Tag: Heat Pump

HVAC Maintenance Agreements – For the Best in Heat Pump Performance

Written by Rm Harrington on May 26, 2015. Posted in AC Repair, Home Maintenance, HVAC Maintenance.

Heat Pump HVAC Maintenance Agreements For Homes That Don’t Need A Furnace

In this region of unique heating and cooling requirements, Arizona homeowners have come to expect reliable air conditioning services accompanied by flexible HVAC maintenance agreements. The age of one-size-fits-all has pasted us by. Local climate makes heat pump heating ideal for winter use thus the need for additional furnace equipment gets a bit obsolete. It’s just not all that cold during the Phoenix winter.

Cost is also a driving factor behind system choices. For example: By installing a HP-only system, Phoenix regional homeowners gain three important price saving features: They,

Avoid the installation cost of additional Natural Gas and/or HVAC plumbing
Gain more flexible control over temperature management within the home
Get better pricing on HVAC maintenance service contracts.

In this modern society, homeowners want protection with options. They also seek to establish relations with a trustworthy service center. Company performance during and after HVAC maintenance services help homeowners meet these goals. But there is yet much more to be gained. A well-maintained heat pump can provide effective energy-efficient heating and cooling with long-term cost savings that reach far into the homeowner’s future. Furthermore, a clean and functional heat pump helps the environment while also adding value to the home.

A/C Maintenance Checklist

According to the Energy Star home improvement A/C maintenance checklist, homeowners should expect the following services:

Examination of thermostat settings to confirm efficient usage of energy resources
General electrical check and tightening of all connections, including taking voltage measurements on said connections as well as on motors
Lubrication of moving HVAC system components
Examination of the system operation, cycling and safety controls
Cleaning of condenser a/c coils and evaporator coils
Check and adjust of central heat pump / ac refrigerant levels
Clean, examine and adjust blower components to ensure adequate and accurate system airflow
Examine gas/oil connections and associated functions such as burner combustion, gas pressure and the condition of the heat exchanger.

Note… Homeowners are typically responsible for cleaning and or changing filters.

Precision HVAC Tune-Ups or Professional HVAC Cleaning: What’s In It For The Homeowner?

Although there are several reasons why a Phoenix A/C service center may offer homeowners an HVAC M/A, “repeat business” stands as the primary factor behind this business choice. According to Decision Analyst, the company that holds a homeowner’s maintenance agreement usually gains the order when system replacement comes due. In short, providing an air conditioning maintenance agreement typically eliminates the competition.

But what’s in it for the homeowner?

Due to excess accumulation of dust and dry weather, the typical Arizona HVAC maintenance agreement should also include two inspections per year and a guarantee of priority service. Some contracts also include a special discount on repairs and parts. Another level of M/A services may include a waiver on diagnostic fees. So much depends on the local company, but homeowners should always make certain that their provider offers:

24/7 A/C response time
Certified technicians
Evidence of HVAC licensing
Bonded securities
And reasonable A/C maintenance pricing.

Full-Service HVAC Maintenance Agreements

Ok. It’s really not reasonable to expect a full-service warranty agreement on an aged and obsolete heating and cooling system. However, when a homeowner is seeking a maintenance agreement for a system that is still under warranty, the service provider incurs no liability beyond labor. This means that replacement of parts can be priced into the maintenance agreement. It may result in a bit higher pricing, but it can be money well spent.

AND… of course, if the company holding the agreement is also responsible for the Arizona Heat Pump installation of the warranted unit, the options for better coverage become even more acceptable.

Goodman Heating and Cooling Growth Projections

Written by Rm Harrington on July 22, 2014. Posted in Goodman, News.

2012 Daikin Buyout of Goodman Heating and Cooling

Perhaps you remember the 2012 Daikin Industries Ltd. buyout of Goodman heating and cooling (Goodman Global Inc.). In initiating the $3.7 billion purchase, Daikin hoped to open new doors into the North America heating and cooling business (1). The deal provided Daikin with better than 900 new points of distribution into the home air conditioning marketplace. However, it also opened some flack in the mind of Moody’s Investors Service and other securities monitoring agencies. For example: Senior analyst for the Iwai Cosmo Securities Co. said that the deal might be a bit too big for Daikin. And of course, such comments caused a serious drop in Daikin shares. At the close of the Aug. 1, 2012 Tokyo trading day, Daikin shares were down 3.5 percent.

