Arizona Places: Lake Powell

Lake Powell is a reservoir on the Colorado River, straddling the border between Utah and Arizona. Most of the lake, along with Rainbow Bridge, is in Utah. It is the second largest man-made reservoir in maximum water capacity in the United States behind Lake Mead, storing 24 million acre feet of water when full. Current water levels, however, put Lake Powell ahead of Lake Mead in water volume and surface area.

Lake Powell was created by the flooding of Glen Canyon by the controversial Glen Canyon Dam, which also led to the creation of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, a popular summer destination. The reservoir is named for explorer John Wesley Powell, a one-armed American Civil War veteran who explored the river via three wooden boats in 1869. In 1972, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area was established. It is public land managed by the National Park Service, and available to the public for recreational purposes. It lies in parts of Garfield, Kane, and San Juan counties in southern Utah, and Coconino County in northern Arizona. The northern limits of the lake extend at least as far as the Hite Crossing Bridge.

Construction on Glen Canyon Dam began with a demolition blast keyed by the push of a button by President Dwight D. Eisenhower at his desk in the Oval Office on October 1, 1956. The first blast started clearing tunnels for water diversion. On February 11, 1959, water was diverted through the tunnels so dam construction could begin. Later that year, the bridge was completed, allowing trucks to deliver equipment and materials for the dam, and also for the new town of Page, Arizona.

The lake's main body stretches up Glen Canyon, but has also filled many of the over 90 side canyons. The lake also stretches up the Escalante River and San Juan River where they merge into the main Colorado River. This provides access to many natural geographic points of interest as well as some remnants of the Anasazi culture.

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area draws more than two million visitors annually. Recreational activities include boating, fishing, water-skiing, jet-skiing, and hiking. The rental of houseboats is a very popular vacation option.

Prepared campgrounds can be found at each marina, but many visitors choose to rent a houseboat or bring their own camping equipment, find a secluded spot somewhere in the canyons, and make their own camp (there are no restrictions on where visitors can stay). Anyone who camps further than a quarter of a mile from a marina, however, must bring a portable toilet. The burying of human waste in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is prohibited. Pet waste must also be packed out.

The southwestern end of Lake Powell in Arizona can be accessed via U.S. Route 89 and State Route 98. State Route 95 and State Route 276 lead to the northeastern end of the lake in Utah.
http://www.pagelakepowell.com

Looking for a fast and fair company to work with for your Heating and Air Conditioning repair or replacement needs?  Give Aaron’s Mechanical Service a call and let us help you get cooled off! Call 623-388-4436

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Thinking About What To Do In A Local Emergency

 With the millions of victims on the east coast from hurricane Sandy being front page news now is a good time to consider what you need to do in the case of a natural disaster or even a local emergency.

Before you jump to the conclusion that living in Arizona make use immune from the natural disasters the folks living in Anthem suffered flooding and the folks living up north are affected by forest fires nearly every summer.

Severe weather is the normal cause for a natural disaster, but, other incidents can affect you personally and at least for that time the events unfolding around you can be just devastating as any headline making national event.

A severe fire or explosion at a neighboring home or business can put your property and personal safety at risk.

When does service need to discontinued to minimize further damage?  That will affect your gas, electrical service or water at your home.  It will help prevent further damage or at least reduce the risk of that.  A fire that burns out of control at a neighboring structure may require the fire department to shut off gas or electrical service to protect your dwelling.

What ever the cause your home can be out of basic services for hours or even days.  A severe storm or mechanical failure can leave you without electrical service.  You will be a much less affected if you are prepared with fresh batteries and flashlights.  If you have an alternative method of fixing meals, that will also help.  Of course in the high heat of an Arizona summer it may mean that you will have to relocate with your family or friends until the power is restored.

Having a supply of safe fresh water stored at your home can go along way to be prepared for any disruption of municipal services.

The government has a great website that covers information that will make your planning much easier. http://www.ready.gov/natural-disasters

Of course, today our thoughts and prayers are with the millions of folks that have been affected by Hurricane Sandy.

Looking for a fast and fair company to work with for your Heating and Cooling needs give Aaron’s Mechanical Services a call and let us help you! Call 623-388-4436

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Stopping Drafts Saves Money

We all know that stopping drafts saves money both with cooling and heating but here are a couple of tips and a review of the door bottom seals.

Do not heat any unnecessary rooms. Close and seal heat registers and air returns. Be sure to whether-strip doors to these less-heated areas.

Weather-strip, insulate, and seal all access doors to unused and cold attic areas. Investigate and find the areas of heat loss, then determine how to slow the flow of heat and your money.

We have all seen the TV ads for the Twin Draft Door Guard that comes as a 36" twin draft door guard. You just slide it under the door to start blocking outside air and locking in comfortable indoor temperatures. This smart home climate-solution features a patented hook-and-loop closure for a custom fit under most doors. Basement doors, garage doors, exterior doors and double-hung windows are no match for the draft-stopping power of the 36" twin draft door guard.

