An air conditioning unit is an essential household component that enables you to create a cozy, comfortable home. So, a great number of homeowners tries to optimize its performance and maximize its efficiency. From booking unmatched air conditioning installation in Gilbert, AZ to properly repairing and protecting your AC system, there are plenty of things you can do to achieve this. 

Yet, one of the common questions that homeowners have is whether covering or shading their units can have any effects on its functioning. 

Will shading air conditioner help?

As you already know, your AC system contains an indoor and outdoor element. The outside component is called the condensing unit and it’s in charge of absorbing the heat from your home interior and releasing it outside. During scorching summer days, the unit may need more energy to function, which may lead to an increase in electricity bills. 

So, people often think that shading the condensing unit can help them reduce their bills by relieving pressure from their AC system. However, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind:

• Improper shading can restrict the AC airflow, preventing it from functioning properly or even damaging your unit. 
• Planting trees around your AC to provide it with shade may expose it to debris, leaves, branches, and dirt, which can cause some problems such as clogged air filters. 
• Building certain structures around your AC may protect it from direct solar exposure, but high temperature levels can still hinder its performance. 
• Shading and insulating your entire home can help you achieve even better results and increase your energy savings in the long run. 
• Consulting with your AC contractors beforehand is highly advisable because they can give you expert advice on how to properly protect your unit. 

Should I cover my AC unit in the summer?

Homeowners also wonder whether covering their unit in the summer is a good idea and how it can affect their system. However, it’s important to stress that you need to be careful when covering your AC and follow a few important tips.

• Don’t cover your unit in the summer. Instead, you should do it immediately after the summer to protect it from leaves, dirt, and debris that can clog its components in the fall. 
• Don’t cover the entire unit. The protective cover should be placed just over the top and six inches to the sides. Otherwise, you’ll trap moisture inside and risk causing a problem. 
• Choose the right cover. Using a plastic cover to protect your AC system can trap moisture inside. This may lead to the corrosion of the electrical components. Instead, consider using a breathable cover such as canvas or something that can absorb the dripping water. 
• Protect it in the winter. Covering your unit in the winter can protect it from debris, ice, and other possible hazards. 
• Consult with your contractors. It’s generally not advisable to cover your AC unit since the system is already designed to withstand unfavorable weather conditions. If you still believe you can benefit from doing so, make sure to seek advice from your technicians. 
• Schedule regular maintenance. Regular AC maintenance is advisable regardless of whether you cover your AC system or not. However, you may want to have your unit checked more frequently if you decide to cover it. 

Our air conditioning installation experts in Gilbert, AZ guarantee quality

Has your AC stopped cooling your home? Just give us a call and we’ll fix the problem in a heartbeat! Here at Hughes Air, we provide outstanding AC installation and other related services to our neighbors in Gilbert, AZ. You can count on us to set up your system perfectly, optimize its performance, and help you turn your home into a cozy haven. 

When rendering our services, we strive to maintain a consistent level of quality and ensure complete customer satisfaction. What’s more, we’re so efficient that you’ll even have time to relax in Freestone Park after we get the job done. Contact us today and see why we’re the leading experts in the area!

Bearing the sizzling summer heat isn’t easy, especially if you live in Arizona. In fact, most people would feel utterly lost without their trusted air conditioners. Unfortunately, the worst-case scenario will happen to all of us from time to time: the AC simply won’t turn on! 

Why does that happen? What do you do when your AC isn’t working? Read on to find out what could be causing your AC to malfunction and what you can do about it. 

Of course, many AC-related issues may only be handled by experienced HVAC professionals. If you’re experiencing problems with your unit, it’s always best to reach out to the leading AC repair in Scottsdale, AZ and let seasoned technicians fix your AC with unrivaled professionalism, making sure it works as good as new once again. 

How do I turn on the AC in my house?

Sometimes, resolving the issue that’s preventing you from turning on your AC is as simple as checking if your thermostat has power. If it does, then another simple fix might do the trick: make sure that your thermostat is in cool mode. If it’s set to heat and the set thermostat value is higher than the room temperature, your air conditioner won’t turn on. 

