Tag: A/C Installation

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

Why Upgrade To A Programmable Thermostat?

Written by Rm Harrington on . Posted in Arizona Air Conditioning Upgrade Sale, Arizona Commercial Air Conditioning HVAC, Thermostats and Controllers.

Argument: Is A Programmable Thermostat Efficient?

According to one regional Department of Commerce web file, nearly 70% of the homes that currently heat and cool via the control of an installed programmable thermostat are wasting money (1). It seems that most homeowners fail to complete a primary step in the installation process: they don’t program the thermostat.

Thus a device designed to help you save energy ends up being no more efficient than the manual version of the same product. Hey. It doesn’t have to be that way. Fact is: if programmed effectively, the first-year savings from a correctly installed and programmed home comfort management system can sometimes recoup the full cost of the unit. Just ask the tech to help you get started.

After the initial unit cost is recovered, the energy saving from your thermostat investment becomes a cumulative benefit. A properly programmed “smart” thermostat requires less personal attention therefore you get superior home A/C comfort with better energy efficiency without the added cost of consistent manual manipulation of the controls.

Types of Thermostat – The Basics

A/C thermostats are used to control the temperature within a business, home or various sections thereof. By gauging internal temperature in relation to a pre-set comfort configuration, the thermostat activates the power controls on a central air conditioning, furnace, or heat pump comfort system. Furthermore, if the associated home comfort system includes air exchangers or humidifiers, the thermostat can control those mechanical systems also.

Throughout the ages, HVAC technology has advanced from a collection of simple and half-effective ideas to a degree of well throughout purposeful home comfort management systems that stuns the mind of the modern A/C consumer. Current thermostat options include: manual, programmable, and smart. Herein is a brief description of each format:

Manual Thermostat Units

In the tradition of the times, the wheel on early manual thermostats followed the nature of a dial telephone. The homeowner dials up the number (desired temperature setting) and conditions in the home or business remain stable as such until such time as someone rotates the dial left or right. However, due to the need of manual intervention, most folks have a habit of selecting a “comfortable” setting and then leaving it in place — even at night or during times when nobody is home to gain the benefits of a human-comfortable setting.

Programmable thermostat Units

By enabling users to make one-time changes wherein the temperature settings shift according to time of day or time of night, programmable thermostats up the efficiency of even a poorly performing HVAC system. Digital units, typically driven via touch-screen technology, enable users to make these changes directly on the device itself. Some models, for example the Trane XL800 Digital Thermostat, include multiple mode settings such as:

Min and max heating and cooling ranges
Hot key for daylight savings adjustments
Permanent memory storage
Auto and manual changeover features
“Dead Band” set points between heating and cooling changeover modes
And a host of other exciting options.

Various models also include options for auto-changeover for weekends and weekdays, evening to night and even special adjustment modes for morning versus daylight hours. Furthermore, many programmable systems include the power to manage and control heat pumps, air exchangers, humidifiers and other mechanical devices.

Smart Thermostat Units

Designed for the homeowner or business owner with a desire to reap even greater energy efficiency than that which can be provided via a digital programmable thermostat, Trane and other major A/C manufacturers have developed “Smart” thermostat technology. The programming options typically match or exceed the modes provided by a digital system, however Smart thermostats include one significant improvement: Smart thermostats use an applied rudimentary form of artificial intelligence so that they can actually “learn” the heating and cooling preferences of the user. This means the unit can actually make adjustments according to the factual presence of a human being within the dwelling or office. Additional features include Wi-Fi control via smart phone apps, tablets or personal computers. This also enables the homeowner to receive monthly e-mail reports that offer suggestions for even more efficient use of the system.

Some “Smart” units even link to home security systems. Thus some “Smart” programmable thermostat units not only monitor and control your homes HVAC systems, they can also provide remote monitoring and operation of many other home security and comfort functions.

