Dealing with an AC unit that refuses to shut off can be frustrating and may lead to unnecessary energy consumption and higher utility bills. If you’re experiencing this issue, it’s crucial to have it inspected right away. Tru Comfort Heating & Cooling is your local expert for dealing with malfunctioning air conditioning systems. As Arizona’s trusted provider of comprehensive HVAC services, we’re here to help you understand why your AC won’t shut off and how we can solve it for you.
(more…)Category: Air Conditioners
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Minimizing Energy Losses in Ducts
A well-designed, well-maintained air duct layout can improve the efficiency of your HVAC systems exponentially, dramatically reducing your long-term heating and cooling costs. It isn’t always easy, though. Minimizing energy losses in ducts starts from the initial design concept and includes everything up to performing repairs.
Choose An Efficient Design
If you’re building a new property or having your ductwork retrofitted, you have a lot of freedom with the overall design of your duct system. Take this opportunity to make sure you’re getting the most efficient design for your investment. You want a design that evenly disperses the air throughout your entire property without any air leaks and supports an even airflow that ensures ideal air pressure throughout your home or business. If you’re unsure what that looks like, feel free to contact our seasoned professionals at Tru Comfort Heating and Cooling for guidance!
Trust The Right Installation Professionals
Guaranteeing your air duct’s maximum efficiency requires a meticulous installation performed by an experienced professional. Regardless of what kind of configuration you’ve chosen (spider, perimeter loop, radial, or trunk and branch), the right installation professionals, ours, will know exactly what to do to get your new duct system set up quickly and maximize its proficiency.
Maintain Your Duct Health
Over time your duct system can become more susceptible to problems, including leaky unsealed joints and obstructions, because of standard wear and tear. There are, however, things you can do to prolong the health of your ducts. Ensuring your ducts are thoroughly sealed with help from maintenance professionals, keeping your vents clear of furniture and other objects that may reduce airflow, and cleaning out your vents regularly to prevent dust/debris buildup.
Invest In Upgrades
If your existing duct system is not functioning as efficiently as it could, there’s a good chance our HVAC specialists know of a few upgrades that can help. Our talented technicians can easily undercut doors to enhance air return, install jumper ducts, and even install fresh return-air grilles to increase airflow. Plus, we can make sure you have all the carbon monoxide detectors you need to protect your property from vicious gas leaks.
Learn How to Detect Damage & Know When You Need Repairs
Joint separation and holes are obvious evidence of air leaks, however, there will come a day when specially made tapes or even ‘duct mastic,’ the preferred DIY duct sealer, won’t be enough to cover the damage anymore. Damaged, inefficient duct systems cost property owners money, which is why sometimes you simply need to call in the pros for comprehensive support. Whether you have an air leak, poorly insulated basement ducts, loose vapor barrier, or flawed return registers, our HVAC specialists at Tru Comfort Heating and Cooling are here to save the day!
Tru Comfort Heating and Cooling offers all the heating and cooling services residents and business owners in Arizona need. For more information on minimizing energy losses in ducts or investing in your property’s HVAC health, we encourage you to connect with our talented heating and cooling technicians at Tru Comfort Heating and Cooling by calling (602) 499-7855, or simply fill out the form in the sidebar.
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Minimizing Energy Losses in Ducts
A well-designed, well-maintained air duct layout can improve the efficiency of your HVAC systems exponentially, dramatically reducing your long-term heating and cooling costs. It isn’t always easy, though. Minimizing energy losses in ducts starts from the initial design concept and includes everything up to performing repairs.
Choose An Efficient Design
If you’re building a new property or having your ductwork retrofitted, you have a lot of freedom with the overall design of your duct system. Take this opportunity to make sure you’re getting the most efficient design for your investment. You want a design that evenly disperses the air throughout your entire property without any air leaks and supports an even airflow that ensures ideal air pressure throughout your home or business. If you’re unsure what that looks like, feel free to contact our seasoned professionals at Tru Comfort Heating and Cooling for guidance!