The Consumer Search website finds the Twin Draft Guard works wonders in blocking out drafts, but only if you have the right door, reviewers say. The foam tubes are easy to trim to the proper size, and installing the Twin Draft Guard beneath a door is simple. If the space between the door and floor is small enough, and the floor isn't carpeted, the Twin Draft Guard tends to stay in place and successfully blocks drafts from homes.

Users who have larger gaps between their doors and floors find that the Twin Draft Guard doesn't work for them. At best, it doesn't create an airtight seal; at worst it tends to either get stuck under the door, or the door opens right over it. Those who have carpeted floors also find that the Twin Draft Guard gets stuck on the carpeting, rather than gliding smoothly over it like the commercial demonstrates.

Looking for a fast and fair company to work with for your Heating or Air Conditioning tune-up?  Give Aaron’s Mechanical Services a call and let us help you get comfortable! Call 623-388-4436

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Getting Ready For Winter

With the temperature this morning dipping into the sixties it is just around the corner that your furnace or heat pump will need to be working to keep your home comfortable.  If your heating system needs to be checked and brought up to snuff before the winter season has you shivering, call Aaron’s Mechanical Service at 623-388-4436.


A Fall Reminder From:
Aaron’s Mechanical Service
623-388-4436
info@aaronsmechanicalservice.com
http://aaronsmechanicalservice.com

Winter Heating Risks

Most of the country thinks of the Phoenix Metro area as having no real winter.  But we do have our cold days and we do use many different methods to warm up our homes.  Are you aware of the risks when you burn material to heat your homes?

It doesn’t matter that you use a natural gas furnace or a fireplace the combustibles give off carbon monoxide.  This colorless, odorless, tasteless and poisonous gas can kill you.

In normal operations the carbon monoxide goes out the chimney with the other products of combustion.  As long as the process is operating normally everything will be fine.

There are many dangers associated with carbon monoxide, some of which are short term problems and some of which can be permanently damaging or even fatal. Carbon monoxide poisoning can come about through a number of sources, and these can be everyday items and appliances used within the home.

Your first step is to install a carbon monoxide or CO detector.  While CO detectors do not serve as smoke detectors and vice versa, dual smoke/CO detectors are also sold. Smoke detectors detect the smoke generated by flaming or smoldering fires, whereas CO detectors detect and warn people about dangerous CO buildup caused, for example, by a malfunctioning fuel-burning heating device. In the home, some common sources of CO include open flames, space heaters, water heaters, blocked chimneys or running a car inside a garage.

If you have a detector you want to consider if it is still working.  The gas sensors in CO alarms have a limited and indeterminable life span, typically two to five years. The test button on a CO alarm only tests the battery and circuitry, not the sensor. CO alarms should be tested with an external source of calibrated test gas, as recommended by the latest version of NFPA 720.

Alarms over five years old should be replaced but they should be checked on installation and at least annually during the manufacturers warranty period.

Your second step is to call Aaron’s Mechanical Service and have your heating system inspected to make sure it is operating properly and within normal parameters.

Be ready for our Arizona winter and heating season.

Looking for a fast and fair company to work with for your heating and cooling repairs or replacement needs?  Give Aaron’s Mechanical Services a call and let us help you get cooled off! Call 623-388-4436

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Arizona Places: The Granite Dells

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Four miles north of the downtown area of the city of Prescott, at 3101 Watson Lake Rd, this beautiful park allows access to Watson Lake and the boulders of the Granite Dells.

In the 1800s, a party of successful prospectors were returning from the Big Sandy River to Prescott with a load of gold dust and nuggets held in several canvas bags. Taking a rest and water break at Granite Dells, about four miles north of Prescott, they were soon attacked by Indians.  Quickly, the prospectors buried the gold near near the spring as the attack ensued.  All but one of the prospectors were killed by the Indians.  Later, the lone survivor would return to the site with a search party on several occasions.  However, they never found any signs of the buried gold.  Some have speculated that the Indians dug up the treasure and reburied it somewhere else in the same area. In any case the treasure remains somewhere in the Granite Dells waiting for discovery. 

Massive boulders of ancient rock have weathered into delicately balanced forms and fanciful shapes, reflected in the surface of Watson Lake. Ruins and artifacts indicate that Native Americans used to live here. The scenic Dells offer a great place for boating, picnicking, or a stroll. Rock climbers tackle the challenging granite formations. Watson Lake Park, four miles north of town on AZ 89, offers year-round day use and summer weekend camping.

Bicycle rentals at Watson Lake allow southbound connection to the Discovery Trail and Prescott Peavine National Recreation Trail (i.e., the former Santa Fe Railroad) that connect to the scenic Granite Dells region.

It is possible to explore the historical charms of Prescott and never realize that the Granite Dells, otherworldly rock formations that have been there for eons, are just a few miles outside of town. Watson Lake puts you in the heart of it all. The Peavine Trail loops around the lake and through the dells and is popular with bikers, walkers, joggers and equestrians.

Insider tip: Open Year Round; rent a canoe or kayak and paddle around the lake for an hour or an afternoon. Single kayaks cost $15 for the first hour, $10 for each additional hour. Canoes and double kayaks cost $20 for the first hour, $15 for each additional hour.

Park Admission: $2 per vehicle.

