Author: acshvac

Your air conditioner (AC) can do several things––keep your Arizona home’s indoor air cooler than outdoor temperatures, help to keep indoor airborne allergens at bay, and help keep your home’s humidity low. But one thing it can’t do is kill mold.

It can help prevent mold, but once it exists, your air conditioner can’t kill it. If you find mold exists somewhere in your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, particularly in your air conditioner or ductwork, call ACS Air Conditioning Services for assistance. We can guide you on ridding your home of the mold and help maintain your HVAC system to prevent the mold from recurring.

How Does Mold Occur?

Mold needs a damp, humid environment to breed. That means water is part of mold’s equation. Remove the water, and mold can’t live. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), mold already exists in all homes, even in your Marana home. But in most cases, it exists on such a small scale that it’s not noticeable or a health risk. It’s when that damp, humid environment is introduced that mold grows.

This mold-ideal environment can be introduced because of an unknown or ignored leak somewhere in your home or high humidity. Air with over 70 percent humidity is a definite breeding ground for mold. Once the mold begins to grow, the spores can travel through your home’s air causing allergen issues. A small leak in your HVAC system or ignored air conditioner drains and pans, evaporator coils, or air handlers could very well be an origin of mold.

How Can My Air Conditioner Prevent Mold?

As already mentioned, mold thrives in damp, humid environments. Your air conditioner is designed to help dehumidify your home, removing excess moisture and preventing mold’s growth. So keeping your air conditioner running in humid weather and situations is a proactive step to take.

Mold also likes stale air. Running your air conditioner provides proper ventilation and airflow in your home, thereby preventing mold’s growth again. If you decide to leave your home during high temperatures or high humidity for more than a few days, it’s advisable to leave your air conditioner running with the fan set to ON, though you may be tempted to save a little energy and turn it off. The tradeoff in mold prevention in your home is well worth the amount of energy you would have saved.

What Do I Do If I Spot Mold?

Even if you take the proper precautions against mold in your home, you may still come across it, maybe on your air conditioner itself. What should you do?

There are times you can clean mold yourself, when there’s only a small amount. But sometimes you need a professional, as mold spores can be a health risk. It’s not uncommon for HVAC air handlers, evaporator coils, and condensation pans to have mold. A professional, like ours at ACS Air Conditioning Services, can take care of that mold during a regular air conditioner maintenance visit and explain how to avoid its recurrence.

Call ACS Air Conditioning Services Today

Call and speak to one of our certified experts at 520-230-5668 with any questions you may have or request service online. We are here in Marana, AZ, to help you with all your air conditioning needs whether you need a repair, replacement, or maintenance. Our professionals are highly trained and experienced to address whatever issue you may have.

Homeowners generally favor heat pumps for their efficiency. However, a number of common issues can cause them to run very inefficiently. When your unit turns on and off continuously, this can significantly drive up your energy bill and damage its parts.

No One Likes Short Short

The continuous on-and-off phenomenon is known as short cycling. When a heat pump short cycles, it is having trouble heating or cooling your Tucson home. The unit can’t maintain the set temperature, so it restarts over and over again.

Here are four reasons this might be happening to your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and what you should do:

1. Air Filter Clog

Whenever your heat pump has a problem, always check your air filter first. Over time, dust and debris form on your filter. When the filter is unchanged, this restricts airflow, which means your system will not circulate the right amount of air to heat or cool your Arizona home. Short cycling can result.

You should replace or clean your air filter, depending on whether it is disposable or reusable. To prevent future clogs, be sure to do this on a regular basis per your heat pump manufacturer’s recommendations.

2. Thermostat Error

Your thermostat could be giving your system an inaccurate reading. This might be due to your thermostat’s placement. If situated near a vent or window, it is likely to produce a misleading temperature scan that can cause short cycling.

Another possibility is faulty wiring between your thermostat and heat pump. In either case, you should have one of our highly trained ACS Air Conditioning Services professionals assess the situation for you.

3. Leaky Refrigerant

During hot weather, your heat pump’s refrigerant absorbs heat from inside your home and sends it outside. During cold weather, the process is reversed. If you have a refrigerant leak, your system is going to have trouble with the heat transfer. Consequently, it will come up short in trying to complete a cycle.

If you notice any icing on your outdoor unit, this could indicate a refrigerant leak. In this case, be sure to seek help from one of our experienced experts.