Trust The Right Installation Professionals
Guaranteeing your air duct’s maximum efficiency requires a meticulous installation performed by an experienced professional. Regardless of what kind of configuration you’ve chosen (spider, perimeter loop, radial, or trunk and branch), the right installation professionals, ours, will know exactly what to do to get your new duct system set up quickly and maximize its proficiency.
Maintain Your Duct Health
Over time your duct system can become more susceptible to problems, including leaky unsealed joints and obstructions, because of standard wear and tear. There are, however, things you can do to prolong the health of your ducts. Ensuring your ducts are thoroughly sealed with help from maintenance professionals, keeping your vents clear of furniture and other objects that may reduce airflow, and cleaning out your vents regularly to prevent dust/debris buildup.
Invest In Upgrades
If your existing duct system is not functioning as efficiently as it could, there’s a good chance our HVAC specialists know of a few upgrades that can help. Our talented technicians can easily undercut doors to enhance air return, install jumper ducts, and even install fresh return-air grilles to increase airflow. Plus, we can make sure you have all the carbon monoxide detectors you need to protect your property from vicious gas leaks.
Learn How to Detect Damage & Know When You Need Repairs
Joint separation and holes are obvious evidence of air leaks, however, there will come a day when specially made tapes or even ‘duct mastic,’ the preferred DIY duct sealer, won’t be enough to cover the damage anymore. Damaged, inefficient duct systems cost property owners money, which is why sometimes you simply need to call in the pros for comprehensive support. Whether you have an air leak, poorly insulated basement ducts, loose vapor barrier, or flawed return registers, our HVAC specialists at Tru Comfort Heating and Cooling are here to save the day!
Tru Comfort Heating and Cooling offers all the heating and cooling services residents and business owners in Arizona need. For more information on minimizing energy losses in ducts or investing in your property’s HVAC health, we encourage you to connect with our talented heating and cooling technicians at Tru Comfort Heating and Cooling by calling (602) 499-7855, or simply fill out the form in the sidebar.
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Maintaining Your Air Conditioner
Putting effort into maintaining your air conditioner is vital to maximizing the efficiency of your unit and the comfort of your property, but it can be a bit overwhelming if you’re just starting to learn how. So, to help you out, we’ve put together a simple list of things you can do to help maintain your air conditioner and avoid costly repairs and efficiency issues.
Maintain Your Air Filters
Your air filters are the lungs of your air conditioner. When your air filters get clogged up with dirt, dust, and other irritants, it can reduce the efficiency of your entire unit and potentially blow debris throughout the rest of your system’s internal structure, costing you a lot in inevitable repairs. Check to see what kind of filter your air conditioner needs and switch it out at least every month or so for the best results.
Maintain Your Coils
It’s completely normal for evaporator and condenser coils to get dirty through regular use, which means they need a good cleaning every once in a while. The cleaner you keep your air filter, the less you have to worry about your evaporator coil, but you should still check up on it at least once a year before the cooling season starts. Condenser coils are a bit different. Because condenser coils are outside, they can get dirtier much faster. To minimize problems, keep the area well-maintained and give your unit plenty of room to breathe.
Maintain Your Coil Fins
Coil fins are thin aluminum sheets stacked together to form what almost looks like a vent inside your unit. The most common problem with coil fins is that they’re fragile. Bend just a few, and you risk a significant loss of airflow, compromising the efficiency of your system. A simple “fin comb” can gently brush these fins back into place.
Maintain Your Condensate Drains
Condensate drains can be prone to clogs. Snake your drain channels once in a while to ensure proper humidity control.
Maintain Your Window Seals
If you have a window unit for a single room, make sure you’re inspecting the seal around your window at the start of every season. If there isn’t an airtight seal between your unit and window frame, there’s a good chance you’re losing cold air all summer long.
Prepare For Winter
If your unit is not in active use, make sure you cover it or put it away. Leaving it out during the winter will only open it up to debris and potential damage.
