Learning To Save Money With Your Thermostat

Thermostats, where they are located in your home, and how you set them can be the most important factor in determining the size of your fuel bill.

1. When you’ll be out for an evening, turn down the thermostats. If you’ll be away for a weekend or more, lower the thermostats to 55 F. You’ll save on heating without risking a freeze-up of your water pipes.  Whenever you can lower your thermostat dramatically for a few days or more, you’ll save a little on the operation of the refrigerator and freezer, which won’t need to work so hard to maintain their cool.

2. How low can your thermostats be set? At our house, we’ve gotten accustomed to 68 F as a comfortable norm. Reduce the heat just 1 degree at a time and try it for a week. Each 1-degree drop for an eight-hour period reduces your fuel bill about one percent. Gradually, you might be able to go down 3 or even 4 degrees comfortably and save a chunk of money.

3. Try turning down the thermostat 5 to 10 degrees at night, and then turn it up again in the morning when the coffee is brewing. If you can get used to that, you’ll save 5 to 10 percent of your heating bill.

Once common myth is that when you reduce the thermostat for only a few hours it will take more heat to bring your home back up to the desired temperature. This is not so. You will save money and fuel because your heating system will not have to keep your home so warm. You will use less energy overall even when you warm up your house from a cooler temperature.

4. For greater ease and comfort, install a programmable set-back thermostat. They are available for most gas- and oil-fueled central heating systems. In this way, you can have the heat turned up before you get up in the morning and lowered just as you get into bed. You may not even notice that you are setting back your thermostat. Most of these thermostats come with two setbacks. Therefore, you can also set back the thermostat for the hours when people are in school or at work.

5. If you heat with electricity, you can take advantage of the individual room thermostats that make it possible to shut off unused rooms and to have cool settings in some rooms and warmer settings in others. Using this feature of electric heat will definitely reduce your fuel bills. If you have a thermostat that controls a relatively large area, you should still consider a setback thermostat. 

6. When it’s time to open the windows for a little fresh air in the spring, remember to turn down the thermostats. Those cool breezes that feel so good will send your furnace on a fuel-burning rampage unless the thermostats are reset.

7. Planning a party? Turn the thermostats down. Each guest is the equivalent of a 175-watt heater, and a large group will warm up the place without the furnace or the heating units in operation.

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

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

Cool Arizona Places: Grand Canyon

Did you know that the Grand Canyon National Park, turned 90 on February 26th?

After all these years the Grand Canyon remains in relatively pristine condition -- a wilderness of desert life and colorful rock with a beauty capable of stunning the most jaded visitors.

When and why did Grand Canyon become a National Park?  Grand Canyon is unmatched throughout the world in the incomparable vistas it offers to visitors on the rim. It is not the deepest canyon in the world (both the Barranca del Cobre in northern Mexico and Hell's Canyon in Idaho are deeper, just to name two), but the Grand Canyon is known throughout the world for its overwhelming size and its intricate and colorful landscape.

A 277 mile long canyon separates the park into South and North Rims. The Grand Canyon of the Colorado River is a mile-deep, and creates a barrier that bisects the park. Even though the average distance across the canyon is only 10 miles, be aware that it is a five-hour drive of 215 miles between the park's South Rim Village and the North Rim Village.

Geologically it is significant because of the thick sequence of ancient rocks that are beautifully preserved and exposed in the walls of the canyon. These rock layers record much of the early geological history of the North American continent. Finally, it is one of the most spectacular examples of erosion in the world.

Although first afforded Federal protection in 1893 as a Forest Reserve and later as a National Monument, Grand Canyon did not achieve National Park status until 1919, three years after the creation of the National Park Service. Today Grand Canyon National Park receives close to five million visitors each year - a far cry from the annual visitation of 44,173 which the park received in 1919. 

Grand Canyon became a national park in order to give it the best protection we as a nation have to offer. The mission of the National Park Service, here and elsewhere, is to preserve the park and all of its features, including the processes that created them, and to provide for the enjoyment of the park by visitors in a way that will leave the canyon unspoiled for future generations.