4. Oversized Unit

This is perhaps the most serious problem, as improper sizing may call for replacement. It is why our experts at ACS Air Conditioning Services always perform the proper calculations, such as the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) Manual J load calculation, before any HVAC installation.

According to the US Department of Energy (DOE), accurate load calculations have a direct impact on energy efficiency, occupant comfort, indoor air quality (IAQ), and building durability.

If you have an oversized unit, it will heat or cool the area quickly, prematurely detect it has reached the target temperature, then shut off. Then the cycle will repeat. To be sure your system is the right size, you need to have a trained professional from ACS Air Conditioning Services perform Manual J testing in your home.

Call Us for All Your Heat Pump Needs

If you have any heat pump questions or want short cycling explained in more detail, please don’t hesitate to call ACS Air Conditioning Services here in Tucson, AZ, at 520-230-5668. Or call or request service online today if you think you need a repair.

Heat pumps can be expected to make some noise. Unusually loud noises point to a problem in the brewing. If your system is reaching decibels impossible to ignore, you should turn it off to prevent further damage.

Give ACS Air Conditioning Services here in Oro Valley a call to schedule a repair visit. We will be able to quickly identify the issue and give you a fair and honest quote.

When Things Go Bump in the Night or Day

Because we like to help educate our customers, here are five heat pump noises to keep an ear out for:

1. “Bam! Bam! Bam!”––Metal Rapidly Hitting Metal

If you hear a metallic clang repeating in a cycle, there is probably something going on with your fan. What you are hearing is the sound of the blades hitting another hard object. Immediately turn off your heat pump’s power if you believe this to be the case.

Under this type of stress, the fan will become bent or chipped. Once the machine is off, inspect the inside for any foreign objects, then give one of our experienced heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) professionals a call to fix your fan if necessary.

2. “Sssss . . . ”––Hissing

There is really not much chance a snake with unlimited lung power has inhabited your heat pump. So the more likely possibility is you have a refrigerant leak.

You are hearing the sound of gas escaping. In this instance, you should contact one of our trained professionals to repair the leak and replenish the refrigerant supply.

If the sound is related to your refrigerant, keep in mind the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandated regulations about the use of R-22 refrigerant. Speak to one of our knowledgeable team members about which refrigerant your heat pump uses and how the regulations relate.

3. “Reeeeeee . . . ”––Screeching/Squealing

If you hear high-pitched screeching or squealing, there is a good likelihood the motor is having trouble. When your motor’s bearings become dirty, shrill noises can result.

You should schedule routine maintenance to help prevent this from happening in the first place. If the issue is not related to the bearings, it may be the motor itself giving out. Either way, our ACS Air Conditioning Services HVAC pros are always on hand to inspect things.

4. “Hmmmm . . . ”––Loud, Low-Pitched Droning

A low-pitched hum is usually benign, unless it is significantly louder than usual. You could think of this uptick in sound as the heat pump grumbling with hunger.

It likely needs its oil refilled, its refrigerant refilled, or quite possibly a new compressor. You might be tempted to fix it yourself. However, keep your distance, and let one of our experienced professionals handle things.

5. “Clink! Clank!”––Rattling

This sound can be particularly annoying. It usually indicates a loose, detached, or poorly balanced part.

This could be a motor mount that has become unfastened. Or it could be your fan is poorly aligned and now rattling against another component in the heat pump. Yet another possibility is worn-down compressor bearings.

One of our HVAC professionals can remedy all of these problems through a quick tune-up or, if necessary, a part replacement.

ACS Air Conditioning Services Is Your Heat Pump Expert

Restore the peace in your Oro Valley, AZ, home now! Our highly trained and experienced professionals are just a phone call away at 520-230-5668 or request service online instead. In addition to heat pump repair, we offer installations, replacements, and seasonal maintenance. Get in touch with ACS Air Conditioning Services today.

It’s the first really hot day of summer when open windows, sun-blocking shades, and the ceiling fans just can’t cut it anymore. You resign yourself to finally turning on your air conditioner (AC)—only to find it blowing warm air, making funny noises, or simply not cooperating at all. It’s a scenario we all dread, and one that our professionals at ACS Air Conditioning Services want to prevent.

If you are a homeowner in Marana, you will want to understand the top causes of air conditioner failures and what to do to prevent or address them.

Bad Circuit Breaker or Fuse

One common cause of air conditioner failure is a faulty circuit breaker or fuse. Although some customers may be comfortable changing a fuse or blown breaker on their own, it can be somewhat dangerous because you are working with your electrical system. Be sure you have clear, complete, and reliable instructions on what to do, be sure your system is completely cooled down, and ensure your electricity is turned off.

