Should I replace or repair my heating and air conditioning system?

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This is one of those questions that we get asked all the time. Should I repair my older unit, or is it time to invest in a replacement? Well, unfortunately, there’s not an easy answer. You might think that we would suggest you replace your unit because we are an HVAC contractor, and we offer service for heating and cooling Mesa AZ. It’s not necessarily the case, though. Often it makes sense to repair your existing unit rather than go through the expense of a replacement. Here are some guidelines that may help you with your decision:

The first step in the decision-making process is to determine if you have a repairable or a replacement system. If you can live with your current system, keep it repaired and save money. You also don’t want to replace an old system that still works with a new one that may not work as well or maybe more expensive to operate and maintain. Sharp Air Conditioning & Heating, LLC offer replacement and AC repair Gilbert.

  1. If your existing unit was manufactured more than 15-20 years ago, it might be time to consider an upgrade, even if it’s working currently. The advancements in technology make a new unit considerably more efficient. Your savings in utility bills will go a long way towards paying for the latest team. Plus, the sad reality is that your older unit will eventually fail. There is an expected lifespan on these, and you’re getting very close to it.
  2. If you’re looking at replacing a compressor in your AC unit, that’s a substantial repair. You can think of it as replacing the engine in your car. If you love your car, you might want to replace the engine, but it will be costly and rarely as reliable as a new car. A new unit will be more reliable than replacing the compressor, and once again, the efficiency in design is something you should consider.

Those two situations are typically going to result in a recommendation to replace. However, there are times when the decision isn’t so easy to make. For example, when do you require air conditioning Chandler AZ? For the best HVAC solution, contact Sharp Air Conditioning & Heating.

One rule of thumb to consider is the cost of your repair and the age of your unit. Replacement should be a consideration if your team is beyond ¾ of its life expectance, and rehabilitation will cost more than 1/3 of a replacement. For example, if your unit is 16 years old and the repair costs $700-800, you might consider a replacement. Always keep in mind that this might be the chance to reduce your monthly utility bills with a more efficient unit.

The best option is to have one of our certified technicians visit your home or business and assess the situation. Some 20+-year-old units work fine because they’ve been maintained well. On the other hand, some 10-year-old teams need to be replaced due to neglect. A professional knows what to look for when evaluating your equipment. Of course, each situation is different, but Sharp Air can help you with your difficult decision.

Contact us for help with the air conditioning repair Mesa. First, choose a local business trusted by the community with Sharp Air Conditioning & Heating. Then, call us today at 480-695-7834 to get started. 

What type of air filter should I buy?

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Sharp Air Conditioning & Heating, LLCThe most important piece of maintenance that a homeowner can do for their air conditioning system is to regularly change your air filters. If you have been to your local hardware store, you have seen a large amount of very different air filters available for purchase. The question now becomes, which air filter is best for me?

The answer to that question is going to vary. Do you have a lot of pets in the home? Kids? Maybe you live in a construction area with lots of dust present in the air. There are many factors that go into choosing the right type of filter. We have a general guideline that we like to follow when choosing the right type of air filter.

  1. Do not use reusable/washable filters. These types of filters are sold as a more convenient option to buying throwaway filters because “all it takes is to wash them”. In theory, this may be the case. In reality, the washable filters can cause more harm than good. To wash these filters correctly, you need to buy solutions that may contain harmful chemicals. Along with that, these filters need to be completely dry before being put back in the system, and if not completely dry these filters collect bacteria and fungus that is then released into your home. These filters also make it harder for air to pass through the system, creating more work for your system.
  2. Do use a disposable air filter. These are the types that you can find at your local hardware store. You will want to look at the MERV rating for these filters and choose one that is between 8-11. Anything higher than this is more than likely overkill and not needed for residential use. If you have an older system, an air filter with a very high MERV rating can restrict the flow of air enough that it can overwork your older system. More importantly, than the rating is to regularly replace these filters. If you decide to use a cheaper fiberglass filter, you should consider replacing the filter monthly if you have pets or children in the house.

We cannot state it enough, make sure you regularly change your air filters. Not only will this keep the air you breathe cleaner and reduce allergens and dust in the air, but it will also keep dust and dirt from building up in your air conditioning system that can decrease efficiency and damage your system. If you need service of AC repair Gilbert.

Looking for a way to save some money on air filters? Check out our Sharp Air Maintenance Program. Along with having regularly scheduled maintenance, we provide you with a full year’s supply of air filters. Give us a call to find out more!

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Five Signs Your Home’s Air Needs Cleaning

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AC repair Chandler, central air is an extremely common (and very necessary) home addition that keeps us cool and comfortable all year long, no matter how hot it gets outside. Central air runs through your home through a series of ducts that are tucked away inside walls and through ceilings, and they circulate air throughout every square inch of your house.