Need help maintaining your air conditioner through the long summer season? Do not hesitate to reach out to our skilled heating and cooling specialists at Tru Comfort Heating and Cooling and ask about Tru Comfort Advantage, our incredible preventative maintenance plans. Our Tru Comfort Advantage maintenance plans can catch problems before they grow out of control and extend the life of your air conditioner.
For more information on maintaining your air conditioner or investing in your property’s HVAC health, we encourage you to connect with our talented heating and cooling technicians at Tru Comfort Heating and Cooling by calling (602) 499-7855, or simply fill out the form in the sidebar.
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10 Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs Repair or Replacement
Your air conditioner isn’t going to last forever. Over time it will need repairs, and eventually, no matter how well you take care of it, it will need replacement. That’s why the best thing you can do to save yourself as much time and money as possible is to know how to spot the signs of a weary, run-down air conditioner – so you know exactly when to call our skilled HVAC pros at Tru Comfort Heating and Cooling for help!
Blowing Warm Air
Blowing warm or hot air instead of cool is a huge warning sign that something might be up. If you have a clean air filter and double-checked that your thermostat is displaying the correct settings, you may want to consider inquiring about potential repairs your unit might need.
Weird Noises
Scraping, grinding, and squealing noises coming from any HVAC system are never good signs. It usually points to a problem with your HVAC system’s internal components, which means calling in the pros.
Reduced Airflow
Reduced airflow may not be a super noticeable sign at first, but eventually, you’re going to stop feeling the cool air circulating and know something’s wrong. The problem is, the reason could be anything from a faulty compressor to inefficient ducts, which means you need to invite someone to come and figure out the right restoration strategy.
Thermostat Not Working/Responding
Usually when someone says their thermostat isn’t working it’s a matter of replacing the batteries or giving it a gentle tune-up, but if your thermostat is fine and still doesn’t seem to be working or responding to your demands, the problem might just be your air conditioner.
Funny Smells
Your air conditioner should never really have too much of a smell, which is why if you are catching a whiff of a foul odor coming from your air conditioner, you might want to have a technician come out and have a look. You might have some mold somewhere or even some burnt electrical components.
Too Humid
Although humidity isn’t much of a problem for residents in Arizona, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Home bathrooms, commercial kitchens, and other common spaces all produce plenty of moisture for air conditioners to remove. The moment you notice excess humidity left behind, it’s time to seek repairs.
Frequent Concerns/Repairs
If your unit seems to always be in a state of disrepair, the best thing you can do is seek a replacement. Repairing your system over and over will only work for so long. It will be much more cost-effective in the long run to just replace it instead.
Visible Leaks
If you see any kind of puddling around your unit, whether it looks like water or like it may be freon, do not wait to contact one of our technicians. Some chemicals your unit uses are toxic, which means only seasoned specialists should handle them.
Higher Utility Bills
An easy way to tell if your air conditioner isn’t functioning to its full capacity anymore is to check out your utility bills. If your energy costs are way higher than they used to be, it’s a pretty good indication that you might have some problems or inefficiencies with your HVAC.
Your Unit Is At The End Of Its Lifespan
Finally, one of the easiest ways to tell if your air conditioner needs repairs or replacement is to consider its age. If your unit is so old that you can’t even get the same make and model anymore because of increased efficiency standards, you should really let it go. There’s no point in wasting your money on frequent repairs when a new, more efficient unit can start saving you money!
Think you may need HVAC repairs or a full unit replacement? Do yourself a favor and get ahold of our team at Tru Comfort Heating and Cooling to schedule a time for one of our extraordinary technicians to have a look by calling (602) 499-7855, or simply fill out the form in the sidebar.
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Is a Rooftop AC Installation Right for You?