To help guide your choices in this matter, American Cooling and Heating places a five-star mark of confidence in the Trane ComfortLink™ II SMART CONTROL. This intuitive and innovative touch-screen home HVAC management system functions well with most any other brand of standard central heating and air conditioning systems as well as with the Trane brand name. Among the many standard functions included with the ComfortLink™ II SMART CONTROL, you get:

Custom Scheduling and Control
Indoor/Outdoor Temperature Monitoring
Filter Monitoring
Remote Access
Live Weather Reports With Radar Images and More
And A Fantastic Digital Picture Frame Display For Times When The Unit Is Not In Use.

Three Points Critical To Efficient Use of a Programmable Thermostat

Installation – Although the physical installation of a programmable system may be fairly simple for some folks, remember that damaging your system due to a crossed wiring accident isn’t going to play well with the product warranty. Some units require wiring changes that the average homeowner is better off leaving to the skills of a trained HVAC technician. Furthermore, if you plan to include additional devices, the wiring tends to get even more complex.

Location – It’s all about performance and efficiency. To function most effectively, a thermostat should be located away from doorways, drafts, direct sunlight, windows and other specific forms of interference. The installer must also consider air currents such as those involved in war air rising or the opposite which is cool air sinking.

Programming Your Thermostat – Now is when the homeowner really has to consider various options, options that no tech can weigh-in without homeowner input. However, even without knowing the basics of your household family schedules, don’t let the tech leave without having him or her walk you through some of the basic programming processes. With American Cooling and Heating, you won’t need to worry about being inadequately trained. Our techs want you to know your system and how to get the best from your new programmable thermostat control unit.

1) https://mn.gov/commerce/assets/home-energy-guide_tcm17-28824.pdf

Reasonable AC Installation Phoenix AZ Homes

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

Phoenix AZ Resources For Reasonable AC Installation

If someone says, “Define the core components of reasonable AC installation,” the wise homeowner conceives a mixed response wherein “Reasonable” means right priced for the quality, the product, and the required services. There is a difference between shoddy components and cost-efficient components. There is a distinction between substandard HVAC equipment and just-the-right-unit for the purpose. And there is a valuable division between lazy, careless technicians and in skilled technical air conditioning installation professionals.

So it seems that the concept of “reasonable pricing” for a new or replacement heat pump installation or A/C system should exclude a focus on “cheap.” Now that doesn’t mean that “rational AC pricing” means “expensive” pricing. It merely eliminates time and money wasted on price comparisons that fail to match product-to-product, warranty-to-warranty, service-to-service, and reliability-to-reliability.

Definition of Reasonable AC Installation Sometimes Distorted By Unlicensed Operators

In conclusion to a 2015 drive to eliminate unlicensed contractor work in the state of Arizona, the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AZ ROCK) successfully netted 30 offenders (1). Two of the unlicensed operators are already lised on AZ ROC’s “Top Most Wanted List.” In total:

Nine offenders were arrested
Five offenders were cited for criminal and civil offenses
AND 16 received AZ ROC warnings for advertising without being in possession of a proper Arizona contractor’s license.

Note: Advertisements placed by the guilty parties covered false business cards, private websites, and adds on Craigslist.

One of the offenders, specifically known for performing poor work and taking money without completing the jobs already faced nine prior complaints. At the time of arrest, he was also facing four outstanding Warrants. Another of the offenders was picked up for scamming an 86-year-old woman out of $26,000. Thankfully, most of these unlicensed construction contractors were involved in work dealing with roofing, pool services and other home improvement tasks.

Yet the fact remains: Too many unskilled and untrained people are actively affecting the Phoenix concept of “sensible A/C installation pricing” (2). From false advertisement to shoddy and incomplete work, the danger of mistaking “cheap” for “reasonable” cannot be denied. They are in every profession: unlicensed amateurs seeking to mislead innocent homeowners faulted only for looking for the best deal.

American Cooling and Heating: A Real HVAC Contractor With Reasonable AC Installation Pricing

You want quality products, superior quality, reliable service and “reasonable pricing.” American Cooling and Heating understands what it takes to battle desert temperatures, and we know how to do it using the most cost-effective HVAC installation game plan.

