Everyone knows temperature plays an important role in comfort. When the weather gets chilly, you automatically adjust your furnace or heating system. And the air conditioner tends to be center stage in the heat of the summer. However, it’s important to realize humidity levels play just as much of a leading role in your Arizona home.

Our ACS Air Conditioning Services team wants to help you understand humidity levels and how to control them for improved comfort and better overall health.

What Is Humidity?

Humidity measures the amount of moisture in the air. Most people associate dryness with winter; that’s a function of humidity. In some areas of the country, summers can be hot and humid.

A more relevant question, however, is what is the relative humidity in your Tucson home? Relative humidity is a measure of both temperature and moisture. It’s more important to understand relative humidity to know how to adjust your home’s comfort level.

To calculate your relative humidity, you can use this chart from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt’s Education Place, which gives you an easy reference. If the relative humidity is 100 percent, that means the air cannot hold any additional water. What that means from a comfort standpoint is that your sweat will no longer evaporate, making you feel hotter.

Ideally, your home needs to remain around 40 to 50 percent relative humidity for optimal comfort and health.

What Happens at High Humidity?

If your home’s relative humidity exceeds 60 percent, you may start experiencing some indoor air problems. Mold begins to grow at this humidity level and accelerates its growth between 70 and 90 percent relative humidity. A humid environment, combined with a food source of organic matter, is a recipe for a potentially invasive and dangerous problem.

Furthermore, you can experience condensation on your windows and walls, which can lead to long-term structural weakening and damage to your home. Moisture not only encourages mold growth, but can attract pests and contribute to other allergen problems.

Finally, high humidity can negatively affect human health by increasing the likelihood of heat stroke, heart problems, or asthma.

What Happens at Low Humidity?

On the flip side, too low of relative humidity levels can cause other indoor air issues. Static electricity can be annoying, and things like dry skin and lips are uncomfortable. Dry air can aggravate common colds with scratchy throats and nasal discomfort. Your indoor environment can feel colder as well with dry air.

Additionally, humidity levels that are too low can harm wood furniture and musical instruments. Wood floors or wall paneling may shrink and warp, and wallpaper may begin to peel.

How Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers Can Help

While your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can affect humidity to some degree, investing in a whole-house humidifier and dehumidifier can be beneficial.

Today’s humidifiers are well designed and use sensors and computers to automatically maintain humidity at around 45 percent. Furthermore, modern humidifiers are designed to prevent microbial growth and use drain-through technology, so they do not hold standing water when they are off.

Although a well-maintained air conditioner should be removing humidity as well as heat from your home, you can install an additional dehumidifier to your HVAC system. A dehumidifier will remove further moisture before the air circulates through your air duct system.

In addition, you can also purchase portable humidifiers or dehumidifiers for single room or single area usage.

Contact Us Today

If you want to learn more about humidifiers, dehumidifiers, or both, call ACS Air Conditioning Services in Tucson, AZ. Our professional team can help you find the best HVAC solutions to keep your home healthy and comfortable. Call 520-230-5668 or request service online today.

Home ownership comes with a great deal of responsibilities and an ever-growing to-do list. Add to that the responsibilities of a career and a family, and you see why modern life runs at a constant, fast pace here in Tucson. It’s easy to bump things like an air conditioner tune-up down the priority list, both in terms of time and money. It’s very likely you have higher priorities requiring more urgent attention than an air conditioner that seems to be working just fine.

Our professionals at ACS Air Conditioning Services understand that line of thinking but want to be sure you realize the long-term benefits of regular maintenance and tune-ups for your air conditioning system. In many cases, a small, short-run investment can save time, money, stress, and hassle down the road.

Extend Your Air Conditioner System’s Life

Just like all appliances, air conditioners have an average lifespan. According to the US Department of Energy (DOE), air conditioners have an average life of 15 to 20 years. If you consider air conditioning systems that are abused or neglected may not make it to quite 15 years while those that are well maintained may exceed 20 years, you have a significant span of time when you won’t need to invest in a new unit.

An air conditioner tune-up can help more permanent components last longer, because they are not working hard to battle things like dirty filters and unlubricated parts. A new air conditioning system is a costly investment; make it last as long as possible with a regular air conditioner tune-up.

Minimize Emergency Repairs

In many areas of the country, the hottest days of the summer require air conditioning to keep families safe and comfortable. A regular air conditioning tune-up can catch problems before your air conditioning simply stops working. If your air conditioner is pushed to that point, you may incur high emergency-repair costs and face stressful, uncomfortable, and potentially dangerous heat.