In case that doesn’t work, try setting the temperature 5 °F below the current room temperature to check if your unit goes back to normal. If it’s still no good, that means that the thermostat settings are in order and you’re dealing with a different issue.  

Why won’t my AC turn on in my house?

If your AC unit still won’t turn on even though it has power, is in cool mode and is set at a temperature that’s at least 3 degrees lower than the room temperature, then the culprit may be one of the following: 

• Clogged air filters: check your AC filter. If it’s too dirty, it can reduce airflow and cause the evaporator coils to freeze up and your unit to stop working. Luckily, replacing the filter is all it takes to solve the issue.  
• Tripped circuit breaker: your AC may have stopped working due to a circuit breaker tripping and cutting off the power. Check your electrical panel for tripped breakers and if there are any, turn them off and then on again. If it trips again, seek expert help.
• Obstructed condensate drain: over time, the condenser lines in the outdoor unit may get clogged with debris, mold or algae and your AC will shut down to prevent overflowing and water damage. Use a wet-dry vacuum to clear out any debris and blockages. 
• Dirty evaporator coils: similarly, dirt and debris can build up on your evaporator coils and make your AC less efficient. Dirty evaporator coils can also cause a breakdown of the entire unit. 
• Damaged wiring: your air conditioner may have stopped working due to a damaged or broken wire. If you often have issues with the electric appliances in your home, you might be dealing with a wiring issue that needs expert attention.

Exceptional AC repair Scottsdale, AZ relies on

While you could fix some of the mentioned AC issues yourself, such as a dirty filter or a clogged drain, most of them are definitely best left to professionals. What’s more, most of the problems listed in this article can be prevented by regular AC servicing and maintenance. 

Luckily, finding the best HVAC service in the Greater Phoenix Area isn’t hard. Just reach out to Hughes Air and forget all about your air conditioner troubles. Our highly qualified technicians will inspect your unit and make sure it stays in peak condition during the summer months. 

Not only that but they’ll also tell you all you need to know about using your AC unit properly: should you sleep with the AC on? Is it a good idea to leave the AC on all day? We have all the answers! 

Reach out to us today!

As soon as the summer months begin, we are all tempted to crank up our air conditioners to try and survive the sweltering heat. Still, many of us wonder whether it’s wise to turn the AC on every time we feel a little bit hot if we want to save energy and keep our utility bills in check. 

While some homeowners seem to believe that turning off their AC while they’re away is the best way to save money, others have heard that their AC is most efficient when it’s going at full blast. So, who’s right?  

Before we answer that question, we want to add that your AC will be optimally efficient only if it’s properly maintained and regularly serviced, regardless of when you turn it on or off. That’s why you need a top-quality air conditioning repair service in Scottsdale to ensure your AC always works its best. 

Read on! 

When should I turn my AC on?

Staying comfortable during summer without spending a fortune on electricity bills is surely one of the most frequent AC-related struggles, if not the most common one. For a long time, homeowners have relied on the Internet to find solutions that will enable them to use the AC as efficiently as possible. 

If you’ve ever searched for this kind of advice yourself, you must have come across at least two contradicting ideas that go something like this: 

• Leaving the AC on at a slightly higher temperature while you’re not home will save you more than turning it off.  
• Shutting the AC off while you’re away and turning it on at full speed when you want to cool down will ensure maximum efficiency. 

What should you believe? Well, first you need to understand the reasoning behind these pieces of advice. The former solution is based on the idea that your AC won’t waste energy each time you turn it back on. 

However, proponents of the latter solution contradict this by claiming that your AC will actually use more energy trying to maintain a consistent temperature level during the day. This is because air conditioning systems perform best and are the most efficient when set to run at full speed. That means that letting your AC work at full blast each time you need cooling down will waste less energy overall than letting it run all day.        

Is it OK to leave AC on all day?

