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Should I Set My Thermostat to ON or AUTO? 


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Heat, Cool and Off are the straightforward settings of one switch on many thermostats. But what about the other switch, On or Auto? What’s the difference? On means the fan is going to run continuously, 24/7. Auto means that the fan will only run while the system is actively heating or cooling the air. The setting you use can depend on a number of factors, and ultimately your personal preference. Here’s some basic information to get you thinking about a strategy that works best for you and your family.

Pros of On Setting:

More air circulation means cleaner air. Since the air is running through a filter, this setting may be better for family members that suffer from allergies or asthma. Leaving it On means less starts and stops for the fan, and may prolong the life of your fan.

Cons of On Setting:

Since the air is getting filtered more, you’ll need to check and replace your filter more often. The On setting is going to be more expensive. You will probably notice a difference in your monthly energy bill. In the winter it might feel like cold air is coming through the vent. It only seems cold compared to your body temperature. It’s not cold air. It’s the temperature set on your thermostat, and it’s not actively being heated.

Pros of Auto Setting:

The fan runs less often, as it will only run while the air is actively being heated or cooled. This is more energy efficient and may result in a lower monthly energy bill. Auto is the setting that most homeowners use.

Cons of Auto Setting:

More starts and stops for your fan may shorten the life of your fan in the long run. In general you’ll get less air circulation in your home if you leave it on the Auto setting.

Try a Combination of Both:

Set it On when you are at home during the day. Then, turn it to Auto at night or when you are away. With this strategy you will enjoy the benefits of better air circulation while you are home, and the cost saving of only using the fan when the systems needs to while you are sleeping, or away. Consult with the experts at ACS Air Conditioning to decide which setting best suits you and your family. Call us at 520-230-5668 or request service online today!

Whole Home Generator Maintenance

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Whole home generators, also called standby generators, require regular maintenance to make sure they continue to function properly.

This generator connects to your home through your natural gas line or will use propane to run.  This saves you a trip to the gas station if the power goes out.

By following these maintenance guidelines you can ensure that your generator is always ready to go when and if your power goes out.

  • You should make sure that it starts up once a week to make sure that the oil is lubricating the system correctly.
  • The oil level in your generator should be checked every 8 hours while its running.  During extended power outages, you should turn it off once a day, check the oil level and replenished if needed.
  • On a regular basis, check the air cleaner for debris, check the spark plugs for wear and tear, and examine all your other fluid levels. Spark plugs should be replaced after 2 years.

Most of these maintenance tasks are simple; if you don’t want to be bothered with remembering to do them, contact ACS Air Conditioning Services we will worry about all the regular maintenance for you. You can call us at 520-230-5668 or request service online.

Heat Pump or Air Conditioner?

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Whether you have a new construction or remodel, or it is simply time to replace your HVAC system’s components, you will eventually need to make the decision about installing a heat pump or air conditioner/furnace system.

The question begs to be asked: What is the difference between a heat pump and a traditional air conditioner/furnace system?

In warm weather, the function of an air conditioner or a heat pump is essentially the same––to cool your home. Both function by pulling heat out of the air, leaving you with cooler air inside your home.

The biggest difference between an air conditioner and a heat pump is that as the weather cools down, a heat pump can be reversed so it takes heat from outside the home and moves it inside, effectively warming up your house. A heat pump does two jobs––warms and cools. In general, a heat pump uses less energy, since you have one appliance doing two jobs.

In colder, northern climates, often a heat pump may only work as supplemental heating for a furnace in larger homes. In warmer, southern climates, a heat pump is usually the only appliance you need to keep your home comfortable all year long.

In northern states, a furnace is usually the primary source of heat for a home. As temperatures fall below 40 degrees, a heat pump can get strained because its primary function is pulling heat from one place and transferring it to another. The colder the air and ground become, the less heat there is for a pump to transfer.

A heat pump is always environmentally friendly, particularly a geothermal heat pump. It uses the ground as a heat source rather than burning fossil fuels or natural gas. It uses the earth’s natural temperature to heat and cool.

There are a number of things to consider when choosing to install a heat pump or a traditional air conditioner/furnace system. At ACS Air Conditioning Services, we can help you decide what is best for you. The size and location of your home, as well as the climate, are all factors in finding the right system for you. Call ACS Air Conditioning Services at 520-230-5668 or request service online. We are here to help you find the most cost-effective option we can.