Location:  The South Rim has an airport and rail service and is close to Interstate 40 and to the transportation centers of Williams and Flagstaff, Arizona. 

Website: http://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm

Looking for a fast and fair company to work with for your Heating Air Conditioning repair or replacement needs?  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

The Programmable Nest Thermostat

Did you know that only 11% of programmable thermostats are programmed to save energy, but Nest remembers the temperatures you like and builds a schedule for you. It’s so simple that 99% of Nests have schedules.

Most people leave the house at one temperature and forget to change it. So the new Nest thermostat learns your schedule, programs itself and can be controlled from your phone. Teach it well and Nest can lower your heating and cooling bills up to 20%.

Nest personalizes its features for you. After it learns about you and your home, Nest Sense™ automatically balances comfort and energy savings.
Auto-Schedule

Nest programs itself in about a week. It creates a personalized schedule based on the temperature changes you’ve made and continually adapts to your changing life.

Auto-Away

After you’ve left the house, Nest will sense you've gone and automatically adjusts the temperature to avoid heating or cooling an empty home.
The Leaf

Want to know if you’re saving energy when you change the temp? The Nest Leaf appears when you turn Nest to a temperature that's energy efficient. It guides you in the right direction.

Energy History

You can make better decisions about your energy use if you know how and why it changes. Nest shows you when your system was on and if the weather, Auto-Away or your adjustments affected your energy use most.

Airwave automatically turns off the AC a few minutes early, but keeps the fan running. Your AC runs less while your home stays just as cool.

Nest knows one size doesn’t fit all. So you tell Nest what system you have and System Match will turn on specific features to keep you comfortable and help you save.

Looking for a fast and fair company to work with for your heating system’s repair or replacement needs?  Give Aaron’s Mechanical Service 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

Low-Income Rate Assistance

Do you need help with your utility bills?  APS, SRP and Southwest Gas have benefits in place to help you with your utility bills.  The information given is current based on this publication date.

Arizona Public Service

Energy Support (E3) and Medical Care Equipment (E4) Programs
Offers a discount up to 65 percent off the cost of electricity for customers who meet certain income guidelines. The income guidelines are based on 150% of the federal poverty guidelines and change every July 1st. The  discount  varies depending on how much electricity is used each month.  Application forms are available online or can be picked up at all APS business offices.

www.aps.com/main/services/residential/assistance/assist_2.html

Salt River Project

Economy Price Plan

Customers with limited incomes can receive $17 off SRP charges each month through the Economy Price Plan. To receive an application or for more information, call SRP at 602-236-8888 in Phoenix, or from outside the 602, 623 or 480 area codes, call toll-free number at 800-258-4777.

www.srpnet.com/prices/economy.aspx

Medical Life Support Discount

Qualifying medical patients or their family member can receive an $17 monthly discount on their SRP bill while using life-sustaining equipment.

www.srpnet.com/prices/medical.aspx

Southwest Gas

Low Income Ratepayer Assistance (LIRA)
For customers whose household income does not exceed 150% of the federal poverty level, a 20% rate discount is applicable to the first 150 therms per month during the winter season (November through April.) (877) 860-6020

www.swgas.com/assistance/az/index.php

LIHEAP Clearing House
http://liheap.ncat.org/profiles/Arizona.htm#utility

Looking for a fast and fair company to work with for your heating system’s repair or replacement needs?  Give Aaron’s Mechanical Service 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

Aaron's Mechanical Service: Tune-up Special

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

Brought to you by;
Aaron’s Mechanical Service
623-388-4436
info@aaronsmechanicalservice.com

http://AaronsMechanicalService.com

How Comfortable (Temperature Wise) Are You?

It is not often that the word snow and the word Phoenix are found in the same sentence.  But yesterday that was the case.  It snowed in and around the Phoenix metro area.  Now snowfall in Arizona is common in the north and mountain areas the desert southwest seldom sees the white stuff.

So we come to the question “How Comfortable Are You This Morning”?  If your home isn’t as warm as you would like it this morning you can make a change by calling Aaron’s Mechanical Service at 623-388-4436.

