Author: acshvac

Did you accidentally stumble upon your air conditioning (AC) unit’s “winter weather” setting? Nope. You’re probably experiencing a freeze-up.

If you’ve noticed a thin layer of ice on the outside of your AC unit, don’t panic. Freeze-ups are an incredibly common issue. Most central air systems will experience one at some point.

Remember that prevention is the best cure! Routine maintenance visits allow one of our Air Conditioning Services specialists to check for hidden issues that could lead to freeze-ups. It also helps your equipment to run more efficiently, saving you money on utilities.

Even basic restorative tasks like replacing a clogged filter can slash up to 15 percent off your energy bill, according to the US Department of Energy (DOE). Schedule your AC visit now so you can beat the Arizona summer heat without interruption.

Why Air Conditioners Freeze Up

Freeze-ups happen when moisture forms on your air conditioner, which converts it to frost. Here are a few common ways this can happen:

Refrigerant Leaks

The refrigerant liquid circulates through your air conditioner’s evaporator coils. It’s the “special sauce” that helps the machinery pull humidity from the air, so your Oro Valley home gets cool. If a coil gets cracked or punctured, your AC becomes compromised.

Moisture in the air builds up and coats the coils, turning to an icy film. You may also notice patchy air cooling or no cold air at all. Sometimes, a chemical smell will be present.

If you suspect a refrigerant leak, call one of our heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) professionals. Your technician will identify and patch the leak, then restore proper refrigerant levels.

Poor Airflow

If liquid levels aren’t low, check the airflow. Sometimes, your evaporator coil freezes because something is preventing proper air circulation. The most frequent culprit is a dirty air filter. That’s why it’s best to replace or clean your air filter once monthly.

Alternatively, it can happen when objects block your vents or fall into your ductwork. Broken fans and dirty coils could just as easily be to blame.

Mild Outdoor Temperatures

Sometimes, the weather can get cold overnight when you’re asleep. These sudden temperature drops can throw your AC for a loop. The cool air from outdoors lowers the pressure, which can make your unit freeze up.

Remember to turn your air conditioner off well before the onset of cool weather. Most AC units can’t handle temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

What Should I Do If My AC Freezes?

1. Switch your air conditioner off.

This will allow the ice formations to melt. Additionally, any mechanical issues going on are less likely to progress.

2. Check for obstructions.

You want all of your air vents to have enough breathing room. Be sure there isn’t a misplaced couch or carpet getting in the way.

You want all of your air vents to have enough breathing room. Be sure there isn’t a misplaced couch or carpet getting in the way.

3. Inspect your air filter.

If your filter is dirty, it’s a quick fix. Simply replace or clean it (if the filter is reusable). Now try turning your AC back on once the ice has melted and dried up.

4. Call your HVAC specialist if the problem persists.

If the filter and vents are fine, the problem may be slightly more sophisticated. Have one of our HVAC specialists diagnose and repair it.

Need prompt and professional AC repair?

Air Conditioning Services is ready to assist you with your Oro Valley, AZ, heating and cooling needs. Call our office at 520-230-5668 or request service online.

It’s summertime in Arizona. The team at ACS Air Conditioning Service hopes you find time to relax with friends and family, taking in the beautiful sunny days. On days when it gets a bit too sunny, you can jump in a pool or bask in the cool breeze your air conditioner provides.

AC takes the edge off the hot months—but its energy usage can sneak up on you. Cooling costs comprise about 13 percent of the average family’s energy spending per year, according to ENERGY STAR®. For that reason, many Oro Valley customers want tips for reducing cooling costs.

Luckily, there are many quick, easy ways to manage your energy use during the hottest time of the year. Just find a few that work well with your home needs. Then, incorporate them into your daily routine.

Open Some Windows

On milder Arizona days, you can switch off your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and open a few windows instead. On hotter days, you can wait until the evening or night when the temperature drops.

BBQ Anyone?

