Did It Feel Nippy To You?

This morning felt a bit nippy to me this morning.  Temperatures in the low forties will do that to you.  I was very comfortable under the covers but it was sure nice to find the bathroom nice and toasty too. Was your home warm and comfortable this morning?

We thought we would take a minute and tell you about the new Carrier furnace this morning in case you need to replace your heating system this Fall.

No matter what type of lifestyle you enjoy you need the right heat source for your home, there's an innovative Carrier gas furnace for your home here in the Phoenix Metro area. The Carrier Infinity® 98 furnaces are so efficient at using fuel, the only furnace more efficient at burning fuel is the Sun. Carrier furnaces are highly efficient — the higher the AFUE rating, the greater the efficiency.

Infinity® 98 Delivers Precision Comfort Economically

The Infinity® 98 gas furnace family offers Greenspeed™ Intelligence innovations that save on utilities and includes a model size that is the quietest furnace you can buy and a model size that is the most efficient gas furnace you can buy.

Heating efficiency that delivers up to 98.5% AFUE, the highest that you can buy.

Precise gas modulation with movements in 1% increments

SmartEvap™ technology can lower the humidity in your home by nearly 10%

ComfortFan™ technology allows control of continuous fan speed with a compatible control

Lifetime heat exchanger limited warranty

10-year parts limited warranty when properly registered

Complete home comfort is about more than just temperature — it's also about maintaining a healthy home with indoor air quality. Dusty, dirty homes at any temperature can mean discomfort. The air in today's tightly-sealed, well-insulated homes can become stale as the same indoor air is circulated and re-circulated. Fortunately, Carrier's wide range of air quality solutions, including humidifiers, ventilators, UV lamps, media filters and air cleaners, can together eliminate many of the pollutants threatening your home's health and improve indoor air quality.

Warranty details on the Carrier website: http://www.residential.carrier.com/products/furnaces/gas/infinity98m.shtml

If you are looking for a fast and fair company to work with for your Heating or HVAC 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
623-388-4436info@aaronsmechanicalservice.com
http://aaronsmechanicalservice.com

Cool Arizona Places: Tombstone AZ Bird Cage Theater

Are you looking for a great haunted location to celebrate Halloween or just visit on a weekend. You need look no farther than southern Arizona. The Bird Cage Theatre is Tombstone's most authentic attraction and one of the west's most famous and haunted landmarks.

The ladies of the night, plied their trade in cribs suspended from the ceiling in the building. There  are 14 cribs which line the sides of the gambling hall in the Bird Cage Theatre, Step back into time -To the Old West... The Bird Cage Theatre is an experience you will never forget...

These rooms reveal an untouched site from over a Hundred and Twenty Five Years ago...You can now  visit the lower level, by means of the old back stage stairs. Recently, Six more rooms below the Bird Cage were opened to the public. This area had been closed and sealed off since 1889.

Owned by Watt & Tarbell Undertaking Parlor of Tombstone Az. It is the only one left of the original 8.This Hearse buried everyone in BootHill Cemetery from 1881 to 1906.

The Bird Cage' is a national tourist attraction that is open to the public year-round from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm daily in Tombstone, Arizona. The place has a reputation of being Haunted. Who knows, those poor souls that were murdered inside, may be ghosts still playing poker with a lady on their laps.

Did You Catch a Ghost in your photographs or Unexplainable image while in the Bird Cage Theatre, Paranormal Activity

Visitors and employees of the Bird Cage Theater have reported seeing the spirits of former prostitutes and men in cowboy hats. Some claim to have been touched and pushed by unseen forces.

At night, the sounds of laughter, yelling and music have been heard, as though the parties of the Old West were still raging. Many have claimed to see the visage of a man in black wearing a visor pacing across the stage...

Ghost Tours are available daily at the Bird Cage Theater, in the town of Tombstone. Bring your camera, comfortable walking shoes and sense of adventure to the most infamous saloon in the town that never dies.

The SyFy Television show Ghost Hunters featured the Bird Cage on an episode and had footage that captured events that lead them to declare the BCT "Haunted".

Address: 535 E Allen Street Tombstone AZ 85638 • 520-457-3421
Website: http://tombstonebirdcage.com/

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 comfortable! Call 623-388-4436

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

Cooler Days Ahead

They National Weather Service is predicting that the next few days will bring low to mid seventies for the highs.  That is about normal for this time of year in the Phoenix Metro area.  It sure is a nice break from the highs we have had in the pas t few months.