An average repair bill may be two to 10 times higher than a maintenance call. In addition, many heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) companies and contractors get much busier in the hottest of days because of other emergency calls.

Reduce Energy Bills

Installation, maintenance, and repair costs are only part of the equation when it comes to your air conditioning system. The ongoing cost is in terms of your monthly energy bills.

If you are running an inefficient, dirty air conditioning system, it will not be operating efficiently, which means you are paying more than you need to in terms of energy bills as well as using precious natural resources at a faster rate. Regular maintenance and tune-ups are usually reasonably priced, and you will recoup much of the cost on lower energy bills.

Take Advantage of Expert Eyes

A reputable HVAC company, like ACS Air Conditioning Services, will employ trained, experienced technicians who bring expert eyes to your system along with a tune-up checklist. In a short period of time, usually an hour or two, you will be able to take advantage of an experienced professional who will give your air conditioning system a complete inspection, cleaning, and examination.

Many tune-ups include:

• Cleaning and inspecting air conditioner condenser coils
• Checking and adjusting coolant levels to achieve efficient operation
• Lubricating all bearings, components, and other moving parts
• Inspecting air duct work for leaks and damage
• Tightening connections within electrical system
• Observing condition of blower motor and belt, and repairing or replacing, if needed
• Testing thermostat
• Changing or cleaning filters
• Checking fittings and safety equipment

Contact Us for Your Tune-Up

Boost air conditioning tune-ups a little higher on your priority list. Call ACS Air Conditioning Services in Tucson, AZ, to schedule an appointment. Call 520-230-5668 or request service online today. It will definitely pay off for you.

It’s normal for your air conditioner to create some noise when running—that simply means it’s working. Although older units are typically louder than newer ones, all air conditioning noises are not the same.

Despite your air conditioner’s age, any sound coming from the unit can still be bothersome. If your air conditioner is producing an unusual sound, that could mean trouble. So instead of risking injury to you or your system by poking around the unit yourself, play it safe and call a professional to come inspect it for you.

To avoid any of these potential issues, we at ACS Air Conditioning Services recommend getting a maintenance inspection at least once a year to determine the health of your air conditioner, regardless its age or noise level. According to ENERGY STAR®, “proper maintenance by a qualified professional technician is one of the most important steps you can take to prevent future problems.”

Air Conditioner Common Noises

We have heard our fair share of unusual hums, buzzes, and clatter coming from air conditioners throughout the years, so below is a list of the most common noises we have found and the problems they can indicate.

Rattling

A distinct rattle could be the cause of a loose bolt, screw, fastener, or another small part that fell into the vents. It could also be your compressor or an issue more serious than a loose part. If you suspect any of these, you need one of our skilled technicians to look into the problem further.

Grinding

A grinding or noticeable rubbing or scraping sound most likely means there is a problem with one of the fan motors. It’s also possible the noise can be originating from a worn bearing or a loose or damaged belt. This is sometimes more commonly associated with older air conditioning systems.

Popping

A popping noise might be coming from your air ducts when your air conditioner turns off and on. This usually indicates a problem with your ductwork and not necessarily a problem with your central air. Even though these potential problems can be easily confused, ductwork still ages the same as any other heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment and requires routine maintenance to be sure it’s functioning efficiently and effectively in your home.

Hissing

If you hear a hissing, it’s likely this type of noise is generating from within your ductwork, so let one of our knowledgeable technicians take a closer look. We can pinpoint the source and tell you if there is a bigger issue involved, such as a refrigerant leak, where a more detailed repair would be necessary.

Your air conditioner is a complex piece of machinery with many moving parts and, like a car, it requires regular maintenance by experienced professionals like ours at ACS Air Conditioning Services to diagnose and treat any potential problems. Don’t ignore the signs if you suspect there could be an issue with your air conditioner. Give your unit the proper attention it needs to operate in prime condition for years to come.

We Want to Help

Trust your ears and judgment. If your air conditioner is making an unusual or harsh noise and you live here in the Tucson, AZ, area, call us at 520-230-5668 or schedule your service online today.

Can you imagine a hot Tucson summer without air conditioning? Your air conditioning system can be your very best friend on the warmest days.

Be sure you take the time to perform basic maintenance regularly as well as invest in a professional checkup at least once a year. According to the US Department of Energy (DOE), good maintenance can save you 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. However, once the summer gets into full swing, don’t forget to mow and weed wack around your unit as well.