What Is a Heat Pump and How Does It Work?

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A heat pump is a device that transfers heat from one place to another, from inside to outside or from outside to inside. In the winter a heat pump works like a heater, extracting heat energy from outside and transferring it inside—instead of generating its own heat like a furnace. In the summer the process reverses, and it removes heat from your home and transfers it outside like an air conditioner.

At ACS Air Conditioning Services, we would love to talk to you if you need service or maintenance on your current system or if you are considering installing one. Many of your Tucson, AZ, neighbors are already enjoying the versatility and energy efficiency of their systems, making it a popular option here in our region.

The Differences Between Heat Pumps

There are many different names and types of heat pumps, but they can all be categorized as one of three different types: air source, water source, or geothermal.

Air Source

An air source heat pump (ASHP) transfers energy in the air from one place to another. It uses an outdoor heat exchanger coil to extract heat from the air and an indoor heat exchanger coil to transfer the heat into air ducts, radiators, or a hot water tank. This process can also be reversed, so it may be used as an air conditioner as well.

Water Source

A water source heat pump (WSHP) operates similarly to the air source but uses water instead of air to transfer heat. These types of pumps are not available to everyone because of the resources needed, but if you live near a well, lake, or other natural resource, this can be a viable option. A water source heat pump cycles water through a series of pipes laid out in water. As the water cycles, it collects the heat and transfers that energy into your home. Again, this process reverses in the summer and carries heat out of your home by way of the water in the pipes.

Geothermal

A geothermal heat pump is also called a ground source heat pump (GSHP). In this system, the pump uses the earth as its heat source. Conceptually, a geothermal heat pump is the same as an air source or water source heat pump.

There are two different methods for its installation:

  • Horizontal ground-coupled system—a horizontal ground-coupled system buries horizontal piping four feet or more under the ground and circulates a fluid, like antifreeze or water, through it.
  • Vertical ground-coupled system—a vertical ground-coupled system has the same process as its horizontal counterpart, but the pipes are buried vertically.

The geography and climate around your home are important when deciding which kind of heat pump is right for you. If you have questions about which type is optimum for your home please request service, request estimate, or call ACS Air Conditioning Services today at 520-230-5668 and speak with one of our professionals.

Time for HVAC Maintenance

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The best time to schedule your system maintenance call is BEFORE something fails.

Your air conditioner is too important to neglect, service yourself, or wait until something breaks. Call the experts at ACS Air Conditioning Services to come to your Tucson, Arizona home twice a year to do a routine air conditioner and furnace maintenance visit.

If you don’t remember the last time you had a service call, you probably need one. Write it in your calendar, and get in the habit of calling at least once a year. Most people make the call entering either the heating or cooling seasons. This is when you depend on your HVAC system the most. If you procrastinate, a major repair or complete replacement will be considerably more expensive than the preventative maintenance visit. Systems tend to break down when they are used and needed the most. Don’t get caught in the middle of Summer with no air conditioner. That can be uncomfortable, and dangerous.

Proper maintenance will significantly prolong the life of your system. There are some things that you can do yourself: Checking and changing the air filter is a good start, you can also make sure your vents are clear of obstructions and cleaned of dirt and debris.

One of our ACS professionals will be able to detail your air conditioner and make sure that its in top shape for this years Summer.

Dirt and dust, over time, will clog and inhibit the functionality of your system. An ACS expert has the skills and tools necessary to make sure your system is in tip-top shape heading into a heating or cooling season. An HVAC system, like any complex machinery, requires regular professional tune-ups to keep operating at an optimal level. A typical maintenance call twice a year can give you the peace of mind you deserve. Call ACS Air Conditioning Services at 520-230-5668 today!

The Best AC Unit for Tucson Weather

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Ask anyone the first word that comes to mind when they hear “Arizona,” and it will most likely be “HOT.” Summers in Arizona are notorious for high temperatures. While Tucson rests at a higher elevation than its more famous neighbor Phoenix, it is still the desert and just as hot in the summertime.

