Author: acshvac

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.

One of the benefits of having a geothermal system for your Oro Valley home is the minimal maintenance it requires.

Unlike a traditional furnace or air conditioning system that requires regular and sometimes monthly maintenance, a geothermal heat pump system is much more efficient and does not require the same frequency of attention. According to the US Department of Energy (DOE), there are approximately 50,000 geothermal heat pumps installed in the United States each year.

At ACS Air Conditioning Services, our heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) professionals regularly maintain geothermal heat pumps and witness firsthand the benefits of regularly maintaining your system. Maintenance is so crucial to the efficiency and long life of your system, you should know the five things below about geothermal maintenance.

1. Installation

Be sure you have a properly and professionally installed geothermal system. Our experts at ACS Air Conditioning Services are certified and trained to install your geothermal system correctly in your Arizona home. The interior systems of a geothermal heat pump are the same as a standard heat pump, but the outdoor components require careful planning for installation. Each setup is unique based on the geography of your yard.

2. Antifreeze

The loops in your geothermal system are filled with antifreeze or a water/antifreeze mix. You need to maintain a proper level in order for your system to work properly. Your system will require a routine professional inspection of the levels of antifreeze in the loop. During your maintenance check, one of our experts can also inspect the pressure and temperature within the loop.

3. Dirt/Debris

Since your geothermal system is outside as well as inside, there is the possibility that dirt or other matter can damage it. We will clean all parts of your system that may be influenced by debris, such as the heat exchange or blower. These parts are very sensitive, and we do not recommend you attempt to clean them yourself.

4. Air Ducts

Your air ducts are just as important to your geothermal system as they are to a traditional furnace or air conditioning setup. To keep your airflow efficient and consistent, you must take care to maintain the health of your ducts. Keep them clean, regularly inspect them for leaks, and repair them when and as needed.

5. Piping

Be sure one of our heating and cooling professionals inspects the pipes in your loop during your scheduled maintenance. Pipe health is crucial to the functionality of your geothermal system. Damaged piping can lead to a number of other issues that may occur with your geothermal system. It is critical to be sure they remain in good repair.

Call ACS Air Conditioning Services for All Your HVAC Maintenance

At ACS Air Conditioning Services, we are ready and happy to help you with all of your geothermal needs here in the Oro Valley, AZ, area. Call us at 520-230-5668 or request service online to schedule your geothermal maintenance. Our knowledgeable and experienced team members would be happy to discuss geothermal systems with you.

Just about any electrical appliance has the potential to overheat. Furnaces are no exception. As a homeowner, you need to take precautions to lower the risk of an overheated unit. You should also be wary of the associated symptoms, so you know when to take action. Remember, if your system gets too hot, you should keep a cool head and get your furnace taken care of right away.

We want to keep our customers in the know about overheating furnaces. Our team here at ACS Air Conditioning Services in Marana compiled the following information for you.

How Do I Prevent My Furnace From Overheating?

The main way to keep your furnace from overheating is ensuring correct airflow. Hindered airflow causes the system’s components to work abnormally hard, causing them to overheat.

Here’s how to keep your appliance in check:

• Get a correctly sized filter.

Not every filter is created equal. Some filters create a resistance your system isn’t designed to handle. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s recommendations on correct filters, and consult a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) expert if you’re still not sure.

• Change/clean your filter routinely.

If you let the dust settle for too long, your filter can become clogged. This clog significantly compromises airflow, which causes the machine’s parts to overwork and eventually fail. Check the manufacturer’s manual to see how frequently you need to change your filter. We, as well as ENERGY STAR®, typically recommend at least every three months.

• Be sure your vents/ducts aren’t blocked.

Blockages in your vents are hard on your furnace, causing the equipment to run for too long. Be sure to clear away any obstructions near and/or on them, including carpets, furniture, and curtains. Additionally, keep your ducts clean and free of any leaks or constrictions.

• Have a technician perform routine maintenance.

Regular maintenance, annually or semiannually, is a necessary step in protecting the condition of your system. One of our ACS Air Conditioning Services technicians will clean any dirty coils, fasten loose components, and be sure the system is performing optimally. This will significantly lower the risk of a malfunction.

How Do I Know My Furnace Is Overheating?

When your furnace overheats, it loses some or all of its functionality. Therefore, it probably won’t go unnoticed. Here are some giveaway signs:

• Your furnace shuts down before completing a cycle.

This is the most common sign of overheating. It actually shuts down to protect you. When your heat exchanger gets to an unsafe temperature, the high-limit switch detects this and automatically turns the furnace off.

• You smell a burning odor.

