Author: Rm Harrington

About Rm Harrington Professional HVAC content writer, equally skilled for communicating with A/C technicians, HVAC product engineers or the home/business buyer in need of reliable A/C related details. Most valuable skill: The ability to research, comprehend, evaluate and discuss matters of importance to homeowners and the HVAC community, including technical details, system comparisons and best-choice system applications.

Zoned Air Conditioning – Is It A Right Phoenix AC Solution?

Written by Rm Harrington on . Posted in Air Conditioning Technology, Arizona Air Conditioning Installation, Buying Tips.

Zoned Air Conditioning Systems – Modern Style

Remember the zoned air conditioning system used by your parents? Dad’s simple cost-savings plan involved closing off registers in specific rooms of the house. Sadly to say: Dad’s plan proved totally ineffective. And in many cases, such haphazard AC zoning practices actually shortened the life of the HVAC air handler unit.

Yet the ways of old still linger: The average homeowner continues to use closed registers as a primary means of zoned AC comfort.

In this article, the home comfort techs at American Cooling and Heating reveal the pros and cons of an installed Arizona home zoning AC system.

Multi-Zone Heating and Cooling: Sharing Your Phoenix Home

Efficient and effective home comfort requires installation of a balance AC airflow system. If you live alone, zoning your home air conditioning may seem senseless. But for people with a family, daily thermostat wars can become a major problem. Some folks like a very cold home environment. Other folks prefer things a bit warmer. With standard installed Phoenix HVAC systems, family compromise is the only solution.

Multi-zone home cooling and heating offers a different type of air conditioning solution. These systems are designed to make home zoning AC quick, efficient and effective. However, multi-zone home air conditioning systems come with both advantages and disadvantages – Installation prices coming in as one of the major points of consideration.

Zoned Air Conditioning – A Simple Definition

Installed multi-zone home heating and cooling enables individual temperature control of specific divisions within your home. Certified HVAC techs examine your home, calculate best processes, and then essentially split your house into several distinctively controlled heating and cooling AC zones. In some homes, the process may be managed by installation of multiple furnaces, heat pumps or air conditioning systems. In other homes, the process may be managed by installation of electronic baffles geared to open and close on key to air flow from a central air handler. Either method enables the HVAC system to provide separate and independent temperature adjustments to each zone within the home.

Zoned AC – Pros

Benefits of a effective Phoenix home AC zoning include:

Home Zoning AC Comfort – Unlike central heating and cooling systems, multi-zone home air conditioning enables family members with personal control of temperatures zone by zone. Depending on the divisions, everyone sets sleeping temperatures to their favored positions. Likewise, kitchens can be kept cooler than living rooms. Basically, a zoned air conditioning system lets your family enjoy home comfort that suits individual heating and cooling preferences.

Home Zoning AC Control – Although effective and efficient home zoning air conditioning links back to comfort, the systems offer more than mere temperature-orientated physical comfort. Modern HVAC technology enables remote and programmed control over thermostats located throughout the home. Top zoned AC systems also include fan controls, humidity management, and various energy saving options. For example: the Trane ComfortLink II Thermostat System helps homeowners reduce energy expenses – even if you are not zoning. A properly sized and correctly installed home zoning HVAC system can save your family hundreds of dollars per year in energy expenses.

Home Zoning AC Noise Management – Although modern heating and cooling equipment produces much less noise emission than the early years counterparts, integrated variable-speed fan systems provide an even greater form of noise management. Likewise with two-stage air conditioning systems: Home zoning permits maximum system-performance system-efficiency while providing quieter system operations.

Phoenix Zoned Air Conditioning Systems – The Bad News

As with all things complex, installed multi-zoning is not necessarily suitable for every home situation. AC zoning introduces two basic complications:

Higher costs for parts and installation
More complexity in configuration.

Home Zoning AC Systems – Increased Costs For Installation

Multi-zone heating and cooling systems cost more than standard AC systems. A correct and energy-efficient HVAC zoning system requires more equipment and a more complex duct system. Even if you convert your existing central unit, you will pay a higher cost for the changeover.