You can also contact one of our professional heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) specialists to handle the problem for you. A trained technician may be able to inspect related problems, such as a tripped high-pressure limit switch, and repair those items during the same service call.

Leaking Refrigerant

Most air conditioners require toxic refrigerants to operate properly. And while this refrigerant is contained and perfectly safe in a well-running air conditioning system, a refrigerant leak can be a significant problem.

Not only will a leak affect your air conditioning system’s performance, but it is also bad for our Arizona environment. Our highly trained and knowledgeable technicians can help find and repair the refrigerant leak as well as recharge your air conditioning system so it’s working properly once again.

Frozen Evaporator Coil

It’s always a bit disconcerting if you notice frost and ice building up on your air conditioner evaporator coils. Even if you are not an HVAC professional, you probably realize that’s a problem.

One way to fight against freeze-ups is to ensure your air filter and ductwork are clean. Good air circulation is key to keeping frost off your coils and keeping your air conditioner functioning well. Another possibility is your system is low on refrigerant, causing your system to much work harder to keep your home cool. If changing your air filter does not thaw your system, call one of our professionals to diagnose the cause.

Worn-Out Parts

Time and wear-and-tear will slowly affect the performance of your air conditioner. If your system is several years old, it may be more critical to arrange for a professional inspection on integral components of your air conditioner. Parts like your compressor and fan blades as well as electrical connections can malfunction due to regular use. If a trained technician can replace worn-out parts before they actually fail, you may be saved an emergency repair call.

Damage Resulting From Poor Maintenance

If you have been neglecting regular maintenance on your air conditioner by skipping its annual inspection and cleaning, you may void your air conditioner unit’s manufacturer warranty and be shortening its lifespan. According to the US Department of Energy (DoE), the most important maintenance item is changing your air filter regularly.

Damage can result from failing to do so or from something as simple as allowing plant growth to block your outdoor condenser unit. Take the time to care for your air conditioner on a regular basis, and have a professional come out to check and clean your air conditioner once a year.

Bad Thermostat

In some cases, your air conditioner may not be at fault for poor performance. If your thermostat is not operating properly, it is not providing the information your air conditioning system requires to turn on or off correctly. This may mean your air conditioner fails to work or cycles too frequently, which can be damaging to your unit in the long run.

If you are in the market to replace your thermostat, take some time to explore the different options. Many affordable options can help you reduce your energy bill by adjusting automatically, and some can be controlled remotely through your smartphone.

Call Us for Your Air Conditioning Needs

If you require more than a very basic air conditioner repair or prefer not to address any air conditioning problem on your own, you can always turn to our professionals at ACS Air Conditioning Services here in Marana, AZ.

Our trained and experienced experts are familiar with various makes and models of air conditioners and can help you service and maintain them to keep your home cool all summer. We are also here if you are thinking of replacing your current system and are always available to discuss it with you. Call us at 520-230-5668 or request service online today.

A major part of your health relies on getting a good night’s sleep. That’s why it’s not just important to run your air conditioner during the hot summer days. You also need to keep your home comfortably cool at night as well.

At ACS Air Conditioning Services, we understand that depending on your air conditioner to run efficiently is crucial to helping you get the good night’s sleep you deserve. We also know how critical sleep is to everyday life, so we make it a priority to provide our customers in the Tucson, AZ, area a cooling system that ensures the utmost comfort all hours of the day or night.

Getting It Right

According to a study published in the National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), part of the US National Library of Medicine (NLM), it’s recommended to set your thermostat between 60 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit at night for a comfortable full night’s sleep. By comfortable, we mean not constantly waking up to add blankets or to turn down the thermostat in the middle of the night. Additionally, your body will not have to worry about regulating its own temperature, because your room will already be set to the ideal sleeping condition to do that for you.

Keeping It Right

By keeping your air conditioner in tip-top shape all year long, you can help prevent any potential problems that can arise during the times when you need your cooling system most. That means scheduling regular maintenance for one of our professionals to come out and thoroughly clean your unit of any debris, dust, or dirt, and confirm there are not any leaks or cracks.

The Right Benefits

Once you know your system is working in prime condition, here are three health benefits you can experience from lowering your thermostat’s temperature at night:

1. Helps your mood 

It’s not just your physical health that will improve—your mental health will significantly change as well. Getting uninterrupted sleep is essential for staying alert, energetic, and keeping a positive outlook on life. The less signs of irritability and exhaustion you show, the more likely you will be able to function at your best.