There are many factors that go into how warm your home is and perhaps most important is how much it costs to keep you as warm as you want to be.

Yes, of course, turning the thermostat down can save you money but will you still be as comfortable as you want to be?  Many people say just dressing warmer is the solution.  But how comfortable are you wearing two or three sweaters and two heavy socks.  It is not as simple as comfort versus cost. 

Not all heating systems cost you the same amount of money for the same amount of heat and comfortable warmth.  The choice of the type of heating system and fuel used is something you need to talk over with a professional like those with Aaron’s Mechanical Service.

Save money & energy starting today. Get started with things you can do now, and use the whole-house approach to ensure that your investments are wisely made to save you money and energy.  Your home is your most valuable asset and keeping it that way is an important task.

Always hire a professional to maintain your heating and cooling system. Arrange for annual maintenance with a qualified technician. This includes checking the airflow over the coil, testing for the correct fluid (refrigerant) level, checking the combustion process and heat exchanger are operating safely, and ensuring proper air-flow to each room. In addition, you should clean the air filters in your heating and cooling system once a month, and replace them regularly.

Looking for a fast and fair company to work with for your heating system’s repair or replacement needs?  Give Aaron’s Mechanical Service 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: Petrified Forest National Park

With one of the world's largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood, multi-hued badlands of the Painted Desert, historic structures, archaeological sites, native grassland, and displays of over 200-million-year-old fossils, this is a surprising land of scenic wonders and fascinating science.

Petrified Forest was originally set aside due to the amazing deposit of petrified logs. There is so much more! Fossils of more than 200 different taxa of plants, animal fossils from invertebrates to giant reptiles. Petrified Forest is a living laboratory. They have scientists on staff and a working fossil preparation laboratory.

Petrified Forest is a Science Park!  Best known for globally significant Late Triassic fossils, the park attracts many researchers. Geologists study the multi-hued Chinle Formation. Archaeologists' research over 13,000 years of history. Biologists explore one of the best remnants of native Arizona grassland. Air quality is an ongoing study in the park. Discover your own passion at Petrified Forest!

The park, just off Interstate 40 and east of Holbrook, is a wonderland of petrified wood, badlands, fossils and grasslands. Known for its enormous tree trunks of stone, the park is a great place to learn about Arizona's geology, archaeology and paleontology.

The park is open year round except Christmas, December 25. Petrified Forest National Park is open at different hours during the year.

Jan 1 - Feb 26, 2011       8am to 5pm
Feb 27 - May 7, 2011      7am to 6pm
May 8 - Sept 3, 2011       7am to 7pm
Sept 4 - Oct 22, 2011      7am to 6pm
Oct 23 - Dec 31, 2011     8am to 5pm

Admission: $10 per vehicle, good for seven days

Contact: Chambers, AZ 86502  928-524-6228 

Website: http://nps.gov/pefo

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 comfortable! Call 623-388-4436

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

Selecting The Best Heating System

There are numerous factors to consider when choosing a heating system that’s best for you and your home, such as safety, health, efficiency, cost, reliability and versatility.

In this overview of the selection process, we’re going to consider the most common forms of space heating options available today, including electricity, gas, fuel oil, and wood. We’ll also cover the heaters themselves – radiators, baseboard, fan, and gas heaters, along with central heating systems.

What Form of Heating Energy is Best for Me?

To determine which alternative works best for you, you first have to look at the pros and cons of each type of system.

Electricity
This is the most common form of heating in the U.S. today. Americans dread receiving their winter electric bills as costs continue to rise. Electric heating equipment is versatile and can be placed anywhere - in the attic, basement, or any room you choose. Electricity is the safest, cleanest and most cost-efficient fuel available. There are no tanks to fill, no possibility of explosion, and you pay only for electricity that’s been used.

Gas
While gas is the cheapest of all fuels, there are safety aspects to consider. Fumes from gas fires are not only unpleasant, but carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the leading causes of heater deaths in the U.S., today, which is why it’s illegal to install gas heaters in bedrooms in many states.