While both of these ideas appear to be sensible, the truth actually lies somewhere in the middle. If you simply can’t deal with a stuffy home when you return from work, you just have to know the right way to leave the AC on while you’re out. In fact, there are two useful methods for cutting down your energy bills and staying comfortable during the summer: 

1. Raise your thermostat settings: ACEEE suggests that your AC will decrease its energy usage by 3-5% with each degree you raise. Set your temperature setting to around 78 °F while you’re away for the highest energy savings.  
2. Invest in a programmable thermostat: if you want full control over your energy consumption, programmable thermostats allow you to program your AC to adjust to your set temperatures while you’re out, making sure your home is always comfortably cool. 

Premier air conditioning repair service Scottsdale can’t do without

Sure, you could cool off at Big Surf during the hottest months of the year, but that doesn’t help if you can’t turn on your AC and enjoy the cool and purified air your AC unit can provide you with.  

No matter how wise you are about using your air conditioner, you won’t be able to reduce your energy bills if there’s something wrong with your device. By reaching out to the seasoned HVAC technicians at Hughes Air, you’ll make sure your AC is always in peak condition. Contact us today!

As the sizzling Arizona summer approaches, homeowners across the state rely on their cooling systems to survive the almost unbearable heat and humidity. But have you ever wondered who you should thank for your trusted AC? What’s the history of air conditioners? 

Before we tell you how the AC was invented, we want to let you know that you can depend on the foremost Scottsdale AC repair if you’re struggling with keeping your home cool. Whether you need someone reliable to keep your AC in shape or install your new AC system, count on our seasoned repair and installation technicians to take care of it with unparalleled professionalism.

Read on to find out how air conditioners became what they are today!    

Why was AC invented?

Humans have searched for ways to stay cool during the hottest days of the year for as long as they have walked the Earth. From Egyptians hanging damp mats over doorways to the Roman aqueducts that circulated cool water, humankind has always had to find creative ways to outsmart the weather.  

However, it wasn’t until the 18th century that the modern history of air conditioning began. Here are some early highlights: 

• The principles of air conditioning as it is known today are often related to the American statesman and inventor Benjamin Franklin who attributed the refrigeration properties of a liquid to the speed of its evaporation in 1758. 
• Similarly, Michael Faraday, the British inventor, experimented with the refrigerating effects of certain gases in 1820. He found that he could cool down the air in his laboratory when he compressed and liquidized ammonia and allowed it to evaporate. 
• In 1851, John Gorrie, a Florida physician used air and compressed water to develop an open cooling system to help cool down yellow fever patients. Gorrie’s “cold air machine” was the first mechanical refrigeration device that resembled air conditioners as we know them today.  

Who Invented Air Conditioning

After years of hard work and creative experiments, the first modern AC system came in the 20th century thanks to Willis Carrier, a young inventor from New York. However, Carrier’s mechanical device wasn’t designed to keep rooms cool, but to maintain appropriate levels of humidity in a printing plant he worked in. Carrier used chilled coils which could both dehumidify and cool down the air inside the plant, keeping the humidity level at a comfortable 55 percent. 

While Carrier’s first air conditioner was installed in 1914, such machines weren’t even close to becoming a common household addition due to their size and noisiness. However, Carrier’s continual experimentation yielded the centrifugal refrigeration machine – an air conditioning unit with a higher efficiency, otherwise known as a “chiller”. Its widespread success made it a popular addition to movie theaters and fancy hotels in the late 1930s.   

From hotels and movie theaters to commercial businesses, cooling systems kept growing in popularity, despite still being considered a luxury for typical American families. The air conditioner’s rise to fame was slow but steady, with the number of American households with AC units jumping from 10% in 1965 to around 86% in 2007. Nowadays, these incredible devices are an inevitable part of the American lifestyle, keeping millions of families cool and fresh during even the hottest of summers. 

Why is it called an air conditioner?

Shortly after Willis Carrier designed his cooling machine, Stuart W. Cramer invented a similar device to add moisture to the stuffy air in his textile plant. Cramer was the first to use the term “air conditioning”, inspired by the idea of “water conditioning”, a then-popular textile making process.

But why is it called an air conditioner, not an air cooler? The answer is quite evident: even though AC units have always been used predominantly to cool down air, their dehumidification properties were precisely why Carrier and Cramer set about inventing them. The AC doesn’t just cool down the air – it conditions it by removing excess moisture, making the atmosphere in your home as comfortable as can be. 