Even if you’re not paying too close attention when you’re driving around, it’s still fairly noticeable that a lot of properties throughout the region have AC units installed on their roofs. You may have even wondered once or twice what the appeal was and perhaps whether a rooftop AC installation is a good fit for your home or business. Well, good news; Tru Comfort Heating and Cooling has your answers!
Rooftop AC vs. Central AC
The first thing to note is that whether you choose a rooftop AC or central AC, your cooling experience should be roughly the same. The main difference between the two is the initial design. Central AC units are typically split systems, with components located inside and outside your property. A rooftop AC is a completely self-contained system with all its components tucked neatly inside a single unit equipped to your roof.
Is A Rooftop AC Installation Right for You?
As with any HVAC system, there are pros and cons to installing a rooftop AC unit. The advantages include greater efficiency with less space used. If you don’t have a yard or a lot of clearance around your property, you might prefer to have your unit on your roof. And you can’t beat its efficiency. Central AC units have to have extremely powerful fans to force cool air down and collect the hot air. Hot air naturally rises, and cold air sinks, which means a rooftop AC unit works better with nature to keep your property cooler for less!
There are still some drawbacks, though. Rooftop AC units typically cost more to install than simpler central AC units because of the additional installation and labor requirements, and not everyone can have them. If you live in a neighborhood with an HOA, they may decide a rooftop AC is too much of an eyesore and forbid it, so it’s definitely something you want to look into first.
Get All the HVAC Support You Need At Tru Comfort Heating and Cooling
Whether you decide a rooftop AC is right for you or not, the most important thing you can do to guarantee the efficiency of your new unit and your satisfaction is to trust the right HVAC professionals to take care of your installation and future maintenance. Here at Tru Comfort Heating and Cooling, we are always eager to show home and business owners precisely what it means to us to be one of the most trusted HVAC service providers in the region. We can’t wait to help you determine if a rooftop AC is right for you and so much more! To learn more about rooftop AC, reach out to our talented heating and cooling technicians at Tru Comfort Heating and Cooling by calling (602) 499-7855, or simply fill out the form in the sidebar.
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AC Not Cooling? 7 Things To Check When Your Air Conditioner Is Not Cooling The House
As temperatures across Arizona continue to climb higher and higher, maintaining a cool, air-conditioned home has become non-negotiable. But what happens when your air conditioner isn’t effectively cooling down your house? Before you start sweating bullets, here are seven things you should check on to troubleshoot the issue.
Thermostat Settings
The first thing you are going to want to check is your thermostat. Make sure you correctly set your thermostat to “cool” and that your settings reflect your desired temperature. If your thermostat is battery-operated, replace the batteries to ensure it’s functioning correctly.
Dirty Air Filter
A dirty air filter will eventually begin to restrict airflow and cause your AC system to work harder than it needs to. If your AC is suddenly not cooling your house appropriately, you will want to check your air filter. If it’s dirty, replace it. A clean filter can help your AC unit run more efficiently and cool your home more effectively.
Clogged Coils & Condenser Units
Your air conditioner’s outdoor condenser unit is responsible for releasing heat outside of your home with the help of specially-made coils. If your coils or condenser unit become dirty or obstructed by leaves and other debris, however, they cannot effectively disperse heat and keep your house cool. Ensuring your condenser unit stays free from debris, such as leaves, grass clippings, and dirt will keep it clean and your house cool.
Low/Leaking Refrigerant
Refrigerant is the substance that cools the air in your AC unit. If your system is leaking or low on refrigerant, it won’t be able to cool your home effectively. A refrigerant leak is a serious issue that only professional repair technicians should correct.
Obstructed/Damaged Ductwork
Your air ducts are responsible for distributing cool air throughout your home. When your ductwork has obstructions or damage causing leaks, cool air can’t reach certain areas of your home. Check for obstructions or damage to your ductwork and have it repaired right away if necessary to help keep your house cool all summer long.
Blocked Vents
Blocked vents can prevent cool air from circulating throughout your home. Make sure all vents are open and clear, and that furniture or other objects aren’t blocking the airflow.
