or other type of barrier which will prevent your pet from reaching it.

    Clean and seal the ducts

    Not only does your air filter needs to be cleaned, but also the air ducts, which take the air from the HVAC unit and distributes it through your home. They need to be thoroughly cleaned from all the pet hair and dander, so they can operate clearly. You should also look for possible leaks because this is another way the ducts can be compromised. After sealing them, you can rest assured the air quality will be higher.

    Ensure your home is safe for your pet

    At Hughes Air Conditioning, Heating & Cooling, we have the skilled technicians who can do a check-up of your HVAC system and make sure it is optimized and safe for your pet. Call us to schedule a visit so we can ensure the best possible option and comfort for your home.

    Reasons to Use a Programmable Thermostat

    September 21, 2017

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      Programmable thermostats are becoming more and more popular and common throughout the United States. Due to the average temperatures and the usual heat, an air conditioner in Tempe AZ is a necessity for homeowners. More and more people have started to notice the financial and other benefits of owning a programmable thermostat. Here are some of them.

      Reduced energy and money spending

      One of the first and foremost benefits of having a programmable thermostat is the fact that it can save you a lot of money on electricity bills. This is achieved by getting better acquainted with all the functions of your system, so you can use the most of it. By programming it according to your daily and weekend routine, you can significantly lower your energy usage, which automatically means lower electricity bills. Why waste energy and money when you are not home, simply program your system and it will reduce the cost for you.

      Consistent temperature

      Regardless of the size of your apartment or house, a programmable thermostat will help you maintain an ideal temperature in all the rooms. You can choose the way you want your home to be air conditioned, and set it up so the temperature is constant whenever you wake up or return from work or a trip. This means that not only you, but both your family and friends coming over can always feel comfortable, no matter what time of year it is.

      Faster adjusting

      Unlike manual thermostats, which require you to adjust them every time you wake up or leave the house, programmable thermostats will use up less of your time. You will not need that much practice to start using them and no extra steps to go through to use it optimally. When you input the settings, they will last for as long as they suit you, and you probably won’t have to change them until the end of the season.

      Ease of use

      Programmable thermostats have a user-friendly interface, presented through a touchscreen. This means that you do not have to turn the dial, as is the case with a manual one. The screen will provide you with all the important information at a glance, so you can instantly see your settings.

      Different thermostats have different settings, but all of them offer some default suggestions to ease you into programming them. They are convenient and will provide you with the comfort you require, in addition to saving you time and money.

      Remote control

      Since programmable thermostats are newer than manual ones, they come equipped with modern technology. This can be seen in technology allowing you to program your HVAC system remotely, by using a laptop, tablet or smartphone. It is done simply through the use of an app, enabling you to control it from anywhere you want. For instance, if you go on a trip and forget to adjust the temperature in your house, you can log in to the app and switch it off or turn it up, depending on the weather forecast.

      Zoned heating and cooling

      Another benefit of having a programmable thermostat is that it can help you if you want to have different temperature zones throughout your property. That’s how you can simultaneously have a warmer room and a cooler room, without the need to go through the house and set the zones manually. You will have full control of all the zones, which are completely customizable and hassle-free.

      Install a programmable thermostat in your home

      If this list has made you consider installing a programmable thermostat in your home, contact us at Hughes Air Conditioning, Heating & Cooling to get practical suggestions on time, money and energy-saving solutions for your HVAC system. Take advantage of what modern technology has to offer and invest into a home optimized for the needs of you and your family.