Details: Kayak rentals, 928-925-1410, http://prescottoutdoors.com. 
Watson Lake Park, 928-777-1121, http://cityofprescott.net/services/parks/parks.

Looking for a fast and fair company to work with for your Heating and Air Conditioning repair or replacement needs?  Give Aaron’s Mechanical Services a call and let us help you get comfortable. Call 623-388-4436

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Your Next Heating System - A Water Furnace?

Geothermal Heating and Cooling
No matter what climate you live in, the temperature throughout the year varies. For some climates that means blazing summers that cool to frigid winters. What many people don't realize is that the temperature below ground (regardless of climate or season) stays fairly consistent all year.

The ground is able to maintain a higher rate of temperature consistency because it absorbs 47% of the suns energy (heat) as it hits the Earth's surface. WaterFurnace geothermal systems are able to tap into this free energy with an earth loop. This technology is then used to provide your home or office with central heating and cooling.

WaterFurnace highest-efficiency heat pump Geothermal Heating
During the heating cycle, a WaterFurnace geothermal heat pump uses the earth loop to extract heat from the ground. As the system pulls heat from the loop it distributes it through a conventional duct system as warm air. The same heat energy can also be used for a radiant floor system or domestic hot water heating.

Geothermal Cooling
In the cooling mode, the heating process is reversed - creating cool, conditioned air throughout the home. Instead of extracting heat from the ground, heat is extracted from the air in your home and either moved back into the earth loop, or used to preheat the water in your hot water tank.

Geothermal vs. Geoexchange: what's in a name?
Geothermal energy has been used to heat and air condition buildings for several decades, and during that time these geothermal systems have been called many different things. Some of the more popular variations include geo-thermal, geoexchange, ground-water, ground-water assisted, ground-water-source, water-to-water, and even our company name, water furnace heating and cooling.

WaterFurnace manufactures and sells more geothermal systems for homes than anyone else in the business. They offer a wide variety of residential geothermal products. Their dealers and installers are the most highly trained in the industry. And they are committed to customer support. All that makes them the first, and smartest, choice for a residential WaterFurnace system: the system that's "Smarter from the Ground Up."

Looking for a fast and fair company to work with for your heating and cooling repairs or replacement needs?  Give Aaron’s Mechanical Services a call and let us help you get cooled off! Call 623-388-4436

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623-388-4436
info@aaronsmechanicalservice.com
http://aaronsmechanicalservice.com

Winter Heating Tips

Many of the tips below for saving energy at home are adapted from the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Savers Consumer Tips website and their Energy Savers booklet .

Use Furnaces and Heaters Wisely

Set your thermostat as low as it is comfortable. Each degree you lower your thermostat can cut your heating costs between one and three percent. A common strategy is to lower thermostat settings to 68 degrees. The lower you set it, the more you'll save.

Turn your thermostat down 10 to 15 degrees during your sleeping hours or while you’re away, to save even more on your heating bill.

Use a programmable thermostat with your furnace to adjust the setting while you sleep or no one is home.
Clean or replace filters on furnaces once a month, or as needed.

Clean warm-air registers, baseboard heaters, and radiators as needed; make sure they’re not blocked by furniture, carpeting, or drapes.

Place heat-resistant radiator reflectors between exterior walls and the radiators.

Bleed trapped air from hot-water radiators once or twice a season. If in doubt about how to perform this task, call a professional.

Weatherize - air leaks waste energy dollars year-round

Caulking and weather stripping keeps warm air in during the winter.

Add insulation around heat ducts when they are located in unconditioned spaces such as attics, crawl spaces, and garages.

If you see holes or searated joints in your ducts, hire a professional to repair them.

Check to see that your fireplace damper is tightly closed, when it is not in use.

During the heating season, keep draperies and shades on south-facing windows open during the day to allow sunlight to enter your home, and close them at night to reduce the chill from cold windows.

Looking for a fast and fair company to work with for your Heating or Air Conditioning tune-up?  Give Aaron’s Mechanical Services a call and let us help you get comfortable! Call 623-388-4436

Presented by;
Aaron’s Mechanical Service
623-388-4436
info@aaronsmechanicalservice.com
http://aaronsmechanicalservice.com

Getting Ready For Winter

With the temperature this morning dipping into the sixties it is just around the corner that your furnace or heat pump will need to be working to keep your home comfortable.  If your heating system needs to be checked and brought up to snuff before the winter season has you shivering, call Aaron’s Mechanical Service at 623-388-4436.


A Fall Reminder From:
Aaron’s Mechanical Service
623-388-4436
info@aaronsmechanicalservice.com
http://aaronsmechanicalservice.com

What Affects Your Natural Gas Prices

Natural gas prices, as with other commodity prices, are mainly driven by supply and demand fundamentals. However, natural gas prices may also be linked to the price of crude oil and/or petroleum products. 

The natural gas market in the United States is split between the financial (futures) market, based on the NYMEX futures contract, and the physical market, the price paid for actual deliveries of natural gas and individual delivery points around the United States. Market mechanisms in Europe and other parts of the world are similar, but not as well developed or complex as in the United States.