Home Zoning AC Systems – Complexity

More equipment means greater chances for future component failure. This also means that servicing and troubleshooting expenses run higher. Before switching over to a multi-zoned heating and cooling system, contact ACH for a full home evaluation. Our techs can provide you with a best-purpose Phoenix heating and cooling solution for your home.

Act now. Contact American Cooling and Heating – Arizona air conditioning sales and service, reaching out to residents throughout the Phoenix metro area.

Phoenix Air Conditioning Preservation During Severe Weather

Written by Rm Harrington on . Posted in Arizona Air Conditioning Upgrade Sale, Cooling Tips, Maintenance.

Phoenix Air Conditioning When Summer Takes A Break

Phoenix air conditioning and heat pumps bring home cooling during the summer and home heating during the winter. Yet the excessively warm nature of Arizona temperatures may cause a bit of lapse in winter AC maintenance planning. After all, summer reports from azcentral typically deal with record-breaking highs. For example: On Sunday June 19, 2016 temperatures in Flagstaff, Phoenix, Tucson and Yuma set various heat records. It was a day when Phoenix came in at 118 degrees while Yuma temperatures punched a record setting 120 degrees (1).

The need for severe winter weather air conditioning preservation is not foreign to regional Phoenix AZ.

Perhaps you remember the Phoenix freeze warnings during the December of 2015 NM blizzard (2). Local residents were cautioned to wrap pipes, protect weather sensitive plants, and take special care of outdoor pets. As to 2017, January should hang mostly in the mid forties, but may experience several drops to mid thirties. The following list reveals some of the recorded 2015 low:

Flagstaff – 16 degrees
Prescott – 17 degrees
Mesa – 34 degrees
AND Phoenix – 39 degrees.

In this article, American Cooling and Heating offers a how to on heat pump and Phoenix air conditioning preservation during severe winter weather.

Phoenix HVAC Preservation Tips – Dealing With Cold, Heat, Rain and Wind

Poorly maintained air conditioning systems are subject to unnecessary points of failure. Although crafted to withstand even extreme weather changes and conditions, HVAC systems perform better when homeowners follow basic air conditioning preservation practices. The following tips lead to increased longevity in both heat pumps and air conditioners.

1) AC Preservation – Avoid Covering Your System

Someone may consider a cover a sensible component of efficient Phoenix air conditioning preservation. This would be error. HVAC systems are designed to weather rain, snow and wind. Here are three reason covering an outdoor condensing system may actually damage the unit – even on a unit with a temporary disconnect from power:

HVAC & Accumulated Moisture… No cover will effectively keep moisture out of external air conditioning components. Evaporation draws water up from the ground. Humidity in the air penetrates any break in the seal of the cover. The splash of raindrops promotes moisture accumulation within the confines of the cover.
HVAC & Rodent Control… By nature, heat pumps and air condensing units are designed to deter rodents from finding sufficient cover for nesting. Don’t void this purpose by offering rats a nice, warm, cozy external HVAC system.
HVAC & Effective System Airflow… Air conditioning systems function by effective movement of air. A cover can hinder the system to the point of critical breakdown. An even minor obstruction to AC airflow can increase accumulation of mildew and mold.

2) AC Preservation – Powering Down When The Power Goes Down

Bad weather sometimes causes a local outage of power. Problems during repair of the lines can cause multiple power surges to enter your home. If severe weather causes your household power to go out, you might consider tripping the main HVAC fuses until after the problem is fully resolved.

3) AC Preservation – Batting Down For High Winds

Just as installing a cover can damage the exterior components of your heat pump or air conditioning condensing unit, so can wind blown debris. Be prepared for high winds. Keep yard furniture, toys and brush secured, stored, or effectively distant from your HVAC system.

Dealing With Phoenix Air Conditioning Failure During Severe Weather

Severe Arizona weather: You never know when trouble will arrive. Keep the American Cooling and Heating service and heat pump sales number on hand. We run service trucks 24/7. Quick response. Fair pricing. And services are guaranteed.

