Rising Costs of Maintaining Older AC systems

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As mechanical equipment ages, it goes without saying that repair costs can start to rise with the age of the equipment. This is especially apparent in the A/C industry. Currently, one of the fastest rising repair costs is directly related to the rising cost of Freon that your A/C system uses; R-22.

This refrigerant has been used in A/C systems for the past 40+ years. Needless to say, you can bet that if your unit is 10 years old or older there is a high probability that it uses R-22 Freon. Studies by the EPA have found that this chemical has wide-ranging negative effects on our environment

Sharp Air Conditioning & Heating, LLCOften times with an older system, a very common repair is the need to charge a system that may be low on Freon. Since the Freon that has always been used is now starting to be phased out, the cost of that Freon is rising exponentially. In response to these rising costs, manufacturers have started selling “drop-in” refrigerant as a cheaper alternative., specifically o-zone depletion. As a result of these findings, regulations have R-22 being phased out by 2020. Now, what does all this have to do with you, the homeowner?

These alternatives can be a quick fix in the short run but can cause issues for your system long term. For example, the different Freon types use different pressure/temperature characteristics that can confuse the system software, giving inaccurate pressure and temperature readings. This can damage your A/C system and void the manufacturer’s warranty. When you need the best service of air conditioning Chandler AZ. Contact Sharp Air Conditioning & Heating.

R-22 refrigerant can be reclaimed and recycled, but as the supply continues to be reduced, the cost will continue to rise. This leaves homeowners with an important choice; pay the rising cost for R-22 refrigerant to maintain your older system, or replace your system with a new air conditioning system that uses the more environmentally friendly refrigerant, R410A.

These newer systems offer greater efficiency, and quieter operation, which may prove to be a wiser investment when faced with repairing or replacing an older unit that uses R-22. However, fully replacing your system may not be the best option for you and your family. At Sharp Air Conditioning & Heating, we are committed to working with you to find the best option possible and consider the many factors in your life that lead to making these decisions. We are happy to answer any questions you may have on this topic and work with you to find the right solution. Contact us for heating and cooling Mesa AZ. 

5 ways to extend the usefulness of your HVAC system

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In Mesa AZ air conditioner repair there are many ways that you can help your air conditioner run more efficiently and last a few summers longer than expected. While the typical life of an HVAC system is about 14 years, below are a few tips to help you bump that number a little higher, and get some bonus years out of your system.

Sharp Air Conditioning & Heating, LLCRegularly Change Your Filters

These might be the most basic maintenance points for homeowners. It doesn’t take too much time or effort and can save you costly repairs down the line. When a filter gets clogged up, airflow is restricted to your system which can cause a host of issues. At Sharp Air Conditioning & Heating, we recommend using throw-away filters that can be found at your local hardware store and changing them sometimes as often as once a month. We can even help you with one of these steps by providing you with a year’s supply of air filters through our Sharp Air Maintenance Program. Give us a call for AC repair Gilbert!

Take an AC Time Out –

Like with anything mechanical, your HVAC system will wear out more quickly if it is on at all times, day and night. Try to turn your air conditioner off if you plan to leave the house for an extended period of time. Dialing up the temperature just 5 degrees will allow your air conditioner to get a much-needed break during hot parts of the day, without letting the temperature climb into the 90’s inside during the hot Arizona months.

Give Your Outdoor Unit Some TLC –

If you live in the Valley of the Sun, you are probably familiar with what seems like a new phenomenon… the dreaded Arizona “Haboobs”. If you are not familiar with these yet, it is basically a wall of dirt that covers everything in a fine layer of dust once the storm leaves. This includes the outdoor component of your HVAC system. While one of these storms usually wont deposit enough dirt to have an effect, the build up of a few storms and normal debris outside can build up on the condenser coil and cause problems. Every now and then, try to clear any debris that you can see, i.e. leaves, dirt, etc., even just hose down the outdoor unit. This will continue to allow airflow through the coils and keep you cooling efficiently.

Check For Leaks –

When we say to check for leaks, we aren’t really saying to check for air leaks in the duct system. While this might be a good idea normally, checking for air leaks is something best handled by a technician that can get into the attic to check your ductwork. The type of “checking for leaks” that you as a homeowner can perform, is making sure there isn’t any evidence of leaking Freon at your outdoor unit. If you can see an oily substance on any of the surfaces, turn off your system and call Sharp Air Conditioning & Heating for services of heating and cooling Mesa AZ. If your system is leaking Freon, it can be a costly fix if not caught early on, and a system running without Freon can cause other damages to the system as well.

