The average AC lives a hard life. It’s constantly exposed to temperature extremes, harsh weather, grime and debris buildup, and other rough conditions. Summers are especially difficult because the AC has to work extra hard to combat the sweltering temperatures.

Luckily, by taking a few precautions and sticking with an annual air conditioner maintenance schedule, you can prevent most air conditioner problems and keep your cooling system running like a charm throughout the sweltering summer days.

So how do you do this? How do you ensure your AC in Scottsdale and other Arizona communities operates correctly during the hottest season of the year? Read on to find out.

Why does my AC go out every summer?

As anyone who has experienced an Arizona summer first-hand will tell you, having a functioning air conditioner is a must if you live in the Grand Canyon State. Unfortunately, AC malfunctions are a common issue during the cooling season, and they can be an absolute nightmare to deal with.

Here are 4 ways to prevent AC-related problems this summer:

1. Check the filters

Dirty filters prevent airflow through the AC, forcing it to work harder or even making it completely unable to do its job. By replacing the filters regularly (or washing them, if they’re reusable) you’ll be making it easier for your AC to operate while also improving your indoor air quality.

2. Don’t close or obstruct air vents

Refrain from closing your air vents, as this can interfere with your AC’s operation. Also, make sure that there are at least 5-10 inches between the vents and any furniture, carpeting, clutter, and other items that may block the airflow.

3. Clear the area around the indoor and outdoor units

The exterior parts of your AC can get blocked by debris, dirt, shrubbery, and trash, so make sure to clear those out. Likewise, keep your interior AC components clean and make sure there’s enough clearance between them and nearby furniture.

4. Don’t skip the yearly maintenance

Having your AC serviced by a qualified technician is the single most important thing you can do to keep it healthy. Your HVAC expert will perform essential maintenance tasks you can’t do yourself and identify any issues. This will significantly decrease the risk of AC failure.

What should you set your air conditioner on in the summer?

According to the Department of Energy, setting your AC to 78 degrees Fahrenheit provides the optimal balance between comfort and energy conservation. However, this can vary widely depending on your property’s location and insulation, as well as the outside weather and your personal preferences.

As a rule of thumb, you should set your AC to the highest setting that isn’t uncomfortably warm for you and your family. If you’re used to low temperatures, you should start slowly increasing them to get your body accustomed to the new settings.

How do I set up an annual air conditioner maintenance schedule in Scottsdale & the area?

Are you looking for a dependable HVAC company in Scottsdale, Tempe, Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek, and other Arizona cities? If so, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Hughes Air. As a licensed HVAC contractor with nearly 10 years of industry presence, we are ideally equipped to meet all your HVAC repair, installation, and servicing needs.

Call us today if you’d like to schedule a consultation or request a free quote. Our technicians will quickly show up at your property and take care of your HVAC-related needs while you focus on your other obligations or spend a fun afternoon at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art with your friends and family.

Air conditioners are a lot like cars in that they’re both complex machines that contain numerous moving parts and are constantly exposed to bad weather, temperature fluctuations, dirt and dust buildup, and other harsh conditions.

As with cars, the only way to prevent the rough Arizona climate from causing costly damages to your cooling system is to ensure it receives regular servicing from qualified HVAC pros in Scottsdale and the area.

But how frequently should you service your AC, and what does a comprehensive air conditioner maintenance checklist include? Are there any measures you can take to keep your AC safe during the cooling season? Keep reading to find out.

What maintenance does an air conditioner need?

While homeowners are advised to give their cooling and heating systems a visual examination every now and then, there’s only so much they can do without specialized training and equipment.

Seasoned HVAC technicians know what to look for and how to examine components that wouldn’t otherwise be accessible without the relevant tools and expertise. More importantly, they know how to safely handle and dispose of AC refrigerant in a way that’s harmless to people, animals, and the environment.

A professional AC maintenance includes:

• Checking if the system contains the correct amount of refrigerant
• Checking for debris and dirt in the outdoor unit
• Testing for leaks by performing a pressurized system test using a leak detection device
• Checking the fans for signs of damage to the blades and motor
• Checking the filters and replacing them as needed (or cleaning them if they’re reusable)
• Removing and disposing excess refrigerant in an environmentally-friendly manner
• Checking for duct and seal leakage within the central AC system
• Checking if the amount of air flow through the evaporator coil is at correct levels
• Checking for clogs and obstructions in the condensate drain
• Verifying if the electric control sequence is correct, therefore preventing the cooling and heating systems from operating at the same time
• Inspecting, cleaning, and servicing the electric terminals
• Adjusting all the belts (if necessary) and checking for signs of wear
• Checking if there’s enough oil in the motors
• Checking the thermostat

How often should you have your air conditioner serviced?

