AC Checklist for Your New Home

Congratulations on buying your new home. Now that you’re getting settled in, it’s time to run through an AC system checklist. After all, your air conditioner is what keeps your new home comfortable and livable during Mesa’s hot summer months. Without it, you can’t enjoy your new property. Here at , there’s a checklist we recommend every new homeowner should run through to get to know the new air conditioner. 1. Check the AC’s Age All air conditioners have a set lifespan. Typically, an AC unit will last between ten and twelve years before it needs to be replaced. However, factors like maintenance history and brand quality will impact the lifespan. Do a little digging to find out how old your new home’s AC is so you can plan ahead to have it replaced when the time comes. 2. Check the AC’s Energy Efficiency Not all air conditioners are built alike, and some models are more energy-efficient than others. Your AC’s energy efficiency impacts everything from the amount of electricity it consumes to how much your monthly energy bill costs. You can gauge your unit’s energy efficiency by checking its SEER rating. Newer models are typically more energy-efficient than their...

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How to Measure the Energy Efficiency of Your Home

As a homeowner, you may not know your house’s thermal performance off the top of your head, but chances are you’ll know if you have drafty windows or cold spots. In building-block terms, thermal performance means protecting your home from the elements. The goal is to maintain cool internal temperatures in the summer and a warm interior when the temperature drops.  So, how do you know if your Mesa home is as comfortable and energy-efficient as possible? We recommend performing three different tests that will identify problem areas for repair. Our talented team at can expertly complete each of the following tests for you. Blower Door Test A blower door test is performed to measure how airtight your home is. The test involves attaching a large, powerful fan to a doorway in your house. Once the fan is turned on, the test measures the airflow passing through the fan as well as the pressure between the inside of the house versus the outside.  Low-Emissivity Window Checkers Modern windows are treated with low-emissivity coatings to help reduce the amount of heat transmitted through the pane. This helps to keep your home cool and comfortable. Many windows sold today come with low-emissivity...

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The Consequences of Going Without AC Repairs

Air conditioning repairs are essential to maintaining a quiet, energy-efficient unit. Homeowners who neglect repairs should expect one or more of the following hazards, though most of these apply to central AC units and heat pumps rather than ductless mini-splits. Loud Noises ACs can emit a wide range of unusual noises. Rattling and banging usually point to loose components while hissing and whistling may signify, respectively, a refrigerant leak and air leak. Grinding noises could be produced by the pistons in a worn-out compressor. In any case, the noises can be continuous, loud and irritating. Diminished Cooling Power Issues that go unaddressed will compromise a cooling unit’s performance. So, for example, dirt on the evaporator coil will prevent it from absorbing the heat inside the home. A clog in the condensate drain pipe may lead to flooding. Clogged vents and filters may lead to some rooms being cooler than others. Poor Indoor Air Quality Dirt and the ductwork and filters may also cause pollutants like pollen, dirt, and dander to invade the home. At , we provide duct cleaning and sealing across the Mesa, Ariz., area. When the filters are replaced, they can once more trap those contaminants. High Electricity...

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What is a SEER Rating?

SEER is the acronym for “Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio.” It is a measure of efficiency for your air conditioner — much like miles per gallon is for your automobile. More specifically, your air conditioner’s SEER rating tells you how much cooling you obtain for the energy that goes into the unit over an entire season. In other words, it answers the question: How much cooling do you get out of your air conditioner per watt of electrical energy it uses? What SEER Ratings Can an Air Conditioner Have? Most modern AC units have a SEER rating between 13 and 21. The higher the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is. Older models can have a rating below 13 while some contemporary, high-tech air conditioners can be rated higher than a 22. How Much Energy and Money Does a Higher SEER-Rated AC Save? Air conditioners with higher SEER ratings do cost more on the market but the energy bill savings you will get from such a unit are well worth the premium you are paying. Though not a precise metric, going up one SEER rating can translate to energy savings between 5-10 percent. For example, when you switch from an...

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How to Address Uneven Cooling Around Your Home

Uneven cooling is common in large homes and houses with older and less efficient AC units. Below are some options you can explore to help even out the cooling in your home during the summer. If you require AC inspection and repair services in Mesa, Arizona, is the company to trust. Seal Off Ductwork Any openings in your ductwork provide opportunities for cool air to escape. This is more likely to occur in older systems that may require more frequent inspections and professional cleanings. A professional can repair any cracks or open spaces in ducts. Upgrade Attic Insulation Missing portions of attic insulation can create spaces for heat to leak into the upstairs of your home. When cool air eventually gets to the top level of your home, it can get out through those parts of your ceiling. Install Zone Cooling Zone cooling systems operate with multiple thermostats throughout your home instead of just one main one. They can help you regulate room temperatures and may reduce your summer cooling bills over time by making your AC unit more efficient. An alternative to installing a zone cooling system would be to shut off air vents in downstairs rooms so that...