Change Filters

Being sure you regularly change your filters accomplishes the same goal of ensuring good air circulation. 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. 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 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 air-circulation problem. Double check to be sure your filter and ductwork 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

A thermostat is a bit of a tangential part of an air conditioning system, but it’s an important one. 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 Tucson, AZ. 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.

In modern society, average adults spend nearly all their time indoors at work or at home. In fact the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports this amount of time reaches upwards of 90 percent for most people. That puts the importance of good indoor air quality at a whole new level.

Our ACS Air Conditioning Services team wants to give you a comprehensive list of the different indoor air quality accessories available today. Investing in one or more of these technologies and tools will help you and your family breathe a little easier.

Humidifiers

Stand-alone or whole-house humidifiers can be particularly helpful in Arizona winters when the air is cold and dry. Bringing relative humidity levels back up to an ideal of about 45 percent means less static electricity, dry skin, and scratchy throats. In addition, humidifiers can help protect your wood floors, furniture, and musical instruments from warping, shrinking, and other damage.

Dehumidifiers

Fast-forward to summer, and you may find you have the opposite humidity problem in Marana. Summers can feel even hotter when humidity levels are higher. A well-maintained air conditioning system can help ensure some moisture is taken out of the air along with the heat.

However, some homeowners may want to invest in a whole-house dehumidifier or a stand-alone unit for space like a basement. Too much moisture in the air can make cooling down harder, contribute to mold and other allergen growth, and cause condensation or moisture damage to the structure of your home.

Air Filters

All heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) systems require an air filter to catch large particles before your indoor air enters your furnace or air conditioning system. Filters range in quality and price, with the most inexpensive filters trapping only large particles and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters catching some of the smallest.

It’s important to change your air filter regularly, at least every three to six months or according to the manufacturer’s instructions, to keep your air cleaner and your equipment working efficiently.

UV Air Treatment Systems

Ultraviolet (UV) lights have traditionally been used in hospitals and other health care facilities to kill bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Today homeowners can piggyback on this technology by investing in UV home air treatment systems to do the same. Air is forced through a UV purifier, which uses shortwave UV light to kill mold, bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.

HEPA Air Purifiers and Filters

Air purifiers, as well as air filters with the HEPA designation, remove 99.7 percent of all particles that measure greater than 0.2 microns. This includes household dust, pet dander, mold spores, pollen, and many other airborne particles. It’s important to change HEPA filters regularly. When you combine HEPA filters with HEPA purifiers and HEPA vacuum bags, you will make a big improvement in your indoor air.

Activated Carbon

Activated carbon purifiers are perfect for removing odors, gases, smoke, chemicals, and other fumes from the air. Many of these work in combination with a HEPA purifier to tackle most indoor air pollutants. Add in a UV purifier, and you’ll be successfully managing nearly all of the most common indoor air issues in your home.

Ionic Air Purifiers

Able to remove just about anything except smoke and odors, ionic air purifiers are another option to improve indoor air. Earlier models of these systems simply emitted negative ions that bonded with positively charged common indoor air pollutants. These particles grew heavy and fell onto floors and surfaces to be cleaned through dusting and vacuuming. However, the most advanced ionic air purifiers can now clean themselves.

Electronic Air Cleaners

Attached to your HVAC system, electronic air cleaners are a whole-house solution. These use static electricity, a HEPA filter, and an ionic system to trap or kill up to 99.98 percent of all allergens. Essentially, these cleaners combine the best of all available indoor air purification technologies to do a nearly complete job.

Air-to-Air Exchangers

These systems are designed to bring in and treat outdoor air while pushing out the stale indoor air from your home. These exchangers will adjust the temperature and humidity of outdoor air before circulating it through your air duct system.

Air Scrubbers

A relatively new technology, air scrubbing systems work with your HVAC system. Air is forced through a titanium dioxide-coated component and is treated with a UV light. In addition, the scrubbing system transforms contaminants into oxidizers, which can eliminate more pathogens in the surrounding air and even on surfaces. Gases, vapors, odors, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), mold, viruses, and bacteria are among the substances eliminated.

ACS Air Conditioning Services Is Your Indoor Air Quality Expert

For more details on any of these indoor air accessories, call ACS Air Conditioning Services in Marana, AZ. Our team of professionals would be happy to help you review and select the technologies that would best fit your home and budget. Call 520-230-5668 or request service online today.

