Experiencing an HVAC system malfunction can make people panic, especially during colder seasons. However, heating and cooling Mesa AZ professionals say that most of these problems are caused by a dirty air filter.

Inadequate heating or cooling

If you notice that your system is simply not working as it used to, don’t fret, as the problem is most likely the filter. If the air filter is dirty or clogged, the blower needs to work a lot harder to push the air through the filter. Reduced airflow creates cold and hot spots, making the desired air temperature unattainable. This is an easy fix, and heating and cooling Mesa AZ maintenance experts do it all the time. There is, however, another problem that stems from this one.

Increased energy bills

Clogs cause a decrease in the airflow, making your heating and cooling system run for longer periods of time, trying to cool or heat your home adequately. This significantly raises energy usage, consequently increasing your energy bill. In fact, a study performed by the Florida Public Service Commission shows that the number two reason for increased energy bills was a dirty air filter. The longer you wait the more money you will spend, so act quickly.

Inevitable breakdowns

It’s not just about keeping your home cool, or putting a stop to high energy bills. It’s also about preserving your unit, and increasing its lifespan. With the air filter clogged, the strain on your AC system is greater as well, with the engines being pushed to the limit to compensate for the obstructed airflow. This will imminently result in a breakdown, sooner or later. If it comes to this, you can forget about a quick fix by the resident heating and cooling Mesa AZ maintenance crew. You will either be forced to replace your AC unit or replace the engines.

Low air quality

If the air filter is too dirty to perform its function properly, you can be sure that the air quality in your home is going to drop. The dirt and debris will pass through the system, settling in ducts, slowly contaminating your home. This can lead to chronic allergies, and can be especially troublesome for people suffering from respiratory conditions, such as asthma. In the beginning, you may not even notice, except for an occasional sniffle, but poor air quality will impact your health eventually.

Frozen evaporator coils

When the clog appears during summer, at the peak of the cooling season, the cooling or evaporator coil can freeze up. The lack of air that moves past the coil means it cannot dissipate the condensation produced during the process of cooling. It is then that the condensation freezes, thus reducing the ability of the unit to remove heat and cool your home adequately. Also, without an intervention from heating and cooling professionals, the air conditioner will surely break down at some point.

Heating and cooling Mesa AZ to the rescue

Hughes Air Heating & Cooling is there for you every step of the way. It doesn’t stop with us helping you choose the best heating and cooling system for your home. Our maintenance crews are there for any problems you might experience, providing swift and efficient service. Choose us, call today.

 

A heating and cooling system is a vital component of every home, office or commercial property. Not only does it keep the temperatures pleasantly cool or warm, it also influences the quality of air.

To make sure your HVAC system is up to par, you should get thoroughly informed. Many home and business owners want to know how they can cut down on AC costs during the hot summer months, but the cost is far from being the only factor at play.

This article may help you decide whether your system needs an upgrade or replacement, provide advice on how to select a new HVAC system and balance cost and comfort, how often to schedule preventative maintenance, and more!

 

How to know my HVAC system needs replacing?

To upgrade, repair or replace? The decision can be difficult, so you should consult a reliable heating and cooling contractor with a proven reputation in Mesa, AZ. The budget you can currently allocate can be a significant decision-making factor. However, a fully functional HVAC system is a long-term investment, something you should invest in upfront only to be able to save up later.

Modern systems are significantly more efficient than their older counterparts. For example, Trane air conditioners are not only 100% reliable but also extremely cost-efficient; residents of Mesa, AZ and beyond have been voting with their wallets for these cutting-edge appliances for quite some time now.

If your system is more than 10 years old, chances are it needs replacement. If you experience constant issues with your AC or other parts of the system and you constantly pay for repairs, it’s a sign that you should replace it.

If you notice high AC bills at the end of every month, you should consider switching to a more cost-efficient AC unit. The same goes for other components of the HVAC system.

What happens during old system replacement?

When replacing your old HVAC system, your heating and cooling contractor should inspect the existing structure to see if it can still be used and to what degree. The structural elements include (but are not limited to): piping or ductwork, insulation, wiring, condensate, flue and refrigerant piping, slabs, evaporator coil, and filter.

The rule of thumb is to replace as many of these elements as possible because the new modern system will also require structural upgrades to achieve peak performance. Consult your HVAC contractor about your options.

How long does a new HVAC system last?

A newly installed heating and cooling system can last anywhere from 12 to 15 years, provided several conditions are met. First of all, you have to find a licensed and qualified HVAC contractor to install the system properly the first time around. Faulty installation can cause lots of issues almost by itself.

Also, regular maintenance is necessary to prevent any issues right from the start. Preventative maintenance is vital to ensure the longevity of your heating and cooling system. A trusted HVAC technician can also suggest upgrades to the system that can make it more efficient and less prone to breakdowns.

How often should maintenance be done and what should it cover?

For your HVAC system to be efficient year-round, there are elements that you should have inspected once a year, others that require inspection every other year, while others need inspections more often. For example, heat pumps and gas furnaces require a tune-up once a year.

During a maintenance checkup, your HVAC contractor should look for leaks, soot, rust, corrosion and frayed wires. As for the furnace, they should inspect the chimney, pipes or ductwork (depending on what system you have), dampers or valves, blower or pump, top mention a few elements. The technician should also run the system through a full heating cycle and clean the burner and heat exchanger.

When checking up the heat pump, the HVAC technician should inspect the compressor and fan, and clean indoor and outdoor coils. The refrigerant lines should also be checked for refrigerant pressure.

More about Heating and Cooling Mesa AZ

In our next article, get answers to more questions you always wanted to ask about heating and cooling in Mesa AZ!