You may feel the need for some heating, but aren’t ready to fire up your furnace.  So what is the best ways to add some warmth to your home?  During the day you can let in warmth from your south facing windows.  Pull back the drapes and let that warm sunlight in.  If you house is well insulated that will help get you through the night time hours.

Start your morning with a nice hot shower. A small space heater in the bathroom will make that room feel better. If you have time you might want to bake fresh hot cinnamon rolls for breakfast and take the chill off the house at the same time.

If you run your ceiling fans in reverse they will bring warm air down from the ceiling area.  Give that a try.  This works well in the afternoon and into the evening but not as well in the morning.

As your home cools off you will want to close off windows and doors to hold in the heat that has built up during the day.  That may be enough to keep your home comfortable during a cool night.

Many folks use a fireplace to keep them comfortable on cool evenings. The ambiance is also a wonderful perk from that warming fire.  But if you leave the damper open after the fire goes out you will let warmth escape up the chimney as the night goes on and the net effect will be an even cooler house next morning.

You are aware that you can add blankets to your bed to keep you warm, but it is the cool temperature of the house as you get up in the morning that may lead you to start your heating system. You want to make sure it is ready and safe before you do that.

Calling Aaron’s Mechanical Service at 623-388-4436 can make sure it is safe to start your HVAC in the heating mode or your gas furnace for the first time this year.  We have a great tune-up service that you can use.

Just as you might expect the National Weather Service also shows that we will warm back into the mid-eighties in just about a week or so.  What else can we expect for fall in Phoenix Arizona.

If you are looking for a fast and fair company to work with for your HVAC or Heating 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

Rheem, HVAC and Stock Car Racing

Photo Credit: From http://kevinharvick.com

Are you a stock racing fan? Do you have a Rheem HVAC system? Or more importantly do you need a new heating or cooling system.  We want race fans to know that Aaron’s Mechanical Service is here to help you get your HVAC needs repaired or replaced.  If you are thinking racing please think Aaron’s Mechanical Service when it comes to air conditioning or heating repair of replacement.

In the last two weeks Rheem’s sponsorship of race teams has led to national exposure.

James Buescher and his Rheem team returned to Talladega Superspeedway coming off their sixth straight top-10 finish of the 2013 season. Buescher looks to continue his success at Talladega and improve his average finish of 6.8. Buescher has only finished outside the top 10 one time in his four career starts at the 2.66-mile track. Last year at Talladega, Buescher managed to stay out of the "Big One" to bring home a third-place finish and stay within striking distance of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) championship. 

Gotta Have a Rheem...Once again, the No. 31 Turner Scott Motorsports (TSM) team had the familiar Rheem colors back onboard at Talladega Superspeedway.

This week (October 27, 2013) at Martinsville speedway (for the Goody's Headache Relief Shot 500 Powered by Kroger ) Rheem’s logo graced the hood of Kevin Harvick’s number 29 NASCAR Sprint Cup Chevrolet fielded by the RCR team. Kevin qualified and started in 10th place and after a very competitive race Harvick finished in 10th place and took home $133,846 in prize money.

Harvick has made 24 Sprint Cup Series starts at Martinsville Speedway dating back to the 2001 season. Throughout his years in the Sprint Cup Series, the California native has made one trip to Victory Lane (April 2011). Harvick has also collected one pole award (2010), three top-five and 10 top-10 finishes. He has an average starting position of 13.7 paired with an average finishing position of 16.6, has completed 97.5 percent (11,736 of 12,034) of the laps contested and has 363 laps led to his credit.

Rheem Manufacturing Company (www.rheem.com) is privately held with headquarters in Atlanta. In its 87th year of operation, the company manufactures a full line of high-quality residential and commercial heating and cooling systems; tank, tankless, solar, and heat pump water heaters; swimming pool heaters and commercial boilers throughout North America and world markets. The company's premium brands, including Raypak, Ruud and Rheem, have been recognized with countless industry and consumer awards for reliability, innovative design and high quality. Rheem, now in its seventh consecutive year as a NASCAR sponsor, is the official heating, cooling and water heating supplier to Turner Scott Motorsports and Richard Childress Racing. Rheem also sponsors the No. 33 NASCAR Nationwide Series car driven by Paul Menard.

At Aaron’s Mechanical Service we want you to stay cool and comfortable all year round.  If your AC unit needs service or replacement please think of us and call at 623-388-4436 and we will come to you and solve your air conditioning service needs. 