Is your HVAC System Draining? –

Through normal operation, your HVAC system can build up condensation from cold surfaces exposed to the Arizona heat. All good operating and well-maintained HVAC systems will have good drainage as well to allow this condensation to run off to the ground, or anywhere else besides in your home or back into the unit. Annual maintenance through our Sharp Air Conditioning & Heating Program can make sure your HVAC system is draining properly, saving you from costly water damages that can occur when these drains are clogged, blocked, or installed improperly.

Give us a call for the service of air conditioning Chandler AZ. Find out more about the benefits of the Sharp Air Maintenance Program!

 

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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12 Effective Ways to Save On Your Air Conditioner While Beating the Summer Heat

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The hottest days of summer make your air conditioning unit work harder. Energy consumption and utility bills also rise with increased comfort and efficiency. High energy consumption and higher utility bills hurt your pocket and influence the source of natural resources like electricity.

Effective Ways to Save On Your Air Conditioner While Beating the Summer Heat

Follow these 12 simple tips to keep your AC running efficiently throughout the summers in an environment-friendly and cost-effective way.
Call an HVAC Professional: Each AC unit should be inspected, cleaned, and tuned professionally before the summer heat starts. A standard tune-up, inspection, or AC repair Mesa may cost you between $70 to $100 with Sharp Air Conditioning & Heating LLC.

• Check the Air Filters:

Clogged and dirty air filters may restrict airflow from your air conditioner. Check the air filters every month and clean them if they are dirty. Replacing the air filters is a more brilliant option to save cash on your air conditioner.

• Place Your AC in the Shade:

Air conditioners placed in proper shading can work more efficiently. This is because the air in a shaded area is more excellent than in the surrounding area. Therefore, it takes less time for your air conditioner to cool the air.

• Keep an Eye on The Thermostat:

Don’t place lights, TV, or other appliances which may produce warmth close to the thermostat. The thermostat can sense the heat and cause your air conditioner to run longer than usual for cooling.

• Consider A Customized Reaction:

If it’s difficult to change your thermostat before leaving for work, consider a programmable thermostat or a clock for your AC unit.

• Do Touch the Dial and Spare Some Cash:

Each degree you dial below 78 degrees increases the energy utilization by 8 percent. So if your current energy utility bills stand at $100, remember that you can save $8 every month with each degree above 78.

• Replace the HVAC Model:

Replacing the AC model is a pricey alternative. But the old AC models could be more productive. An energy-efficient model can save you a lot on your monthly utility bill and impede frequent AC repair Chandler. While replacing your AC, make sure you buy a perfect-sized unit.

• Weatherize and Don't Cool the Entire Neighborhood:

You must keep your inside air cool and the warm air out of your house. Some necessary weatherization steps can prevent you from air loss through any leakages. Sealing such leaks with weatherstripping may be of great help. Also include insulation around the air ducts and vents.

• Watch the Asphalt and Landscaping:

Refrain from using asphalt with rock and cement on your home’s south or west sides. Landscaping without proper shading will increase the temperature around your house while radiating heat.

• Look Out for Debris:

Keep grass, leaves, and other debris away from the outer unit. Place your external unit in a shady place, but make sure that big plants and trees are at least 2 to 4 feet away to ensure adequate airflow.

• Check for Leakages:

Check for refrigerant leaks in your air conditioning system. Loss of refrigerant means losing cold air. Prefer fixing any leakages promptly.

• Install Window Films:

Installing windows films or tint not only keeps your home cooler in summer but also warmer in winter.
Sharp Air Conditioning & Heating LLC has a team of experts who believe in delivering exceptional results and are a leading agency in Gilbert AZ air conditioner repair. Call us at 480-695-7834, and schedule an AC repair service.
Contact us for help with the heating and cooling Mesa AZ. Choose a local business trusted by the community with Sharp Air Conditioning & Heating. Call us today at 480-695-7834 to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • If your AC is running but not cooling,
  • check whether:
  • The outside unit is unclean
  • Your air filters are clogged
  • The circuit breaker is tripped
  • The compressor is damaged
  • Your team is low on refrigerant

We do not recommend running your AC all day as it can cause premature wear and cut short its service life.