Wood
Wood fires create a wonderful ambiance, but are expensive to maintain unless you cut and stock your own timber. Wood fires are also messy, hard to clean up and require a lot of attention to keep going.

Fuel Oil
Fuel oil  is not a typical fuel source in the southwestern United States. Fuel oil systems can be costly to run. Their operating costs can fluctuate depending on the political climate in the Middle East. Although the technology was once superior, it has taken a backseat to more efficient and cost-effective measures.

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

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

Facts About Presidents' Day

As a Federal holiday day it is not officially Presidents' Day.

The Library of Congress says that as stated in the introduction, the federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February is not officially called Presidents' Day. Instead, it is Washington's Birthday. There was an attempt in 1968 to officially name it Presidents' Day. However, this suggestion died in committee. Many states, however, choose to call their own celebration on this day "Presidents' Day."

Washington's Birthday was celebrated during his Lifetime

Many across the newly formed United States celebrated Washington's Birthday in the 17th century while George Washington was still alive. However, it wasn't until 1885 that Chester Arthur signed the bill that made it a federal holiday.

Cherries, Cherries, and More Cherries 

Traditionally, many celebrated and continue to celebrate Washington's Birthday with desserts made with cherries. Cherry pie, cherry cake, bread made with cherries, or just a huge bowl of cherries are often enjoyed on this day. Of course, this relates to the apocryphal story that Washington would not tell a lie when asked if he cut down a cherry tree.

Abraham Lincoln's Birthday is not a Federal Holiday

Even though many states celebrate Abraham Lincoln's birthday concurrently with Washington's birthday, it is not a federally designated holiday.

The reading of Washington's Farewell Address

On February 22nd of almost every year since 1888, Washington's Farewell Address has been read in the US Senate. While this does not happen on Presidents' Day, it is an annual celebration of Washington's Birthday that stems from 1862 when the Address was read as a way to boost morale during the Civil War.

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

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

Aaron's Mechanical Service: Tune-up Special

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

Brought to you by;
Aaron’s Mechanical Service
623-388-4436
info@aaronsmechanicalservice.com

http://AaronsMechanicalService.com

Purchasing a High Efficiency Heating System

Learn how to choose a high efficiency heating system that’s right for you.

All natural gas heating systems have what's called an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating. The rating is expressed in percentages.

Minimum Efficiency Standards
Furnace 78% AFUE
Gas-fired Boilers 80% AFUE
Gas-fired Steam 75% AFUE

The higher the AFUE rating – the more efficient the heating system – and the less energy needed to heat your home.

For example, a new, high-efficiency furnace with a 94% efficiency rating provides 94 cents worth of heat from every energy dollar. By comparison, an older, standard efficiency furnace with an efficiency rating of 60%, provides 60 cents worth of energy for every dollar spent.

Annual Savings: Simple Payback
If you install a residential warm air furnace at 90% AFUE vs. 80% AFUE, the estimated annual savings in energy costs is $115 with a simple payback of approximately 3 years*.

High-Efficiency Furnaces
Furnaces with efficiencies over 90% are called condensing furnaces and offer the most energy savings.

These furnaces achieve 90% AFUE rating by sending flue gases through a secondary heat exchanger. This device further extracts heat that is usable energy for your home.

Remaining flue gases then exhaust outdoors through the vent pipe inserted through the wall or roof of the home. This "direct-vent" piping configuration also draws in outside air for combustion. Since indoor air is not used in the combustion process, cold air leakage (infiltration) is reduced – an added energy savings.

Guarantees and Warranties
A new heating system is a major investment, so make sure you understand the warranties that come with your new equipment.

Parts and labor are usually covered by the manufacturer and installing contractor for the first year. Some brands also offer warranties of two to ten years. High-efficiency furnaces are generally the manufacturer's top-of-the-line products and have longer warranties.

If you have questions about your heating system please give Aaron’s Mechanical Service 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

Cool Arizona Places: Warming Up At Arizona Hot Springs

On a cold winter morning like today we thought that Cool Places in Arizona just might want to visit the Arizona Hot Springs.

