Skip to main content
Fast 24 Hour Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Service

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

Call Now (480) 699-2516

Understanding Your Phoenix Air Conditioning System: AC Condenser Coils the Function and Purpose

Written by Rm Harrington on . Posted in AC Installation, AC Service, Cooling Tips.

Internal View of AC, including Condenser CoilsThe quality, design and effectiveness of your Phoenix AC Condenser coil play a critical role in your battle against the extremes of Arizona temperature shifts. Efficient heating and cooling of your home involves much more than merely selecting a heat pump, an AC or a split system. To create a complete and efficient Air Conditioning system, your Phoenix AC installer must select and match your condenser to the appropriate sub-components.

But what makes Air Conditioning Condenser Coils so critical to the function of the system? Consider the following three principles of AC mechanics and operation: 

  • The system compressor pushes pressurized gas through the AC Condenser Coils
  • The condenser converts the gas to liquid
  • The process is based upon the principle of heat transference wherein heat always tends to shift toward the cooler of two or more materials or substances. 

Your AC condenser coils are designed to transfer heat into the air that passes over the coils. As the transfer process takes place, the gas in the coils condenses. However, the molecular structure of AC Refrigerants varies by type. Condensers used with R-12, R-134 and R410A systems are not interchangeable. Upgrading your Phoenix AC unit to a different refrigerant system is complex and expensive.  

For more details on problems associated with older refrigerants, check the May 1st American Cooling and Heating article on the Montreal Protocol.

 

What Happens Inside the Unit 

As your home AC compressor increases the pressure against the refrigerant, a strange process occurs: Heat within the system begins to accumulate into a single region of the unit. The temperature of the refrigerant begins to exceed the ambient temperature of the air cycling across the condenser coils. Clogged fins hinder the function of the condenser. Your home or business AC begins to perform with less efficiency and may even freeze the coils. If your system seems sluggish or sometimes freezes up, contact the AC&H Phoenix AC Repair center. Our full-service heating and cooling maintenance and tune-up program leaves no condenser fin un-check.

 

High Condenser Pressure Opposed to Low Condenser Pressure

Some Gilbert AC Service techs may add too much oil to your air conditioning system. This results in flooding wherein your condenser unit develops high head. This hinders the evaporator process of your Mesa Air Conditioning system. Cooling becomes less and less efficient.

Here are some the indications of AC troubles and the associated causes: 

  • Too-High Condenser Pressure – Typically evidenced by excessive head pressure on the high side of the gauge. Caused by hindered or reduced airflow over the condenser coils or restricted refrigerant flow in the high side of the system.
  • Too-Low Condenser Pressure – A reversed situation wherein the pressure on the low side gauge exceed normal expectations. Typically involves reduced heat exchange in the AC Condenser, which permits excessive heat to remain in the system’s low side. Can be caused by a filed compressor piston or reed valve.

 

Copper Versus Aluminum Condenser Coils 

This is an ongoing argument. AC systems with aluminum condenser coils typically cost less than systems with copper condenser coils. However, some techs argue that copper condenser coils are stronger and more durable than aluminum condenser coils. Issues concerning corrosion, weight and system expense are also components of the arguments. The May 9 AC&H article compares aluminum condensing coils against copper condensing coils. Perhaps it will help you better understand the reasoning behind these component battles. 

American Cooling and Heating provides Phoenix AC Installation and Repair throughout the greater Metro Valley area, including Mesa, Gilbert, Scottsdale and other communities. If you have questions or need help, call us now. Our 24-hour response team is ready and able to provide honest and accurate guidance on all matters pertaining to home or business AC installation or services.

Aluminum Condensing Coils Vs. Copper Condensing Coils: Advise From Phoenix AC Installation Pros

Written by Rm Harrington on . Posted in AC Installation, AC Repair, AC Service, Cooling Tips, Maintenance.

For the Phoenix AC installation industry, the debate concerning aluminum condensing coils versus copper condensing coils could be termed “economic focused.” For the Mesa homeowner, the Scottsdale business owner or any other buyer in need of new air conditioning equipment, the debate hinges on how to get the best quality for the least expenditure.