One reason Arizona homeowners love heat pumps is they function as an all-in-one unit. Instead of purchasing and maintaining a separate furnace and air conditioning system, you can simply transition your heat pump from the heat setting to the cooling setting and vice versa as seasons warrant.

Our ACS Air Conditioning Services team wants you to understand how to make this transition safely and effectively.

How a Heat Pump Works

Instead of generating heat by burning a fuel like natural gas, a heat pump simply moves the heat from one location to another. Essentially, it operates just like an air conditioner but has the capability to perform the action in both directions.

Air conditioners do not create cooled air. Instead, a constantly moving refrigerant absorbs heat from inside your home, pumps it to the outdoor unit, and releases the heat outside. The result is a lower indoor temperature. A heat pump can work as an air conditioner in the summer.

During the winter, the heat pump takes heat from the outside air, which is possible even in cold outdoor temperatures, and releases that heat inside your home to warm your Tucson living space.

According to the US Department of Energy (DOE), a heat pump can reduce your electricity by up to 50 percent over conventional furnace systems, saving you in energy costs.

Homeowner Maintenance To-Do List

As a homeowner, the transition seasons of spring and fall are the perfect times to conduct some basic heat pump maintenance. These simple steps will help ensure your system is ready for the upcoming season.

First, replace your air filter. Most filters should be replaced every three to six months. This can help improve your heat pump’s efficiency and operation as well as your home’s indoor air quality. Then, take a look at the outside unit and be sure you cut down and remove weeds or other growth within two or three feet, so your heat pump has plenty of air circulation.

It’s a good idea to clean your coils before winter arrives, because the cold weather makes it much harder. Also, flush and clean out your drain line and prime the trap if needed. If your heat pump uses electric heat, look for any wire damage or discoloration.

Finally, check your thermostat settings and adjust them for winter weather.

Professional Maintenance To-Do List

If you’ve completed your homeowner checklist for transitioning your heat pump, it’s time to call in our professionals for a biannual check. Our heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) team will provide a complete inspection, cleaning, and tune-up at an affordable price that will ultimately save you stress, time, and money on repairs later in the season.

A professional should check and adjust refrigerant levels in your heat pump. Only a professional can add coolant and repair leaks correctly.

If you noticed any potential electrical problems, a trained technician can repair exposed wiring or loose connections. Your blower motor should be oiled, and its wheels should be inspected for balance. Finally, your evaporator coils should be checked and cleaned during this visit.

Protect Your Heat Pump During Shoulder Seasons

When nights tend to be cold and days warmer during spring and autumn, it can get tricky to use your heat pump effectively. In some cases, switching between the heating and air conditioning modes can lead to an overworked system and related problems.

Your heat pump uses a great deal of energy to turn on and off, and switching constantly between heating and cooling can result in short-cycling types of issues like tripping the circuit breaker.

If your heat pump is in air conditioner mode, and your thermostat is set to cooling, your outdoor condensing unit will be working. If the set-point temperature is set higher to turn off the cooling function and then moved lower due to a need for heat, it can lock up the compressor. The same problem can occur in heating mode as well.

Some heat pumps incorporate a digital thermostat or an anti-short-cycling trigger to prevent this problem. However, you can also be sure you give your system a five-minute break if you’re switching between cooling and heating frequently during the shoulder seasons.

Call Us With Any Heat Pump Needs

When you’re ready for your professional maintenance service call on your heat pump, contact ACS Air Conditioning Services in Tucson, AZ, to schedule an appointment. We’d be happy to come out to perform a comprehensive inspection, cleaning, and tune-up. Or if you find you need a repair or replacement, we will help you there as well. Call 520-230-5668 or request service online today.

Everyone loves to save money, and it’s a good idea to review different aspects of your budget now and again to see if there are more opportunities you have missed in the past. In the springtime, considering how you can reduce your energy bills is always a great idea.

According to the US Department of Energy (DOE), air conditioners use about 6 percent of all electricity in the country at a cost of roughly $29 billion to homeowners.

If you can reduce that usage in Tucson, you will be able to make a difference in our environment and save yourself some money as well. Take some of the following ideas from our professionals at ACS Air Conditioning Services to heart and make some money-saving resolutions today.

Tune Up for Efficiency

All air conditioners work more efficiently if they have clean filters, enough refrigerant, spotless coils, and plenty of room for air circulation.