If you’ve just turned on your Arizona furnace for the first time in a while, you can expect a slight burning smell for about 20 to 30 minutes. However, a constant burning smell is a serious cause for concern. Call one of our professional technicians immediately.

• You notice an unusual humming sound.

A loud humming noise likely means your motor is overworked and about to give out. In this case, you should immediately turn your furnace off (if it doesn’t turn off on its own first). Then call one of our experts immediately.

Call Us if Your Furnace Overheats

If your furnace overheats, it’s in your best interest to have it repaired right away. Delaying could end up costing you more in the future with pricy parts or whole-system replacements. If you suspect your furnace has overheated, call our professionals at ACS Air Conditioning Services or request service online today. We’re proud to provide efficient and long-lasting repairs to our neighbors in Marana, AZ, and surrounding regions.

Nobody wants a problem with their furnace—but even the most efficient systems have to be replaced at some point.

Is the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in your Oro Valley home malfunctioning? If so, be sure to address the issue as soon as possible—doing so can prevent further discomfort and damage.

Even when you act quickly, repairing your furnace may no longer be the best option. Your solution may be to opt for a complete replacement instead, especially if you don’t want to compromise your comfort and are looking to save more money in the long run.

ACS Air Conditioning is here to help keep you prepared and informed. Our team of professionals will guide you and provide you with everything you need to know about your heating and cooling systems.

We can help you determine when it’s time to replace the outdated furnace in your STATE home. Let us offer the assistance you need to feel more comfortable and confident about your system’s efficiency.

Signs You Need to Replace Your Furnace

Here are several key signs that indicate it’s time for a furnace replacement:

• Your furnace is approaching or at the end of its life expectancy.
If you’ve kept up with routine professional maintenance over the years, your furnace could last its full service life of 15 to 20 years. Consider the age of your furnace—even if it turns on and off, it could be operating below par and costing you more in energy use. Maintenance plays a vital role in the health of your HVAC system. Always be sure to schedule annual tune-ups for your heating and cooling equipment.
• The system is no longer operating efficiently.
Is your heat cranked up but still not keeping you warm and comfortable inside your own home? An inefficient furnace not only fails to perform well—it can cost you more money down the road.

If your system is inefficient, you could benefit by upgrading to a newer, energy-efficient model. A more efficient furnace will use less energy to operate and provide an adequate amount of heat all throughout your home, so you’ll be left feeling cozier than you ever have.

The newer furnaces that are available today are far more efficient than older models. Opt for an ENERG STAR^® qualified furnace—these can be up to 15 percent more efficient than traditional furnaces, according to ENERGY STAR.

• Your heating bills are more expensive than they once were.
Your furnace could be to blame for your skyrocketing heating bills or energy expenses. If the outdoor weather hasn’t dropped lower than usual, the issue could be a result of your furnace not running efficiently. Upgrading to a newer model could help you enjoy the benefits of a more energy-efficient system and reduce your monthly heating costs at the same time.
• You’ve already spent a good amount of money on several repairs.
Has your furnace already been repaired a handful of times? Be careful about how much money you’re putting toward an aging system—it’s not going to operate forever. On top of all the repair costs, you’ll still have to purchase a new system when it breaks down completely.
• You have poor air quality, and all of your efforts to improve it have failed.
Does your home suffer from poor indoor air quality (IAQ)? If you’ve tried adding an air purification system and scheduling an air duct cleaning service but still notice a problem with your air quality, the root cause could be your older, outdated furnace.

The older your furnace is, the more likely it is to struggle with providing the appropriate amount of moisture in the air. If you suffer from allergies or asthma, the lack of ideal air quality could leave you feeling terrible in your home. You may notice symptoms like wheezing, sneezing, or coughing. A newer furnace will encourage far better indoor air quality, so opt for the upgrade.

Speak with Our Furnace Professionals

Unsure whether it’s time to replace the furnace in your Oro Valley, AZ, home? Speak with our ACS Air Conditioning experts. We will inspect your current system and recommend the most appropriate action for you to take for unsurpassed comfort and optimum efficiency. Give our team of professionals a call at 520-230-5668 or request service online.

There’s nothing quite like going green. By choosing environmentally friendly systems for your Marana home, you’ll reduce your carbon footprint and can even save money. Help the environment while also benefiting yourself—who wouldn’t want that?

When it comes to the most environmentally friendly and efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment, look to our experts here at ACS Air Conditioning Services. We can help you achieve your goals of having a more environmentally conscious and energy-efficient home.