Obviously, you want the air that your family breathes to be the highest quality available, but that’s not always the kind of air that is blowing through your home. Breathing clean, fresh air may be something that you don’t consider all too often, but when the air quality of your home turns from pristine to downright dirty, it can be a lot more dangerous than you think.

While reduced air quality may not be at the forefront of your mind, if you have children in your home or a member of your family suffers from allergies or asthma, the quality of your home’s air can play a vital role in the development of preventable illnesses and breathing issues.

If you think your home’s air quality can stand to be improved, it may be time to consider that your ducts or your air conditioning unit might be the problem.

Be on the lookout for these five common signs and symptoms if you suspect that ducts or your AC may be causing your home’s poor air quality, and breathe easy knowing that you can do something to change the condition of the air in your home’s HVAC unit provides.

  1. Dust and Debris BuildupYes, living in the Arizona desert means dealing with some blowing dust and debris inside your home, but if you have noticed an unprecedented buildup of dust in your home, your AC unit may be trapping and circulating too much dust. When you turn on your air conditioning unit, do you notice a puff of dust from your vents? If so, it may be time for a cleaning.
  2. Uneven Airflow from Room to RoomIf you have noticed that some rooms in your home are no longer receiving the same level of air output that they originally had, you may have a blockage. If every vent is fully open, but the vents continue to blow a reduced amount of air, there could be a clogged duct in need of professional cleaning.
  3. Buildup on Your InletsYour air intake inlets pull in the fresh air, push it through your air filter, and that air circulates through your home. Inspect your inlets for dust and pet hair, and if you see an uncommon amount of buildup on your intakes or a blockage inside the air conditioning unit, full cleaning of the unit and/or ducts can restore your vents to tip-top shape.
  4. Everyone is Suddenly Suffering If you have noticed that members of your family have suddenly developed increased asthma symptoms, runny noses, congestion, and out-of-season allergies, there is a chance that your air quality is to blame. Molds, fungi, and dust are all responsible for decreased air quality, and breathing those dangerous microbes can lead to much more severe illnesses like sinus problems and respiratory infections. An air conditioning unit inspection can help you discover the source of your family’s health issues, so do not hesitate to have your heating and cooling Mesa AZ system checked for signs of mold.
  5. Noises Appear
    When your air conditioner kicks on and the air begins to blow, do you hear any whistling, screeching, or banging noises along with the normal operating hum of your motor? If so, you may have a blockage in your duct or a larger issue in your air conditioning unit. When insulation falls inside your ducts, it can act as both a barrier for airflow and a sponge upon which dust, dirt, and debris attach. While some duct blockages can be seen from inlets and vents, others may be hiding in your walls or ceilings. If your air conditioning unit is making noises, a professional technician can diagnose the problem and repair it to make sure that a small clanging sound doesn’t result in a complete system shut down. If you are still unsure if it is your duct or your air conditioning unit, give us a call today. Our team of expert technicians can resolve any problem of air conditioning repair Mesa.

Getting Your HVAC Ready for Winter

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Contrary to popular belief, it’s still important to winterize your heating and cooling Mesa AZ. Though we have mild winters it’s likely you’ll soon shut off your air conditioning for the year, it’s still important to make sure everything is in good working order before you make the switch to heat.

Here are 3 things you should be doing to ensure your HVAC is in ship shape for the winter.

Inspect the Premises

Before you can know you have a problem, you have to do an inspection. Pretty simple, right?

Here are a few things to look for:

  • Debris build-up. Be sure to check all components of your HVAC system, both outside and inside. If there’s debris from any major storms or other buildup outside, sweep it to the side to avoid anything foreign making its way into the fan unit and creating issues.
  • Damages. Over time, your system ages and takes a beating. Eventually, some components may need to be replaced. Look for worn insulation or parts that you think may need some professional attention and make note of them.
  • Air filter. Checking the air filter is one of the easiest things you can do yourself. Open your HVAC closet and see what the air filter looks like. We recommend changing them out at least twice a year, if not seasonally. Even if the filter doesn’t look very dirty, it’s still a good idea to change it. This ensures you’re doing everything you can to keep your family healthy.
  • Dusty vents. Your air ducts and vents will build up dust from everyday living. It’s a good idea to check your vents out each year and to dust them a bit. If someone in your home suffers from allergies, it may be beneficial to have your ducts and vents professionally cleaned.