Ah, but time passes, viewpoints change, and homeowners reap the benefits.

Fast Forward To 2014 And the Daikin Goal For Goodman Heating and Cooling

A new Goodman CEO, Takeshi Ebisu, is in place. Established plans for increased growth in manufacturing dominate the vision. Takeshi determines to lead Daikin’s United States operations, including Goodman air conditioning divisions into a productive, innovative and prosperous future. For Mr. Ebisu, the Goodman Global Group Inc., Houston-based heating, ventilation and air conditioning product base will soon incorporate a greater global influence throughout the HVAC community (2).

With over twenty years experience with Daikin, Takeshi has the negotiating experiences to bring about greater performance, higher market growth, and better global product distribution for both companies. Integrating strategies will make it happen. It’s a global mindset that expands the Goodman heating and cooling focus into the global marketplace while also enhancing support for the local buyer of Goodman Air Conditioning products throughout North America.

The Goodman U.S. manufacturing operations will expand. Both Daikin and Goodman will combine strengths to provide homeowners and business owners with more options, better products, and HVAC resources that will be the rival of anything heating and cooling on the market.

Not Just A Daikin/Goodman A/C Vision

The changes are already in effect. By late 2013, Daikin’s first U.S. A/C manufacturing project cranked up at the Huston-based Goodman air conditioning plant. But that was just a beginning. Currently Daikin produces three brands of HVAC equipment in U.S. based manufacturing plants:

Goodman Air Conditioning and Goodman Heat Pump Brands
Amana Air Conditioning Brands
AND The Newly Introduced Daikin Air Conditioning Brand.

The vision according to Ebisu includes long-term HVAC development projects as well as short-term revenue for all divisions. The manufacturing process will expand to include production of various affiliated products. Regional recognition is just as important as global recognition. Ebisu intends for Goodman and Daikin products to become the local favorite throughout the U.S. The products, already established and respected, will become even more distinguished for:

Product durability
Product reliability
Product options
Product warranties
AND Cost-efficient product pricing.

Concerning the growth and the performance issues, Ebisu says: “I’m not saying that hasn’t been the case, but with our new products, we want to be accepted more into the market.”

ACH For Reliable Installation of Quality Goodman Heating and Cooling Products

Goodman heating and cooling products may be the right match for your Arizona home. Priced to be affordable, and crafted to be reliable, a Goodman heat pump will help you remain cool and comfortable all summer long while also providing energy-efficient heating during the winter. These products are remarkably efficient heating and cooling equipment.

Goodman warranties are among the best in the HVAC industry. The American Cooling and Heating workmanship warranty sweetens the value. You get tough products, installed by some of the best A/C technicians in Arizona, and your choice of a Goodman heat pump or a Goodman air conditioning condensing system. And you get a product that best suits the needs of your Arizona home.

For more information concerning reasonable HVAC equipment pricing and reliable Arizona HVAC installation of a Goodman air conditioning system, click here.

1) http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-08-29/daikin-falls-after-report-it-s-buying-goodman-tokyo-mover.html

2) http://www.hardinet.org/news/2014/04/22/industry-newsnew-goodman-ceo-outlines-plans-for-strong-manufacturing-growth

Air Conditioning Capacitor – Detect and Repair AC Capacitor

Written by Rm Harrington on July 17, 2014. Posted in Air Conditioning, Air Conditioning Capacitor.

Common A/C Repair – Replacing Your Air Conditioning Capacitor

Air conditioning capacitor problems are easy to detect, test and repair. However, replacing your Heat Pump or AC capacitor is also a risky task. Capacitors store power, and even though the breakers to the heating and cooling unit are tripped and the flow of electric current through the system is disabled, a capacitor retains the power to light up your world. Two rules for dealing with A/C capacitors or any other electric motor starting capacitor:

Disconnect the unit power source
Discharge the capacitor.

Working with electricity can be detrimental to your health. Before touching anything inside the cover of your heating and cooling equipment, know exactly what you are doing.