Ways to Go Green with Your HVAC

If you’re looking for optimal energy efficiency, consider the following for your HVAC system:

• Opt for a high-efficiency system.
  If your heating and cooling system is outdated and approaching the end of its service life, it’s likely using far more energy to operate. Upgrading to a newer model offers more efficiency, especially when you opt for ENERGY STAR^® certified HVAC equipment. To be ENERGY STAR certified, heating and cooling systems must meet standards that showcase energy efficiency.When looking for a new furnace or boiler, pay attention to the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating. A higher rating indicates greater efficiency. For air conditioners, you’ll want to check the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating, which typically ranges from 13 to 26. Systems with a SEER rating of 14.5 or higher are considered most efficient.
  According to ENERGY STAR, heating and cooling your home accounts for about 43 percent of your energy bill. Imagine about how much you could save on your total energy usage and expenses each year by upgrading to a more energy-efficient HVAC system.
• Upgrade your conventional HVAC system to a heat pump.
  Heat pumps use electricity to transfer heat instead of generating it, making them much more energy efficient than a fuel-burning furnace. A heat pump can provide both heating and air conditioning to your Marana home, so you won’t need two different systems to remain comfortable during any time of the year.
• Install a smart thermostat.
  Take back control over the amount of energy your heating and cooling system uses by managing the temperature of your Arizona home—even when you’re not there! A smart thermostat allows you to set a schedule so the indoor temperature can be at a comfortable level while you’re home and automatically adjust higher when you’re not there. As a result, you will use less energy without compromising comfort.
• Add a zone control system.
  Manage the temperature in different areas of your home with the help of zone controls. A zone control system involves adding thermostats in each zone—a room, level, or section of your home. You can adjust the temperature in each of the zones without impacting the rest of your home.If you have areas of your home that require more or less heating and cooling, this will enhance your level of comfort without forcing your system to reach the same target temperature in every room. Enjoy helping the planet by using less energy to remain more comfortable.
• Turn to our professionals for expert installation, repair, and maintenance services.
  The best way to ensure your HVAC system is operating as efficiently as possible so you can reduce your carbon footprint and reap the most savings on your monthly utility bills is by having all of your equipment installed by professionals.Our ACS Air Conditioning Services experts are highly skilled and trained so that you can trust your equipment will always be set up correctly. Don’t try to fix problems with your HVAC system on your own—let our experts address your concerns and handle any necessary repairs. We can ensure your system is fully operational and provide the appropriate maintenance services to keep it running efficiently.

Go Green Today

Go green and help the environment while enjoying the many benefits of reducing your energy use in your Marana, AZ, home. Our ACS Air Conditioning Services professionals will provide the top recommendations for a greener home while also ensuring you get to experience the highest level of comfort. Call our team of experts today at 520-230-5668 or request service online.

When you come out of winter’s hibernation, you are ready for a change. Warmer weather prompts many a project. You may begin a plan to get healthy, so you adopt new eating habits and exercise. Or maybe you decide to change up your nest.

The Price Is Not Quite Right

Remodeling is popular in Arizona, both inside and outside when the weather is nicer, warmer. Many homeowners go on vacation in the summer and prefer the inconvenience of a remodel to take place while they are away.

Consequently, at ACS Air Conditioning Services, we and others in the remodeling and construction fields are in pretty high demand in the summer. High demand coincides with higher prices. After all, it’s all about supply and demand.

Remodeling in the Fall or Early Spring

If you have been planning to remodel your Tucson home and you have decided now is the time to call to schedule it, keep this principle in mind—wait for shoulder season. Your price for both materials and labor can be lower, in most cases, since the demand will be lower for the materials and the contractors will not be juggling as many jobs, as confirmed by Angie’s List.

In the warmer months, everyone wants their new deck built to enjoy during their outdoor barbecues. With only so much wood to go around, prices will naturally rise.

Order your wood for your project when no one else is, and you will come out better in two ways. One, your selection will be better. Two, your price might be lower.

Scheduling most remodeling projects in the fall or spring should work out better for you—unless you are installing an in-ground swimming pool or live in a year-round warmer climate.

No contractor wants to convert your hot, poorly ventilated attic into a recreation room during July. So the price will most likely be higher. If you wait until the cooler months, you can get a better deal and a more agreeable contractor.

But the Holidays Are Coming

The general exception to this fall rule of thumb is remodeling right before the holidays. Many Tucson homeowners try to schedule their last-minute projects before Thanksgiving, attempting to complete them before their relatives come for turkey and stuffing.

Try to schedule your project well before the holidays. Or schedule right after the holidays since many contractors are likely feeling the pinch of holiday spending. If you stick to these time frames, you should reap the benefits.