A Note of Qualification For Arizona Air Conditioning Contractors

If you are a Phoenix air conditioning service center, don’t let the “economics” comment ruffle your feathers. This article comes in via the viewpoint of a buyer. Industry arguments about copper versus aluminum involve many aspects of technology. From the viewpoint of an Arizona AC contractor, economics is only one component of the debate. However, from the viewpoint of the buyer, all contractors have a primarily sales-orientated end goal.

Buyers expect heating and cooling installation and repair dealers to hedge the details. It’s a mindset that comes about due to the competition in the HVAC industry. The pricing, the product favoritism and the value-added sales incentives merely reflect the mindset of new and used car dealers.       

Dedicated To Meet The Needs of Inquiring Valley Metro Homeowners

This article is for the benefit of homeowners and business owners throughout the greater Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area. As such, the text presents both sides of the argument: Which works best, air conditioning with aluminum condensing coils or air conditioning with copper condensing coils.

Even the information presented via governmental and educational resources tend to be tinted by manufacturer economics. Everyone wants to claim the better heating and cooling solution. It’s just a matter of how to gain marketing share.

Here at American Cooling and Heating we carry all major brands of heating and cooling equipment, including Amana, Carrier and Trane. We handle units that are crafted with copper condensing coils and units manufactured with aluminum condensing coils. Economics may indeed be our purpose for being in business. Without profit, we would fade away.

However, AC&H strives to meet any customer need or demand. Perhaps the following information will help simplify your choice.

Aluminum Condenser Coils – The Beginning

It began in the 1970s when General Electric was still in the HVAC business. All other AC manufacturers provided condensing units with aluminum fins bonded to copper tube. GE wanted to reduce production expenses. This brought about the introduction of coils with aluminum tube and aluminum fins.

For the most part, this was an industrial solution. Prior to 1980, only around 20% of residential structures had installed air conditioning. AC unit components and AC installation expenses rendered air conditioning as a luxury item. Very few homeowners could afford central heating and cooling.

Then the market shifted. Construction boomed. Inflation invaded. Home values increased and the market for home air conditioning bloomed into a lucrative enterprise.

The use of aluminum coils provided GE with a competitive edge. In no long time, other AC manufacturers began to produce their own version of compatible aluminum coil solutions. GE no longer competes in the HVAC business, but the aluminum tube with aluminum fin condensing coil remains a stable market product.

Drawbacks of Using Aluminum AC Coils

The arguments in this matter fall on both sides of the street. Some of the reasoning can be demonstrated scientifically. Some of the reasoning is merely personal dealer favoritism. From a scientific viewpoint, the following statements are true – providing that all tubing measurements are identical between the components:

  • Copper is superior in strength to aluminum
  • Copper is more reliable than aluminum
  • Copper is more durable than aluminum
  • Copper is easier to maintain than aluminum
  • Copper provides better heat transfer characteristics than aluminum
  • Aluminum coils damage easier than copper coils
  • Aluminum coils are more difficult to clean than copper coils.

However, due to the expense of manufacture and an effort to keep up with the reduced unit pricing associated with units that use aluminum tube coils, the manufacturers of copper-based coil systems have resorted to downsizing the thickness of the copper tubing wall. Thus strength, reliability and durability are relative to the actual components used during the air conditioning construction stage.

Field Maintenance is also often listed as another drawback associated with aluminum tube condensing coils. Some Phoenix AC repair companies complain that leaks in aluminum tubes are more difficult to fix than leaks in copper tubes. The argument contends that aluminum coils cannot be repaired in the field. To the homeowner, this means more downtime. To the AC service center, this means additional expenses when dealing with warranty issues.

Unfortunately, the DOE does not provide statistics pertaining to leaky air conditioning coils – aluminum or copper. The rule is simple: If your unit is low on refrigerant, have trained AC technicians repair the leak, test the repair and then recharge the unit to manufacturer recommendations.

Galvanic Action describes leaks that occur when oxygen reaches the condensing coil at the point where the aluminum meets the copper in the condensing unit. The problem is often considered not repairable. Qualifier: More and more AC repair centers now carry welding rigs capable of welding aluminum. Over the years, the aluminum coil repair process has improved and will likely continue to improve in the future.