Whenever you make meals using your stovetop or oven, it heats up your kitchen. For this reason, you’re more likely to run your AC when you might not need it. Instead, take advantage of your outdoor grill or barbecue.

Put Your Fans to Work

Fans are an excellent way to fill in for your central air system on temperate days. They use considerably less electricity. Place your fans in front of windows or cooler areas of your home like the basement.

Keep Cool in the Shade

Heat gain coming through your windows can rapidly raise the temperature in living areas. You can get some protection from blinds or curtains. Even when your AC is running, you can prevent it from overworking with shade.

Insulate to Stay Cool

Don’t let the cool air get away from you! Gaps in your windows panes, thin walls, and spaces under your doors allow air to escape. That means your AC will need to cycle more to maintain proper temperature. Insulation, door sweeps, and caulk are your friend. You can also have a ACS Air Conditioning Service specialist perform an energy assessment. Using thermal technology, he or she can pinpoint hot spots that need attention.

Upgrade Your Thermostat

Programmable and smart thermostats are an effective way to reduce your energy use. You can program slots for off-times during the day, like when you’re asleep or away at work. Smart thermostats use sensors to learn your habits, perfectly balancing comfort and efficiency. Wi-Fi thermostats connect to your smartphone. You can control it from home or away, and receive detailed energy data to help you save.

HVAC Maintenance and Duct Cleaning

Replace your filter each month to avoid ventilation problems that overwork the internal parts.  Additionally, schedule seasonal maintenance visits and have your air ducts cleaned when necessary. This will increase the lifespan of your AC system and protect you from surprise breakdowns that need repair.

Call Us Today!

Looking for AC installation, repair, or maintenance? ACS Air Conditioning Service has a team of certified experts on standby when you need us. Call our Oro Valley, AZ office at 520-230-5668 or request service online.

You decided to part ways with your old air conditioning (AC) system. It is not always an easy decision to make.

But now, you can get ready for a new era of home comfort, with lower utility bills and improved indoor air quality (IAQ). Did you know upgrading your AC can reduce your electricity bill by up to 50 percent, according to the US Department of Energy (DOE)?

The next step is finding the perfect make and model for your home needs. Our team at ACS Air Conditioning Services is here to help match you with the right fit. We take pride in securing and installing the best products for Arizona homes and businesses. That way, you’ll be satisfied for years to come.

Purchasing the Right Air Conditioner in Oro Valley

Here are five factors to consider when looking for a new air conditioner:

1. Be sure your air conditioner is the right size for your home.

Like an article of clothing that is too big or too small, a wrong-sized air conditioner won’t do your home any favors. Oversized air conditioners use too much energy, jacking up your utility bills. Undersized units get overworked and provide insufficient cooling.

Be sure to have one of our heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) specialists measure and audit your home. They will perform calculations to find the best unit tailored to your space.

2. Brands matter.

The brand and model you choose will impact your price. A variable-speed AC costs more but provides more comfort at a lower operating budget. A smaller home can probably get away with a single-stage system. But for a larger home, consider a two-speed system at the very least.

3. Hire an expert contractor.

A new central air system is a significant investment. It may be tempting to cut labor costs. However, doing so could cost you more later on when your AC unit breaks down. Be sure the HVAC technicians you hire for the job are licensed, insured, and have a solid reputation.

4. Get a detailed estimate.

Estimates in writing are paramount to any professional installation. Be sure the written estimate contains a warranty, work details, precise schedule, and payment terms.

5. Make quality a top priority.

A quality installation job will increase your home value, keeping you comfortable for countless summers. However, an inadequate installation job can create many difficulties down the road—including costly repairs, damage to the home, or premature AC replacement. Be sure to find a qualified HVAC team that will deliver the flawless upgrade you deserve.

Need a New AC System? Contact Us Today!

Our team of experts at ACS Air Conditioning Services is here for all of your AC, furnace, and heat pump needs. Whether you need an installation, repair, or maintenance visit, we’re just down the road in Oro Valley, Arizona. Call us today at 520-230-5668 or request service online.