Undersized/Aging AC Unit
If your AC unit is old and outdated or simply too small for your property, it will not be able to cool your home as effectively as a newer or appropriately sized model. Upgrading to a larger, more energy-efficient system means that you can save money on your energy bills and keep your home cool and comfortable.
When your air conditioner is not effectively cooling down your house, it’s important to take action to troubleshoot the issue. Don’t suffer through an unbearably hot and uncomfortable summer – let our pros at Tru Comfort Heating and Cooling ensure your AC system is functioning properly, so we can help keep your house cool and comfortable all year!
For more information on AC repair when your AC is not cooling your home or investing in your property’s HVAC health, we encourage you to connect with our talented heating and cooling technicians at Tru Comfort Heating and Cooling by calling (602) 499-7855, or simply fill out the form in the sidebar.
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Things To Check When Your Heat Pump’s Not Working Right
Your heat pump is likely not something you think about very often. If it’s working correctly, you barely even notice it’s there. When it’s not working, though, it’s all too obvious. Being stuck in the cold without sufficient heating is more than just uncomfortable. As many know all too well, being without adequate heat for an extended period of time can be incredibly dangerous. So, to help you get your heat pump back up and running when it’s not working right, here are some things you should check on first.
Check Your Power
If your heat pump stops working because it has no power at all, the first thing you’re going to want to do is check your breaker to make sure it hasn’t tripped somehow. If your circuit breaker has tripped, getting your heat pump back on should be as simple as resetting the breaker. If that doesn’t work, you may need to check to see if you have a blown fuse, which will need a trusted contractor’s touch, or call your local power company and ask about known outages in your area.
Check Your Thermostat
Anytime any of your HVAC systems go out, but the rest of your property has power, the first place you want to look is your thermostat. Is it working? Is it set to the correct temperature? Is your thermostat old and outdated, excessively dirty/dusty, or in need of recalibration? Any one of these things can have your heat pump on the fritz.
Check Your Air Filters/Air Ducts
All HVAC systems have air filters designed to catch dust and debris from the air as it circulates throughout your property. If your air filters are too dirty, however, your airflow will suffer, and your unit will not be able to function correctly, eventually shutting down entirely. The same goes for your air ducts too. If your air ducts are leaking air through holes or loose joints, or there is too much dust, dirt, or debris, your heat pump will have to work overtime to keep your property comfortable until it wears itself out.
Check The Reversing Valve
The reversing valve on a unit helps the system switch between your heating and cooling settings seamlessly. However, when one setting works but the other doesn’t, this is often a sign your reversing valve needs repair, which is a job best left to a trained HVAC professional.
Check Your Outdoor Unit
One of the most common causes of a defective heat pump is a problem with the outdoor unit. Being constantly exposed to the elements means you can experience blockages and clogs in your coils if they get too dirty, or even have your unit freeze up entirely. A frozen outdoor unit can result from clogged ducts, a worn-out motor, a damaged fan, a faulty valve, not enough refrigerant, blatant mechanical/electrical issues, or simply a dirty filter. If you see a lot of frost or ice anywhere on or around any component of your outdoor unit, it’s typically a good indication that your unit is freezing up or already frozen and you should seek immediate repairs to avoid future costs and concerns.
For more information on how to properly check on your heat pump to maximize its efficiency and prevent serious HVAC problems or to request our assistance restoring the integrity of your heat pump, we urge you to reach out to Tru Comfort Heating and Cooling today by calling (602) 499-7855, or simply fill out the form in the sidebar.
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What You Need To Know About HVAC Changes in 2023
With every new year comes new advancements in HVAC technology and standards, and 2023 is no different. Heat pumps and central air conditioners, especially, will see major upgrades in the coming year. Keep reading to learn what else is changing and what it means for you as a property owner.What’s Changing With HVAC Efficiency?