1) azcentral, “Arizona Temp Records Toppled By Deadly Heat Wave“

2) azfamily, “Freeze Warning Looms For Phoenix, Blizzard In NM Sparks Misery“

Arizona AC Repair or Replace Air Conditioning Troubleshooting

Arizona Air Conditioning Company Reviews

Written by Rm Harrington on . Posted in AC Service, News.

Phoenix Air Conditioning Reviews For Reliable AC Service

Gaining a reputation for reliable Phoenix air conditioning services is never a singular process. It starts with being good at what you do, but that too never comes easy. There is a learning process wherein broad-scope knowledge of product, acquirement of superior technical skills and dedication to customer satisfaction begin long before company doors are opened for active HVAC services.

In this article, we explain why American Cooling and Heating (ACH) ranks among the best Phoenix air conditioning companies in the market.

3 Reasons ACH Pulls Rave Arizona HVAC Reviews

From a consumer’s perspective, the term “reliable Phoenix AC Company” often relates to the concept of:

Honest employees
Up-front pricing
On-time delivery
Value-added warranty
AND Excellency in products and services.

From the business viewpoint, the term “reliable Phoenix AC Company” includes all of the concepts expressed in a consumer’s viewpoint, and then ups the ante. For ACH, reliable HVAC services includes:

Office and shop working conditions
Employee benefits
A well-stocked parts warehouse
Trained, knowledgeable, skilled and reliable HVAC techs
Modern in-house equipment, parts and tools
Reliable and well-maintained fleet of company vehicles
AND All this while without ever falling short in our commitment to thoughtful, value-added assurance of customer satisfaction.

Although our primary focus settles on being a great and reliable Arizona AC service company, reaping rave Phoenix air conditioning reviews comes as a natural byproduct of our tested and proven business characteristics. We set and meet stringent personal performance commitments and goals.

1) Phoenix Air Conditioning Services – The Plan

Successful business plans need not be complicated, but they must purposefully define clear and achievable company goals. Product performance marches side-by-side with reliable technical services. Financial success walks hand-in-hand with consumer faith in the durability of our company. In every area of ACH company evaluation, our plan lays out a proven path to steadfast company growth in the Arizona HVAC market center. Thus our customers are assured of reliable service guarantees.

2) Phoenix Air Conditioning Services – Zeal For Quality

Discussions concerning company financials seldom show up as a component of rave Phoenix air conditioning reviews. Yet strong company profits assure company longevity, which in turn establishes enduring company presence as a reliable Arizona heating and air-conditioning resource.

Yet zeal for quality is the foundation of financial success. By coupling love of product and service to company goals and an overwhelming zeal for quality in performance, we find ourselves always seeking the best for ACH customers.

3) Phoenix Air Conditioning Services – The Commitment

According to business coach Ron Finklestein, “company culture” defines the core path for proficient and effectual success in business (1). At American Cooling and Heating, every employee performs in the areas best suited for their specific skill-sets. We assist, motivate, and train according to company goals and plans. Effective customer satisfaction requires satisfied employees. Our team has a focus on customer needs, and the processes that fully reflect and uphold the integrity of ACH.

Reliable HVAC Service Reviews in Phoenix Arizona

Although companies that promote “reputation management” clutter the Internet, any promise of positive online reviews ultimately hinges on the effectual success of the company being promoted. We are not here to reap rave phoenix AC reviews. In fact, nearly every HVAC repair company in Arizona has a listing on Angie’s List, BBB, Facebook, Yelp and more.

But truth is simple: Product and service reliability eventually bores down to the attitude and ethics of the company. The rave Phoenix air conditioning reviews for ACH are driven by our commitment to a formal business plan, our focused zeal for quality, and our assurance of an affirmative customer experience. We enjoy the benefits of great reviews. But we thrive by providing the Phoenix AZ community with the following professional heating and cooling resources:

Reasonably priced products and services
Individually customized HVAC solutions
Timely service response
Reliable warranties
An attitude that puts customers first
AND a faithful dedication to company integrity in all matters of Phoenix air conditioning services.