Most homes in Tucson, Arizona and across the country are well-insulated, helping your heating and cooling system run more efficiently.

A tightly sealed home prevents conditioned air from escaping, allowing your home to maintain a consistent temperature for longer periods. That means your air conditioner (AC), furnace, or heat pump can run less to keep you comfortable.

A well-insulated home also means less natural ventilation. Dust, debris, and germs don’t have anywhere to escape. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the concentration of some pollutants indoors can be 2 to 5 times higher than outdoor concentrations.

Fortunately, there’s technology to combat this problem. Air filters and air purifiers can reduce the presence of harmful airborne particles, improving indoor air quality (IAQ). ACS Air Conditioning Service is pleased to provide quality IAQ products to our customers in Tucson and its surrounding communities.

How Does an Air Filter Work?

Forced air moves from your HVAC system, through your ducts, out of your vents, and back again. Your filter catches various particles, removing them from circulation.

This can limit your exposure to irritants such as dust, pollen, dander, smoke, pest byproducts, bacteria, and viruses. It also protects your HVAC equipment from becoming dirty.

How Often Should I Change My Filter?

You should change your filter every one to three months. Do you have pets or someone who suffers from allergies in the house? Change it more frequently if that’s the case.

If you have a ductless system, follow your owner’s manual recommendations for how often to clean it. Otherwise, it can get clogged and create problems for your HVAC system and air quality.

How Effective Is My Filter?

Want to see how well a filter will perform in your Tucson home? Check its Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value–– MERV rating for short. MERV ratings range from 1-16. The higher the number, the better it is at catching particles.

For instance, a MERV 16 filter catches 95 percent of particles between 0.3 and 10 microns. High-efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters go above and beyond. A standard for hospitals and industrial facilities, a HEPA filter capture 99.97 percent of particles between 0.3 and 10 microns.

Before buying a filter with the highest rating, check your manufacturer’s guide to ensure your system can accommodate it. Otherwise, you will constrict the airflow and force your AC or furnace to work harder.

What Are Air Purifiers?

While filters are a requirement for most HVAC equipment, air purifiers act as a supplement to maximize the quality and cleanliness of your indoor air. They come in many makes and models and utilize varying techniques to purify the air. A few common types include:

Whole-Home Air Purifiers

As the name suggests, these products offer protection for your entire Arizona house. They mount to your AC, furnace, or heat pump to sterilize the air as it circulates. Some models generate charged particles, which bind to viruses, bacteria, and other particles to break them down. Others use a combination of advanced filtration and sterilizing lights to kill germs and trap dust.

Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs)

There’s nothing better than fresh air. An ERV circulates filtered air from the outdoors into your home. Doing so simulates natural ventilation. It’s like opening all your windows—except you’ll retain the temperature in your home, keep out the allergens, and avoid overworking your HVAC equipment.

Ultraviolet (UV) Lamps

The same technology used to disinfect surgical equipment can disinfect the air. Ultraviolet (UV) lamps can mount inside your ductwork. They kill mold, pathogens, viruses, bacteria, and other airborne irritants.

Not sure which system works best for your Tucson home? Our ACS Air Conditioning Service professionals can help recommend the right solutions.

Call Today for First-Class HVAC Service

ACS Air Conditioning Service is ready to assist our customers with all their home needs in Tucson, AZ, and the surrounding areas. Call us today at 520-230-5668 or request service online.

Can you imagine a scorching hot day here in Oro Valley without air conditioning? During those dog days of summer, your air conditioning system can be your very best friend.

Be sure you take the time to perform basic maintenance regularly as well as invest in a professional AC tune-up at least once a year. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), good maintenance can save money and reduce your energy usage.

Here’s a comprehensive air conditioning maintenance checklist, courtesy of our professionals at ACS Air Conditioning Services, to help keep your system in excellent working order.