Drawbacks of Using Copper AC Condensing Coils

In the earlier years of aluminum condensing coils, Arizona AC contractors tended to favor copper tube with fin coils. However, a change over may be taking place. No matter what other arguments are in place, unit cost remains a primary factor in any AC purchase decision. For example:

  • Aluminum coils cost less to manufacture than copper coils
  • Due to pliability, copper coils require more material than aluminum coils (even as much as three times the material); this results in higher manufacturing expenses
  • Galvanic corrosion is common problem with all copper tubing
  • To remain price competitive, new units are shipping with substandard quality coils
  • The thinner the copper, the more difficult it is to repair the coil.

Copper is harder to damage than aluminum, provides better heat transfer and is easier to clean. Modern engineering eliminates the majority of galvanic corrosion. The prices of the units continue to remain considerably higher than AC equipment constructed with aluminum condensing coils. Homeowners question the value of the exchange.

Conclusion

Without collected statistics, fears of leakage and early system failure are difficult to substantiate. All-aluminum coils are more fragile than copper tube coils but manufacturers take care of this issue by protecting the units inside a heavy-duty cabinet. This, of course, results in a system that is harder to clean and maintain.

When area consumers call for AC services and semi-annual system tune-ups, they get often get ripped by vendors who provide a less than necessary clean and inspection process. Most Phoenix AC installation and repair centers do not properly clean the coils.

American Cooling and Heating goes the extra mile. Our Full System AC Maintenance Service includes opening the case, applying special cleaning fluids to the coils and many other value-added AC tune-up functions. If your system is leaking, contact us today. If you need to install new air conditioning in your home, we service Mesa, Gilbert, Scottsdale and most all other Phoenix area homes and businesses.

Montreal Protocol – How The Restriction of R22 Refrigerant Affects Your Phoenix AC Service Needs

Written by Rm Harrington on . Posted in AC Installation, AC Replacement, Cooling Tips.

As an environmentally conscious Phoenix AC installation center, American Cooling and Heating keeps close tabs on programs designed to provide critical ozone layer protection. This makes compliance with the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer a significant component of the AC&H Glendale, Gilbert and other Phoenix area air conditioning services.

 

A Hole in the Ozone

 

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can harm the earth and the life thereon. However, the dangers are limited by a high-altitude air-shield created as a natural protective resource for life and the abundance thereof on this tiny planet. Technically identified as the stratospheric ozone layer, this air-shield is susceptible to damage due to manufactured human waste products.    

 

Identified by some scientists, including Nobel prize-winning scientist Paul Crutzen, as a hole in the atmosphere that “marks the worst disaster to hit global environment,” the depletion of the ozone layer is a direct result of man-made chemicals. The initial problem became evident during the mid-1970s. Something was changing, and as scientists began to study the events they noticed that the thickness of the Earth’s ozone layer was decreasing. Additional studies followed. Soon after, plans for correcting the problem began to take shape.

 

A Multi-Nation Solution to AC Refrigerant and Other ODS Complications

 

In September of 1985, major changes concerning global efforts to control depletion of the earth’s ozone layer began to take place. Naming a September 16 meeting of the United Nations as the International Day for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, a host of nations came together for the purpose of establishing precise goals for the healing of the hole in the sky.

 

In September of 1987, the international community came together and signed into effect a joint ozone protection agreement defined as the Montreal Protocol. This established the foundation for precise measures established to ensure the protection of the Earth’s stratospheric ozone layer. As of 2013, 191 countries have participated in meeting the stipulations of the Protocol. By signing the agreement, these nations have committed to the process of phasing out the production and consumption of ozone depleting chemicals.

 

Hailed among the most successful international treaties ever crafted, the Montreal Protocol extends beyond the original meeting goals by prompting multiple nations to come together as one cooperative entity capable of resolving major environmental issues. In recognition of the significance of this achievement, countries around the world typically assemble to celebrate the signing of the Montreal Protocol.

 

U.S. Responses to the Terms of the Montreal Protocol

 

The current U.S. EPA response to the Montreal Protocol reflects a sustained and renewed commitment toward U.S. implementation of the Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer. The history of associated U.S. regulations begins with the 1990 Clean Air Act (CAA) – modified ‘98 to provide additional provisions and deadlines concerning protection of the Earth’s stratospheric ozone layer.

 

CAA Amendments define the EPA’s involvement in the development and enforcement of national regulations dedicated to managing ozone-depleting substances (ODS) within U.S. borders. The legal framework of the process is fully defined in Title VI of the CAA instruction codes. As of 2013, the U.S. has met, exceeded and even accelerated the deadline dates as projected under the provisions of the Protocol as well as the CCA instructions.