Here are some factors that can affect air conditioning efficiency:
Lack of maintenance or inadequate maintenance
Unclean (condenser/evaporator) coils
Duct leaks
Low thermostat settings

Here are some tips for maintaining your AC:
Stay on top of maintenance
Change AC filters regularly
Maintain and clean condenser and evaporator coils between maintenance
Keep a clear area around the outside unit. Do not allow shrubs and plants to overgrow. Clean and straighten bent fins
Clean the rear drain

Air conditioner maintenance tips every homeowner must abide by are:
Check and replace filters regularly
Clean the coils of your unit at least once every year
Straighten bent coil fins
Locate and fix leaks in the ductwork

Here are some efficient ways to run an AC:
To reduce heat gain, close all doors and windows during the day
Make sure the ducting is free of leaks
Upgrade to a programmable thermostat
Use portable/ceiling fans
Do not use heat-producing devices when your AC is operating
Avoid setting your thermostat at a colder temperature than normal

Yes. Air conditioning systems have filters to trap contaminants such as pollen, dander, dust, and dirt particles.

 

Fight Dust and Dust Mites in the Home

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While many may believe that pollution exists only outside of the home, the truth is that the home can be one of the most concentrated areas of pollution. And some types of allergens only multiply and cause more allergic reactions. Dust mites, for instance, are a major allergen that can cause serious allergy symptoms in your home.

Dust mites are tiny with translucent bodies, measuring something between .008-.012 inches. As a part of the spider family, this creepy crawlies live in dust and feed on dead skin cells from humans. The dust mites’ gut, digestive enzymes and faeces cause humans to have strong allergic reactions. The symptoms of dust mite allergies include wheezing, allergic rhinitis, asthma, and sinus infections.

Worse yet, dust mites are hardy creatures. In fact, dust mite eggs are able to tolerate and survive freezing temperatures for extended amounts of time. However, dust mites are vulnerable to direct sunlight, hot temperatures, and water.

When you are constantly congested or sneezing, it’s very likely that your home air needs to be treated. If your HVAC system is in good working order and you’ve dealt with every other possibility for improving the air quality of your home, another step to improving your home life is to actively fight the population of dust mites in your home.

  • Purchase pillow and mattress allergy barriers

Although not cheap, anti-allergy bedding creates a hostile environment for dust mites and helps to protect the place where you rest from extra allergens. This often vinyl covers zip in allergens rather than constantly exposing you to the population of dust mites within the mattress or pillow. If you have a known dust allergy, this will certainly help you as well.

  • Wash sheets weekly

Of course, it’s the intention to wash bed sheets on a routine basis, but it doesn’t always happen. However, if you are dealing with extensive allergies, this small chore can greatly improve your quality of breathing. Washing the sheets in hot water will also kill off the dust mites between the hot temperature water.

  • Minimize items that collect dust

When dealing with dust allergies, having fewer items that collect dust makes all the difference, especially in the bedroom. Keep stuffed animals, books, rugs, and curtains in other rooms besides the bedroom. Better yet, whatever you don’t need to have, opt to get rid of. Giving these items a new home somewhere else in the house can help keep your allergies under control.

  • Ice Teddy (or other stuffed animals)

Dust mites are notorious for making homes in stuffed animals. And before you throw out all the stuffed animals, just chuck them one at a time in the deep freeze for a few hours. Extreme temperatures for long periods of time kill off the dust mite population.

  • Dust and clean

Of course, this seems like a no-brainer, but when was the last time you dusted and cleaned? Can’t remember? Staying on top of the cleaning throughout your home helps cut down on airborne allergies and even the dust mite population. If you aren’t keen on chemically-based cleaners, many stores offer organic options, while the internet provides many DIY cleaners.

Preventing allergies by keeping a clean home and using these tricks will be so much easier. Say goodbye to the dust mites and the sneezing! Of course, if you want to improve your entire home’s air quality, be sure to have your HVAC system cleaned and maintained by an air specialist.

Here are a few more services to look into:

Choosing the right size Air Conditioning System

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Sharp Air Conditioning & Heating, LLCThe time has come for you to upgrade, replace or just generally install a new air conditioning Chandler AZ. Great! Get ready for lower electricity bills in your future with a more efficient unit! A question that we regularly get pertaining to installing a new system is “what size system should I get?” This is a very important question. If your new system is too small for your home, the system will continually run to keep up; resulting in high electric bills and may not be even able to cool your home at all. On the flip side, if you get a unit that is too large it will cool your home too quickly. AC systems are designed to run for periods of time, not in short bursts. Your AC system can short cycle and cause damage if it is too big for the home.

A few different factors can go into making this important decision. What is the square footage of your house? When was your house built? Do you own a single-story or two-story home? How well is your home insulated? These are all important questions to have answered. At Sharp Air Conditioning & Heating, we can come out to your home and provide a free estimate for the right system for you. If you are thinking about replacing or AC repair Mesa, give us a call today.