Hire the foremost Scottsdale AC repair and stay comfortable

The Valley of the Sun didn’t get its name for nothing. The extreme summer temperatures that characterize the Greater Phoenix Area make life without an air conditioner almost unthinkable. Most people even sleep with the AC on!  

Luckily, the leading AC repair and installation company in Scottsdale is here to make sure your AC unit never fails you. The seasoned HVAC professionals at Hughes Air will keep your AC working optimally throughout the year, no matter how extreme the temperatures get. Reach out to us today!

We all depend on our air conditioners to get us through the sweltering summer months so much that it’s easy to take these useful appliances for granted. Still, since they have become such common additions to homes, many people wonder how their AC units actually work. 

“Does my air conditioner take air from outside?”; “Can I sleep with the AC turned on”?; “Why is an air conditioner called an air conditioner?”. These are just some of the questions we hear from curious AC owners.   

If you understand how your AC functions, you’ll be able to maintain your unit properly and avoid expensive repairs. If you’re still having issues with your AC, rely on our superb Scottsdale AC service and enjoy your fresh home with no worries!

How the AC works in the house

So, how does your air conditioner manage to cool down your home? Does it just blow cold air? Where does the cool air come from? In order to understand how your AC works, you first need to learn about the main components of your unit. Here’s what makes up a central AC system: 

• An indoor unit which contains the evaporator
• An outdoor unit which contains the compressor, condenser, fan, and electrical components
• Refrigerant lines which connect the two units
• Ductwork which circulates the air through your house
• A thermostat for setting the temperature

Your AC relies on a cooling substance called the refrigerant or Freon to cool down your home. While in its liquid state, the refrigerant passes over the evaporator coils in the indoor unit and turns into gas, absorbing the heat from the air in the process. 

The refrigerant then passes through the compressor where it’s pressure level is increased. Next, it flows into the condenser where it cools down and turns into a liquid again. The fluid then returns to the indoor unit to absorb heat once more and the whole refrigeration process repeats until your preferred temperature level is reached.  

Does AC work with heat?

Did you know that you can use your AC system as a space heater? It may sound strange that a device designed to cool the air in your home might be able to heat it up too, but the process is actually much simpler than you probably think. 

To understand how an AC can also provide heat, you need to know what a ‘heat pump’ is. In scientific terms, any device that transfers heat from one place to another and can be used to both heat and cool down the same space is considered a heat pump. This means that your air conditioner, freezer, and refrigerator are all heat pumps by definition.

But how does a heat pump work? Well, now that you know how your AC system cools down your house, then you also know how it can be used to heat it too! All it takes is a process reversal. The flow of thermal energy in the system can be reversed with one additional component: a reversing valve. If you put your AC in heating mode, this valve flips and shifts the direction of the refrigerant, resulting in warm air being pumped into your home and the cold air being blown out.

The leading Scottsdale AC service homeowners trust 

Sure, you don’t need to know how your AC functions to be able to use it, but understanding the components of your unit can help you maintain it properly and prevent many common AC problems. 

However, no matter how much you know, you should never try to fix your air conditioner yourself. That’s what we’re here for! Hire the seasoned HVAC experts at Hughes Air and take a break to visit OdySea Aquarium with your family while they take care of any AC issues you might be dealing with. Contact us today!

There are any number of issues that can cause your air conditioner to behave strangely and most of them aren’t serious. What you should look out for, however, are signs that might indicate a bad AC compressor.

The compressor of your AC unit is the heart of the whole system. If it breaks down, your only two options are to pay for a costly fix or replace the unit altogether. Luckily, you can count on superb AC repair in Scottsdale to help you with any compressor issues, but if you want to know when to seek professional help, keep reading to learn about some early signs of compressor failure.   

Why does my home AC compressor make noise?