The standardized NYMEX natural gas futures contract is for delivery of 10,000 mmBtu (10,000 million Btu) of energy (approximately 10,000,000 cubic feet (280,000 m3) of gas) at Henry Hub in Louisiana over a given delivery month consisting of a varying amount of days. As a coarse approximation, 1000 ft3 of natural gas ≈ 1 MMBtu ≈ 1 GJ. Monthly contracts expire 3–5 days in advance of the first day of the delivery month, at which points traders may either settle their positions financially with other traders in the market (if they have not done so already) or choose to "go physical" and accept delivery of physical natural gas (which is actually quite rare in the financial market).

It should be noted that most financial transactions for natural gas actually take place off exchange in the over-the-counter ("OTC") markets using "look alike" contracts that match the general terms and characteristics of the NYMEX futures contract and settle against the final NYMEX contract value, but that are not subject to the regulations and market rules required on the actual exchange.

It is also important to note that nearly all participants in the financial gas market, whether on or off exchange, participate solely as a financial exercise in order to profit from the net cash flows that occur when financial contracts are settled among counterparties at the expiration of a trading contract. This practice allows for the hedging of financial exposure to transactions in the physical market by allowing physical suppliers and users of natural gas to net their gains in the financial market against the cost of their physical transactions that will occur later on. It also allows individuals and organizations with no need or exposure to large quantities of physical natural gas to participate in the natural gas market for the sole purpose of gaining from trading activities.

How much you pay this year will be a complex game of high finance.  One this is sure, the more efficient your furnace operates the less natural gas you will use and the less money you will spend.

Looking for a fast and fair company to work with your furnace this heating season?  Give Aaron’s Mechanical Services a call and let us help you get cooled off! Call 623-388-4436

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Aaron’s Mechanical Service
623-388-4436
info@aaronsmechanicalservice.com
http://aaronsmechanicalservice.com

Arizona Places: The Shady Dell

Nine lovely, fully restored vintage aluminum travel trailers await you at the Shady Dell in Bisbee, Arizona. Whether it is the 33 foot Royal Mansion built in 1951 and restored with leopard carpet, martini glasses, Diner-style breakfast booth and phonograph with a collection of 78rpm records, or the 1947 Tiki Bus Polynesian Palace, complete with hand-carved outrigger bar and your own Tiki God, the Shady Dell’s individual trailers will surely send you back to a time when freedom was just another word for jumping in your aluminum house on wheels, finding the Rat Pack on the radio and navigating the open road in search of your own slice of the American Dream.

Our sleek collection of vintage travel trailers are all perfectly restored to combine mid-century Americana kitsch with the comforts of home in a way that only the 1950s were capable of.  Each trailer, such as the 1949 Airstream, or the 1950 Spartan Manor, are available for an overnight stay. For once, experience the 1950s in full Technicolor.

Interiors are the rich blonde woods or highly polished aluminum of the original and authentic décor. Outside each trailer is a grassy yard with lounge chairs so you can enjoy the beautiful evening weather of southern Arizona. In the various trailers, vintage radios play era-appropriate radio programs, televisions only broadcast in two colors, period books and magazines allow for even more mental time travel and big band, early rhythm and blues and original rock and roll are available for your listening entertainment. The trailers are also equipped with original kitchens, refrigerators and vintage electric percolators. Dishes and linens are also furnished.

The Shady Dell’s long and epic journey began in 1927 as a place to provide trailer and camping spaces to weary travelers along the famous Highway 80, which stretched from Savannah, Georgia to San Diego, California.  Like its more famous brother Route 66, Highway 80 was a center of travel, exploration and family getaways in the early portions of the 20th century.  Today, the park is a nice mix of practicality and vintage fun-seeking.

Open: Seasonal, Check the Website for details - http://www.theshadydell.com
Location: The Shady Dell 1 Douglas Road Bisbee, AZ 85603 520-432-3567

Looking for a fast and fair company to work with for your Heating and Cooling repair or replacement needs?  Give Aaron’s Mechanical Services a call and let us help you get cooled off!

Call us at: 623-388-4436

Presented by;
Aaron’s Mechanical Service
623-388-4436
info@aaronsmechanicalservice.com
http://aaronsmechanicalservice.com

Ceiling Fans Help With Winter Heating

We all appreciate the simple ceiling fan on a hot day, particularly when it's coupled with a cold glass of lemonade. But the same fan that cuts summer electric bills by as much as 40% can also help out in the winter.

Fans today are made with a little switch that changes blade rotation. Counterclockwise produces that pleasant summer breeze we crave. Clockwise makes an updraft that sends the warmer air pooled near the ceiling back into the living space — cutting heating costs by as much as 10%.

Get to know your switch, and you'll have a fan for all seasons.

What is the correct ceiling fan rotation during summer and winter? Is your ceiling fan on the proper seasonal rotation? It could save you energy dollars if it rotates in the proper direction depending whether it is winter or summer.

Ceiling fans provide great air circulation and you can optimize these benefits by ensuring the ceiling fan rotation of the blades is correct for circulating warm air during winter or creating a breeze effect by moving or circulating the air better, during a hot summer.