A residential AC should be checked by a professional AC technician once a year. This is best done at the beginning of spring, as it enables you to catch and fix any problems before they can interfere with your AC’s operation during summer.

Spring is also a great time to replace old ACs with newer models that have superior efficiency ratings, as HVAC contractors are still nowhere near as busy as they usually are once the hot summer days really start to roll in.

Which AC service has a detailed air conditioner maintenance checklist in Scottsdale & the region?

Air conditioner maintenance is a professional service that requires specialized training and hands-on experience. That’s why you should always have your ACs serviced by a reputable HVAC contractor like Hughes Air that has the necessary tools and experience.

We repair, install, and maintain all types of HVAC systems, including:

• Central air conditioning
• Split air conditioning
• Nest thermostats
• Ductless air conditioning
• Furnaces, heat pumps, and boilers of all types
• Indoor air quality systems
• Gas and electric water heaters
• Commercial HVAC units, and more.

In addition to the City of Scottsdale, we also serve many nearby communities, including Chandler, Tempe, Gilbert, Queen Creek, and more. Reach out to us today if you want to book our services, or fill out our online form if you’d like to request a free estimate.

The average air conditioner lives a hard life. Its exterior unit is exposed to the elements, its many moving parts are at constant risk of wear and corrosion, and it tends to run often or even non-stop during the hotter months.

Luckily, proper air conditioner maintenance can keep ACs running properly even after they start nearing the end of their service life. One of the most important parts of this regular maintenance is removing dirt and other debris from your cooling system by giving it an in-depth cleaning.

But how do you clean an air conditioner? We’re glad you asked because we’ve prepared a short guide on how to clean your AC in the spring and get it ready for the cooling season. Read on to learn more.

How do you clean an air conditioner in the spring?

Dirty AC components can result in all sorts of problems, such as lowered energy efficiency, the inability of the AC to reach the optimal settings and even reduced indoor air quality in your home. For this reason, giving your AC a good cleaning a couple of times a year (or hiring the experts to do it), is crucial in order to keep it operating as it should.

Here’s how to keep your air conditioner tidy this spring:

1. Replace or wash the filters

The filters are one of the most important parts of your internal AC unit. Their job is to keep debris, dirt, pollens, mold, mites, and other filth from contaminating your indoor air. As a general rule, these filters should be replaced or cleaned (if they’re reusable) every 1-3 months.

If you’re not sure how to access the filters in your AC, or you don’t know if they’re washable, your best course of action is to consult with a reputable cooling and heating contractor in Chandler.

2. Clean the evaporator coils

The evaporator is the component that pulls warm air out of your home, cools it, and compresses it (therefore removing moisture) before pushing it back into your house. Depending on how much you use your AC, the evaporator coils should be cleaned a couple of times a year.

However, due to the coils being located in a special coil cabinet and therefore not easily accessible without specialized knowledge and equipment, you shouldn’t attempt to clean them yourself unless you have a background as an AC technician.

3. Clean the compressor unit and coils

The large cage that’s located outside your house is called the condenser. It houses the fan, the cooling fins, the coolant tubes, and the compressor. It’s not unusual for leaves, grass, twigs, and other dirt to find its way into the condenser or get stuck to the fan motor and blades.

You can solve this problem by manually removing any debris you find and gently rinsing off the condenser with a low-pressure garden hose and a gentle spray degreaser.

If there’s debris inside your condenser, you’ll need to call an HVAC technician to open the unit and clean out the interior. Do not attempt to do this yourself as you may end up damaging the unit and potentially voiding your warranty.

Where can I book professional air conditioner maintenance in Chandler, AZ?

As the lead provider of cooling and heating services in Chandler, Hughes Air is uniquely positioned to meet all your AC maintenance, installation, and repair needs. Our extensive industry experience and client-oriented service has earned us numerous 5-star reviews over the years.

Our technicians will make short work of any AC-related issues you may have while you focus on your other responsibilities or simply enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the Environmental Education Center with your family and friends. Contact us today.

Spring is getting closer with each passing day, which means your heating will be seeing less and less use while your air conditioner will likely be running 24/7. Needless to say, the last thing you want is for your AC to suddenly start acting up in the middle of a sweltering summer day.

Luckily, getting your AC ready for spring will not only help you avoid those problems, but also enable you to spot any signs you need AC service before they can lead to serious malfunctions and expensive repairs.

In an effort to help you ensure your AC works flawlessly throughout the upcoming months, we have prepared a brief 6-step guide on how to get your air conditioner ready for spring. Keep reading to learn more.