TIP! Get your HVAC unit serviced yearly. During service the technician will check the motor and refill the system fluids.

Coming into simultaneous contact with two of the terminals on an air conditioning capacitor makes for dangerous discharge of electricity. Furthermore: trashing a capacitor that has not been properly discharged creates a fire hazard. Likewise, avoid placing a charged capacitor on dry grass, paper or any other combustible materials. To discharge the stored current from within an A/C or heat pump capacitor, disengage the power source and then use an insulated screwdriver to short across the terminals of the capacitor (figure 1).

Hot Day In Arizona – What To Do When The Air Conditioning Capacitor Quits

When your A/C stops working, even summer fun becomes a drag. It’s hot, sweaty and nasty inside and out. Furthermore, HVAC repairs can get rather expensive. This article may help you get cool while also saving a few dollars on the repair costs. But remember: Messing with electric components is risky. Take care that you fully understand this guide and the associated warnings.

Checking The A/C or Heat Pump Capacitor Multimeter Style

Capacitors store electric charge and are used to maintain voltage supply and/or boost torque during device startup. HVAC systems use capacitors for both purposes. By sight and sound alone, you can make several good guesses concerning the condition of your air conditioning capacitor. However, for the final test, technicians use a multimeter (image 2). If you do know how to use a multimeter or a voltmeter, give up now and call your Arizona Air Conditioning service center. You are likely already in over your head.

To run a multimeter test on your HVAC capacitor: Multimeter- Testing A/C Capacitor

Disconnect the unit power source
Discharge the capacitor
Mark for location and then disconnect the wires from the capacitor’s terminals
Place the leads from the multimeter on the terminals, one to each terminal
The reading should be within six percent of the rating for that make and model of capacitor.

Checking The HP or A/C Capacitor Using Sight And Sound

TIP! If there’s a clicking in your HVAC unit, check for any sort of obstructions immediately. This may be because debris is restricting the movement of the fan blades.

Ok. Perhaps you aren’t ready to actually repair capacitor on your HVAC equipment, but you still want to get an idea of the problem. That’s good. It helps you make an informed price comparison. To check your unit via sight and sound, just stand near the condensing unit and listen for a humming sound while noticing if the fan is spinning or not spinning. Hum without spin likely means air conditioning capacitor problems.

A Capacitor Test That Does Not Require Use of a Multimeter

Since the A/C capacitor is designed to boost power during the system startup, it makes sense that you can provide the necessary assistance. The process is simple. If the outside A/C condensing unit is humming but the fan is not responding, you need to give the fan a kick-start. Find a long stick that will slip through the fan guard. Use something that will bend or break should the fan start turning before you get it out of the way. Now, slide the tool through the fan guard and then gently nudge one of the fan blades. It things crank up and keep going, place bets on the problem being a bad A/C start capacitor.

Bad Capacitor Sight Test Two

If you have already removed the service panel from your condensing unit, do a visual inspection of the capacitor. If the top of the component is swollen out, the capacitor is likely blown.

Choosing The Correct Replacement Component

TIP! Consider an annual service agreement for technicians to regularly inspect your AC unit. Schedule brief inspections for the winter to make sure nothing is obviously wrong.

Two points: Record both the voltage rating and the micro-farads (μF) of your current capacitor. Brand name doesn’t matter and neither (within reasonable limits) does shape and size. The existing A/C capacitor mounting brackets are typically flexible enough to accommodate various sizes and shapes. Even the component voltage voltage rating has some room for upward adjustment. However, the micro-farads (μF) must be an exact match from old to new.

As to pricing, Arizona residential HVAC units are reasonably sized and the capacitor is typically fairly cheap. For example: Pricing for the average Amana, Goodman, Rheem or Trane residential air conditioning capacitor will come in at $35.00 or less. But if all this seems a mite confusing or if messing with electrical components goes against your grain, Arizona-based American Cooling and Heating is ready, 24/7, to service your home or office HVAC equipment. And ACH prices are more than reasonable.

Mesa Air Conditioning Buying – 5 Air Conditioning Buying Tips

Written by Rm Harrington on June 9, 2014. Posted in HVAC Sales, Mesa Air Conditioning.