During winter heating, to help move warm air that is trapped on the ceiling, blades should turn 'forward' in a clockwise motion. This movement will push up the air and pull the warm trapped air down the sides of the room improving heat distribution.

During hot summer weather, to help produce a comfortable breeze or 'windchill' that cools the skin, blades should rotate in a 'reverse' counter-clockwise motion. The air movement has the same comfortable effect as when you fan yourself with a magazine to get relief from hot, stifling air.

Ceiling fans in themselves do not heat or cool a room, but the ceiling fan rotation allows improved air circulation, which can greatly improve the comfort of your living space.

Looking for a fast and fair company to work with for your Heating or Air Conditioning repair or replacement needs?  Give Aaron’s Mechanical Services a call and let us help you get cooled off! Call 623-388-4436

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Aaron’s Mechanical Service
623-388-4436
info@aaronsmechanicalservice.com
http://aaronsmechanicalservice.com

Do Space Heaters Really Work?

With Arizona desert daytime temps still running in the mid nineties it may seem strange to read a blog about space heaters.  But with nighttime and morning temperatures running in the low sixties a small heater may be needed to take the chill off your room.

They may not be powerful enough to heat large, drafty rooms on their own, but they are good for saving energy if you use them to heat only the room you are in, and turn the temperature down in other rooms. They also work well as personal space warmers while you work, read or watch TV.

Lets take a look at two models that you can find at local stores.

First a model from Holmes, a 15-inch mini-tower, produced the hottest air and took only about 20 minutes to warm up the room by 10 degrees. It can be set to either high or low, or to a specific temperature between 60 and 80 degrees, in increments of 5 degrees. As the grill heats up, it changes color to remind you that it is hot, which is good because it’s not one you want to touch. Although the heater has a fan, it was very quiet. And as a personal space warmer, it was effective on the lower settings or when placed about 10 feet away. The safety feature that shuts off the machine when it is tipped over worked fine.

Next a 13-inch-tall unit from Honeywell. It is a lightweight, cool to the touch (even on the highest setting) and could be set to oscillate, which helped distribute the heat over a wider area. The dial was well designed — it was big and easy to turn, with temperature settings clearly demarcated in a simple font — and the temperature could be set between 65 and 80 degrees; there was also a setting that left the heater on indefinitely. It took about an hour to raise the room temperature significantly, but if the heater is aimed directly at you, you’ll feel plenty warm.

Always remember to make sure to read and follow the instructions that come with any heater. They all have safety features, but you still have to use common sense during their use.

Looking for a fast and fair company to work with for your heating and cooling repairs or replacement needs?  Give Aaron’s Mechanical Services a call and let us help you get cooled off! Call 623-388-4436

Presented by;
Aaron’s Mechanical Service
623-388-4436
info@aaronsmechanicalservice.com
http://aaronsmechanicalservice.com

Getting Ready For Winter

With the temperature this morning dipping into the sixties it is just around the corner that your furnace or heat pump will need to be working to keep your home comfortable.  If your heating system needs to be checked and brought up to snuff before the winter season has you shivering, call Aaron’s Mechanical Service at 623-388-4436.


A Fall Reminder From:
Aaron’s Mechanical Service
623-388-4436
info@aaronsmechanicalservice.com
http://aaronsmechanicalservice.com

New Thermostat From Lennox

It may seem that everyday some one has a new must have gadget on the market.  But, once in a while these new gadgets make life easier and help save you money.  The new The icomfort Wi-Fi™ touchscreen thermostat from Lennox is one of those items.

The icomfort Wi-Fi™ touchscreen thermostat uses cloud connectivity to offer homeowners temperature control from anywhere in the world, at any time, from a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or web-enabled device.

Their new touchscreen thermostat is very simple to use, install, and service, said the company. The thermostat’s interface has easy-to-read, menu-driven icons and simple, touch-button operation. With a touch of a button, users can set the thermostat to an energy-saving mode when they’re away from home or on vacation, resulting in increased utility savings.

Live weather alerts and an extended five-day forecast help users prepare for outdoor conditions days in advance. Email alerts and reminders let both users and dealers know when the system needs service or maintenance. New features are updated automatically as they become available, ensuring the icomfort Wi-Fi’s features are always up-to-date.

Optional, customizable skins help homeowners match their thermostat to any type of color, pattern, or home décor.

For more factory information: Lennox Industries 800-953-6669 or http://www.lennox.com

Looking for a fast and fair company to work with to keep your HVAC up-to-date and helping you save money with your heating and cooling needs?  Give Aaron’s Mechanical Service a call and let us help you stay comfortable at the lowest possible cost! Call 623-388-4436

Presented by;
Aaron’s Mechanical Service
623-388-4436
info@aaronsmechanicalservice.com
http://aaronsmechanicalservice.com

Arizona Places: Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter

With this coming weekend to be the first 2012 fall weekend to be under 90° you may still want to head either north or south to cool off even more.  The Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter near Tucson is a great place to visit for getting your fill of stargazing.