Win the Remodeling Game

Bucking the trend of remodeling your home during summer is just plain smart, especially when it comes to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) projects. Most HVAC repairs tend to take place when outdoor temperatures are at their extremes. This schedule means more contractors and materials are requested at that time, making it all a game of supply and demand.

To win this game as a consumer, you will want to wait to schedule your remodeling till temperatures are mild—between the heat of summer and the coldest nights of winter. Materials are usually more abundant, often resulting in lower purchase prices. Contractors will have more time, resulting in easier appointment scheduling and possibly lower labor charges.

Contact Us for Your HVAC Remodeling Needs

Call 520-230-5668 or request service online to speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable ACS Air Conditioning Services team members to discuss your HVAC remodeling project and how we can help.

It’s understandable that maintenance tasks often fall by the wayside. Many Marana homeowners follow the mantra of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Everyone is busy and many seemingly more important priorities tend to creep up every month to consume time and money.

However, the last thing you want to worry about when the weather takes a turn toward winter is a broken furnace. Our team at ACS Air Conditioning Services wants to help you be prepared by providing the following furnace maintenance tips.

1.  Change Your Filter Regularly

This is probably the easiest and one of the most important regular maintenance items a Arizona homeowner can perform. Clean filters allow air to circulate through your furnace efficiently and prolong the life of your system. Be sure to check the furnace and filter manufacturers’ recommendations on the frequency of filter changes.

This will also help improve your overall indoor air quality in your home. And, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), furnace filter changes can reduce your energy bill by 5 to 15 percent as well.

2.  Understand Your System and Recommended Maintenance

Although most furnaces in the United States are natural gas or electric, many other heating systems such as propane, geothermal, heat pump, and radiant floor heating are now available.

Understand what kind of system provides your home with its heat, and learn how that particular system needs to be maintained. Some systems, such as radiant floor heating, may not require any maintenance while more common systems like natural gas heating need regular inspections and tune-ups to operate efficiently and dependably.

3. Think Safety First

If you decide to perform any other maintenance tasks beyond basic filter changes, be sure you put safety first. Turn off the power to your furnace before you begin to take things apart to protect yourself from getting injured. Consider hiring a professional to help with any inspection, cleaning, tune-ups, or repairs that are more complicated or you are uncomfortable trying yourself.

4.  Use Your Senses

It’s easy to pass by your furnace every day and not notice it. Take the time to look at your overall system, especially in the fall, to see if you notice anything obviously amiss.

First, if you detect the odor of rotten eggs, call your utility company immediately. That can signify a gas leak, which can be extremely dangerous in your home.

Second, be sure the venting pipe is sitting at the correct angle and is secure. You should check to be sure all tubes are fastened as well. Listen for any unusual sounds or anything else out of the ordinary.

5.  Clean Drainage Tube

If you are running a natural gas or propane furnace, it will create some water as a by-product. Although some moisture becomes steam, you’ll also have some water drain out into a drip pan.

Be sure this drainage tube remains clean and clear. Backed up water can damage your flame sensor. You can use compressed air to clear the tube as well white vinegar to reduce any residual.

6.  Get Tidy

Dirt and dust can hamper the performance of your furnace, so regular cleaning should be part of your annual maintenance. Although you can clean around your unit easily, be careful if you try to clean the inside of your furnace.

Some components are very sensitive and can become damaged if you don’t know what you are doing. You can use a soft brush to gently loosen dust before vacuuming or contact one of our ACS Air Conditioning Services professionals to do the job.

7.  Perform More Thorough Inspections

If you are mechanically inclined, you can continue checking things like your burner flames to be sure they are even and blue. You can check your thermostat wires to be sure they are securely connected. Clean the flame sensor so it can continue to do its job well. This can be done with an emery cloth.

Contact Us for Your Furnace Needs

Even if you can handle many of these maintenance items yourself, it’s a good idea to have one of our trained and experienced professionals come annually and do a thorough inspection and cleaning. It keeps your system’s manufacturer’s warranty intact, as most specify professional maintenance must be performed annually.

Most maintenance services are reasonably priced and much less expensive than an emergency repair. When you are ready to invest in furnace maintenance or have questions about other ways to take care of your heating system, call ACS Air Conditioning Services at 520-230-5668 in Marana, AZ, or request service online for more details.

There are few things more annoying than running out of hot water in the middle of a shower. But do not fret if this happens. It is more than likely an issue with your hot water heater.

It may be something very simple you can take care of yourself. However, some fixes do need the assistance of a professional plumber.

Turn a Cold Mess Into a Hot Time

If you run into this situation, try troubleshooting or give us a call at ACS Air Conditioning Services. One of our experienced plumbers can promptly come out to your Oro Valley home to get your water flowing hot running again.