Get a Pre-Winter Tune-Up

As with most things, the best time to get a system check-up is before you have a problem. As we’re inching further and further into fall, it’s the perfect time to request an appointment for a tune-up. Even if you don’t see anything that alarms you after your inspection, it’s still a good idea to have a professional come take a look to be sure.

A tune-up will ensure your system is free from debris, is operating with a clean and correctly-sized filter, that there are no mechanical issues, that there are no liquid leaks, and that it works as it should when switched from air to heat.

Your system has been working hard to keep your home cool during the overbearing summer and without a previous need to test your heat functionality, you can’t be sure there isn’t something awry. Scheduling a tune-up service and  air conditioning Chandler AZ .Is the best way to ensure you’re prepared for the winter change and that you avoid sky-high utility bills due to undiagnosed issues.

Things to Avoid

As with all things in life, there are a few tasks you should do and a few things you shouldn’t. As you prepare to hibernate your A/C, here’s a quick list of don’ts:

  • DON’T cover your outdoor HVAC unit. Though it may be tempting and seem like a good idea, this can cause moisture to build up and could even lead to mold growth, both of which will cause serious issues to come spring.
  • DON’T use a hose to clean your outdoor HVAC unit. While yes, it is outdoors and gets wet due to rain throughout the year, it’s not the best idea to run water over it freely. While your unit is made to withstand the elements, it’s not made to get a bath from the garden hose.
  • DON’T try to touch coils or interior parts you’re not sure about. If something looks “off,” don’t try to fix it yourself. Instead, call a professional to ensure the job is done right and with the proper tools.

Maintaining your HVAC system may not always be a breeze, but you can certainly do a few things to keep it working efficiently. By giving it a good look-over, calling in a maintenance check, and ensuring you don’t do a few things, your system will work like a charm this winter.

Need to schedule a tune-up and air conditioning repair Mesa? Call us today or submit our appointment form to set a time that works for you.

Hosting Guests with Allergies or Asthma

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‘Tis the season to have company! If family and friends will be visiting your home soon, you may be wondering what you need to do to make them feel at home. Of course, there are the usual things such as preparing meals and providing a clean and comfy bed, but what about the more physical things?

Guests with allergies or asthma, for instance, may require some special preparations. After all, nobody wants to be the cause of a friend’s sneezing fit and you especially don’t want to set off a full-on asthma attack.

So how can you prevent these things from happening? Try the tips below.

Move Your Pets

Many people have allergies to typical household pets. Therefore, if you have furry friends, you’ll want to ask about pet allergies before your guests arrive. If any of your visiting loved ones happen to suffer from dog- or cat-related allergies, it’s generally a good idea to suggest another lodging option.

Nothing else available? Do what you can to rid your home of allergens.

You can start preparations by moving your animals to a private room, away from the guest rooms and the common areas. With the animals housed in another space, steam clean all furniture and carpets and dust everything. Get rid of any lurking pet hair and dander to ensure no more is allowed to accumulate before your friends and family arrive.

Invest in an Air Purifier

The air in every home is full of dust and other common allergens that are sure to set off respiratory issues in some. In order to remove these airborne allergens, invest in an air purifier. Not only will this make your visitors more comfortable, but it can also improve your family’s overall health.

Clean Everything

We mentioned steam cleaning the carpets and furniture if you have pets. However, this is actually a good idea even if you don’t have furry friends roaming your home. Pets aside, it’s a good idea to clean absolutely everything before your loved ones arrive. This will ensure your home is free from excessive dust and pesky dust mites. It’ll also leave your home looking and smelling great for your guests.

Not sure what to clean? Some of the most important cleaning tasks include:

  • Cleaning the carpet
  • Cleaning the upholstered furniture
  • Dusting every hard surface with a non-chemical cleaner
  • Washing vent covers
  • Washing all bedding in hot water

Purchase Allergen Barriers

It’s no secret that mattresses and pillows tend to gather dust mites over time. This can pose a real problem for those who suffer from allergies and asthma.

Fortunately, you can make your beds a little less problematic for your guests by purchasing zip-up allergen barrier covers for your mattresses and pillows. These covers trap dust mites, keeping them far from the sleeping faces of your friends and family.

Skip the Smoke

While it might be tempting to set up a nice fire in the fireplace on a cold winter evening, guests with allergies or asthma may thank you for skipping it. Many people are bothered by the smoke created by a fireplace, making the experience of roasting chestnuts on an open fire more irritating than it is fun.

Likewise, you will need to make a conscious decision to forego cigarettes or cigars. If you smoke on a regular basis, be sure to make your guests aware of this ahead of time and offer to help them find alternate accommodations if necessary.

Schedule a Tune-Up

A neglected HVAC system can easily cause issues by spreading dust, dirt, and even mold spores. Be sure to have your system looked at and have all filters replaced in time for the arrival of your visitors.