How to prepare your AC for spring?

Since you don’t need your AC during spring as much as you do during the prime cooling season, early spring is a great time to consider any upgrades to your AC, such as getting a new thermostat or adding zone control systems.

Follow these 6 steps when preparing your air conditioner for spring:

Step #1: Uncover the outdoor unit

Remove the AC cover (if you use one) and make sure no sticks, leaves, and other debris has gotten stuck in the exterior unit, especially inside the fan shroud.

Step #2: Check the electrical panel

If you turned off the power to the outdoor unit during winter, now’s the time to open the electrical panel and make sure the breaker or fuse is set to “ON”.

Step #3: Check the air filter in your interior unit

All indoor AC units in Chandler contain one or more air filters that are designed to prevent dirt, dust, and other contaminants from getting inside your home. However, the filters will eventually become clogged with regular use.

Depending on how much you use your AC, these filters should be replaced (or cleaned, if they’re reusable) every 1-3 months.

Step #4: Give it a quick cleaning

Hose down your outdoor AC unit using a low pressure hose to wash away any debris. This will prevent dirty coils and other problems from interfering with the way the system operates and keep it energy-efficient.

Step #5: Turn off the humidifier

Although humidifiers should be installed in a way that prevents their use during the warmer months, this isn’t always the case. To keep from wasting cool air, you should close the damper on your humidifier (if it has one) and completely turn down the humidity control.

Step #6: Schedule professional maintenance

Both system manufacturers and the US Department of Energy recommend regular inspections and tune-ups for all AC units. This increases the efficiency of your AC, reduces energy consumption, prevents common and expensive AC problems, and prevents the premature failure of your air conditioner.

A professional tune-up includes:

• Tightening electrical connections
• Flushing the condensate drain
• Measuring airflow to ensure optimum cooling and proper operation
• Taking measures to prevent rust and corrosion
• Examining the ductwork for leaks
• Lubricating moving parts such as the motor and the fan

Who should you call if you spot telltale signs you need AC service in Chandler?

Your air conditioner is one of the most important appliances in your home. In addition to keeping your home cool and comfortable during the hotter months and warming it up during winter, it also limits the amount of dirt, dust, pollen, and other grime that gets into your house.

Here at Hughes Air, we’d like to help you keep your AC running perfectly for many years to come. As the premier AC technicians in Chandler with over 30 years of first-hand experience, we’ll happily take care of any AC-related problems you might have while you relax at the Snedigar Recreation Center with your loved ones. Call us today.

 

Heat pumps are devices that either cool or heat a building by moving heat from one source to another. During the warmer seasons, they take the heat out of your home and transfer it outside. During the colder months, they do the opposite.

This is an extremely effective way of heating up or cooling an indoor space. However, like other types of HVAC systems, heat pumps inevitably become worn down with age and regular use. Eventually, your old heat pump will go bad and start acting up in some way.

We previously wrote about how to prep your HVAC for the colder months and why covering your AC during winter is unnecessary. Now we’ll provide some pointers on how to tell when it’s time to replace your heat pump. Read on to learn more.

What is the average life expectancy of a heat pump?

The typical lifespan of a heat pump can vary a lot depending on how heavily the system is used and whether it’s regularly serviced and checked. Most units made in the 1970s and 1980s last 15 years or so, although proper maintenance has enabled some of them to last much longer.

That being said, lower-end heat pumps rarely make it past the 10 year mark, while higher quality models can easily last for up to 20-25 years.

Are heat pumps better than air conditioners?

Heat pumps tend to be more efficient than AC units because they can both cool and heat a space. However, they have the drawback of becoming inefficient if the temperatures drop too low for a prolonged period of time.

When should I replace my heat pump?

It depends on how old your heat pump is and whether any major components have broken down. As a general rule, if your heat pump is older than 10 years and the compressor, accumulator, outdoor coil, or reversing valve goes bad, replacing it is almost always the more cost-effective option.

Here are some common signs it’s time to get a new heat pump:

• Unusually high energy bills. Like furnaces and air conditioners, heat pumps lose efficiency as they age. If you’re getting unexpectedly high utility bills and your heat pump is nearing the end of its life, it’s probably time to replace it.
• It breaks down frequently. A heat pump shouldn’t require more than a handful of repairs every few years. If your pump is breaking down more often than that, replacing it is likely the right option.
• Uneven heating. If your heat pump struggles to reach your set temperature or some parts of your home are noticeably warmer or colder, or you’re experiencing high indoor humidity during summer, it’s time to get a new unit.