 

In summary, the U.S. regulatory program establishes the following goals:

 

  • Flexible Allowance System – The initial program for the reduction of ODS production and import.
  • Regulated Reclamation and Recycling – A program that ensures emission control of AC refrigerants and other ODS products.
  • Alternative Refrigerant Solutions – The Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) establishes a means for introducing and gaining approval of alternatives to ODS products. Current better than 300 alternative solutions have been approved for consumer and commercial use. The EPA has also approved over 60 industrial alternative products.
  • Forced Management – EPA preventive regulations now ban the release of ozone-depleting refrigerants. During service, maintenance or replacement of AC products, professional air conditioning service centers must collect and properly dispose of all ODS refrigerant fluids. The controls include the management of any form of refrigeration equipment.
  • Product Labeling – New regulations ensure that manufacturers correctly label and product that contains harmful ODS materials.
  • Exemptions – When immediate full-scale alternative ODS products are not yet available the EPA grants temporary product exemptions. The primary list of exempt items includes: CFCs used in medical inhalers, essential fumigant methyl bromide projects and managed ODS inventories awaiting destruction.

 

The following chart reveals the current and projected status of the U.S. ODS phase-out program:

 

US ODS Phase Out Schedule

 

Phoenix AC Installation and the Effects of the Montreal Protocol 

 

The R22 phase out is already in effect. The year 2020 will bring about cease in the production of R22 refrigerant. In 2010, a ban against the production of new air conditioning equipment requiring R22 refrigerant became law. U.S. homeowners and business owners, including those in Glendale, Scottsdale and other Phoenix areas, will not be forced to upgrade their existing equipment. The refrigerant will remain available for another seven years. However, the cost will continue to rise due to an increase in demand and a decrease in supply.

 

As a professional Phoenix AC installation and service professional, the team at American Cooling and Heating can help you measure the value of retaining your existing air conditioning systems for yet a few more seasons against the value of investing in a new, environmentally friendly and energy efficient ac unit.

 

Call to schedule an appointment:

Contact American Cooling and Heating

 

 

 

 

R-22 Alternatives – Need AC Refrigerant Than Can Keep Up With Phoenix Heat

Written by Rm Harrington on . Posted in AC Installation, Cooling Tips.

R-22 ReplacementAs a result of national ozone layer protection programs, R-22 AC refrigerant, a hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) product, is nearing the final legs of merchandise availability. As of January 1 of 2010, stocking and topping-up with virgin R-22 has been banned. Although the use of reclaimed R-22 is still available up to January 1 of 2015, the pricing for the product lends to greater restraints.

After January 1, 2015, your Phoenix air conditioning installation and AC repair service center will no longer be permitted to stock or top-up your air conditioning system with virgin or reclaimed R-22 AC refrigerant. While homeowners are not being forced to install new AC equipment, they will be required to upgrade to a non-ozone depleting refrigerant.

Unless planning a new and near-future Phoenix AC installation project, any necessary cooling service requirements should involve a switchover to an environmentally safe, cost-effective and readily available modern refrigerant replacement product. The Glendale air conditioning repair and installation experts at American Cooling and Heating provide area residents and business owners with several products capable of dealing with the Phoenix area heat index. For example: R-438A by DuPont performs well against the toughest Arizona heat waves, provides reliable mineral oil compatibility and installs hassle free.

Mounting Pressure Driving the Removal of R-22 Refrigerant Products

 In accordance with the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone, all developed countries have agreed to the caps on consumption and production of HCFC products. Although the Montreal Protocol includes various “Critical and Essential Use Exemptions,” home AC refrigerants do not meet any of the phase-out limitations. The supply is drying up. 

In striving to remain current with federal requirements and customer needs, American Cooling and Heating investigates every avenue of R-22 alternative services. Customers need a product that provides the cooling power of R-22, holds up to the Phoenix heat index, and enables technicians to provide a quick and relatively inexpensive change over. It’s a simple rule: Get the R-22 out and install new AC refrigerant efficiently and with the least hassle.