Need to schedule a tune-up and air conditioning repair Mesa? Contact us today! We would be happy to help get your system in tip-top condition for you and your visiting loved ones.

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Why does my AC keep running?

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During the hot Phoenix Arizona summers, most people are used to their AC running quite a bit, just to keep up with the 110+ temperatures that we experience here. While it is normal for your AC to be on more than usual when the temperature goes up outside, it shouldn’t be constantly running. Here are a few troubleshooting tips to try before giving Sharp Air Conditioning & Heating a call that can save you some time and money.

  1. Sharp Air Conditioning & Heating, LLCCheck your thermostat – One of the most avoidable issues is to check your thermostat settings. With the more basic thermostats, it can be as simple as forgetting to switch your system from “ON” to “AUTOMATIC”. Having it in the “ON” position will tell your AC system to continue running, even when it satisfies the temperature you have set on your thermostat. With the more complex thermostat options that are on the market now, yours may need a little bit more programming to be set correctly. Check with your owners’ manual, or give us a call and we can try to walk you through some troubleshooting on your thermostat.
  2. Change your filters! – Airflow restrictions caused by dirty filters can greatly affect your AC system’s performance. If your AC system does not get enough airflow, it can not blow out cold air and will continue to run since it is not able to satisfy the thermostat setting. Change those filters!
  3. Dirty coils – Check to make sure there is no debris built up on your condenser outside. This is the same as a restriction for your indoor components. Restrictions can cause the system to not cooling correctly, therefore not being able to satisfy the thermostat settings leading to a constantly running AC system.

If you go through the above steps and nothing seems to work, give Sharp Air Conditioning & Heating a call and we can send a certified technician out to assess what may be wrong. Another cause of a constantly running system can be age. Your AC system may just be worn out from years of use. If this is the case, we can work with you to best determine the next steps to take in replacement.

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Should You Have an Air Purifier In Your Home or Office?

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A sniffle here. A sneeze attack there. A sore throat, low-grade fever, and a red rose sore from wiping later, and those seasonal allergies will turn your beautiful springtime from delightful to dreadful. Though Arizona, once upon a time, used to be a refuge for allergy sufferers, today this desert landscape and all its greenery are a serious contributor to drippy, sneezy, and itchy allergies for visitors and natives alike.

Tack on a breathing disorder like asthma or sinus issues and those seasonal sniffles can become very serious very quickly.

Most people with asthma, allergies, and other conditions that are exacerbated by pollen, dust, and mold have sought relief in the form of inhalers, nasal decongestants, over the counter and prescription medications, saline sprays, Nettie pots, and a slew of holistic methods like daily powdered bee pollen supplements to help alleviate these issues.

Though these approaches are a good start to relieving allergy and seasonal symptoms, most medical professionals suggest taking things one step further when it comes to keeping yourself, your family, and your office healthy – using an air purifier.

As we get used to the air in our homes, it can be hard to detect when your air quality is lacking. If you or someone in your home is experiencing a sharp rise in allergies, repeated sinus infections, exacerbated breathing issues, or if you have a family pet, the chances are good that your home’s air is not as pristine as you think it is.

Particularly in a high-dust place like Arizona, the air that circulates through your home and that you breathe in every day is likely to contain lots of things that are not great for your health, including mold, animal dander, and pollutants.

One of the ways that homes and offices protect their air quality is by adding a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) A/C filter to their air conditioning Chandler AZ units to capture much of the airborne pollutants that make their way into your ductwork.

Though many of these filters do an excellent job at reducing the number of unwanted particles in your home, if you or a member of your family have more aggressive or severe reactions to air quality, it may be time to consider adding an air purifier to a main room in your home, like your living room, as well as individual bedrooms to fill your home with the highest quality air and heating and cooling Mesa AZ.

Air purifiers are designed to do what their name suggests – take in the air around them through an intake vent and push out clean air through a second vent. Inside the purifier, the air is forced through a series of filters, each intended to catch microscopic particles of dust, dander, spores, and allergens. The fine sieves in the air filters trap 99.97% of all particles that are bigger than 0.3 microns in size.

Not only do these filters trap microscopic particles, but the more your times the air in your home circulates through these filters, the more the air is cleaned. Many air filters offer additional filtration options like UV filtration, which can kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi as well.

Depending on your allergy issues, a multi-stage or standard air purifier may be a good idea to add to your arsenal of home health products.

Contact us for help with the air conditioning repair Mesa. Choose a local business trusted by the community with Sharp Air Conditioning & Heating. Call us today at 480-695-7834 to get started.