With such extreme summer temperatures, a robust air conditioning system is a necessity

It’s more than a matter of comfort; it’s a matter of safety. That’s why the residents of Tucson have trusted their AC repair and installation needs to ACS for almost 30 years. The experts at ACS know how to find the best solution for a homeowner’s needs and know which units will stand up to the rigors of an Arizona summer.

The most common type of air conditioner used in all Arizona homes are split systems

A split system means that an outdoor unit processes the air then cycles the chilled air inside the home while indoor fans move the warmer air outside. While this is not a new design, many older units are installed on the roof of the home. These rooftop units pose a number of challenges: simple repairs become difficult when the technician has to access the roof, replacing or installing the unit often requires a crane rental, and who wants to work on a hot roof when it’s 120 degrees outside? By contrast, modern split systems offer vastly improved efficiency and accessibility. The outdoor unit is installed at ground level in the back or side yard of the property. The unit takes up less space, can be moved by two people, and can be accessed easily for repairs.

An additional benefit to a modern split system is efficiency. Energy savings are increasingly important in our Earth-conscious world, but a homeowner can’t just leave the air conditioning off in the middle of the summer in Tucson. Arizona homes are built for improved cooling efficiency, and the right air conditioning unit will have no trouble comfortably cooling the home while helping save money on monthly utility bills.

In order to get the most efficiency from your air conditioner while still keeping that summer heat at bay, it helps to have a trained and experienced HVAC specialist calculate the correctly sized unit for your home. The experts at ACS understand the unique requirements of desert weather and use only the most reliable and trusted products for Tucson air conditioners. New air conditioning products from companies like Trane (www.trane.com) offer the most up-to-date technology for efficiency and ease-of-use. Trane’s XL High-Efficiency air conditioners have industry-leading efficiency ratings while carrying the latest advances in airflow and cooling technology to keep your home as comfortable as you need during the long and hot Arizona summer.

ACS is Arizona’s leading Trane Comfort Specialist™ dealer, having served the Tucson area since 1990 and working with the latest innovations in residential and commercial heating and cooling systems. In addition to their extensive knowledge of the right HVAC products for the southern Arizona region, ACS has also worked to provide an improved and comprehensive customer service experience. ACS is a customer-oriented business, and their excellent track record of serving the Tucson area for almost 30 years is a testament to their dedication to providing the right product and the right service to every customer year-round. For more information on your new air conditioning system, or for any other residential or commercial installation and repair needs, visit www.acshvac.com!

Keeping Your AC Properly Maintained in Catalina Foothills

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It’s probably easy for homeowners to believe that keeping their air conditioner maintained will help ensure a comfortably cool home while also preventing unwanted repairs. However, do you know what the best thing is to do when taking care of your AC?

One valuable piece of advice we give when it comes to AC maintenance is to always keep it clean.

The simple act of changing the air filters goes a long way toward reducing dirt and dust build-up; your unit will maintain proper air flow which contributes to comfortable cooling and good indoor air quality. It’s easy for air conditioners to catch large amounts of dust and dirt in a place like Southern Arizona. Homeowners should also make sure the outside AC unit is always free to debris like grass or falling leaves.

We advise that newer air conditioners should undergo yearly maintenance checks from a trained technician and older models should have a biannual inspection.

Keep in mind that AC companies provide maintenance checklists that can widely vary from business to business. However, every AC check-up should include at least these items:

· Test the compressor to make sure it is operating smoothly
· Clean the evaporator and condenser coil.
· Check condensate drain.
· Inspect start/run capacitors.
· Adjust and clean blower components.
· Check refrigerant level.
· Assess equipment condition.

ACS Air Conditioning Services will always provide you with superior customer service and advice. When searching for AC check-ups Catalina Foothills, look no other place than us. Our technicians’ focus is always on customer satisfaction and you are always put first. To learn more about the products and services we offer, contact us today!