Mesa Air Conditioning Buyer’s Guide – Getting The Best In A/C Installation As Well As Performance

You don’t have to live in Mesa Arizona to make use of this Mesa Air Conditioning buyer’s guide. However, as a special promotion to Mesa residents, from now until July 9^th, 2014 American Cooling and Heating is giving a “10% Discount On HVAC Maintenance Services*” to Mesa, AZ homeowners. So make it happen. The ACH 24/7 HVAC service team is on-call, stocked for repairs, and ready to roll into your neighborhood.

Meantime, the following Air Conditioning and Heat Pump buyer-tips can help every homeowner get the right product for the right price and backed by the right A/C installation team.

Make Quick, Simple, Reliable HVAC Buying Decisions

1) Unit Sizing

Avoid HVAC contractors who size units according to floor area alone. It takes about an hour for an A/C technician to match a structure’s cooling needs to the guidelines established by Manual J of the ACCA (Air Conditioner Contractors of America). Measurements must include window space, wall space, and the total area of ceiling space, as well as floor area. All new A/C installation estimates performed by American Cooling and Heating also take into account:

Homeowner comments and suggestions
The efficiency and effectiveness of the existing attic, crawlspace and wall insulation
Number of occupants living in the home
Latent cooling load (humidity of the air)
Sensible cooling load (best air temperature for your home)
The average daily indoor and outdoor temperatures, and shade areas
The color of the roof on the home
AND more.

2) Mesa Air Conditioning System Efficiency

Spend a few dollars more and up the efficiency of your system. New federal regulations demand that all new A/C systems rate 13-SEER or higher. However, the improved Return on Investment (ROI) in energy savings makes it well worth exceeding 13-SEER. Ask your American Cooling and Heating HVAC estimator to point you toward any current ACH “FREE” system upgrade plans. And be sure you stick with ENERGY STAR labeled systems. Saving a penny on a less efficient heat pump or A/C unit is not worth what you loose by stepping out from beneath the ENERGY STAR umbrella of performance commitment.

3) Hardcopy Quotes

Springing for the lowest bid can lead to missing paperwork and quoted cooling load calculations that don’t include all of the ACCA “Manual J” configurations. Get everything in writing and get it in advance of paying for the job. Sure some papers may have to wait until after the service is completed for the final signing, but that should not prevent your HVAC contractor from presenting you with up-front copies.

4) Moisture Management

Air Conditioning condensers and Heat Pumps are similar in cooling function, but the moisture handling efficiency varies between models. The American Cooling and Heating technical team will suggest an air conditioning system that best suits the regional climate for Mesa, or any other specific area of Arizona.

5) Avoid Over-Sizing

Although tonnage and SEER share some points in common, increasing the A/C SEER rating is not the same as increasing the system tonnage. Take care that your Mesa Air Conditioning installation does not include a system that is oversized for your home.

According to Home Energy Saver, better than 1/3 of the installed home air conditioning systems are oversized and less efficient than is to be expected (1). Contractors, they say, often tend to oversize units by as much as 1/2 ton or more. This causes the units to turn on and off more often than necessary, and perform poorly as a dehumidifier. For the homeowner, it means:

Higher electric bills
AND A reduced level of home comfort.

Mesa Air Conditioning From A Reliable Local Company

American Cooling and Heating provides valley-wide air conditioning and heating services for residential, commercial and industrial customers. The company has outlets and offices in various Phoenix metro regions, including outlets for Mesa Air Conditioning installation. ACH installs and services air handlers, furnaces, heat pumps, refrigeration, air conditioning condensing units and other HVAC equipment. Licensed, bonded and insured for HVAC installation and services, ACH carries a standing A+ rating with the Arizona BBB. Products sold, installed and serviced included Amana, Carrier, Goodman, Trane and more.

And remember: From now until July 9^th, 2014 American Cooling and Heating is giving a “10% Discount On HVAC Maintenance Services*” to Mesa, AZ residents who own their home. Plus: All HVAC installation and service work performed by American Cooling and Heating is 100% Workmanship Guaranteed. For more information on Mesa Air Conditioning buyer options, click here.