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 fifties, 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

Furnace, Heating, But I’m Still Using My Air Conditioner

I know that it hard to take time to think about heating when it is in the low nineties outside. For the next five days the Valley of the Sun is living up to its name.  The National Weather Service is predicting that the temperatures will run ninety to ninety-one degrees Fahrenheit. When you are still using your Air Conditioner to keep your home cool it does seem to be silly to take time to think about using your furnace or the heating side of your HVAC unit.

The same National Weather Service also says the following week daytime highs will drop into the seventies and night time lows will be in the mid-forties. I know that the fireplaces will begin to fire-up (so-to-speak) to take the chill off and those of us with-out a fireplace will begin to use some form of heating.

Is your home ready for the coming cold weather?

Here are some winterizing tips:

Use fans wisely. In just one hour, a hard-working bathroom or kitchen fan can expel a houseful of warm air, according to the Department of Energy. Turn them off as soon as they've done their job.

Keep the fireplace damper closed. Heat rises, and an open damper is like a hole in the roof. Also, limit use of the fireplace, since fires actually suck heat from a room. Close off seldom-used rooms. Shut the vents in those rooms.

Turn down the water heater. Lowering the temperature of water in the water heater to 115-120 degrees reduces power use often without a noticeable difference to the user.

Keep heating vents clear. Vents blocked by rugs and furniture prevent heated air from circulating efficiently.

Use curtains. Opening curtains and shades on south-facing windows during the day allows solar radiation to warm a living space; closing all curtains at night helps retard the escape of that heat.

Install a smart thermostat. If you're the kind of person who forgets to turn the temperature down at night and as you leave for work, but who doesn't mind programming things like the TV remote control, a "smart" thermostat ($60 - $125) can be set to adjust the temperature for you.

At Aaron’s Mechanical Service we want you to stay comfortable all year round.  If your HVAC unit needs service or replacement please think of us and call at 623-388-4436 and we will come to you and solve your air conditioning service needs.

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

Haunted Northern Arizona Places: Morton Hall

Looking for a Halloween drive? Flagstaff and the Northern Arizona University campus might just run you into a ghost. One of NAU’s dormitories, Morton Hall is rumored to be haunted. Just ask the students.

Some former students believe the campus was built over an old Indian burial ground. Others contribute the hauntings due to the fact it is surrounded by three different cemeteries. Residents of  the dorm will confirm that NAU is a center for paranormal activity.

Morton Hall was built in 1914 and one of the original buildings on campus. The three-story Georgian Revival Style has been modified over the years, but its ghostly tales have remained within the walls.

This traditional all female residence for upper classmen is said to be haunted by the spirit of a former student who hanged herself in her room over the cold, lonely winter break. They say during World War II a coed fell in love with a sailor who went off to war. She learned of his untimely death shortly before Christmas break and was devastated. After the rest of the ladies left for the holidays, the forlorn student stayed behind and ended her life.

Morton Hall was closed for a short time after the incident. But, when it was reopened, strange paranormal activity began to happen throughout the building. Lights turn on and off, peculiar odors are noted, and there have even been a few sightings of the female ghost. Girls often find themselves trapped in the bathroom — as though someone has locked them in — only there is no lock on the door. Events continue to this day. Residents also hear scratching on the walls, and have seen sinks turn on and off when there is no one else in the room.

Residents began a tradition last year of hosting a night of North Morton Hall ghost stories. The price of admission was $1 and a can of food. It included walking through the basement, climbing upstairs to the third floor, talking about Kathy in the little blue lobby upstairs where she like to sit and telling ghost stories for two hours.

While there are numerous reports of hauntings throughout NAU's North Campus, one of the most persistent legends is that of "Kathy the Ghost" in Morton Hall.

Of the story variations surrounding Kathy's death, the most common is that, in 1953, she hanged herself in Morton Hall over Christmas break after being abandoned by her boyfriend. Since that time, Morton Hall Residents have reported witnessing many mysterious events including lights flickering on and off, footsteps in the hallways when no one is there, the sound of sobbing, doors opening or locking by themselves, radios turning to 1950's music, and a ghostly woman in a nightgown wandering through the building at night.

There are other ghosts in and around North Morton such as the two lovers who drowned in an underground tunnel between Taylor Hall and North Morton when the pipes broke. They might account for the giggling and banging on water pipes that people hear in the North Morton basement.