Additional Alternatives to R-22 Refrigerant in Residential Air Conditioning

Eliminate of ozone-depleting substances involves a multitude of options.  Some of the replacement refrigerant products have proven more energy efficient than R-22 refrigerants. By installing the right combination of coolant and equipment, Phoenix homeowners can increase home cooling efficiency by 30% or more. The associated equipment upgrades, such as inverter air conditioning components, can reduce CO2 emissions, boast energy efficiency and decrease the cost of cooling your home.

Along with R-438A, current EPA reviews of R-22 alternatives include: 

  • R-410A      – A mid-range solution that does not deplete the ozone layer but is still      listed as a hydrofluorocarbon that contributes to global warming
  • R-407C      – Listed as an acceptable R-22 substitute in residential AC products but      is not yet available for use in the U.S.

 Don’t Rush, But Avoid the Rush

If your home is running a reliable leak free R-22 solution, you need not rush for immediate system replacement. However, 2015 is just around the corner. Remember: Last minute solutions often involve high-pressure decisions. Tax benefits are still available.

As a recommended Phoenix air conditioning installation center, you can count on the technicians from American Cooling and Heating for clear-cut advise on how to best work these legally required changes into your current heating and cooling needs. Don’t wait for the rush. Now is the time to contact American Cooling and Heating.

 

Why Your Phoenix AC Expert Should Analyze The External Condition of Your Home

Written by Rm Harrington on . Posted in AC Service, Cooling Tips, Uncategorized.

Texas ebony for aid in AC efficiencyFace it: The cost of air-conditioning your Arizona home or business is expensive. According to Energy Star, the cost of heating and cooling the average home runs around $1,000 per year. That’s a very low-end figure. Some professional estimates set the expense of home cooling and heating on a par of $300 to $500 per month. That’s $3,000 to $5,000 plus per household. Almost half of the average homeowner’s total yearly energy bill goes toward heating and cooling expenses. If your Phoenix AC system is over twelve years old, you could be wasting as much as 30% of your current cooling costs.

When Phoenix, Arizona approved the 2004 International Energy Code (IEC), they were agreeing to an energy conservation process designed to provide an 18 percent reduction in the city’s residential energy consumption. This includes lowering the use of residential electricity by 21 percent. When the electrical adjustments are combined with the residential natural gas adjustments of the 2004 IEC, the city aims for a life cycle per home cost savings of $11,228. 

Effective Phoenix AC Installation Benefits From Environmentally Focused Home Improvements

One of the core methods for bringing about the changes required in the 2004 IEC program involves energy-centered home improvements. The program gives local authorities permission to implement enhanced energy-efficiency construction goals and “home energy retrofits” within the local community. Along with increased citywide energy savings, green energy changes provide cost-effective ways to enhance homeowner living conditions. By bringing together utilities, trade groups and product retailers such as your local Phoenix air conditioning contractor, the city of Arizona effectively provides homeowners with: 

  • Improved health due to better air quality
  • Better home comfort due to more efficient heating, cooling and air filtration
  • Saver living quarters
  • AND a reduction in energy expenditure. 

The Cost Efficiency of Environmentally Controlled Home Air Conditioning

External wind, sun, shade and precipitation determine the degree and extent of internal energy consumption. In summer, evergreen shade trees reduce the need for air conditioning. During the winter, evergreen windbreaks help reduce heat loss. In fact, strategically placed shade trees can reduce your home cooling energy costs by as much as 47 percent.

Perhaps your community falls within a government sponsored energy-efficiency heating and cooling program. Area governments are actively striving to persuade homeowners to plant and maintain windbreaks and shade trees. Incentive programs make the task even easier. Some regions of Arizona may already be involved in alternative voluntary programs wherein low-income households receive inexpensive or even free “home energy retrofits.”

Even if your home doesn’t fit into any of the benefit programs associated with the 2004 IEC program, ask your Scottsdale AC repair technician to examine your landscape. It’s already a proven fact: Just a few shade trees in the right position will reduce your home or business cooling expenses. If your old system is more than twelve years old, consider the cost savings associated with a new Glendale air conditioning installation. And when the AC professional arrives on site, make sure he or she checks out the lay of your land before the work begins.

Just a few knowledgeable tips from a trained Glendale AC repair center can help you push the efficiency of your air conditioning system to the max. Be sure to use desert–adapted trees.

 

Valleywide Service • Fast Response 24/7
Call Now For A Free Estimate

(480) 699-2516