Check Air Circulation

Perhaps the most important thing to be sure you have around your air conditioner is plenty of space for good air circulation. Most air conditioners have a unit that sits outside your home.

It’s a good idea to inspect this area to be sure leaves, sticks, and other yard debris are cleared every spring. Once the summer gets into full swing, don’t forget to mow and use a weed whacker around your unit as well.

Change Filters

Being sure you regularly change your air filters accomplishes the same goal of ensuring good airflow. If you have a clogged filter, it can take your air conditioning system more effort to move the air throughout the unit, wearing down parts prematurely.

Replacing a clogged filter with a clean one can lower your AC’s energy consumption by up to 15 percent. Pay attention to the recommended life of your filters and change them on time.

Uses Your Senses

General awareness of how your air conditioning system should sound and look can be a simple thing for you to have. If you notice something doesn’t look quite right or your air conditioner is suddenly making unusual sounds or emitting strange odors, it can signal a need for air conditioning repair or maintenance.

Check Coolant Levels

Although the first three items on the checklist are easy for just about any Arizona homeowner to do, the remainder of these items may take a bit more experience. If you are uncomfortable with any of these additional maintenance tasks, be sure to call in one of our ACS Air Conditioning Services professionals to help.

The refrigerant or coolant must be at a specific level and pressure to keep your air conditioning system running efficiently. You’ll want to periodically check this level, and if your coolant is low, you’ll need to call in one of our professionals to refill your system.

In addition, leaking coolant can be a significant problem for the environment, so address any noticeable leaks immediately.

Look for Ice Buildup

If you notice your air conditioning evaporator coil has ice building up on it, you probably have an airflow problem. Double check to be sure your filter and air ducts are clean.

If you have a great deal of ice, you may need to shut off your system, defrost all of it, ensure air circulation is fine, and then turn it back on. If the problem continues, it’s a good idea to call one of our professionals to conduct an inspection.

Inspect Connections

Be sure all the electrical connections as well as ductwork and other tubing within the system look tight and secure. Again, this may take experience to understand what a solid system should look like, and you may want to rely on a professional inspection once a year.

Most heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) companies will provide a comprehensive service of cleaning and inspection for a reasonable fee. Relying on certified, trained technicians can be an excellent investment in your air conditioning system. Call our ACS Air Conditioning Services team with any questions you may have.

Check Thermostat

If your thermostat is not working properly, it will not be sending the correct information to your air conditioner.

As a result, your system can’t work properly. In addition, if a broken thermostat causes your system to cycle on and off too frequently, it can cause longer-term damage to your entire air conditioning system.

Contact Us for All Your Air Conditioning Needs

If it’s been a while since you’ve had your air conditioning system inspected, call ACS Air Conditioning Services in Oro Valley, Arizona. Our trained experts would be happy to come out and provide a thorough cleaning and inspection to help keep your air conditioner running efficiently throughout the summer. Call us at 520-230-5668 or request service online today.

Just like your lungs are an important connection to the rest of your respiratory system, your home’s ductwork, or air ducts, are importantly connected to your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. For your HVAC system—and your lungs—to perform at peak level, the numerous airways need to be open and clear. All in the name of breathing properly.

The Importance of Every Breath Your HVAC System Takes

Essentially, the air in your Marana home is carried to and from your lungs back to the HVAC system. Air ducts are the paths traveled by the air, meaning it’s optimum for the traveling air to be as clean as possible, because the air can pick up any particles or debris in the ducts and carry it straight to you.

Having clear air ducts can contribute to good indoor air quality (IAQ), which the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states is a prime concern in relation to pollutants these days. The EPA is referring to the air quality around buildings and structures, more specifically as it pertains to the comfort and health of their occupants.

The health effects from indoor air pollutants can show up soon after you are exposed or even years later. While the scientific community recognizes common indoor air quality pollutants can have harmful consequences, it can’t pinpoint how long of an exposure or what concentrations are necessary for specific health problems.