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 comfortable! Call 623-388-4436

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

Are You Putting Off Your Heating System Tune-up?

Are You Putting Off Your Heating System Tune-up?

I know it is really hard to thinking about heating when the afternoon temperature is running in the low to mid nineties.  Yes, here we are October 21st and the temperature really was ninety-one degrees Fahrenheit yesterday afternoon.

I have even worse news it is going to get hotter in the next few days.

I must warn you however, this isn’t going to last and very soon you will be reaching for the thermostat and moving that switch to “Heat”. Is it going to work?  Are you really sure?

Don’t put it off, do it now. Don’t procrastinate! I know you have heard those before and I am beginning to remind you of your parents.  I am guilty of that.  But, do you want to go hunting for more blankets to stay warm.  Or would you rather be ready and just flick that switch and set a comfortable temperature?

Do you want to find yourself along with thousands of others who aren’t ready and calling around to find a technician to come out and save you. Do you think you will pay more or less when that day happens? You are familiar with the Law of supply and demand?

Regular maintenance along with periodic checkups by a licensed heating professional are essential for continued safe and efficient operation of your furnace. But don't wait until the first cold snap hits to make sure your furnace is ready for winter.

It doesn’t matter if you have an HVAC system or a separate furnace they need to be serviced to be ready for winter temps.

Is this your first desert winter? You have an idea that it isn’t going to get as cold as back home and you may be right.  Your body has changed as it dealt with the summer heat. Our forty-five degrees is going to feel a lot colder than you remember.  When you reach for a sweater as the temp drops into the fifties you should get your first clue. I know you don’t believe me now, but just wait.  That stuff about your blood getting thinner may not be quite right, but It will feel ten to twenty degrees colder that you remember.

Furnaces, heaters and even water heaters must be serviced at least once each year by a qualified furnace service technician. Furnace maintenance service or heater maintenance service can take place at any time during the year; the warm off-heating season months are an ideal time to call the furnace repair and maintenance service, leaving your heating unit ready for the winter to come.

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

Our Fall High Temps Are Other’s Summer Time Highs

Did you notice that the National Weather Service is predicting several days this week that our afternoon highs will near or at ninety degrees Fahrenheit?

I know we all agree that the southwestern desert here in the Valley of the Sun is “one” of the hottest places in the United States. We expect to need our air conditioner to be running at peak efficiency during the summer.

Many places in the country the summer high temperatures rarely exceed our fall high temp let alone our summer time highs. So this week our daytime highs will be like many cities during the hottest part of the summer.  Trust me they would hope to have an AC unit so they could cool off.  They would also be swimming in the nearest stream or local pool.  They would be unlikely to have an in-ground pool of their own.

Now here we are, right into Fall and twenty days through October.  Our low temperatures are running in the low fifties for the most part and that occurs just before or just after sunrise (that depends on whether we have an inversion layer or not).

Many parts of the rest of the country are running night time lows in the lower thirties. Heck some are even dropping as low as the twenties.  And yes, there are some that have already dropped to even lower temperatures.

Are those areas relying on their furnaces already? They sure are. Here in the Phoenix Metro area you can smell the wood burning as our “hearty” souls start using their wood burning fireplaces.

Is your furnace or HVAC system ready for our “winter” heating season? Are you sure? When was the last time you have had your furnace serviced or even looked at by a professional? Do you just expect it to work year after year? Your heating system or HVAC unit needs service!

You do remember the old saying “An Ounce Of Prevention Is Worth A Pound Of Cure”? To arrange for a Heating System Tune Up give Aaron’s Mechanical Service a call at 623-388-4436.

So before you call your relatives and invite them to Arizona for a backyard barbeque, during their next big blizzard remember to get your home all warm and comfortable for the first night it drops to freezing here in the Valley of the Sun, maybe even a whole lot sooner. You know turnabout is fair play and they are going to invite you to come home when our temperatures reaches one-hundred-twenty-two degrees Fahrenheit again. You just might be more tempted than you know if your HVAC system is under the care of Aaron’s Mechanical Service.

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

Getting Ready For Winter

With the temperature this morning dipping into the fifties, 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

New Construction Consider Radiant Heat

If you are considering a new home and ground up construction, even in our desert climate, you may want to consider radiant heat in at least part of your new home. If you are using tile or hardwood floors in some areas of your home, in floor heating will make it more comfortable on our colder winter days.