If your AC compressor starts making strange noises, you have every reason to be worried. Of course, not all unusual sounds are equally troublesome, but you should definitely know how to recognize them and decide whether you should seek professional help. Here are some common AC compressor noises and their possible causes:

• Buzzing: this type of sound is almost always a sign of electrical issues. Given that the National Fire Protection Association claims that an average of 2500 fires a year from 2006 to 2010 were caused by faulty AC units, it’s essential that you seek professional help if you suspect electrical problems.   
• Banging or clanking: a banging noise usually means that you have a loose or broken part, often a piston pin, crankshaft or a connecting rod. Loud clanking or banging can also indicate that your compressor needs replacement.    
• Rattling, ticking, rumbling: these kinds of sounds often point to a loosening piece of hardware or leaves clogged in your outdoor unit. Check for any debris, loose screws or bolts in the casing.
• Screaming or hissing: a loud, high-pitched screaming coming from your compressor could point to  a high pressure level inside the unit or a refrigerant leak. Since both of these causes could be extremely dangerous, you should call a professional right away.
• Humming: a humming noise is usually not a big red flag, but it could mean that your starting capacitor needs replacement and could cause more serious issues if left unchecked.

Hearing unfamiliar or loud noises coming from your AC unit is rarely a good sign and is often one of the first indicators of a bad AC compressor. So, if you hear any unsettling sounds coming from you unit, the best thing you can do is to have your unit inspected by trusted AC repair professionals.        

What are the symptoms of a bad AC compressor?

In addition to strange noises, your AC unit can show a number of different symptoms of compressor failure. Here are a few tell-tale signs:  

• Warm airflow: this could indicate a refrigerant leak or an inability of the compressor to pump the refrigerant through the system. In any case, have the unit inspected if you notice it blowing warm air.
• Compressor won’t turn on: the fan is working, but you don’t hear any sounds from the compressor. This could be due to high outside temperatures reducing the efficiency of your AC unit, but if the compressor doesn’t turn on after adjusting your thermostat, it has probably failed and you should seek expert help.   
• Circuit breaker issues: if your outdoor unit is losing power and tripping the circuit breaker, it’s likely that your compressor is overheating. Don’t ignore this issue, especially if the breaker is hot to the touch. In that case, call an HVAC professional immediately.

It is extremely important that you don’t ignore any of these issues both for your safety and to prevent expensive compressor repairs. Instead of waiting for your AC to break down completely, look out for these early signs and make sure you have regular checkups done on your AC system to prevent premature failures.

Superior AC repair experts Scottsdale residents are proud of

The bottom line is, if you’re not familiar with how AC units work, don’t try to diagnose or fix any suspected compressor issues yourself. While it’s important that you familiarize yourself with early symptoms of compressor failure and learn about the best temperatures for your AC thermostat, it’s even more important to know when you have to seek expert help.If you’re having issues with your AC unit, don’t waste time worrying about it! Rely on second-to-none HVAC services in Scottsdale to take care of any AC problems efficiently and professionally while you enjoy your visit to the OdySea Aquarium. Call us today!

Finding the right temperature for your AC is important for both your wallet and your comfort. Still, given the extreme summer temperatures in Arizona, it can be hard not to go overboard with the thermostat setting since you always want the room temperature to be just the right kind of cool. So, then, at what temperature should your AC be set?

Whether it’s summer or winter, you just can’t function without your AC unit. That is why we’re here to deliver top-notch AC installation in Scottsdale, AZ and provide you with all the AC-related information you might need. Read on!

What should you set your thermostat at in the winter?

Winters in Arizona are mild, but you still don’t want to be chilly when you’re lounging in your living room. But if you want to be smart about savings, you should set your thermostat to 68°F during the day and lower your temperature settings while you’re sleeping or away by 10-15 degrees.

Why you should lower your AC temperature during winter

Lowering your thermostat settings can save you money in the winter, plain and simple. If you lower your temperature 7°–10° for 8 hours a day from your desired setting while you’re not home, you could save approximately 10% a year, according to the U.S Department of Energy. What’s more, your energy bills will be lower in mild climates if you do this, which is perfect for the winter time in Arizona.

Get a programmable thermostat

If you don’t want to worry about forgetting to set your thermostat and waking up to an uncomfortable temperature, you should think about purchasing a programmable thermostat. This way, you can preset weekly, weekend or vacation temperature schedules and save even more money.