As previously stated, the most significant HVAC changes in 2023 revolve around heat pumps and central air conditioners. One of the biggest changes is the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) increase for minimum efficiency standards. Starting Jan. 1, 2023, all units manufactured and sold in Arizona will need to have a minimum 15 SEER rating. That means residents and business owners purchasing units manufactured prior to that date must have the systems bought and installed before Dec. 31, 2022, as all units purchased and installed after this date will be subject to the new efficiency standards.
Revolutionary New Refrigerants Headed Your Way
Another big HVAC change happening in 2023 involves the substantial progress to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) plan to gradually phase out R-410a, a highly controversial hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant criticized for its negative environmental impact. As of 2023, cooling systems will come standard with R-454b refrigerant, and all manufactured air conditioners and heat pumps built starting next year will be compatible with this eco-friendly alternative. This will hopefully have a hugely positive impact on the nation’s contributions to global warming.
Save More In 2023
While upgrading to newer, more efficient HVAC equipment is always an investment, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) guarantees it will pay off. The efficiency standard increase alone has the potential to save property owners with heat pumps and air conditioners anywhere from $2.5 billion to $12.2 billion in as little as 30 years. That means, if your HVAC system is more than 15 years old, you will actually be paying more money just to hang on to it. Besides, there’s no better time to upgrade your heating and cooling systems!
Tru Comfort Heating and Cooling is the ultimate one-stop shop for all your heating and cooling needs. Our talented technicians will happily stop by your property anytime to offer you insight and guidance regarding your HVAC needs and expectations for the coming year. As the new units begin to roll out, we can discuss your best upgrade options for your residential or commercial property and ease your mind about your installation process. Simply connect with one of our experienced HVAC specialists today to get started by calling (602) 499-7855, or simply fill out the form in the sidebar.
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Get Your HVAC System Ready For Winter
It’s about that time of year again, the time to get your HVAC system ready for winter. With a little help from Tru Comfort Heating and Cooling, though, it’s sure to be easier than ever this year. Simply read through our helpful HVAC maintenance tips below, and you’ll be good to go!
Check Your Thermostat
The first thing you want to do is look at your thermostat. If it uses batteries, replace them. Turn the furnace and AC on one at a time, and make sure you can hear your unit turn on and off. If you really want to go a step further to protect your property this winter, you can even consider upgrading to a newer, smarter thermostat for automatic heating and cooling.
Replace Your Filter
The next thing you want to do is change your air filter. A dirty, clogged air filter can degrade your air quality as well as your HVAC unit as a whole, leading to frequent repairs and other serious problems. A fresh air filter will maximize your airflow, keep your unit running smoothly, and ensure your air quality is at its best!
Clean All Your Coils & Other Components
A furnace’s heat burners, heat coils, chimneys, air ducts, and other components can get a buildup of dust and grime over time. If left to worsen, this can lead to significant problems with your unit’s overall efficiency and functionality. At the start of every season, you should ensure all parts of your furnace are clean and free of debris or other contaminants that can hinder your system’s performance and impact your air quality.
Lubricate All Moving Parts
Like any machine, your furnace has a lot of moving parts that will eventually wear down over time. One way to prolong the life of your unit and these individual moving parts is to make sure they are properly lubricated. Ensuring your belt pulleys, blower motor, condenser motor, and fan are all properly lubricated can dramatically extend the life of your HVAC system.
Check/Relight Your Pilot Light
A furnace that still has a pilot light will not turn on or function effectively without it lit. So, make sure after you’re all done cleaning and lubricating your furnace, you check your pilot light and relight it if necessary.
Call Tru Comfort Heating and Cooling
Think you may have found something wrong with your furnace or don’t feel comfortable messing around with its components? Don’t sweat it! Tru Comfort Heating and Cooling is here to help with all your HVAC needs throughout the year. We will have your furnace ready for winter in no time! Get ahold of our brilliant heating and cooling specialists at Tru Comfort Heating and Cooling today by calling (602) 499-7855, use the chat feature, or simply fill out the form in the sidebar.