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Careers in the HVAC Industry

Whether you are just out of school or looking to switch careers, a career in the HVAC industry is something to consider. Why? Because it is a career in an industry that will always have a demand. Think about it: Almost every commercial building or residential property has an HVAC system. Demand for HVAC Workers Continues to Grow The demand for workers in the HVAC industry is already happening and only expected to grow. As Baby Boomers retire, the need for younger workers increases. However, because generations after Baby Boomers have been smaller, that means fewer available workers. Another reason for the demand is that fewer people have chosen to go into skilled trade positions; instead, they are choosing careers leaning more toward the white-collar sector. Why Choose a Career in HVAC? There are many reasons to choose a career in HVAC. You’ll get the chance to solve problems every day as you figure out why systems are not working. You won’t be stuck in an office doing the same thing every day because you get to go to different places and work on various systems. By ensuring HVAC systems are in good condition, you have the opportunity to help...

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3 Reasons to Change Your AC Filter Regularly

When you’re having regular maintenance done on your AC system, don’t forget to replace the filter as well. There are many advantages for replacing your air conditioning filter regularly. Consider the following benefits. 1. Extend Your HVAC Unit’s Life By having the AC filter on your HVAC system replaced regularly, you keep the system running at optimum performance and reduce excess wear on the unit’s components. When the filter is not replaced regularly, it begins to collect dust that builds up and keeps the air from flowing freely through the system. This makes your HVAC unit work harder, placing excess strain on the parts and making it wear out faster. 2. Maintain Healthy Home Air Quality When you replace the AC filter regularly, it helps to provide better air quality in your home. Filters prevent dust and pollen from building up and getting deposited in your upholstery, drapes, and carpets. By reducing the number of dust particles that are brought into your home, it also helps to provide a healthier environment. Dust particles can make it harder to breathe and contribute to respiratory problems like asthma and bronchitis. It can even exacerbate heart conditions and make living in your own...

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5 Sounds That Spell Trouble for HVAC Units

Central AC and heating units can develop all kinds of issues, and when they do, they often emit certain sounds. Below are just five of those sounds. Though they are sounds that no home or business owner wants to hear, they must nevertheless be taken into account. 1. Rattling and Banging Components can become loose over time. Examples include the fan, electrical wiring, or motor bearings. When these get loose, they all result in a rattling sound. Another possible explanation for rattling is the presence of debris in the HVAC unit. A banging noise will arise if a part has completely broken off or become disconnected. 2. Grinding In some cases, the pistons in a worn-down compressor will make a grinding noise. This issue can be especially costly; owners may even need to buy a new HVAC unit. At Honest Air, we offer premium HVAC products so that residents in the Phoenix area can remain comfortable all year round. 3. Hissing and Whistling Persistent hissing most likely signifies a refrigerant leak. Since refrigerant is a health hazard, it’s important to address this issue right away. As for whistling noises, these can be due to an air leak in the ductwork....

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Know the Differences Between AC and HVAC

There are several differences between an HVAC system and an AC unit. Many people often think these systems are the same thing, but there are important distinctions between the two. Here are a few things you need to know about AC and HVAC systems. Learn the Small Differences Many home builders will use the terms “HVAC” and “AC” interchangeably. However, there are quite a few differences between the units. As your trusted HVAC company, can help you find the right system for your home in Mesa, AZ. What Is an HVAC System? HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. With these systems, you can both heat and cool your home or business. Along with the ventilation ducts, an HVAC system can also remove excess humidity from your home. The system usually consists of a furnace, an air conditioner, and a series of vents. You should also know that some HVAC systems will not have an air conditioning unit, but these units are scarce. What Is an AC System? AC is the shortened term for an air conditioning unit. Some people will refer to an AC unit as any product that conditions the air. For the most part, an AC...

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3 Benefits Of Professional Cooling Assistance

No matter how frequently you service your home’s cooling system, you’ll need to repair it at some point. However, most people aren’t cut out for fixing their own cooling problems. Here are three big-time benefits of seeking out professional cooling help. 1. To Prevent Further Damage The inner workings of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems are fragile. To reasonably expect to repair a typical cooling network problem successfully, you need experience. The more damaged your cooling units are, the more repairs will cost. Unless you are certain the fix you’re up against is relatively easy, you should trust professional HVAC help. Furthermore, when you trust established troubleshooters of cooling systems, you won’t be liable for any damages you cause. These cooling service providers almost always subscribe to insurance policies that pay for an agreed-upon dollar value of fixes. 2. Professionals Do It Quicker The more experience you have, the more quickly you can perform certain tasks. This idea applies to the realm of professional HVAC service. In many cases, homeowners with cooling system issues need assistance immediately in order to live in comfort. The lives of seniors, for example, can be at risk if a cooling system goes out....

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