2. Fights aging

Resting comfortably and staying cool are not the only advantages of lowering your home’s temperature before going to bed each night. While sleeping, your body is also more likely to release melatonin, a hormone that fights symptoms of aging and helps prevent getting wrinkles sooner than you should.

3. Contributes to weight loss

It’s not just a nutritious diet and getting regular exercise that are the necessary components to losing weight. You also need a healthy sleeping pattern to help shed those unwanted pounds. Without a comfortable and proper sleep schedule, your weight-loss plan will not be as effective and ultimately can increase your odds of losing muscle mass instead of fat.

Schedule Your Tune-Up

Follow our simple air conditioning tips, and schedule your seasonal maintenance today. Give our ACS Air Conditioning Services professionals a call at 520-230-5668 or request service online. We can help you live healthier by keeping you and your family comfortable at home throughout the hot summer months ahead.

When you are in the middle of summer, it can be difficult to keep heat out of your Oro Valley home even if you have your central air conditioning system going full blast. Our team at ACS Air Conditioning Services wants to help you prevent heat from building up inside your home as much as possible so that your air conditioner can be more effective and efficient. Here are some tips to consider.

Block Sun From Outside

Although this is more of a long-term solution, consider planting shady, fast-growing trees around your home to block out the rays of the sun. According to the US Department of Energy (DOE), the air temperature under the canopy of a tree can be up to 25 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than above an asphalt road.

Block Sun From Inside

While trees can help block the sun from the outside, quality window coverings hung on the inside of your Arizona home can also reduce heat gain. If you can’t afford to invest in window coverings for your entire home, start with coverings for your southern windows first.

Install a Cool Roof

When it’s time to replace your roof, consider investing in a cool roof. Developments in roofing materials allow you to design one that absorbs less heat than a conventional rooftop. Cool roofs are comparable in price and may use a special reflective paint or covering.

Highly reflective roofing shingles and tiles are available as well. By switching roofing materials, you can reduce the amount of energy that’s required to keep your home cooler in the summer.

Select a Lighter Exterior Color

If you regularly paint your home, be sure to select a lighter color to reflect the sun’s heat instead of absorbing it. Just as wearing white clothing keeps you cooler than if you wear black, the color or exterior of your home will help reduce heat gain in your home.

Upgrade Insulation

You probably think of insulation when you think of conserving heat in the winter. However, good insulation around windows and in your home can also lock in cooler air during the summer. Be sure your windows are sealed well and your insulation is adequate.

Reduce Heat-Generating Activities

Many modern-day appliances and your overall living activities generate extra heat inside your home. Consider reducing your heat gain by reducing or relocating these activities as much as possible.

For example, consider grilling or cooking outside to reduce the amount of heat generated by your stove and oven. Let your dishes air dry instead of using the heat setting on your dishwasher, and consider bringing back the old-fashioned clothesline instead of running your hot clothes dryer.

Even small things like switching to LED lightbulbs and turning off electronics you are not using can reduce the amount of heat inside your home.

Maintain Your Air Conditioning System

Regular maintenance is a great way to ensure your air conditioning system is working efficiently and at maximum capacity when you need it. At least once a year, hire a professional to come out and tune up your air conditioner.

Regular maintenance includes cleaning your air conditioner, inspecting components, and completing preventative maintenance tasks. Remember, when it’s time to invest in a new air conditioner, you will gain both performance and efficiency with the latest design features and increase your energy savings.

Check with our ACS Air Conditioning Services air conditioning professionals about inspecting your air ducts and vent system as well. Our experts can find duct leaks and insulation problems which can be easily fixed to maximize the amount of cooling that reaches your living space, helping to combat heat gain.

Contact Us Today

Call our professional team at ACS Air Conditioning Services in Oro Valley, AZ, for more information on how to prevent heat gain even further. Give us a ring at 520-230-5668 or request service online today.

We at ACS Air Conditioning Services hope you are enjoying the warm weather this season here in Arizona. Although if you are reading this blog, you might just be a bit irritated by it.

Do Not Lose Your Cool

It is another hot day, yet your heat pump does not want to cooperate and is actually circulating hot air throughout your house. If this is the case, you probably want to take care of it right away.