Add to the mix that different people react very differently to these exposures. With all this uncertainty, it’s a better scenario to avoid the pollutants altogether as much as possible.

When to Have Your Air Ducts Cleaned

You should consider having your air ducts cleaned if you notice any or all of the following situations in your Marana home:

•  There is substantial mold visible on the hard surfaces of your ducts (inside and/or outside) and other HVAC system components.

•  Ducts are clogged with excessive amounts of dust, debris, or particles, in the case of a remodeling job.

•  Rodents and/or insects are infesting the ducts.

In addition to these circumstances, if you or someone living in your Arizona home suffers from allergies, asthma, or chronic illnesses, or you have pets or smokers in your home, having your ducts cleaned may help improve your home’s indoor air quality, thereby helping anyone with these issues.

The rule of thumb from the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), the leading nonprofit association of companies engaged in the inspection, cleaning, and restoration of HVAC systems, is if your air ducts look dirty, they probably are.

Although there’s no concrete scientific data that air duct cleaning improves indoor air quality, the EPA does recommend having your ductwork cleaned if you fall under any of the reasons cited above. And many people who do have their ducts cleaned swear by the difference, especially those suffering from allergies.

Our professionals at ACS Air Conditioning Services are expertly trained to clean your Arizona home’s ducts, so your HVAC system can breathe properly and optimally. Of course, this can be of prime benefit to you, too, no matter your health.

What’s Involved in Air Duct Cleaning?

The standards set forth by the NADCA, which all duct experts ought to follow, recommend the entire HVAC system should be cleaned during the duct cleaning process. This includes the air ducts, equipment, registers, grills, plus installing a new air filter.

There are two parts to the duct cleaning itself: breaking the contaminants loose, and then collecting the contaminants. Our air duct professionals will use brushes and similar tools to break any particles and debris free of the HVAC system.

They will follow up by sweeping in with their hoses and suction. Feel free to ask if you can have an inside-the-ducts look before and after the job, because you might be amazed by the difference.

ACS Air Conditioning Services Knows Air Ducts Inside and Out

Having your air ducts professionally cleaned can give you peace of mind, cleaner air to breathe, and help your HVAC system work more efficiently by removing the dust and debris that builds up in your home’s ductwork.

Call ACS Air Conditioning Services at 520-230-5668 or request service online to discuss how our skilled professionals can assist you and your Marana, Arizona, home. We promise to make your ugly duct-lings beautiful.

Your home’s Indoor air quality is often two to five times more polluted than outdoor air, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These pollutants contribute to many diseases as well as respiratory conditions like asthma and allergies.

It Might Be Time to Split

Installing a ductless air conditioner (AC), also known as a mini split, in your Arizona home has quite a few benefits over a traditionally ducted air conditioner. Two of these benefits are helping to improve your home’s indoor air quality (IAQ) and to control your home’s humidity.

ACS Air Conditioning Services is an expert in installing ductless air conditioner systems. Our expert team has seen firsthand the advantages our Oro Valley, Tucson, or Marana area customers experience with these compact powerhouses of cooling.

How a Ductless System Can Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

In traditional heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, your ductwork or air ducts are the means of travel for your conditioned air. Over time, these air ducts collect airborne particles and contaminants, requiring regular professional duct cleaning.

Most Oro Valley, Tucson, or Marana homeowners only have their ducts cleaned once or twice while living in their homes. This leaves a lot of time for particles and debris to build up in between cleanings. Imagine what your ducts look like without ever having a cleaning.

Breathing in these pollutants can definitely aggravate existing respiratory conditions like asthma and allergies. The American Lung Association (ALA) reports poor indoor air quality can cause or contribute to the development of infections, lung cancer, and chronic lung diseases.

A ductless air conditioner, as its name states, has no ducts. Because its conduit runs between the outdoor condenser and the indoor unit, there are no ducts involved and no contaminants trapped in the air path’s route.