Certain areas like bedroom and bathroom floors that are tile are much more comfortable when warmed with either electric or hot water radiant heat. Even kitchen floors and early morning bare feet can be very comfortable when pre-warmed by radiant heat.
 
Healthfulness is one of the most important benefits of radiant heating.  There are reasons why so many families have more illnesses in the winter.

Radiant heating does not blow dirt, dust, bacteria, viruses and pet dander around the house all winter long. Unlike hot air systems, radiant heat will not dry out your breathing passages and leave them more vulnerable to infection.

Some have reported that their children’s asthma medication were reduced by half when lived in a radiantly heated home.

Another advantage is that a radiant heating system is unobtrusive, it is felt but not seen or heard.  There are no radiators, vents or baseboard units to interfere with furniture placement or interior design. There are no fans or blower noise.  Just peace and quiet.

You can even put radiant heated floors (using electricity) in during a bathroom remodel. Some kits even come with options for towel warmers as well.

You cannot see radiant heating energy under normal circumstances; a special camera is needed.
But you can certainly feel radiant heat; and it feels good!

Radiant heat is like sunshine, or warmth from a fire; it just makes you feel more comfortable and cozy.

When your floor is warm, your feet are warm too.  The air that you breathe can be a little cooler and more refreshing. 

Radiant heat is just one option to consider in new construction or remodeling.

At Aaron’s Mechanical Service we want you to stay comfortable all year round.  If your heating system needs service or replacement please think of us and call at 623-388-4436 and we will come to you and solve your HVAC service needs. 

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

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

Sunset Crater is a volcanic cinder cone located north of Flagstaff in U.S. State of Arizona. The crater is within the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument.  Sunset Crater is the youngest in a string of volcanoes (the San Francisco volcanic field) that is related to the nearby San Francisco Peaks.

The date of the eruptions that formed the 340-meter-high cone (1,120 ft) was initially derived from tree-ring dates, suggesting the eruption began between the growing seasons of A.D. 1064–1065. However, more recent geologic and archaeological evidence places the eruption around A.D. 1085. The largest vent of the eruption, Sunset Crater itself, was the source of the Bonito and Kana-a lava flows that extended about 1.6 miles NW and 6 miles NE, respectively. Additional vents along a 6.2 miles long fissure extending SE produced small spatter ramparts and a 4 miles-long lava flow to the east. The Sunset Crater eruption produced a blanket of ash and lapilli covering an area of more than 810 square miles and forced the temporary abandonment of settlements of the local Sinagua people. The volcano has partially revegetated, with pines and wildflowers. The crater is the namesake for the Sunset Crater Beardtongue.

The hiking trail below the summit skirts the substantial Bonito Lava Flow. This hardened lava is black and appears fresh as it has devastated the forest in its path. The lava flow also created an ice cave or tube that is now closed to the public after a partial collapse.

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument is a U.S. National Monument in the north-central part of the U.S. state of Arizona, created to protect Sunset Crater, a cinder cone within the San Francisco Volcanic Field. The monument is managed by the National Park Service in close conjunction with nearby Wupatki National Monument. In 1928, a Hollywood film company - Famous Players-Lasky Corporation - planned to detonate large quantities of explosives on the side of Sunset Crater in order to create an avalanche for Zane Grey's motion picture, "Avalanche". Public outcry over this plan led in part to the proclamation of Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument by President Herbert Hoover in 1930.

A one-mile self-guided loop trail is located at the base of Sunset Crater but hiking to the summit is not permitted. A trail providing access to the summit and crater was closed in 1973 because of excessive erosion caused by hikers.

The visitor center is located near the park entrance, 15 miles north of Flagstaff, Arizona, along U.S. Highway 89.

Hours: Currently closed due to Government Shutdown – Hopefully will reopen soon
Website:  www.nps.gov/sucr/
‎
At Aaron’s Mechanical Service we want you to stay comfortable all year round.  If your HVAC unit needs service or replacement please think of us and call at 623-388-4436 and we will come to you and solve your air conditioning service needs.

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

Getting Your Home Ready For Our Phoenix’s Winters

Beyond your heating system there are many other items that need attention before our 1st freeze.

Be sure to blow out your sprinkler system.  Most sprinkler piping is only about 6 inches underground, and therefore will freeze.  Hire a contractor to come blow air through your sprinkler system to ensure that all the water is out of your lines.