At what temperature does air conditioning stop working?

In extreme temperatures, many homeowners start to notice that their AC is not cooling as well as it used to. Your AC unit may have a hard time when outside temperatures climb to 100°F because it needs outside temperatures to be lower than the heat released from the unit in order to work properly. Why does this happen?

Well, your air conditioner is simply not designed to work as well in extreme temperatures. In order to perform optimally in average temperatures, a typical AC is designed to be slightly less efficient in the extremes. This is why you’ll notice that you’re able to cool your home only to 80° when it’s 100° outside while your unit is usually capable of easily lowering the temperature to 70º.

However, there’s a problem here. How can you know whether your AC is less efficient because of the heat or if  there’s a problem with your AC compressor?

Here are some tips:

• If you notice that your AC starts to work better during the night or early in the morning when it’s cooler outside, the problem is probably just the extreme temperature.
• If your system manages to reach a temperature which is 20° lower than outside, it’s most likely working as well as it can in the extremes. If it is less efficient than this, you might be facing a symptom of a faulty AC compressor.
• If you notice any other issues with the unit, such as leaks or strange noises, you probably need to have your AC serviced.

What should my AC be set at in summer?

Given the extreme Arizona heat, your AC unit is surely working at full speed during the summer months. Not only is this expensive, but it can also damage your AC system if you’re not smart about it. Luckily, we’ve already covered the recommendations for winter since similar principles apply here as well.

Set your thermostat to a slightly higher temperature

Just as you would lower your temperature settings in winter, you should bump the number up a little in summer if you want to save energy. This is because your AC uses up a lot of energy if it has to maintain a much lower interior temperature.

Moreover, if you set a higher temperature, you’ll slow down the flow of heat into the house. This is why you should raise your thermostat setting to around 75-80° if the outside temp is 100° and you’ll notice a significant difference in your energy bills.  

Program your thermostat

If you have a programmable thermostat, you’ll be able to set higher temperatures while you’re away and cool down the house when you return. If you spend 8 hours away from home every day, you’ll actually save more if you leave your AC running at a higher setting than if you turn it off. You’ll also find it easier to cool down if you don’t let the house overheat while you’re away.

Get superb AC installation services in Scottsdale, Arizona   

When you know how to use your AC wisely, the summer heat won’t bother you at all. You won’t even need to cool down at the McDowell Mountain Ranch Aquatic & Fitness Center every day since the temperature at your home will be perfectly pleasant and you won’t waste a dime.  

If you live in Scottsdale and you’re thinking of getting a new air conditioner, we have just what you need. Count on the expert technicians at Hughes Air to install your AC swiftly, efficiently and professionally. Call us today and see why our experienced technicians are the best in the area!

It’s unthinkable to live in Arizona without a functioning AC. Yet, no matter how bad of a situation it is, it’s one which happens all too often. If this scenario has happened to you, you must be wondering what caused your AC to stop working and what you can do about it.

Thankfully, your air conditioning will run smoothly before you know it if you entrust your AC issues to the best air conditioning repair service in Scottsdale. Before we can fix your AC, it’s necessary to understand the underlying causes which might be to blame.

What causes an AC compressor to stop working?

Since most AC failures have to do with malfunctions of the AC compressor, it is important to know what this vital part actually is and learn about some common causes for AC compressor issues.  

What is the AC compressor?

The AC compressor, often referred to as the heart of the air conditioning system, is a pump which pressurizes the refrigerant and circulates it through the AC unit within a refrigeration cycle. Without the gaseous refrigerant, the compressor and the entire AC unit can malfunction.

Common causes of AC compressor failures

Since the AC compressor is a vital component of the system, any issues related to it can be serious and possibly a nightmare to repair. Luckily, not all compressor problems are costly and irreparable. Most are preventable with correct maintenance which includes cleaning or replacing air filters, coils and choosing appropriate temperatures for your AC during summer and winter.

Here are some of the most common causes of compressor failure:

• Clogged or dirty filters
• Dirty coils
• Clogged suction lines
• Insufficient oil lubricant
• Too much or too little refrigerant
• Broken refrigerant lines
• Electrical issues

How do I know if my home AC compressor is bad?