Stringent light pollution laws keep city streets dim in Arizona, so wherever you are look up: Chances are you'll see a spectacular night sky. If that's not enough, head to the Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter to peer through the 32-inch Schulman Telescope. Adam Block, a NASA-recognized astrophotographer, leads nightly tours year-round (weather permitting) at the largest dedicated public telescope in the Southwest.

Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter is an exceptional science learning facility located at Steward Observatory's "sky island" observing site just north of Tucson, Arizona. The SkyCenter builds upon the uniqueness of the 9,157 feet summit of Mt. Lemmon and on the extensive knowledge base at the University of Arizona to deliver educational adventures including:

SkyNights is a night-time observing program that provides the opportunity to peer beyond the blue horizons of our southwestern skies and explore astronomical wonders that have fascinated us from time immemorial. Star charts, binoculars and the superb 32-inch Schulman telescope are just some of the resources of this program.  This telescope is the LARGEST public dedicated telescope in the Southwest. The SkyNights experience is offered virtually every night throughout the year. Join us as part of a group for the evening hours and enjoy our Universe like you've never done before!

DiscoveryDays explore the scientific, historical, and natural wonders of Mt. Lemmon and the Catalina Mountains by interacting with UA scientists in this hands-on program. Topics include tree-ring science, hummingbird studies, updates on recent astronomical discoveries, ecology, meteorology, and more.

AstronomerNights opens up nearly exclusive, extended access to our 32-inch telescope like a professional astronomer. This unique experience allows one or two visitors to observe with an astronomer/guide, be lodged on site in our dorm, acquire high quality images of objects of their choice, and have images processed and subsequently made available to them. Groups can be accommodated with adjustments in program and fees. There are no prerequisites on experience or education: just a curiosity about our universe and an interest in exploring it first-hand!

Their Workshops immerse you for several days and nights at their mountaintop facility in the focused study of a topic in the sciences or arts. The in-depth instruction and hands-on activities will hone the skills of even the most accomplished student. Visit their workshop page for the next event in this series.  For more information, call 520-626-8122 or go to http:skycenter.arizona.edu.

Looking for a fast and fair company to work with for your HVAC repair or replacement needs?  Give Aaron’s Mechanical Services a call and let us help you get cooled off! Call 623-388-4436

Presented by;
Aaron’s Mechanical Service
623-388-4436
info@aaronsmechanicalservice.com
http://aaronsmechanicalservice.com

Clean Air and Indoor Air Pollution

The Environmental Protection Agency writes that we usually think of air pollution as being outdoors, but the air in your house or office could also be polluted. Sources of indoor pollution include

• Biological contaminants like mold and pollen
• Tobacco smoke
• Household products and pesticides
• Gases such as radon and carbon monoxide
• Materials used in the building such as asbestos, formaldehyde and lead

Sick home syndrome occurs when several people are affected, but no specific source of the illness is found. Indoor air quality problems usually only cause discomfort, and most people feel better as soon as they eliminate the source of the pollution. However, some pollutants can cause diseases that show up much later, such as respiratory diseases or cancer. Making sure that your home or business is well-ventilated and eliminating pollutants can improve the quality of your indoor air.

In poorly ventilated dwellings, indoor smoke can exceed acceptable levels for small particles 100-fold. Exposure is particularly high among women and young children, who spend the most time near the domestic hearth.

According to (WHO) Global Health Risks: Mortality and burden of disease attributable to selected major risks indoor air pollution is responsible for 2.7% of the global burden of disease.

Some sources, such as building materials, furnishings, and household products like air fresheners, release pollutants more or less continuously. Other sources, related to activities carried out in the home, release pollutants intermittently. These include smoking, the use of improperly vented or malfunctioning stoves, furnaces, or space heaters, the use of solvents in cleaning and hobby activities, the use of paint strippers in redecorating activities, and the use of cleaning products and pesticides in house-keeping. High pollutant concentrations can remain in the air for long periods after some of these activities.

Are you or your children sick because of the air in your home?  Whole home filtration systems can help reduce this risk.

Looking for a fast and fair company to work with for your indoor air pollution and installing or repairing filtration systems give Aaron’s Mechanical Services a call and let us help you! Call 623-388-4436

Presented by;
Aaron’s Mechanical Service
623-388-4436
info@aaronsmechanicalservice.com
http://aaronsmechanicalservice.com

Controlling Low Humidity During Winter Heating

If you are new to the desert southwest you will find that our naturally low desert humidity adds an extra challenge to heating your home this winter.  Warm dry air will lower what little humidity that is present in your house or office.

In the winter, humidity is low and even though the heating system is running, there isn’t a lot of humidity in the air to carry the heat to your skin.  Proper moisture levels actually make heating more efficient.  The moisture in the air actually helps and carries even greater amounts of heat.

The thermostat may show the temperature to be at a level where you would expect to be warm, but you are not. In most cases, you just turn up the temperature to feel better. You may also notice that you have dry skin, splits in the skin of your fingers and nose bleeds. This is usually being caused by not having enough moisture (humidity) in the air.