Sometimes, it may make sense to replace your old pump even if none of the major parts have malfunctioned. This is because newer models provide much higher energy savings that will make them a lot more cost-efficient in the long run.

What’s the best way to replace my old heat pump in Chandler?

Making sure your heat pump is in good condition and working properly is crucial in order to ensure you and your loved ones stay healthy and comfortable. Here at Hughes Air, we’d like to help you do just that.

As the top provider of HVAC services in Chandler, we’re superbly equipped to deal with any heating or cooling-related problem you may have. Call us today and spend a fun afternoon at the Chandler Community Center while our technicians ensure your HVAC system stays in excellent shape at all times.

 

As the days grow shorter and the temperatures get lower, the question of how to go about saving energy in the winter becomes the foremost concern on most homeowners’ minds. And yet, many of us still end up using much more energy than we need to.

In previous articles, we gave you some pointers on how to prepare your furnace for winter and answered the age-old question of whether covering an AC unit is a good idea during the colder months of the year.

Now we’ll expand on the topic of winter preparation by providing you with 3 tried-and-true ways to reduce the amount of energy you spend on heating. Keep reading to learn more.

Why did I get a high energy bill?

If you recently received a surprisingly steep heating bill despite not having heated your home any more than you usually do, there’s a possibility your HVAC system is to blame.

Here’s what can cause an unusually high heat bill:

• Damaged or inefficient insulation
• Old or malfunctioning furnace
• Problem with the HVAC heat pump
• Old or improperly installed windows
• Broken thermostat (or it may have been running on high settings)
• Leaky HVAC ducts

How can I be more energy efficient in the winter?

Keeping draughts to a minimum is the single most important thing you can do to save energy and keep your place cozy. Any gaps in your windows and doors that are letting warm air out and cold air in should be covered with draught excluders (weather sealants, insulating strips, etc.).

Likewise, if you have cracks and gaps in your floors, you should treat them with a silicone-based sealant that’s designed for draught-proofing.

Here are 3 more ways to reduce energy expenditures during winter:

1. Shut the doors

Keeping interior doors closed at all times will “trap” heat inside individual areas. This way, your HVAC system will have to work less hard to keep each room cozy, and you won’t waste energy heating up hallways and other less important parts of your house.

2. Don’t set the thermostat too high

Simply turning down your thermostat by 7-10 degrees Fahrenheit for eight hours every day can shave 10% off of your yearly heating and cooling bills. During the colder seasons, set your thermostat to 68 degrees while you’re at home, and set it lower while you’re asleep or outside.

If these temperatures sound unpleasant to you, there’s a significant chance you’re not wearing the right clothes. Wearing a soft bathrobe and some nice slippers is a great way to keep yourself both cozy and comfortable while you’re at home.

3. Make better use of your oven

Ovens heat up all the shelves regardless of whether you’re actually cooking anything on them or not. A great way to make use of this extra energy is to prepare more than one meal at a time. This has the added benefit of saving you time.

Furthermore, after you’re done cooking, leave the oven door open and let all that sweet warmth make its way into your home.

Reliable HVAC services are key to saving energy in the winter

When it comes to effective energy saving during the winter, nothing beats having a modern, well-maintained HVAC system. After all, keeping your heating bills reasonable simply isn’t possible if your old or faulty furnace is drawing ridiculous amounts of energy just to keep your house semi-warm.

The good news is, Hughes AIr is a first-rate HVAC contractor in Chandler that can keep your HVAC system running at peak performance or replace it with a cutting-edge alternative. Call us today and enjoy a fun day at the Chandler Tennis Center while we make your HVAC-related problems disappear.

 

Having your heating suddenly break down in the middle of an icy winter night is one of the worst things that can happen to a homeowner. Luckily, you can prevent this from happening by giving your HVAC system a proper HVAC winter tune-up before the cold weather really kicks in.

But how do you do this? Will putting a cover over your exterior AC unit protect your air conditioner during the colder months? Is there any way to make your HVAC more efficient during winter? Should you have it inspected by a registered HVAC technician in Chandler?

We’d like to help you make sure your HVAC system works flawlessly by answering some of these questions and providing you with 5 time-tested tips for getting your heating ready for fall and winter. Read on to learn more.

How should I set my HVAC for winter?

Properly setting up your HVAC system for the colder seasons will not just make sure it’s doing its job when you need it the most, but also save you money by lowering your energy bill and reducing the risk of costly malfunctions such as faulty heat pumps or blower motors.