*Disclaimer:

Maintenance must be performed by an authorized American Cooling and Heating HVAC technician.
The contents in this article reflect accumulated data from various sources. ACH cannot and does not accept any legal responsibility to any person in respect of anything or the consequences of any reader responses, actions or lack of actions associated with reliance upon the whole or any part of this article and its content. All trademarks, logos, and associated content displayed are the property of their respective owners.

1) http://www.homeenergysaver.lbl.gov/consumer/help-popup/content/~consumer~nrr~air-conditioner

Scottsdale Arizona Air Conditioning Company Announces June AC Upgrade Package

Written by Rm Harrington on June 7, 2014. Posted in AC Service, Arizona Air Conditioning Upgrade Sale.

Now thru July 1, 2014, American Cooling and Heating invites Scottsdale residents to enjoy the benefits of a 13-SEER to 14-SEER A/C upgrade on select new heat pumps and air conditioning condensing units installed by ACH.

“Arizona heat keeps rising, and when older Scottsdale air conditioning systems fail to handle the toll, American Cooling and Heating is here with a free 13-SEER to 14-SEER upgrade* package on select A/C and HP systems.”

Most of the older installed A/C and HP systems still use R-22 refrigerants. And the more age a unit accumulates, the greater becomes the cost of keeping it running. Summer is here. Residents of Scottsdale and other Arizona localities readily vouch the point. Repair prices are also increasing. And now, hundreds of worn-out home and business HVAC systems are crashing beneath the toll of ever-increasing heat.

This may well be the best possible time to install an energy-efficient cooling system. From the opening estimate, ACH offers phenomenally low pricing on heat pump installation and air conditioning installation. But now through July 1, management has declared that every Scottsdale residential customer is eligible to reap an automatic 13-SEER to 14-SEER upgrade on select heating and cooling units.

“If your existing installed air conditioning system demands repetitive seasonal repairs, this American Cooling and Heating A/C sale is for you,” Scot Morgan, ACH.

Arizona weather is merciless. Every Scottsdale, AZ air conditioning system battles the seasonal rise in temperatures, storms and dust. Maintaining a comfortable home or business environment is costly. But with modern HVAC technology, extremely sensitive thermostat controls, and a cooling system that is right-sized for the home, comfort can come with an energy-saving payback that makes sweat music out of the ACH 13-SEER to 14-SEER upgrade program.

Too many Scottsdale homeowners are giving up sleep, play and even work due to inefficient home cooling. American Cooling and Heating provides a reliable and cost-effective solution.

Make It A Heat Pump Solution

Due to the dual purpose use, heat pumps cost a bit more than standard central air conditioning systems. However, the year-round savings of a system that provides heat as well as cooling, typically make buying a heat pump the best option for most Scottsdale homes.

Consider the advantages of heat pump technology:

** Heat Pumps eliminate most if not all of the expense of heating with fossil fuels

** In the average home, a heat pump system lowers the year-around consumption of electricity

** Heat Pump efficiency ratings can reach as high as 300%

** HP technology releases no fumes and requires no chimney or internal flames

** Heat Pump units use environmentally safe refrigerant

** HP technology uses natural heat sources via environmentally effective heat transfer technology

** Heat Pump systems are crafted for the best in heat transfer efficiency

** HP HVAC equipment is constructed for endurance and backed by exceptional manufacturer warranties

** Heat Pumps provide total home comfort in summer and winter

** HP systems produce cooling and heating at a capacity that exceeds the electrical energy required for system operation.

ACH Arizona Air Conditioning Upgrade* Package – Act before July 1, 2014

Don’t miss this American Cooling and Heating free 13-SEER to 14-SEER upgrade* option on select air conditioning sales and heat pump sales. Scottsdale buyers expect great products at great prices. ACH has the inventory, the discounts, and the HVAC solution for any Arizona home.

For immediate service and a free estimate relating to the steadfastness of your existing air conditioning system, call American Cooling and Heating today. Proudly installing Amana, Carrier, Goodman, Rheem, Trane and other top line HVAC equipment.

* Disclaimer:

Offer applies only to systems purchased from and installed by American Cooling And Heating
Offer only available on certain brands and models
Please call to verify availability while quantities last

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

Tag: Heat Pump

HVAC Maintenance Agreements – For the Best in Heat Pump Performance