Keeping you comfortable is our business. The ACH service guarantee begins with a “Free” onsite appraisal. Our schedule is flexible, for the estimate and for the installation. We handle the whole nine yards, including filing your warranty paperwork and registering your new heat pump or air conditioning system according to the manufacturer’s specs.

And we understand the true meaning of “realistic A/C installation pricing.” This means that we are competitive with any legitimate Phoenix AZ HVAC sales and service center. And then, we go the extra mile. We offer professional in-home behavior and attitude, from wearing booties to protect your flooring to using temp attic boards to save from harm your ceilings. And it is all followed up by a full and complete after-market cleanup. And don’t forget our American Cooling and Heating lifetime A/C installation labor warranty.

Air conditioning condensers and heat pumps on sale today. So stop burning energy. ACH does “reasonable AC installation” in Phoenix, Tucson and many other regions within the Valley. Call now….

Arizona AC Energy Consumption Exceeds National Average

Written by Rm Harrington on . Posted in Arizona Air Conditioning Installation, Climate Change, Cooling Tips.

Rising Arizona Temperatures Increase Arizona AC Energy Consumption To Twenty-Five Percent

From the U.S. Energy Information Administrations “Quick Facts” report concerning the Arizona state profile: 25-percent of the Arizona home energy consumption goes into home air conditioning (1). That’s four times the national average for energy usage directed into home cooling. On the plus side, heating Arizona households require less energy than the national average. In fact, the yearly average energy usage in Arizona homes runs at 26% less Btu of energy per home than does the typical U.S. home.

Then comes another negative side. The bulk of the consumed household energy goes toward Arizona AC equipment, equipment that typically operates from electricity, a relatively expensive means of creating energy. Furthermore, the typical Arizona household puts out around $1,700 per year on electricity. That’s roughly 14,000 kilowatt-hours consumed per home. According to the EIA report, more than 90% of Arizona households reap the benefits of installed and functional air conditioning — and 86% of those units are central AC systems.

Note that the expenses and energy consumption is averaged based upon an average Arizona home square footage of 1,798 feet. Larger homes require more cooling performance at a higher rate of energy consumption.

What Rising Temperatures Means To Your AC Lifespan

If purchased as a reputable manufacturer’s brand name and installed by a reputable and experienced HVAC installation company, you can expect 15 to 20 years lifespan from a central air conditioning system (2). But it is not just about the type of equipment and the quality of the installation. Usage and maintenance also play a major role in the lifespan of your home cooling system. And the say the least: Arizona AC usage leaps high above the national average.

Battling year after year of exceptionally smoking summers accelerates the rate of wear and tear on any home cooling system. However, you can help reduce the labors of the unit.

It begins by making certain that your unit is right-sized for your Arizona home. Ask your Arizona home AC expert about two-stage air conditioning system. Due to less on-and-off cycling, the two stage units tend to last longer than other type central units.

More tips…

Chose an established, reliable and experienced Arizona AC installation company
Follow up with routine maintenance
Change the air filter before it becomes a problem
Take care of your outside condensing unit
Schedule an annual maintenance plan with your local dealer.

Climate Change Affecting Arizona AC Lifespan

According to the 2013 State of Arizona Hazard Mitigation Plan Risk Assessment, the on-going effects of climate change are evoking increased temperatures throughout the American southwest. Arizona is no exception. Since 1895, summer temperatures have been on the rise, topping the 20th century average summer after summer throughout this century. 100-plus degree days come more and more often. The 1981-2010 maximum July temperature in Phoenix and surrounding areas comes in at 110-plus.

Yet metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona remains among the fastest-growing urban regions in the U.S.. This adds to the increase in temperatures. By the year 2000, the nighttime minimum central Phoenix temperature was up by 9 degrees F. All of it comes together in a cascading effect that impacts animal, plants and humans, which in turn means that more and more demand is placed on your in-home Arizona AC system.

But rolling back the effects of climate change is going to be a long slow process. In the mean time, you still need to stay cool. So take care of existing air conditioning system, and when the repairs begin to outweigh the value of the unit, call American Cooling and Heating for an immediate and cost-effective cooling system replacement.