Request Service From American Cooling and Heating:

Call Now (480) 376-7419

1) Entrepreneur, “What Successful Businesses Have In Common“

Mesa Air Conditioning Service, Signs Your Heat Pump Needs Repair

Written by Rm Harrington on . Posted in AC Service, Heat Pumps.

Mesa Air Conditioning Service War Against Sizzling Mesa Heat Index

Although current Mesa temperatures lean toward mild and comfortable, in Arizona even the winter is open season for Air Conditioning repair services. When coming down from triple-digit summer temperatures, we tend to visualize a well-deserved break for the home cooling system.

Don’t be fooled.

In the just released Bert Sperling Heat Index, the region of Phoenix-Mesa, AZ comes in number one among the top ten sizzling cities in the US (1). To make it brief: Mesa, Phoenix and other nearby areas run an average 100-plus high temperature and a tough 77 degree average nighttime low. Relative humidity at high temperature stands around 20 percent. When compiled into the Sperling research, Phoenix-Mesa, AZ hits a 97.7 top-in-the-nation heat index rating.

In this article Arizona-based American Cooling and Heating provides residents with five signs that indicate a heat pump in need of repair.

Five Signs Your Mesa Home Cooling System Is Hurting

1) AC Failure – Foul Odors

Aside from a dusty scent that often accompanies the first yearly engagement of your heating components, your AC system should function odor free. Pay attention to abnormal scents. Musty smells indicate a possibility of bacteria in the ductwork, or perhaps an open tear that enables the system to suck air from the crawlspace. Keep watch also for hints of frayed, overheated or burned wiring. Foul odors pose safety concerns for you and your family. Do not let this go unchecked.

2) AC Failure – Abnormal Sounds

Trane heat pumps rate among the best in the market, yet even the highest ranked sound-suppressant units produce a certain level of expected noise. However, clanging, grinding, squeaking, and squealing are typically signs of major complications. To ignore such abnormal sounds is to invite a future filled with more costly solutions.

3) AC Failure – Strong Air Flow, Poor Cooling

Various system problems can result in strong airflow yet poor cooling. Low coolant stands as the most typical problem, but identifying and repairing the leak that caused the issue must precede the recharge. On the more costly side, your system may be suffering from a failed compressor. On the simple side, maybe someone accidentally set the thermostat to “fan only” mode.

4) AC Failure – Leakage Near The System

The indoor air handler on your Mesa home heat pump requires a system for drainage of moisture. Without controlled drainage, water will begin to accumulate near the system. Causes for drainage failure include a clogged drain line and/or a frozen control regulator. Also keep watch for signs of leaking refrigerant. In either event, immediate investigation is necessary. From prompt Mesa heat pump servicing, call our air conditioning specialist today.

5) AC Failure – Weak Air Flow

A faulty blower can cause weak airflow throughout your entire home. Problems such as debris inside a vent, a closed register, or damaged ductwork will be regional in nature. Before calling for Mesa AC service, check the obvious. And don’t forget to check and clean the air filter.

Mesa AZ Heating and Cooling Services

The homeowner can fix some home AC problems. But when the problem exceeds simple solutions, you need quick action from a reliable Mesa AZ heating and cooling services company. For more information, contact American Cooling and Heating now!

Bert Sperling, “Index Sizzling Cities Ranked – Our New Heat “

Has Your Mesa Home Installed Air Conditioning Exceeded A Useful Lifespan

Written by Rm Harrington on . Posted in AC Installation, Arizona Air Conditioning Installation, Mesa Air Conditioning.

Survey Reveals Performance-Deficiency As Primary Cause For Installed Air Conditioning Residential Replacement

In a recent survey of 492 HVAC contractors, researchers established a 12-14 year average replacement cycle for residential air conditioning systems. The study also showed that many homeowners opted to replace the existing system before the product reached end-of-life usefulness. In most cases the decision for early AC replacement came about due to a perception that the cooling capacity and cost of unit operation was in excess of the homeowner’s expectations (1).

End conclusion: The efficiency of AC system performance plays a major role in how homeowners evaluate the useful life of a residential air conditioning system.