Your AC unit will generally show early signs and symptoms of a bad AC compressor before a more serious failure occurs. If you notice and act on these early hints, your chances to prevent compressor malfunctions will be much greater.

Some of the signs are easier to spot than others, but all of them can indicate potential compressor failures which can be prevented with these early steps.

Abnormal noises

Keep an ear out for any strange noises since they might indicate a problem with the compressor. If you don’t hear your compressor and fan running smoothly, but instead notice knocking, chattering or hissing noises coming out of the unit, your AC might be experiencing issues with a worn compressor motor, a refrigerant leak or the electrical relay switch.

Cool or lukewarm air from the outdoor unit

Cold air coming from the compressor fan is another sign of a possible failure. Although the AC is meant to cool your home, the compressor, located in the outdoor AC unit, creates heat in order to do this since it’s main job is to compress gas. So, if you notice that the air coming out is lukewarm or cool, your compressor might be malfunctioning.

Higher electricity bill

Unless you’ve been using your AC unit more in the summer season, a higher electricity bill might signal a fault with the compressor. A worn compressor runs longer and slows down the AC unit resulting in a higher than normal utility bill.

Reduced airflow

This one is a bit more hard to spot even though it is one of the first symptoms you’d be able to notice. If your compressor is weak or worn, you’ll find that less cool air is coming out of your vents since the malfunction is causing less cool air to be generated.

Find exceptional air conditioning repair in Scottsdale, AZ

We know that you just can’t imagine a summer in Arizona without your trusted AC. Sure, in this worst case scenario, you could cool off at Cactus Aquatic & Fitness Center. Still, why endure the nightmare longer than a minute when you can rely on Hughes Air Heating & Cooling to get your AC fixed in no time.

Our seasoned technicians employ utmost professionalism to install, maintain and repair your AC units to keep them fully operational throughout the year. Reach out to us today and see why we’re the best HVAC service in Scottsdale!

With high-quality air conditioning repair service in Scottsdale at your fingertips, you tend to forget that not every AC emergency can be solved. At some point, repairing it is no longer an option. When you can no longer rely on professionals to step in and bring the system back to life, it’s time to say goodbye to it. When you consider the possible reasons why your AC has stopped working and the potentially high repair costs, what other option do you have?

How many years does an air conditioner last?

Responsible homeowners treat their air conditioners with diligent care, allowing them to make the most of or even lengthen the lifespan of the system. These are some of the factors that could affect the lifespan of an AC:

• The quality of your home’s insulation
• Actions that affect your household’s energy efficiency
• Whether the system undergoes regular professional maintenance
• How long the system has been in use
• Whether the system has been overused
• Whether the system has been underused
• Whether the system was used in accordance with the user manual instructions

On average, an AC system should last you about 10-15 years. If you make sure the system undergoes regular maintenance by a reputable professional service, its lifespan could be significantly longer. In fact, it could last you over 20 years.

It’s important not to neglect the unit. Simple issues like dirty air filters tend to escalate. Likewise, do not overuse it. Avoid the common mistake homeowners make: never force the system to achieve an unreasonable difference between the temperature in your home and the temperature outside.

When is replacing my AC the way to go?

Sometimes, fixing your old AC is feasible. However, the cost is too high and cannot be justified by the few extra years the repair will buy you. If we assume that you’re not emotionally attached to your AC, you’re much better off making a rational choice.

Older generations of air conditioners are also notorious for being energy hogs, so fixing it is often not the way to go. If replacing your AC has become inevitable, focus on the silver lining. At least now you can go for an option with maximum energy efficiency.

What causes an AC compressor to stop working?

If your AC compressor has stopped working, the time to look for a brand new solution for your home’s air conditioning has probably come. In other words, the cost of repair could be staggeringly high. Worse yet, the repair could be completely impossible. Here are the potential causes:

• Electrical failure
• Presence of contaminants in the system
• Dirty coils
• Blocked lines
• Inadequate suction line size
• Low refrigerant charge
• Too much refrigerant
• Inadequate oil lubricant level

When should I replace my AC unit?