Here are five top reasons your heat pump might be blowing hot air while on the Cool setting:

1. Incorrect Thermostat Settings

Before calling one of our heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) professionals, the first thing you should do is take note of your thermostat settings. Be sure you have set your thermostat to Auto or On, as well as Cool.

The Fan setting will not cool your house; it simply circulates air. Next, be sure you have adjusted the thermostat two to four degrees below the current room temperature.

2. Incorrect Thermostat Configuration

Sometimes, due to faulty wiring or a variety of other mishaps, your thermostat may not be correctly communicating with your heat pump. If this appears to be the case, one of our heating and cooling experts should come to your Marana home and repair it.

3. Clogged Air Filter

When an air filter becomes clogged, this significantly hinders your heat pump’s ability to circulate cool air. Check your air filter.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) endorses changing your filter every 60 to 90 days. If you have pets or a smoker in your home, you may want to change it more often.

If your filter is dirty, replace or clean it (depending on the type of filter). Afterwards, you should quickly notice an improvement in your indoor air quality and temperature.

4. Refrigerant Leak

Refrigerant flows through the heat pump’s coils, harvesting hot air from your home and pushing it outside. If your refrigerant is low or empty, your heat pump can’t do its job.

Refrigerant is continuously cycled through your heat pump, so the refrigerant does not regularly need to be replaced. However, if there is a leak anywhere in the system, you have a problem.

You should contact our HVAC team for this repair, as refrigerant is a substance requiring extra care when handled. Additionally, an internal problem with your heat pump may have caused the leak.

5. Duct Leak

Air ducts, especially older ones, are prone to leaking. When your ductwork springs a leak, it will not properly disperse the air through your vents.

This might make your home feel hot in some spots. If you suspect you have leaky ducts, call ACS Air Conditioning Services. We can perform a detailed analysis during which we will be able to spot the source of the leak and repair it. Finding the source of lost energy will save you money.

We Are Your Heat Pump Experts

Here in Marana, AZ, the summers can be scorching. Your heat pump is designed to keep you comfortable in both warm and cool weather. If it is not pulling its weight this sizzling season, call us at 520-230-5668 or request service online. Our ACS Air Conditioning Services HVAC professionals are well versed when it comes to troubleshooting heat pumps. We will get yours working right, guaranteed.

These days, you cannot help but think more about killing germs, staying healthy, and paying a little extra attention to personal hygiene. Given that most of us spend about 90 percent of our time indoors, effectively destroying viruses and bacteria is now very relevant to all of our lives. Air scrubbers use the latest advancements in residential indoor air quality (IAQ) technology to keep your Arizona home healthy and safe.

At ACS Air Conditioning Services, we strive to provide you with the right information to get the most value from your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment. We believe a comfortable home is a happy home.

Air Scrubber Benefits

While most air quality systems typically target specific contaminants, air scrubbers can help remove a variety of particles, gases, odors, and contaminants from your Tucson home’s indoor air. These devices treat air en route to your HVAC system using the latest technologies. The result is fresh air.

Did you know the US Environmental Agency (EPA) ranks indoor air pollution as a major public health concern in this country? The initial purpose of an air scrubber was to remove carbon dioxide from the air, and this type of filtration system is still used today in submarines.

You will enjoy less wear and tear on your HVAC system with this type of indoor air quality accessory. Particulates of all types in the air are oxidized and joined together until they become too large to float in the air. After going through the air scrubber, they are then caught during the standard air filtration process. This helps to make your Tucson home’s air much cleaner.

Air Scrubber Versus Air Purifier 

What’s the difference between an air scrubber and an air purifier? It is like comparing an apple to an orange.

An air scrubber uses an oxidization honeycomb, often combined with ionization, to capture and destroy odors, contaminants, bacteria, and viruses. An air purifier simply filters the air, only catching particulates already large enough for a filter or electronic air cleaner to capture them.

The strength of an air scrubber’s process is this: it addresses even the smallest of particulates throughout the home. This is of prime importance for anyone who, for health reasons, depends on the highest indoor air quality.

Call Your Air Quality Experts Today!

Properly maintaining the HVAC system in your Tucson, AZ, home helps it run effectively, which translates to reduced costs in both repairs and utility bills. Call 520-230-5668 or request service online today, and talk to one of our knowledgeable technicians at ACS Air Conditioning Services to discuss how an air scrubber can work with your current HVAC system to improve your home’s indoor air quality and save you money in the long run.

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

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

How It Helps

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

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

When It Does Not Help

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

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

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

What You Can Do

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

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

Let Us Help You With Your Allergies

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