Efficient Evaporator Air Flow: Key Factor In Arizona Air Conditioning Performance

According to the Energy Star central air conditioner overview report, reaping the full benefits of an Energy Star certified heating and cooling system also requires that you “take steps to optimize” the practical performance of the system (2). In other words: even when a homeowner installs a new energy-efficient central A/C, successfully achieving an increase in performance depends on the skill, knowledge and applied principles of the HVAC installation crew.

One might think that proper installed air conditioning comes with the turf. Alas, this may not reflect actual conditions. The FCC survey included field tests of 70 residential A/C systems in Arizona as well as field tests of 27 systems in central California. In both test cases, the performance of the examined units failed to meet the system manufacturer’s declared Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). Of the 70 units tested in Arizona, the average performance deficiency came in at 40% lower than the EER rating for the given unit.

Primary cause for underperformance: Insufficient airflow across the evaporator coil.

Adequate Air Flow Critical To Efficient A/C EER Returns

Conventional air conditioning units perform two primary functions:

1) Sensible Cooling… The effective process of cooling the air
2) Latent Cooling… The effective process of removing moisture from the air.

Reliable residential installed air conditioning (IAC) performance is primarily dependent on a balance between moisture removal and sensible heat transfer. This can only be achieved when the unit functions with ample air flow across the evaporator coil. The technical aspects involved in A/C installation and management of air handler fan speed, load requirements and airflow control exceed the limits of this article. However defining the consequences of miss-applied system installation is simple:

If the airflow over the coil is too high, the system is compromised. Moisture removal falls short, and fan power gets elevated.
If the airflow is too low, reduced system cooling occurs, and the system EER falls short. Furthermore: Extreme hindrance of airflow can cause icing of the evaporator coil. Likewise: Continuous problems with icing can lead to refrigerant flood-back. End result may even include early failure of the system compressor.

The dry Arizona climate typically equates to a low latent/humidity factor. When a Mesa home A/C system is correctly installed, years of maximum-performance efficiency become readily possible. Furthermore, if a home system is not aged-out but is rather suffering from major installation problems, correcting the errors can effectively restore new life to an older air conditioning unit. In essence, if your new energy-efficient home air conditioning system is incorrectly installed, it may actually perform nearly as badly as your aged and inefficient replaced unit.

Tips From American Cooling and Heating For Avoiding Poor AC Performance

It may be that your failing home cooling system is merely the consequence of a poorly installed unit. Or perhaps, time has played a role in the lack of adequate system performance. External conditions can change, wherein new obstacles now hinder the airflow to your external condenser unit. Duct sealant can fail and cause air leaks. Even in-duct grime can be a problem. Before discounting the efficiency of your Mesa home air-conditioning system, consider the steps of proper AC installation as listed below. An American Cooling and Heating home AC checkup can answer all of your questions, and if a new unit becomes the preferred solution, ACH will ensure that your system is correctly and effectively installed.

The following list offers no specific order, but the principles for correctly installing or configuring an air conditioning system remain true even if the system is aged. When installing a new HVAC system, American Cooling and Heating air conditioning technicians:

Allow ample indoor room for installation and future system servicing
Before positioning condensing unit, consider the noisy factor on neighbors as well as home occupants
Install sufficient air return and cool air delivery registers
Position condensing unit in an area free of objects that can create hindrance to airflow
Position system thermostat(s) for most effective heating and cooling response to home conditions
Prior to system installation, apply reliable duct-sizing tactics
Properly insulate attic ducts
Provide an access path cleaning the evaporator coil via a door into the duct or the furnace
Use effective and product-recommended duct sealing components
Verify correct and exact refrigerant charge
Verify that unit meets manufacturer-specified airflow rate
When possible, install ductwork inside the region of air-conditioned space.

Be your AC old or be it new, the ACH team is ready to help you get the most bang for your heating and cooling buck. Call us now!

1) FSEC “Impact of Evaporator Coil Air Flow in Residential Air Conditioning Systems“

2) Energy Star, Central Air Conditioning Overview

Top Quality Workmanship, BBB A+ Rated, AZ ROC Complaint Free