For those of us who have respiratory illnesses, we may sometimes have difficulty breathing due to too high or too low humidity. High humidity in the summer supports the life cycle of mold spores, bacteria and viruses. Low humidity in the winter dries out the linings of the nose, throat and lungs. You can see then, that proper humidity may be important to a lot of people.

Fortunately, modern heating system companies are always working on ways to correct humidity for over the years and there are HVAC products and accessories that we can install to help supply the right amount of humidity that most of us need. The best time to do this is when you need to replace your HVAC system.  Older systems can be retro fitted to imprive their performance.

Increasing humidity in the Winter: There are really two methods to do this. One is using a room vaporizer and the other is adding a humidifier to your HVAC system. Vaporizers are inexpensive and do a decent job of adding moisture into a room. The downside is that they usually only affect one room and do not keep the moisture level consistent in that room. Humidifiers can be installed in your HVAC system to help keep the humidity level consistent throughout the home. They are adjustable, based on your needs and require minimal maintenance.

Looking for a fast and fair company to work with for your heating system’s repair or replacement needs?  Give Aaron’s Mechanical Services a call and let us help you get cooled off! Call 623-388-4436

Presented by;
Aaron’s Mechanical Service
623-388-4436
nfo@aaronsmechanicalservice.com
http://aaronsmechanicalservice.com

Aaron's Mechanical Service: Tune-up Special

Aaron's Mechanical Service:

Tune-up Special -- $59.95
 1. Clean and calibrate the thermostat
 2. Test and examine all controls on unit
 3. Lubricate all moving parts on the unit
 4. Tighten or adjust all belts and pulleys
 5. Cycle the complete system (ac & heating as well as fan operation)
 6. Examine and tighten all electrical connections
 7. Test and record indoor air temperatures
 8. Test and record indoor temperature split in cooling mode
 9. Test and record refrigerant pressures (high and low side)
10. Tighten all refrigerant caps
11. Test and record superheat and sub cooling for peak performance
12. Remove any trash or debris from unit
13. Test all safety controls
14. Examine and tighten all electrical connections at disconnect

To learn more about our specials, please call (602) 446-5630 -or- (623) 388-4436

Winter Inversions and Increased Outdoor Pollutions

Smog is a type of large-scale outdoor pollution. It is caused by chemical reactions between pollutants derived from different sources, primarily automobile exhaust and industrial emissions. Cities are often centers of these types of activities, and many suffer from the effects of smog, especially during the cooler months of the year.

For each city, the exact causes of pollution may be different. Depending on the geographical location, temperature, wind and weather factors, pollution is dispersed differently. However, sometimes this does not happen and the pollution can build up to dangerous levels. A temperature inversion occurs when air close to the earth is cooler than the air above it. Under these conditions the pollution cannot rise and be dispersed. Cities surrounded by mountains also experience trapping of pollution. Inversion can happen in any season. Winter inversions are likely to cause particulate and carbon monoxide pollution. Summer inversions are more likely to create smog.

Another consequence of outdoor air pollution is acid rain. When a pollutant, such as sulfuric acid combines with droplets of water in the air, the water (or snow) can become acidified . The effects of acid rain on the environment can be very serious. It damages plants by destroying their leaves, it poisons the soil, and it changes the chemistry of lakes and streams. Damage due to acid rain kills trees and harms animals, fish, and other wildlife. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Environment Canada are among the organizations that are actively studying the acid rain problem. 

 The Greenhouse Effect, also referred to as global warming, is generally believed to come from the build up of carbon dioxide gas in the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is produced when fuels are burned. Plants convert carbon dioxide back to oxygen, but the release of carbon dioxide from human activities is higher than the world's plants can process. The situation is made worse since many of the earth's forests are being removed, and plant life is being damaged by acid rain. Thus, the amount of carbon dioxide in the air is continuing to increase. This buildup acts like a blanket and traps heat close to the surface of our earth.

Using a whole house filtration system can help keep these winter pollutants out of your indoor air.

Looking for a fast and fair company to work with for your HVAC needs like repair or replacement needs?  Give Aaron’s Mechanical Services a call and let us help you get cooled off! Call 623-388-4436

Presented by;
Aaron’s Mechanical Service
623-388-4436
info@aaronsmechanicalservice.com
http://aaronsmechanicalservice.com

Arizona Places: Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary

At 102° today it would be nice to spend some cool time a bit north of Phoenix.  Prescott is just about an hour up Interstate 17 and at least 10 to 15° cooler.  While this weekend will be down to 99° in the Valley of the Sun Prescott will still feel a whole lot cooler.  Why not make a visit there?

The Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary, formerly known as Heritage Park Zoo, is a non-profit wildlife sanctuary, dedicated to the conservation and protection of native and exotic animals. Located in scenic Prescott, Arizona, the sanctuary provides a source of recreation, education and entertainment for all ages. With the mission of "Conservation through Education," Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary provides a unique and up-close experience with animals visitors may see nowhere else. Animals at Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary all have a story and lesson to teach.

Situated on ten acres north of Prescott and overlooking Willow Lake, the sanctuary has many opportunities for visitors including a covered picnic pavilion, a children’s playground, and large, naturally landscaped enclosures for the animals with paths that allow visitors the opportunity to get an up-close and personal view of them. One of the most interesting exhibits, and one which is unique to the Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary, is the Tarantula Grotto.  There are also two interactive enclosures: Wallaby Walk-About and Kiwanis Korner Animal Encounter.