Inspect and clean your gutters.  Ice can damage gutters.  Be sure to clean your gutters before the scold weather and ice hit and inspect them for any damage.

Close up your foundation vent covers.  If your foundation vents have covers attached, simply close them.  If they don't, go to a hardware store and buy the foam vent covers and put them on. Some older homes have plumbing systems are run underneath the home and it's important to keep the foundation closed off during the winter months. Insulate your plumbing pipes.  Inspect your plumbing system and make sure that all pipes are insulated in the crawlspace.

Have your furnace and/or other heating system serviced.  If you have a furnace, it's recommended that you have it serviced every year. Also make sure to change the filters.  If you have a wood burning stove or fireplace, have the chimney swept and inspected.

Clean up the exterior.  Pick up and put away any debris, lawn/patio furniture, or other items that will not fair well in the freezing temperatures.

Check all doors and windows for air gaps.  Inspect all of your exterior doors and windows for gaps where cold air can be let into your home.  For doors, properly install weather stripping around the door frame to seal the door.  For windows, make sure that the exterior windows are properly caulked.

Inspect your roof.  Inspect your roof for any damage where moisture can possibly penetrate the roof.  You may also want to peek in your attic and look for signs of water damage.

Have an efficiency audit performed on your home.  Many power and gas companies offer energy/efficiency audits to determine if anything can be done to help improve your overall home's efficiency.  This includes looking at insulation levels, cold air penetration, and other items.

Check the exterior for proper drainage.  Inspect your property for proper drainage.  Around the edge of your home's foundation, the ground should not slope into the foundation.  Also check that your foundation vents are all above grade.  Improper drainage can cause standing water and/or water to penetrate your foundation and get into your crawl space.

At Aaron’s Mechanical Service we want you to stay comfortable all year round.  If your HVAC unit needs service or replacement please think of us and call at 623-388-4436 and we will come to you and solve your air conditioning service needs.

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

Government Predicts Winter Energy Costs



On October 8th, 2013 the Government made the forecast that prices for natural gas, electricity and propane should be higher, the primary reason that more than ninety percent of U.S. homes will incur higher heating expenses.

Natural gas users will see the biggest percentage increase after two years of historically low prices. Their heating bills should rise to an average of $679, the Energy Department said in its outlook for heating costs for the season running from October through March. That is about thirteen percent higher than a year ago, but still four percent below the average for the previous five winters.

Homes relying on electricity for heat, about thirty-eight percent of the U.S., will likely pay about two percent more compared with last year.

Not that heating oil is used here in the Valley of the Sun, but, overall for heating oil customers, there is good news and bad. Their average bill should drop two percent. But they'll still pay an average of $2,046 for the season, the second highest on record behind last year's $2,092.

The best way to mitigate the price increases is to make sure that your heating is system is running at its most efficient.  The way to do that is to have Aaron’s Mechanical Service to a tune-up on your heating system.

Just over fifty percent of U.S. households use natural gas for heating. Many of the thirty-eight percent of U.S. households that use electric heat live in warm regions where heating demand is not high. Only six percent use heating oil, but those homes tend to be in New England and New York, where winter heating needs are high.

The Energy Department expects temperatures in the Northeast to be about 3 percent colder than a year ago, resulting in a 3 percent increase in consumption of heating oil. Bills will be lower, however, because the average price for heating oil will drop to $3.68 a gallon from $3.87. About 25 percent of homeowners in the Northeast use oil for heat.

But the government cautions that if temperatures are about ten percent below expectations nationally, heating oil costs could rise around nine percent from a year ago. That would mean an average bill of $2.280, which will be a record.

The efficiency of your heating system and how warm you keep your home will determine how much you spend on energy this winter.  We can help you save money – it all starts with a simple phone call.

At Aaron’s Mechanical Service we want you to stay comfortable all year round.  If your furnace needs service or replacement please think of us and call at 623-388-4436 and we will come to you and solve your HVAC system service needs.

Presented by;
Aaron’s Mechanical Service
623-388-4436info@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

There is a Bit of Fall in the Air

I don’t know about you but when I got up this morning and it was in the low fifties with a soft rain falling I knew Fall had truly arrived. Yes, it will be back in the eighties for the next ten days or so.  But, you have to enjoy fall in the desert southwest, when and where you can.

Over the next two weeks or so would be the best time to get your HVAC system converted over and ready for the heat you will need for the next four or five months.  Don’t wait till it is really cold and everyone is trying to find anyone to come and help.