The time to replace your AC unit is when a professional AC technician determines with absolute certainty that the unit consumes too much energy without the capacity for desired performance.

Also, as we mentioned before, sometimes a replacement is simply the more reasonable option, as the cost of repair could rise to thousands of dollars, especially with the older generations. The right AC system for you home needs to have high energy efficiency, achieve top-notch performance, as well as be a budget-friendly option for your household.

Hughes Air: the solution for any and all AC services

Scottsdale, home to the marvelous Tonto National Forest, is an amazing place, but it sure tends to get hot. If you’ve decided that you’re better off buying a brand new AC system instead of paying for air conditioning repair service in Scottsdale, we’re here for you. That’s not to say we’ll give up on your old AC without putting up a fight! But we definitely want to help you make the right choice.

From the moment we complete the AC installation process, you’ll never have to worry about what comes next. Owing to the industrious, professional maintenance that our trusted technicians will schedule and perform from time to time, your AC will be up and running for many happy years to come.

We’re always at your service for flawless installation, maintenance and repair. Welcome to Hughes Air!

To restore your indoor comfort as soon as possible, professionals who perform top-quality AC repair in Scottsdale on daily basis have to identify the culprits swiftly and efficiently.  No one knows more about the intricate details of the complex system that is your AC than professional teams of companies restoring the functionality of air conditioners on daily basis.

Unless they determine that your AC is beyond help, they can proceed to fix whatever is wrong with it. Although you might not always be able to troubleshoot your AC system as efficiently, you could give it a shot, especially if the problem is something as simple as the system’s air filter. Read on to learn more.

Why is my AC not blowing hard?

When an AC is not blowing hard enough, there are several potential culprits to look out for. These include:

• Blocked vents
• Kinks on your flex ducts
• Duct system leaks
• Blower fan malfunction
• Dirty evaporator coil

For now, we’ll focus on the last one.

What is an evaporator coil and how does it collect dirt?

Usually, the evaporator coil will get dirty because you’re running your AC with a dirty or non-existent air filter. Is is one of the mandatory steps of the cooling process that air blows over the evaporator coil.

If there is no air filter or if the air filter is covered in dirt, the evaporator coil becomes clogged with dirt. This blocks the airflow and causes the airflow to weaken and lose force.

What is AC filter?

An AC filter might not seem like a crucial component of the AC system to an outsider, but it most certainly plays a huge part in the system. A dirty or missing air filter will impair the system’s functionality. In fact, if you neglect your AC filter for a long period of time, it could lead to major malfunctions and, by extension, more expensive repairs.

Can I run my AC without a filter?

You can but not for a very long time. In other words, you should never do it. Running your AC without the filter will cause dirt to stick to the evaporator coil.

Why is replacing the air filter on regular basis important?

Lungs are a delicate organ and exposing them to the hazardous particles from indoor air is never a good idea. The purpose of the filter is to protect the health of everyone in the house by purifying indoor air.

Inhaling stale indoor air full of dangerous particles can have a detrimental effect on health. In the worst case scenario, it could lead to serious respiratory diseases and development or aggravation of allergy symptoms.

How often should I replace the air filter?

As a rule of thumb, the air filter should be replaced every three months or so. This will be done as part of the system’s regular maintenance so you can rely on your contractor to set up a schedule. However, if you have pets or suffer from allergies, replacing the air filter should be done more frequently. Experts recommend doing it once every 30-45 days.

Quick & efficient AC repair in Scottsdale? At your fingertips

There’s no arguing that seeing the sun shine over Scottsdale and the Sonoran Desert is a captivating image. However when the heat rises, we all want to feel that cooling sensation that only a perfectly maintained air conditioner can provide.  

Our cream-of-the-crop AC technicians will crack down on any issue affecting the performance of your AC. Using advanced diagnostic tools and state-of-the-art equipment, they will have your AC up and running in no time. Leave it to us to take good care of your AC. We’ll also help you save money and protect the environment by achieving maximum energy efficiency without sacrificing indoor comfort. Give us a call today!