This organization relies heavily on a large body of devoted volunteers to keep the sanctuary running. Volunteer opportunities include: assisting with landscaping and construction projects, helping in the animal care department, working in the gift shop, and participating in the docent and educational outreach programs. The sanctuary hosts a number of special events throughout the year, such as Zoofest, Eggstravaganza, Boo at the Zoo, moonlight events and Zoo Camp for kids.

Currently under construction is a 2,600 sq. ft. state-of-the-art Reptile House, which will be home to countless species including a 13 ft. Burmese Python; gila monster; geckos; skinks; iguanas; crocodilians and monitor lizards.

Other members of the sanctuary’s collection include a tiger who came from a zoo in Nebraska that lost its permits; an American Black Bear who came to the sanctuary as a cub when his mother was illegally shot by a hunter; a gray fox who was rescued as a youngster from the Phoenix area where she found alone and half drowned near a pool,; and a mountain lion who was confiscated through a joint effort between HPZS and AZ Game and Fish, after she was found being kept illegally as a pet in Arizona.

Located: 1403 Heritage Park Road, Prescott, Arizona 86301 (877) 778-6008 http://www.heritageparkzoo.org

Looking for a fast and fair company to work with for your Air Conditioning repair or replacement needs?  Give Aaron’s Mechanical Services a call and let us help you get cooled off! Call 623-388-4436

Presented by;
Aaron’s Mechanical Service
623-388-4436
info@aaronsmechanicalservice.com
http://aaronsmechanicalservice.com

Are You Putting Off Your Heating System Tune-up?

While some people here in the Valley of the Sun use a separate furnace for their winter heating needs many use a heat pump cycle that is part of their air conditioning units.  Today with the temperature expected to be north of 102° Fahrenheit your ac will be cooling your home.

It won’t be long, really it will feel like just a few days, your air conditioner will change hats and begin being used to heat your home.

Is your unit ready?

Will it efficiently heat your home?

That is why at Aaron’s Mechanical Service we recommend that you have your HVAC unit undergo an inspection and/or tune up twice a year.  Once in the early spring to get ready for the summer cooling season and again in the fall to get ready for the winter heating season.

In either case don’t wait until the last minute, when you really need cooling in the summer or heat in the winter to try and work in an inspection or tune-up when you really need to have your HVAC unit working and working at its best.

Yes, we know all of us are guilty of procrastination from time to time and some of us are guilty of procrastination all the time.  So don’t wait and end up in an emergency situation.  Do it now.  Call us and set-up your inspection appointment when we both have the time.

It just takes a simple phone call to get you on the schedule.  So reach down and grab your cell phone or home phone and make that call.  Ready?  Just dial 623-388-4436 before the price goes up!

Have you heard this one?  "The best part about procrastination is that you are never bored, because you have all kinds of things that you should be doing."

Looking for a fast and fair company to work with for your HVAC Heating Needs or furnace replacement requirements?  Give Aaron’s Mechanical Services a call and let us help you get cooled off! Call 623-388-4436

Presented by;
Aaron’s Mechanical Service
623-388-4436
info@aaronsmechanicalservice.com
http://aaronsmechanicalservice.com

I Think I Smell Gas – What To Do

Because natural gas is colorless and odorless, a "rotten egg" odor is added to the pipeline system to make leaks detectable by smell.

Since it is a very strong smell even the smallest amount should be noticeable.

There are several ways to recognize a natural gas leak:

SMELL an odor similar to rotten eggs, even if the smell is faint or momentary.

HEAR an unusual noise coming from the ground or an above-ground pipeline. A hissing sound may indicate escaping natural gas.

SEE dirt or water blowing into the air, discolored vegetation surrounding a pipeline, or notice standing water continuously bubbling.

If you think you smell a faint odor of natural gas:

Investigate. Make sure your range burners are turned off. If your gas appliance has a pilot light, check to make sure it's on. If not, you'll have to relight the pilot. If you're not sure how, check the owner's manual.
If you cannot quickly find the source of the smell, call your gas utility immediately. In the Phoenix Metro area our Natural Gas is provided by Southwest Gas and they have a 24 hours a day, seven days a week emergency phone number:  1-800-528-4277

If the gas odor is strong, or if you hear a hissing sound:

Act quickly. Get everyone out of the house at once, leaving the doors and windows open.
On your way out, don't use anything that could generate a spark, such as a light switch, telephone, cell phone or car ignition.

Use a nearby phone to call Southwest Gas’ Emergency Hotline at 1-800-528-4277.

Stay outside until an on-site Southwest representative tells you it's safe to go back in.

Looking for a fast and fair company to work with for your Air Conditioning repair or replacement needs?  Give Aaron’s Mechanical Services a call and let us help you get cooled off! Call 623-388-4436

Presented by;
Aaron’s Mechanical Service
623-388-4436
info@aaronsmechanicalservice.com
http://aaronsmechanicalservice.com