Now you have the time to pick and choose the “right” company to get your heating system ready to do its job.  At Aaron’s Mechanical Service we are ready (most importantly – qualified) to work with your heating system. It can be HVAC combination or a stand-alone furnace.  It doesn’t matter if it is natural gas, propane or electric, it is right up our alley (so to speak).  We have been servicing these units here in the Valley of the Sun since 1994. 

Is it time to consider a whole house air filtration system? Do you suffer from airborne allergies? Wew can install a Trane system that will help and make you more comfortable.

Highest Efficiency
Standard air cleaners have filters that are very dense, so they stop the dust by trapping it in a slightly porous filter. The fewer the pores the more dust it can trap. However, this not only stops the dust and dirt, but it also stops the air from moving as well. So you may not be as comfortable, and less air is cleaned efficiently. This is called pressure drop. The revolutionary Trane CleanEffects™ air filtration system has the lowest pressure drop with the highest efficiency possible.

Small Particles, Large Effects
Particles like dust, smoke and bacteria are often .3 microns or less. At that size, allergens can get deep into your lungs because they aren’t filtered well by your nose and throat. An effective whole-house air cleaner, such as Trane CleanEffects™, can reduce the presence of potential asthma and allergy attack triggers in your home, like dust, pollen, pet hair and dander, dust mites, mildew, lint, fungus, most tobacco smoke, cooking grease, and even bacteria.

Patented Innovation
Trane CleanEffects utilizes patented, breakthrough air cleaning technology to remove up to an astounding 99.98% of airborne allergens from the air that passes through the filter. It catches particles as small as .1 micron, making it 8 times more effective than even the best HEPA room filters and up to 100 times more effective than a standard 1" filter.

At Aaron’s Mechanical Service we want you to stay comfortable all year round.  If your HVAC unit needs service or replacement please think of us and call at 623-388-4436 and we will come to you and solve your air conditioning service needs.

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

Cool Places: Cactus Hobbies Slot Car Racing

As you know we write about places to visit for families.  Normally in the hot summer months we suggest places in the northern half of Arizona to help you cool off and during the winter we pick places from all over the state.  In some cases we chose indoor locations to cover local areas that are cool and don’t worry about inclement weather.

This week we are choosing a local venue that has great indoor fun. It is called Cactus Hobbies.

Cactus Hobbies is the leader for slot cars and slot car racing in Arizona. They feature slot car rentals with affordable family rates that will keep you entertained on an old fashioned buck. They have slot cars, slot car sets for take home use, slot car upgrades and accessories for 1/32, 1/24 and HO scale slot cars.  Come in for 1/32 and HO take home sets, perfect to keep the kids busy for hours! You want time to relax? Get a slot car track sitter. It's the latest thing in child entertainment!!

Plus, Cactus Hobbies features in-store slot car tracks for test and tune weekdays on the road course, drag strip and six lane oval, PLUS Sunday organized racing for road racing and drag racing. Friends and families gather for spirited competition with closely matched cars on a challenging track that is sure to grab every ones attention!

Have a Birthday coming up and don't know what to do?  Bring the whole lot to Cactus Hobbies and let them do it for you. They teach the drivers the fine points of slot car racing and turn them loose for some hot laps and organized heat races that are guaranteed to get them buzzing. They supply pizza for a mid-party break then return to the track(s) for racing! Visit their website and look at their Party Packages for more info and then load up the kids (as many as possible) and come on down!

Cactus Hobbies features organized slot car racing every Saturday and Sunday. They run non-modified Flexi chassis with one of three sealed can type motors that cannot be modified in any way. They currently run LeMans Prototype bodies (LMP) with medium down force. They use the Champion tech tool (CH940) to measure rear axle width, ride height and rear wheel size (.765 minimum).

Location:  12450 North 35th Ave, Ste:20 Phoenix AZ 85029 • 602-843-7223
Hours: Closed Mondays • Tuesday – Saturday 11:00 to 7:00 • Sunday 11:00 to 4:00
Website:  http://www.cactusrc.com/

At Aaron’s Mechanical Service we want you to stay comfortable all year round.  If your HVAC unit needs service or replacement please think of us and call at 623-388-4436 and we will come to you and solve your air conditioning service needs.

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

The Change Over From Air Conditioning To Heating

Today the temperature is said to be in the mid-nineties and tomorrow will drop to the mid-eighties. Will today be the last day when the temperatures will be that high until mid April 2014?