Ductless Air Conditioner Helps Control Humidity

With a ductless air conditioner, your home’s air is less capable of holding moisture. An air conditioner works by absorbing your home’s heat into the unit’s refrigerant, thereby cooling your home. With a ductless air conditioner, the absorbed moisture is transferred to the unit’s condensate, controlling and reducing your home’s humidity. No more condensation on windows.

Less humidity in your home’s air means less pathogens can exist in it, which can contribute to illness and allergies. Controlling your home’s humidity is actually yet another avenue to improving its indoor air quality.

Improving Indoor Air Quality Is the Answer

While our homes are becoming more and more airtight due to better construction methods, the trapped pollutants and contaminants within are contributing to our overall decline in wellness. The most direct response to this issue is improved indoor air quality.

A ductless air conditioner can be a wonderful way to support indoor air quality’s improvement simply by not having ductwork involved in the process and controlling your home’s humidity.

ACS Air Conditioning Services Is Your Indoor Air Quality Expert

Contact any one of our highly trained ACS Air Conditioning Services professionals if you are considering installing a ductless air conditioner—or even if you currently have a ductless system—in your Oro Valley, Tucson, or Marana, AZ, home. Call us at 520-230-5668 or request service online to talk about your home’s indoor air quality and humidity control with one of these units.

This winter, you’re hoping to have a brand new furnace to keep you warm. But there are so many furnaces to choose from. You’re left wondering, which is the right one for your Tucson home?

Furnaces are available in many shapes, sizes, and price points. The best choice will come down to your home’s size and heating needs. To find the perfect fit, schedule a preliminary visit with one of our ACS Air Conditioning Services specialists. They can audit your Arizona home to determine the size of furnace you need. From there, you can narrow it down until you’ve found the perfect heating unit for your home requirements and budget.

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technology has become much more efficient in the past decade. You’ll be pleased to know that today’s gas furnaces burn at an efficiency rating as high as 97 percent, according to Consumer Reports. That means you could be paying considerably less on your monthly utility bill when you make the switch.

Furnaces by Speed Settings

Furnaces can be categorized by how they operate. Some furnaces have a simpler setup, running at one speed. Others offer two or more speed settings, which can help you achieve a more consistent indoor temperature.

Single-stage furnaces have just two settings: “On” and “Off.” Once it’s on, the blowers run at one speed, until your thermostat detects the desired temperature and ends the cycle.

Single-stage heaters have the most affordable upfront cost. They are also the easiest to install. However, they use more energy than more advanced models. That’s because they have to power on and off so frequently.

Additionally, single-stages don’t always heat as evenly. Homeowners may experience a difference of 4 to 6 degrees Fahrenheit between rooms.

Two-stage furnaces have two settings: full-speed and half-speed. This allows your furnace to heat your home more evenly, producing a more uniform temperature. In addition to producing better heating, the half-speed setting is much quieter.

Variable-speed furnaces are much more nimble, dynamically adjusting their speed to create the perfect amount of heat. They are incredibly accurate—every room in your home will be within half a degree of your thermostat setting.

Besides making your home so comfortable, they’ll help you save on your monthly finances. They are incredibly efficient since they use the minimum amount of power required to heat your home. Though they cost more upfront, it pays off in long-term savings.

When it comes to indoor air quality (IAQ), variable speed furnaces are the platinum option. That’s because they provide round-the-clock ventilation and filtration, catching harmful particles and eliminating moisture that causes mold growth.

Furnaces by Fuel Type

You can also think about furnaces in terms of their fuel type. Most modern furnaces run on natural gas. However, other options are available in areas without gas lines.

Gas furnaces run on fuel delivered to your home via a natural gas line. The furnace’s burner ignites the gas, which warms the air in the heat exchanger. From there, the warm air gets distributed through your ductwork. One benefit to natural gas is that its price point remains relatively stable. Additionally, you don’t need to worry about storage.