1) EIA Arizona State Profile and Energy Estimates
2) 2013 State of Arizona Hazard Mitigation Plan Risk Assessment

5 HVAC Trends From the 2014 Air Conditioning Season

Written by Rm Harrington on . Posted in Economic AC Pricing, News.

The Effects of 5 HVAC Trends On Home and Office Air Conditioning

New and advancing trends in the HVAC manufacturing processes and the efficiency of digital A/C controls can’t be ignored. Whether replacing, upgrading or installing a new heating and cooling system in your Arizona home, you cannot afford to ignore the modern changes in air conditioning technology. For some homeowners, buying a new heat pump or A/C condensing unit means seeking the best deal from a cut-rate discount center. But conscientious quality-focused homeowners know the value of learning about:

New developments in heating and cooling technology
Identifying the best HVAC fit for your home
Avoiding obsolete and ineffective systems
AND better understanding the top HVAC trends from 2014.

American Cooling and Heating Discusses 5 HVAC Trends Worth Reviewing

1) HVAC Trends in Economic Growth

Seems strange that economic growth should be listed as an HVAC trend for 2014, but as was predicted by ACHR News back in January of 2014, seventy percent of the surveyed HVAC/R manufacturers had visions of increased growth in demands for more efficient A/C equipment. And let’s face: Even with a staggering economy, the overall increase in available jobs, stable banking, and low interest rates has moved many people to reach out for the advantages associated with energy-efficient HVAC equipment – even if merely as a retrofit solution. It’s a good year to take advantage of current HVAC trends.

Hey, growth in the construction market means growth in the HVAC/R market. Housing startups are coming back. New homes require new air conditioning equipment. Competition pushes heating and cooling manufacturing firms to present value-added services and equipment. Contractors strive for your business. Some offer bottom-dollar pricing with minimal support. Quality HVAC contractors offer good pricing, reliable support, and guaranteed workmanship. When fitting a new home with heating and cooling, meticulous buyers tend to make quality service and support a top decision-making priority.

2) HVAC Trends in Digital Technology

Even if you haven’t had opportunity to experience the benefits of “smart” air conditioning technology inside your Arizona home, you have most likely reaped traces from the stores and malls that you visit outside the home. Programmable thermostats come in a host of formats and styles, and the efficiency increase associated with managed heating and cooling continues to attract homeowners as well as business owners. The quality of the units improves year by year. Wi-Fi and wireless models present homeowners with user-friendly management of home heating and cooling equipment, and even now, many companies continue to offer rebates on the HVAC digital technology for the home.

3) HVAC Trends in Data Management

Promised efficiency does not always translate into realized air conditioning effectiveness. Thus to ensure effective use of the advanced features in modern A/C equipment, the industry had to introduce new HVAC trends in data management. Many digital thermostats now include “smart meters” that enable homeowners and business owners to better track and measure effectual HVAC equipment efficiency. Top off home equipment with advancements in mobile applications that make energy monitoring and thermostat management a full-time option, and home heating and cooling efficiency leaps into a new age of performance and effectiveness.

4) HVAC Trends in Green Technology

Partly due to pressure from the government and partly due to respect for the eco-system, sustainability remains a primary focal point in HVAC/R trends. From Carrier to Trane and all the brand names in between, A/C manufacturing companies are committed to provide better, more energy-efficient systems for home, office and industry.

5) HVAC Trends – Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF)

Already dominant in China, Japan, and other countries, VRF has finally taken a foothold in the US. System design in a VRF unit enables an outdoor A/C condensing unit to link to multiple indoor fan coil systems. It’s energy efficient, effective, and driven by the commercial segment of the HVAC/R industry. But remember: Every thing that happens in the commercial industry eventually affects home lifestyles.

American Cooling and Heating Helping To Set Arizona HVAC Trends in 2014

Thus far, 2014 has been an exciting year for ACH, Arizona homeowners, and the heating and cooling industry as a whole. The above listed 5 HVAC trends affect every A/C vendor, manufacturer, and sales/service center. But give a call, and we will let you know how you can benefit from the current trends in HVAC/R equipment and technology.