Arizona Hot Springs is located in a dramatic slot canyon that joins the river just downstream of Ringbolt Rapids. The spring brook forms several pools that are located about 1,000 feet from the river, where the canyon walls are nearly vertical and about 6 to 9 feet apart. Directly at the source the spring discharges highly mineralized water at a rate of about 30 gallons per minute and a temperature of about 111 degrees Fahrenheit. The spring issues from fractures in Miocene-age volcanic rocks near the intersection of two faults.

White Rock Canyon is a strikingly beautiful volcanic area. There is a wide variety of desert plants to be found, including indigo bush, ground cherry, rush-milkweed, rabbit brush, Mormon tea, desert fir, cheesebush, globemallow, desert tobacco, desert trumpet, rock nettle, rock daisy, and windmills. Rocks encountered during the hike are primarily volcanic, including flow and tuff (ash) deposits, with some granite boulders washed down from the Black Canyon.

Arizona Hot Springs hike is not advised in the summer. If you choose to go, take lots of water and watch out for rattlesnakes. Do not put your hands or feet on ledges, in bushes, or under or around rocks where you cannot see.

Directions to the Hot Springs

Hike down a spectacular volcanic canyon to the Colorado River below Hoover Dam and relax in a pleasant hot spring in a nearby side canyon.

From the Lake Mead Visitor Center, follow US Hwy 93 east 8.4 miles (4.2 miles past Hoover Dam). Watch for the sign to the trailhead.

Follow this wash downhill to the river, then follow the river 1/4 mile south over the hill where you will find the hot springs up the side canyon. Warning: A 20' ladder must be climbed to reach the best hot springs. This canyon gets its name from many huge white boulders that were carried down the canyon by flash floods.

Website: http://www.nps.gov/lake/planyourvisit/hikeazhot.htm

Looking for a fast and fair company to work with for your Heating Air Conditioning repair or replacement needs?  Give Aaron’s Mechanical Service 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

Snow In Southern Arizona With Freezing Temperatures

Well, it is not very often that you find “snow”, “freezing temperatures”, “desert” and “Southern Arizona” in the same sentence.  But yesterday February the 11th was one of those days.  Overnight temperatures in the Phoenix metro area dropped to freezing and snow fell in the areas surrounding the city.

Aaron’s Mechanical Service would like to ask you a question… how comfortable was your home?  If it wasn’t, you are looking at several more days with very low night time temperatures.  If your heating system is not up to the tasks we want you to know we can help with both short and long term solutions.

Cold winter weather brings more hazards than just icy roads and broken water pipes.  Is your home ready for more days like this?  Are your hands too cold?  Are your children comfortable?  Are your pets safe? Are you older and suffering from arthritis? Does the cold weather bother you more now than ever. These are just some of the questions you may be asking.  We can give you answers that will change the outlook for your comfort.

Did you know that indoor temperatures of 60 F to 65 F can cause hypothermia.  Older people may be at greater risk for this condition if their body’s response to cold is diminished by certain illnesses such as arthritis and medications including some over-the-counter cold remedies.

The old saying, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad houses,” may be trite, but there is much underlying truth to it.  You can bundle-up, spend more on heating or have a smart approach to getting comfortable with a modern and efficient heating system.  And Aaron’s Mechanical Service can help.

So is the answer for you to get out the scratchy wool long underwear or make a phone call to 623-388-4436?

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 comfortable! Call 623-388-4436

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

Can You Add A Gas Pack To Your Existing Heat Pump?

First that depends entirely on the brand and model of your existing Heat Pump.  Second how old your unit is needs to be factored into this as well.  It may be cheaper and better to replace the existing unit rather than converting it with a gas pack and / or heating strips.

A straight heat pump doesn’t work well in very cold temperatures.  In a very mild climate and temps that don’t dip into the 20’s very often and the heat pump my just work for you.  In a climate where you want a single unit to work regardless of outside temps, then you will need at least a heat pump with a gas pack or a geo-thermal plan for back-up.