Although you can take care of some of these maintenance items on your own—clearing away fallen yard debris from around your outside condenser unit and regularly changing filters, you should engage one of our highly trained professionals to help inspect and clean your air conditioning components. Our experts can also check your ductwork and be sure you are not losing your cooled air before it reaches its destination.

By investing in regular maintenance, it’s less likely your unit will break down in the dog days of summer. That’s an extra bonus.

Work with Mother Nature

Find ways to use the outdoor conditions to your advantage when it comes to saving energy. For example, during the spring and the fall when nighttime temperatures cool down, open all your windows to let the cool breezes in.

Then, first thing in the morning, close your windows and pull your shades to trap the cooler air inside. You can also consider planting trees to shade your home in the future.

Circulate Indoor Air

Consider investing in floor fans or ceiling fans to help move your indoor air. Fans use a lot less energy than air conditioning systems and do a good job cooling down your home in moderate temperatures. You can also run the fan on your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system or install a whole house fan that pulls in fresh air from the attic.

Relocate Heat Outside

The sun is not always the biggest culprit in generating indoor heat. How often do you find that your appliances are competing directly with your air conditioner?

Instead of turning on your oven or stove, consider grilling outside to keep that heat out of your home. Or get a little creative and find some great cold meals to prepare instead.

The clothes dryer is another heat producer in most Arizona homes. Instead of running your dryer, put that springtime sun and a laundry line to work.

Block and Reflect

Another idea to reduce the heat and associated energy bills is to invest in energy-efficient windows, seals, and insulation to keep the cold in and the heat out. You can also install light-colored window coverings to block sun in the warmest part of the day.

Energy-efficient, reflective roof tiles or a coat of lighter exterior paint can do wonders in reflecting the heat of the sun away from your home’s outside.

Rely on Technology

At the very minimum, install a programmable thermostat that will automatically adjust your temperature requirements while you are away or asleep. Smart technology is advancing each day, and in some homes, rooms can now detect when you are present in them and adjust the temperatures accordingly. You can also control and monitor air conditioning usage from afar using a smart phone.

Don’t Forget the Little Things

Every light that’s left on when not in use generates heat as well as all those electronic devices. Consider switching to LED lightbulbs and turning off electronic gadgets when they are not being used to save money and reduce heat.

Contact Us Today

To schedule an air conditioning tune-up or duct inspection, or to talk with us about other energy-saving ideas, call our ACS Air Conditioning Services team at 520-230-5668 or request service online. Our Tucson, AZ, professionals would be happy to help.

Though it’s a hidden element in your home, ductwork is crucial to your home comfort. It’s the system by which warm or cool air circulates throughout your home. And all your conditioned air, whether it’s warmed or cooled, has to travel through these ducts. As such, it’s essential to have a well-maintained duct system in your home.

What Is Ductwork?

At ACS Air Conditioning Services, we take ductwork very seriously. Our heating and cooling professionals know what an important role your home’s air ducts play in so many areas—your comfort, energy bills, and health most specifically. Here in Tucson, we see the difference between ductwork that is well sealed and maintained and ducts that are not on a regular basis.

Your Arizona home’s ductwork or air ducts are corridors through which your warmed or cooled air travels back and forth to your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and to the vents in your home. It’s comprised of a system of ducts and pipes, typically metal, and has seams that are expertly sealed when they are first installed. Several places may also be insulated to help reduce energy loss.

Why Don’t You See Your Ducts?

Most of your ductwork is hidden behind walls or in places not as frequently used as other areas of your home are. You most likely don’t see the majority of it. Often it’s in the attic, and for most of us, ductwork can fall into the out-of-sight, out-of-mind category. But this mindset can compromise your indoor comfort, cost you money, and even affect your health.

Why Seal and Insulate Your Ductwork?

Properly sealing and insulating your ducts prevents your home’s treated air from leaking out the duct system. According to the US Department of Energy (DoE), 20 to 40 percent of energy is lost from most duct systems. Ducts are usually constructed from sheet metal or fiberglass, both thin materials. It’s easy for your circulating air to leak through these materials as well as through any duct seams.

Additionally, your duct insulation protects your ductwork from mold and mildew growth, because your home’s cool air travels through ducts located in warm areas of your house. This can cause condensation in your ducts, which encourages that mold and mildew. Insulating your ducts regulates the temperature and prevents this scenario.

Why Maintain Your Ducts?

Over time, your ductwork’s seals can deteriorate and rust, and your insulation can lose its effectiveness, both causing you problems. That’s why it’s so important to regularly have professionals inspect your duct system and address any leaks.

