Month: April 2021

Does an air conditioner (AC) help with allergies? In one word, yes. Actually two words, yes if. If you properly maintain the air conditioner. Air conditioners can help filter your home’s air and control its humidity, which are both helps in the allergy world. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), it’s estimated there are now 50 million seasonal allergy sufferers in America, so any and all help is welcomed.

But properly maintaining your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is the difference between your air conditioner helping with those allergies and it aggravating them. ACS Air Conditioning Services specializes in air conditioners. Contact us with any questions you may have or assistance you may need.

How It Helps

Whether you suffer from Oro Valley seasonal allergies or year-long allergens like pet dander or dust, your air conditioner can help you breathe easier. With the correct filter, your indoor air quality (IAQ) can be improved, filtering out allergens like pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and other irritant air particles. These particles get stopped by the filter and are not allowed to continue through the system to make their way to your lungs, improving air quality.

Indoor air quality is also improved because your air conditioner helps control your home’s humidity. Higher levels of humidity breed additional allergens like bacteria, mold, and mildew. Your air conditioner works hard to balance your home’s humidity, thereby reducing the instances of these allergens and irritants.

When It Does Not Help

Your air conditioner can help in these instances, except when it’s not maintained properly. When the maintenance on your HVAC system is neglected, it actually makes your indoor air quality worse, so in turn your allergies may get worse.

If your filter continues to trap the particles flowing through the system and is not changed, those particles build up, now having nowhere to go except to blow through your home. The same applies to the other allergens resulting from higher humidity or dampness.

If the humidity builds or if there are leaks somewhere in the system, say in the ductwork, a damp environment now exists. Mold and bacteria have free rein to flow through your home’s air, adding to the allergens you’re breathing.

What You Can Do

To keep your air conditioner helping, rather than hurting, your allergies, take these steps:

• Have your air conditioner cleaned and maintained regularly, at least once a year
• Change or clean your air filters regularly
• Use a higher MERV(Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rated filter (at least an 8 rating), if changing filters
• Clean any debris or dust around both your outdoor and indoor air conditioner units to avoid it being pulled into the unit and introduced into your Arizona home
• Dust all indoor registers and returns on a regular basis
• Inspect your ductwork and HVAC unit (drip pan and drain, evaporator coils, air handler) for signs of leaks, corrosion, or mold
• Consider upgrading your air conditioner if over 10 years old
• Keep doors and windows closed while your air conditioner is running
• Consider adding on an air purifier

Let Us Help You With Your Allergies

Here in Oro Valley, AZ, allergies are a serious concern for many. Keeping your air conditioner properly maintained throughout the year can definitely help with airborne allergies. Call our experts at ACS Air Conditioning Services at 520-230-5668 or request service online to speak with one of our professionals today to see how we can help you.

When it’s time to invest in a major home appliance like an air conditioner (AC), you want to be well informed. The good news is technology has made it easy to gather a great deal of information in a short period of time. The bad news is there are so many makes and models of air conditioners available, the entire process can get quickly overwhelming.

Our professionals at ACS Air Conditioning Services would be happy to help you sort out the options and help you make a smart investment. In the meantime, here are some top purchasing mistakes to avoid while you are doing your research.

Equating a Big Unit to More Cooling

It’s easy to want maximum cooling power, especially during the summer months in Arizona. However, bigger does not always mean better in the case of air conditioning systems.

According to Home Energy magazine, air conditioner loads should be calculated carefully to select the right-sized air conditioner for your home. Our trained professionals can utilize Manual J load calculations and take into account the design and age of your Marana home. We also assimilate the average temperatures and length of your summer to recommend the best air conditioner for your situation. Making the right decision will give you the highest level of comfort with the most efficient use of energy, resulting in lower operating costs over the life of your system.

Choosing the Least Expensive Unit

Air conditioners come in a wide range of designs, from basic cooling to integrated smart-home technology. The price range reflects the vast differences in makes and models. While purchasing price needs to play a role in your air conditioning selection, be sure it does not dictate your entire decision. You want to be sure your unit is appropriately sized for your home and provides you with the features and power you need.

In addition, you will also want to look at the overall operating costs, not just the initial purchase price. Many higher-priced units run more efficiently over the long run, saving you money every month on your energy bills.

Selecting the Cheapest Air Conditioning Contractor

It’s understandable that you want to get the most service for your money. However, when it comes to installing a major system like an air conditioner, you don’t want to cut corners. Be sure you select an experienced professional who is bonded, insured, and licensed, like ours at ACS Air Conditioning Services. In addition, you may ask to see North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certifications for technicians. Going with the least expensive provider may lead to more expensive problems down the road.

Making Only a Verbal Agreement

Be sure to ask for a written statement of work, which should include an estimate, scope of work, time frame and schedule, and warranty information. The written agreement should also include payment terms including how much is due up front and when final payment is required. This step simply provides clarity to all parties involved and can help you avoid disputes later.

Replacing Partial Air Conditioner Unit

It’s always a balancing act to determine whether repair or replacement is the best option when your air conditioner breaks. However, once you make the decision to replace, it’s important to replace both the indoor and outdoor components at the same time. Replacing only one will most definitely affect the efficiency of the entire unit and may cause additional problems later on.

In addition, you may want to consider replacing your entire heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system all at once if your entire heating and cooling system is old or causing regular problems. Selecting an overall HVAC system that fits your home can ensure comfort year round.

Contact Us for Your Air Conditioning Needs

When it’s time to invest in a new air conditioning system, turn to ACS Air Conditioning Services in Marana, AZ, for help. Our team is standing by to provide information to help you make a good decision and answer any questions. Call 520-230-5668 or request service online today.