Here are 5 things you need to do when getting your HVAC ready for winter:

Tip# 1: Change or clean the filters

HVAC filters need to be replaced or cleaned (if they’re reusable) every 1-3 months. Not doing so will cause them to become clogged with debris and lint, especially if you own pets. This will in turn force your furnace to work harder to pull the air from them, which will increase energy consumption, provide less heating, and possibly even damage your furnace.

Tip #2: Give the thermostat a quick checkup

The last thing you want is to discover your thermostat isn’t working after it has already gotten chilly outside. Test it by switching it from cooling to heating, and raising the room temperature by a few degrees. If everything is as it should be, you’ll hear the sound of the heat kicking on.

Tip #3: Check your carbon monoxide detectors

Carbon monoxide detectors should be tested every fall to ensure they’re working and that they’re placed correctly (a minimum of 5 feet above the floor). This is an absolute must, as it protects you and your loved ones from a deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.

Tip #4: The vents need to be cleaned

HVAC vents tend to get clogged with dust, hair, grime, and other debris after a while. This will not only put extra strain on your furnace, it’ll also increase the risk of your HVAC system distributing dust and germs into the other areas of your home.

Tip #5: Service your chimneys

Chimneys should be professionally cleaned once a year to keep creosote and other hazardous materials from building up inside them. If you use an oil or gas furnace, you should still have its chimneys examined for signs of carbon buildup, corrosion, and animal activity.

Where can I book a top-of-the-line HVAC winter tune-up in Chandler?

There’s no doubt about it: making sure your HVAC system works properly during fall and winter is one of the most important things you can do as a homeowner. Here at Hughes Air, we’d like to help you do just that by providing you with state-of-the-art HVAC maintenance, repair, and installation services in Chandler.

Our award-winning technicians will gladly deal with any HVAC-related issue you may have while you deal with your other obligations or simply enjoy a fun afternoon at the Arizona Railway Museum with your family. Get in touch with us today.

 

About 84% of US households have some form of air conditioning, so it’s safe to say that the majority of Americans agree that having an AC system in their homes is a must. We can also assume that most of us take certain measures to winterize our homes and HVAC systems to maximize our comfort and keep our energy bills down during the colder months.

However, there’s one age-old question that many AC owners still wonder about: can you leave the exterior unit of your air conditioner as is during fall and winter, or does it need a top cover to protect it from harsh weather?

In the following article, we’ll dispel this confusion once and for all by explaining both the advantages and disadvantages of covering an outdoor AC unit. Keep reading to learn more.

Are you supposed to cover your AC unit in winter?

You’re not. The reality is that engineers who design outdoor air conditioner units are fully aware that these devices could be exposed to extreme temperatures and harsh weather all year long, so they specifically design them to be able to withstand these conditions.

Needless to say, if you live in a city such as Chandler, which gets relatively mild winters compared to the other parts of the world, your AC will die from old age long before the weather can have any effect on it.

In addition to being completely unnecessary, covering your AC can actually interfere with its normal functioning.

Here’s why:

External AC units are made to be open to the air

Covering the unit blocks normal air flow, which can result in mold growths on your evaporator coil. This not only reduces the efficiency of your AC, it can also cause your AC to blow mold spores straight into your home.

Covers create a high humidity environment

Trapping moisture inside your AC’s system can cause it to corrode and rust. Also, since your outdoor AC unit contains wiring connections, electrical wiring, and possibly even a circuit board or two, there’s an increased risk of component failure.

Pests love AC covers

Rodents, birds, stray cats, and other animals love using covered ACs as shelter during the winter. In addition to being unhealthy, this often leads to electrical wires getting chewed, the insulation on Freon lines being taken apart, and the unit itself becoming a nest for mice.

Does covering your AC unit help?

Despite all of the above, there are indeed a few small benefits that can be gained by covering your external AC unit during the winter.

These benefits are:

• A cover may keep the evaporator coils inside your AC a little cleaner, enabling it to run a bit more efficiently the next time it’s used.
• A cover prevents debris such as sand, dust, dirt, sticks, leaves, and other yard waste from getting inside your outdoor AC unit, so putting a cover over it may be worthwhile if you’re expecting a sandstorm.
• It keeps water from dripping directly onto your coils and freezing (this could potentially damage the unit).

Where can I find the most reliable air conditioning contractor in Chandler, AZ?

Are you unsure whether you should use an air conditioner top cover, and you’d like to learn more about it from an experienced AC contractor? Or perhaps your heat pump has given up the ghost and you need to have it fixed ASAP? Whatever your AC-related needs may be, you can’t go wrong by reaching out to Hughes Air.

With over 30 years of hands-on experience and an extensive list of 5-star reviews, we can proudly call ourselves the premier HVAC contractor in Chandler. Give us a call today.