Oil furnaces are common alternatives in parts of the United States where natural gas lines don’t reach. Oil furnaces run on tanks of oil, which the owner needs to purchase and replace. Oil furnaces are less expensive upfront than gas furnaces and last twice as long on average. However, they are less efficient. Additionally, oil prices shift rapidly, making it harder to gauge your month-to-month expenses. Plus, you will need somewhere to store the oil tank.

Electric Furnaces are yet another alternative to natural gas heaters. Instead of heating through combustion, they use electric heating elements that warm the air. Unlike their oil-powered counterparts, they don’t require the owner to refuel them. On the downside, they are less efficient than gas furnaces. And when the cost of electricity goes up, so does your heating bill.

Call ACS Air Conditioning Services for Expert Heating and Cooling Service Today

Looking for fast and reliable HVAC service in Tucson, AZ? Let a ACS Air Conditioning Services specialist take care of it. Reach us at COMPANYPHONE or request service online.

On a frosty winter’s day here in Arizona, your gas furnace is hard at work, keeping your Tucson home warm and cozy. Feeling grateful? You’re not alone—it’s one of the most popular forms of heating, as American as apple pie.

In 1919, New Jersey inventor Alice H. Parker filed a patent for the first gas-fueled furnace. Years later, the basic technology is the same—only it burns less gas. In fact, modern furnaces burn at up to 97 percent efficiency, according to Consumer Reports. Keep this in mind if you’ve owned your heater for 10 years or longer.

Our team at ACS Air Conditioning Services could help you save big bucks on your monthly utility bill by performing a furnace replacement. And while we’re on the topic, we can help with your other HVAC needs: air conditioning, heat pumps, indoor air quality (IAQ), and more. All you need to do is call.

How a Gas Furnace Works

Furnaces that burn natural gas have four basic elements:

1. The Thermostat

Your thermostat is the eyes and ears of the operation. If it senses your home is below the target temperature, it sends signals to your furnace. Then, your furnace continues to cycle until your home is adequately warm. Finally, when it detects the desired temperature, the thermostat tells your furnace to stop running (until further notice).

2. The Ignitor

When your thermostat sends out a signal, the ignitor is the first to respond. Like the ignition starts your car—the ignitor starts your furnace.

If your heater is a decade old (or older), the ignitor might be a pilot light. The pilot stays lit 24/7, running on a small stream of natural gas. Newer furnaces have an electric ignitor, a considerably safer option. Electric ignitors are less risky because if your pilot goes out, you will quickly have a house full of gas fumes.

3. The Combustion Chamber

Next on the chain is the combustion chamber. This is where the ignitor lights the fuel. The natural gas becomes intertwined with oxygen supplied via a vent system or draft hood. The oxygen ensures that the fuel burns both cleanly and efficiently.

Besides taking in oxygen, the ventilation system pushes out exhaust through your flue. Economy flues are usually made out of galvanized steel. However, homeowners with polypropylene venting see long-term savings due to higher efficiency. The latter is also quite easy to install.

Whatever your flue is made out of—stay on top of maintenance. A clean flue ensures healthy air and prevents gas from getting squandered.

The Heat Exchanger

The combustion chamber emits heat, which gets collected by the heat exchanger. From there, the heat exchanger collects and distributes the treated air to your ductwork using burner-heated metal tubes.

When the tubes reach the right temperature, the furnace motor kicks on and begins blowing the air throughout your Tucson home with the help of fans.

High-efficiency furnaces have variable-speed blowers, which use less energy and allow tighter temperature control. These premium models may also have multiple heat exchangers, which helps your furnace use less fuel.

Remember to schedule seasonal maintenance—a cracked heat exchanger can lead to a dangerous carbon monoxide (CO) leak.

Need Service? We Have You Covered.

ACS Air Conditioning Services is pleased to offer second-to-none heating and cooling services. Our certified HVAC specialists can perform repairs, maintenance, and installations. For prompt assistance, call our Tucson, AZ, office at 520-230-5668 or request service online.