A gas pack heating and cooling system is one where the air-conditioning and the heat pump are housed in a single unit. Gas packs combine electricity for cooling and are powered by natural gas, oil or propane for heating. They are regularly installed on rooftops, but also can be installed on a slab outside the ground floor of your home. These systems are simple to maintain, and repairs typically are easy and cost-effective.

A gas pack is a climate control system for homes that combines a gas-fired hot-air furnace and an electrically powered whole-house air conditioner into a single machine that is installed outside the home. The gas pack is tied into the existing air ducts used for heating, ventilating and air conditioning. Gas pack units can be installed on the ground or roof, and can be fitted for natural gas or propane.

Diligent maintenance is essential to get maximum service life from a gas pack. Have your unit serviced annually by a heating/air conditioning technician. Annual maintenance involves cleaning dirt and debris from the coils and lines, lubricating moving parts, cleaning the furnace burners and heat exchanger, checking for refrigerant leaks and for signs of corrosion or excessive wear. The homeowner after each lawn mowing should rinse grass clippings and other debris from the gas pack, and clear away fallen leaves in autumn and excessive snow accumulations in the winter.

Installing a gas pack is a complex task not meant to be undertaken by homeowners. In most cases, gas pack manufacturers won’t provide warranty service on units unless they were installed by a licensed heating and air conditioning contractors. Gas pack prices vary widely from contractor to contractor and by brand.

Looking for a fast and fair company to work with for your HVAC Heating Needs or furnace replacement requirements?  Give Aaron’s Mechanical Service a call and let us help you get warmed up! Call 623-388-4436 When you need us we are as close as your phone. Let us help!

Brought to you by;
Aaron’s Mechanical Service
623-388-4436
info@coolingaz.com
http://coolingaz.com

Aaron's Mechanical Service: Tune-up Special

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

Brought to you by;
Aaron’s Mechanical Service
623-388-4436
info@aaronsmechanicalservice.com

http://AaronsMechanicalService.com

Do Cool Roof Coatings Work?

First we should define what a "cool roof" actually is. For that I am going to one of the leading authorities on cool roof coatings, the Cool Roof Rating Council. The CRRC describes a cool roof as:

"A cool roof is one that reflects the sun’s heat and emits absorbed radiation back into the atmosphere. The roof literally stays cooler and reduces the amount of heat transferred to the building below, keeping the building a cooler and more constant temperature. "Coolness" is measured by two properties, solar reflectance and thermal emittance.  Both properties are measured from 0 to 1 and the higher the value, the "cooler" the roof"

"Cool roofs are an effective alternative to bulk attic insulation under roofs in humid tropical and subtropical climates. Bulk insulation can be entirely replaced by roofing systems that both reflect solar radiation and provide emission to the sky. This dual function is crucial, and relies on the performance of cool roof materials in both the visible spectrum (which needs to be reflected) and far infra-red which needs to be emitted".

There are a number of coatings that rely on their ability to reflect light, usually with high amounts of titanium dioxide, a common ingredient in paint. But once they get dirty their effectiveness drops off dramatically. Often 20%-40% in the first three years.

Others rely on microscopic glass or ceramic beads. Glass beads offer some insulative ability because they form millions of tiny air pockets. The problem is the glass can break during application and/or there is limited adhesion to the surface. (It can be peeled or worn off fairly easily). Generic ceramic microspheres are a step up from glass. Ceramic has many positive inherent properties. But not all are created equal, and the vast majority have very little insulative properties in a coating. Most of the ceramics added to coatings become little better than the coating they are added to. Some coatings are good, some are less so.

It is safe to say Super Therm will meet or exceed the averages just given. From a consumer's stanpoint, think of it this way. Super Therm is an insulation coating, a paint and a weather barrier. By any one of those and get the other two free. And whatever energy savings you get after the ROI are bonus.

Looking for a fast and fair company to work with for your heating system’s repair or replacement needs?  Give Aaron’s Mechanical Service 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: The Arizona Renaissance Festival

The Arizona Renaissance Festival is celebrating its 25th anniversary season starting February 9th, with eight weekends of revelry in our unique medieval theme park, where the entertainment never stops!