Make Your Tucson Home as Energy Efficient as Possible

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If you’ve never evaluated your home’s energy efficiency or the quality of insulation in your home, now’s the time. Having a well-insulated outer envelope will mean big savings on your cooling bill. Here are some ways you can insulate your home and boost energy efficiency during harsh Tuscon summers:

· Upgrade windows and doors

· Add weatherstripping around doors

· Add caulking around window

· Pump foam into, add rolled insulation or add radiant barrier to walls

· Add blown-in or rolled insulation to your attic

· Add shades to your windows to block the sun

· Plant vegetation that will block parts of your home from the sun when the sunlight is the harshest

With these updates, the R-value of each aspect should be improved. Take a look at the recommended R-values in your areas and make sure your upgrades meet the recommendations. Once your home is well-insulated, you will notice a big increase in the comfort level of your indoor air. If your cooling system isn’t working properly, unfortunately, all of your work to insulate won’t fix that issue. We offer Tuscon air conditioning services and seasonal maintenance to ensure your cooling system is in proper working order and can achieve its maximum level of energy efficiency. A well-maintained system will also provide a higher quality of indoor air.

If you are looking for high-quality products and outstanding customer care in Tuscon, Oro Valley, Dove Mountain, or the surrounding areas, look no further than ACS Air Conditioning Services. You will not be disappointed with what we have to offer. Contact us today!

Choosing the Right AC Company in Arizona

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We’re all looking for the best deal when it comes to air conditioning whether it be in AC installation, AC repair or AC maintenance in Tuscon. In Tucson, there are a lot of options for air conditioning companies. Many of those options, though, are real stinkers. They won’t provide you with the great service and quality products that a truly top tier air conditioning company like ACS Air Conditioning Services will. But what’s there to look for in a good air conditioning company? The sheer amount of things to think about when choosing a company can be overwhelming, but here are a few pieces of information to consider:

One thing to examine is whether or not their staff is well versed in product knowledge. You want to know exactly what type of products you’re getting when you buy an AC unit or furnace, so you’re going to need a company with an understanding of their inventory. Here at ACS Air Conditioning Services, we train all our staff to know our air conditioning units and furnaces like the back of their hands so that when you have a question, we have the answer.

You should consider an AC company’s customer service. A company that doesn’t value their customer isn’t going to give you the kind of air conditioning service you deserve. The customer should feel at home with their AC technicians rather than at war with them. Nothing is more important here at ACS than keeping our customers happy and well informed. We strive to go the extra mile for our Southern Arizona customers so that they come back to us.

The company you choose should also provide you with informed and professional technicians. A good technician makes all the difference when it comes to AC repair and AC maintenance. Our technicians at ACS  are fast, thorough, and polite. They care about making your AC unit run as well as it possibly can.

Choosing a company to work with is a tough decision but armed with this information, you’ll know exactly who to call. Contact us today!

Are Expensive Air Filters Worth It?

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A clogged, gunky air filter can cut your airflow down to a dribble. An air filter is a small thing, and decidedly not an exciting part of home improvement, but it keeps your entire HVAC system humming right along. A filthy filter can restrict airflow, preventing the system from working like it’s supposed to and that can eventually lead to a breakdown.

Your air filter traps small air particles (dust, pollen, pet particles) smoke from the air. You may not suffer from allergies, but perhaps you have an in indoor Because of this, there’ll be an accumulation of dust and dirt in your living quarters. Should you splurge for the more expensive air filter? Are they worth it?

To improve indoor air quality with a new air filter, it’s wise to do your research or contact your local, professional AC maintenance and repair company directly. ACS Air Conditioning Services in Tucson is a great resource. Also, get to know MERV! This is the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values which scales AC filter efficiency on a scale of 1-20. Below are some typical choices:

Fiberglass
1” spun fiberglass. It keeps big particles of debris out but does little to clean the air. MERV 2-3, $1-5

Pleated Polyester or Cotton
Removes tiny spores, but must be changed frequently or your system will get clogged, overworked. MERV 6-7, $5-7

Electrostatic
Electrically-charged cotton picks up tiny particles. One of the most attractive parts is that these are washable, cutting down on purchasing a new filter every other month. MERV 10, $10-20

Pleated, Permanent & Highly Efficient
4-5″ pleated synthetic cotton. Screens microscopic particles, utilized in hospitals. Should be professionally installed in special housing to avoid any wobbling or leaking. MERV 15-17, $80-100

Cooling consumes a huge part of your utility bill, so get a higher-end filter. But you don’t necessarily need the super expensive pleated, permanent filter. At least every couple of months, simply pull out the old filter and slide in the replacement. The tough part might be remembering to do this each quarter. For the tech-savvy, there are apps available such as FilterFresh, which tracks all the filters in your house. Happy Filtering!