Poorly maintained and leaky ductwork can cause the following problems:

• An increase in your heating and cooling bills

Leaks in your ducts can occur where the ducts are joined. Leaked air is wasted air. Your furnace or air conditioner has expended energy, that you pay for, to heat or cool the air. When that air does not make it to the desired locations in your home, your HVAC unit has to work twice as hard to make up for the energy lost—it’s essentially throwing away money.

• A negative effect on your home’s indoor comfort

With energy leaking from your ductwork, your inside temperature can continuously vary and leave you without the comfort you expect. No matter what type of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system you have and how energy efficient it is, if you have leaky ducts, your system can’t provide you an efficient level of comfort and live up to its potential.

• Poor health for you

Leaks can cause undesirables from the air to leak into your duct system, meaning contaminants like exhaust, fumes, carbon monoxide, or many other pollutants can enter your duct system and circulate around your home without you knowing it. This can cause a myriad of problems including causing respiratory problems or exacerbating problems you may already have, such as asthma or allergies.

Call Us Today to Check Your Duct System

To diagnose and correct your leaky duct problem is a simple process that will greatly improve the comfort and health of your Tucson, AZ, home. Our ACS Air Conditioning Services technicians are experts with ductwork and its installation and maintenance. Call us at 520-230-5668 or contact us online for help with your air ducts.

Our highly climate-controlled indoor environments can often be extremely comfortable in our modern world. Combine that with the fact so many of our daily needs are easily met without needing to go outside, and you find a society that spends nearly all its time indoors. As a result, poor indoor air quality has become a significant area of concern as a contributor to potential health problems.

Our team at ACS Air Conditioning Services, along with many manufacturers of air filtration and air purification products, are working to provide tools to help you ensure clean indoor air for you and your family. Here are some details about currently available solutions.

Air Filters

Air filters are typically a part of your Tucson home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Before circulating air enters your furnace or air conditioner to be heated or cooled, it passes through a filter to trap and remove a wide range of particulates.

Many different types of air filters are available, ranging from very basic and inexpensive to more costly versions that filter out microscopic particles.

An industry-wide rating system promoted by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) helps consumers compare one type of filter to another in terms of performance. A minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating system measures a filter’s ability to remove particles from the air. Filters carry a rating somewhere between 1 and 16, with the higher values signaling finer filtration.

Air filters can be made of many different types of materials. You may have used a layered fiberglass filter that’s surrounded by a metal grate or a pleated polyester filter in a cardboard frame. These filters typically need to be replaced every one to three months.

Homeowners living in Arizona who have family members with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory illnesses may want to consider using a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. These filters capture 99.97 percent of all particles 0.3 microns or larger. The National Air Filtration Association (NAFA) specifies six different levels of HEPA filters.

Air Cleaners

Air cleaners are often used in conjunction with HVAC-related air filters. These are usually separate appliances typically designed for a single room or a certain square footage of space. A wide variety of different technologies and systems are available, and each one usually focuses on a particular set of particles.

For example, home ultraviolet (UV) air cleaners were developed from purifiers used in hospitals for disinfecting the air. These tackle bacteria, viruses, mold, and other pathogens. On the other hand, activated carbon filters are very effective in removing gasses, odors, smoke, and other particles.

HEPA air purifiers work in a similar way to HEPA filters and remove dust, pet dander, pollen, and mold spores from your indoor air. Although HEPA air purifiers are effective at filtering out very small particles, they are unable to remove bacteria and viruses.

Another type of air purification technology is using ions. These purifiers emit negative ions into your living space, which attract positive ions like dust. The resulting particles become heavier and land on your home’s flooring or other surfaces to be collected during vacuuming and dusting chores. Remember to use a HEPA vacuum bag to maximize the capturing of the resulting particles.

Although all of these air purification systems typically work in a single area or confined space,  you can invest in house-wide purification systems as well. For instance, electronic air cleaners work with your HVAC system by employing static electricity, HEPA filters, and ionic cleaners in a single system. Centralized air cleaners can be installed as part of your ductwork and can complement your HVAC filtration system, and air-to-air exchange systems will allow you to pull in more fresh air from outside.

Contact Us for Clean Indoor Air

At ACS Air Conditioning Services here in Tucson, Arizona, our professionals can provide more details about air filters and air purification systems. Our trained team can help you choose an air treatment system that can meet the needs of you and your family. Call us at 520-230-5668 or request service online today.