The Arizona Renaissance Festival is a medieval amusement park, a 12-stage theater, a 30-acre circus, an arts and crafts fair, a jousting tournament and a feast -- all rolled into one non-stop, day-long family adventure!

Looking for a unique getaway? How about a trip back in time?

Escape to the Arizona Renaissance Festival where pleasure and celebration are the only orders of the day as decreed by the King!

The Arizona Renaissance Festival is one of the largest of the Renaissance events in the nation because it is really five Festivals all rolled into a giant, costumed fantasy village with:

Twelve Stages of Continuous Live Entertainment
An Outdoor Circus
A Medieval Arts & Crafts Fair
A Jousting Tournament with Three Performances Each Day
A Day-Long Feast

Location:  12601 East Highway 60, Gold Canyon  AZ  85118 • 520-463-2600

When:  Saturdays & Sundays, February 9 - March 31, 2013 • 10am to 6pm - Rain or Shine

Website:  http://www.royalfaires.com/arizona/

Looking for a fast and fair company to work with for your 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

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

How Efficient Is Electric Heating?

Heating with electricity is a bit of a conundrum when looking for both financial and environmental savings. In terms of individual heating costs, it is possible to greatly reduce your winter bills by a strategic use of space heaters and zonal heating controls. Essentially, you heat the rooms you are in and leave the rest cold. For a household that is gone most of the day and is willing to sleep in a cold house at night, this can produce significant individual savings. 

Electricity can also be highly efficient in a household setting. When used to operate an air-source heat pump, the cost of electricity is comparable to that of natural gas. Baseboard heating, on the other hand, can be even higher than heating with oil. It all depends on how much you want to regulate your system.

The production of electricity, on the other hand, is not very efficient. Only 30% of the energy from oil, gas or coal actually becomes electrical energy. This means that even though your personal home-heating system is efficient, on a global scale you are actually increasing the amount of fossil fuels consumed. Also, you may not be able to control the source of your electrical energy, thereby inadvertently using coal to heat your home. 

If you know you are getting your electricity from a renewable source, such as wind power, you may, however, want to consider using more electric heat.

No matter where you live or how you heat, there are always steps you can take to lower your heating bill and reduce your carbon footprint. Turn down the thermostat and wear a sweater indoors. Insulate your windows with plastic and drapes and use a draft snake to block cold air from entering under your doors. It’s certainly worth exploring your home-heating options to choose the one that makes the most economic and environmental sense for you, your family and future generations.

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

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

Trust Me, Now Is The Time!

How well did you AC Unit work last summer?  Was your electric bill higher than the year before? A lot higher?  Did it seem that your unit ran more than usual?  Did your air conditioner need more than one service call?  Did your service tech tell you now was the time to think about a new AC unit?

Did you say yes to any of those situations?  Well, don’t wait to finish that thought, when it is time to start using your air conditioner.  Want to save time and money?  Want to have a big dose of Peace Of Mind.

Now, between winter and spring is the very best time and usually the very best in pricing to get a new AC unit installed.  Take advantage of this down time to buy and get a new AC installed.  Keep in mind that a new unit will probably save you money on your electric bill.  New AC units are much more efficient in operation.  More cooling for less money spent.

If your AC unit fails on some hundred and ten plus July day this summer you and several hundred other folks will be all trying to get a new unit up on the roof.  Will a crane be available?  Will the unit you really want be in stock?

Buying a new Air Conditioner this time of year is a no stress situation.  You have time to consider different brands, price points and service companies.  

When it is just seventy degrees outside your installer will appreciate it as well.  He can do a better job if he isn’t rushing to get your cooling back online.  Or trying to get off a roof that is pushing one hundred and forty degrees.

Trust Me, Now Is The Time!

Are you looking for a fast and fair company to work with for your Air Conditioning replacement, repairs, troubleshooting or preventive maintenance?  Give Aaron’s Mechanical Service a call and let us help you stay comfortable this coming summer! 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 Reminder From:
Aaron’s Mechanical Service
623-388-4436
info@aaronsmechanicalservice.com
http://aaronsmechanicalservice.com