Focusing on Tank Water Heaters

There are a few options for powering water heaters—electric, gas, propane, and fuel oil. We will take a look at the two most popular types, electric and gas.

For each of these two, there are different steps to diagnose where the problem lies. However, for either type you may first want to:

•  Check if your tank size is adequate for your Arizona home’s water needs.

If you have more than two people living in your home, you may need a larger tank than what you currently have. It takes time to reheat enough water to refill the tank. Should this be the case in your home, wait about 30 minutes and retry the hot water.

If you succeed, it might be time to consider upgrading. Or maybe a tankless water heater would be best for your home. Call ACS Air Conditioning Services to discuss your options.

•  Increase the thermostat temperature by a couple of degrees.

Ideally, you want your water heater temperature set between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees or lower if you have small children in your Oro Valley home to avoid burning their sensitive skin). If you perform an adjustment, allow about 30 to 40 minutes for the hot water to return.

If these two options do not produce hot water, read on for more troubleshooting.

But before you continue, please heed this word of caution. Any time you work with electricity, turn off the power to the tank. A strong electrical current is running through there, and electricity is nothing to underestimate. Call one of our ACS Air Conditioning Services plumbing professionals to help if you have any doubts.

Hot Tips for Owners of Electric Tank Water Heaters

If your unit is electric powered, consider these possibilities:

•  Restart your water heater.

Sometimes a power surge can shut down your heater. Turn off the tank for a few minutes and then turn it back on and wait about 30 minutes. If you still have no hot water, this is not the problem.

•  Check the fuse or breaker.

If the fuse has blown or the breaker has been tripped, sometimes it is not obvious this is the problem.

Reset the breaker, even if it does not look tripped. Flip it off, wait about 30 seconds, and then flip it on. If it will not stay on, you need to call a professional electrician.

•  Call one of our ACS Air Conditioning Services professionals.
Sometimes the technical side of electricity mingled with a water repair makes everyone feel more secure if handled by a pro. We can address the issue without causing further damage to other components, like a heating element or thermostat.

•  Install a new water heater.

The average life span of a water heater these days is 10 years. If your tank is close to that age, it may be smarter to invest in a new tank rather than replacing a costly part. After replacing that component, the tank itself could fail, and you would have thrown money out the window.

Purchasing a new water heater with higher efficiency and energy savings can save you money in the long run. ENERGY STAR^® reports higher efficiency water heaters use 10 to 50 percent less energy than standard models. Since heating water accounts for approximately 15 percent of your Arizona home’s energy use, going with a higher efficiency tank could add up to a nice savings on your utility bill.

A new water heater may also qualify you for an energy tax break or rebate. Check with your Oro Valley area energy company.

Hot Tips for Owners of Gas Tank Water Heaters

If your unit is gas powered, consider these possibilities:

•  Check the pilot light.

Your issue could be as simple as this. Maybe a strong wind down the vent pipe blew the flame out.

Read the instructions affixed to your tank on how to relight the pilot. Many tanks have a button to depress for relighting.

If you are not comfortable with this process, call one of our ACS Air Conditioning Services plumbers to light it. In some cases, a new pilot light assembly is required, in which case a plumber will need to replace it for you anyway.

•  Fix the thermocouple.

After you light the pilot and are certain the flame does not remain lighted, the thermocouple may be at fault. A thermocouple is a sensor that measures temperature. As a safety precaution, it will shut off the gas flow if the pilot goes out.

If you are capable of replacing this yourself, it is a low-cost fix. If you are unsure about your level of competency, call a ACS Air Conditioning Services professional in to replace it for you.

•  Check the gas supply.

Occasionally your heater may not be getting gas. If after you check to be sure the gas valve is turned on and you do not see a flame or smell gas, this could indicate the problem is the gas supply.

Be sure the valve is open and assess the gas line. Is anything leaning against it or does it have a twist or kink in it? If nothing appears out of the ordinary, call your gas company to see if they are working on the gas line in your area or if your gas has been turned off. If the answer to both of these is no, you need to call one of our plumbers.

•  Install a new water heater.

The life span for a gas water heater is typically 10 years, just like an electric water heater. Unfortunately, it may be time for a replacement. Call ACS Air Conditioning Services to discuss what type and size tank would be best for you.

We Are Your Water Heater Experts

At ACS Air Conditioning Services, our certified plumbers can help with whatever water heater issue you may have. Talk to us about a new installation or replacement, a repair, or water heater maintenance. In the case of no hot water, we are here in Oro Valley, Arizona, to help. Give us a call at 520-230-5668 or request service online today.