That would be nice, but, any time during October the Phoenix area can reach that low to mid-nineties range.  It is just the nature of living in the southwest desert area. Not to mention the heat island that the Valley of the Sun has become. We just want to remind you that now is a great time to call and schedule your heating tune-up. It will mean no rude surprises when you need to use the heating side of your HVAC system.

Even if you use a separate gas heating system, it is time to call Aaron’s Mechanical Service at 623-388-4436 and set-up your gas furnace tune-up. Is the gas line to your furnace shut off?  Who will be the one who turns it back on and relights your furnace pilot light?

One of the more common questions concerns switching heat pumps from AC to heating in the fall. Homeowners are not always sure when to do this, or more often than not, they aren’t sure how to do this. It’s really up to you when to change your over air condition to heat pump, but there are a few things to keep in mind before you do this. Getting your annual heating maintenance and changing filters are just a few items to check off the list.

We’ve put together a short checklist of things to do to get your heat pump ready for the cooling season. Call Aaron’s Mechanical Service at 623-388-4436 for help or if you have questions.

Change Thermostat Settings
When the weather finally gets warm enough for the air conditioner, turn your heat pump from heat to cool mode using your thermostat. When you switch from heat to air conditioning, the heat transfer process is reversed, and the refrigerant will change direction so that the warm air inside the home is pushed outside, and the warmer air from outside is cooled as it blows over the coils. Most air conditioning experts recommend that you keep your fan setting on “auto” to help save energy and ensure that your heat pump works correctly.

Check Air Filters
Always be sure to check your air filters when you are switching to cooling mode. While this should be done often during either the winter or summer, it is a good habit to get into any time you are switching your heat pump over. A clogged or dirty air filter prevents proper airflow and reduces efficiency.

Heat Pump Maintenance
Always schedule maintenance for your heat pump at least once a year, though twice a year is ideal. Doing this before summer will help to ensure that your Las Vegas heating technician can catch any potential problems early on. This prevents repair needs and ensures that your heat pump is performing at optimal levels

At Aaron’s Mechanical Service we want you to stay comfortable all year round.  If your HVAC unit needs service or replacement please think of us and call at 623-388-4436 and we will come to you and solve your air conditioning service needs.

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

October Is A Week Old and We Still Have High Nineties

Well, today is the first Monday (the 7th) of October and we will still see mid to high nineties here in the Valley of the Sun. Phoenix promises to have the mid-nineties on Tuesday as well. It is very hard to know what the fifties well feel like in just a few days.  That may even mean the forties in some of the surrounding areas. With highs dipping into the seventies it just shows how fast the temperatures can change here in the Phoenix Metro area.

At Aaron’s Mechanical Service we want you to stay comfortable all year round.  If your HVAC unit needs service or replacement please think of us and call at 623-388-4436 and we will come to you and solve your air conditioning service needs.

Your location doesn’t matter we are here to serve the whole of the Phoenix Metro area and have been doing so since 1994.

Our Service Commitment:
On-time Technicians
Quality Work
Available 24 / 7
Warranty: 1yr Parts & Labor

Many companies make these claims - We live by them!

We can help you get ready for our heating season with a Furnace check-up, give us a call at 623-388-4436 to find out more.

Home heating systems basically consist of three parts. A heat sensor, or thermostat, measures the temperature in your home and determines when it needs to be raised. When the air temperature drops, the thermostat signals the heater and the blower to turn on. The combustion in the heater creates heat, while the blower moves air over the heat exchanger, raising its temperature and distributing it throughout the house by the heating ducts. Cooler room air is returned to the furnace through return ducts where it is warmed. The warm-air-out, cool-air in-cycle continues until the desired temperature is reached and the thermostat signals the furnace to shut down.

So, how do you tune up a furnace system?

HVAC systems are mechanical, so like all mechanical systems they do need to be maintained. A thorough professional tune up will cost you $100 or more and is definitely something you should do every few years. However, you can do an annual tune up and maintenance process yourself, and save some of that money.

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

2014 New and More Efficient Products From Daikin

Daikin Industries announced the availability of Daikin brand residential heating and cooling systems offering high efficiency performance, outstanding product warranty* coverage and a robust dealer sales support program through its Daikin North America LLC, business unit. A full line of ducted products will be available for the 2014 selling season and will be sold through select North American distributors.

Recognized as the one of the world’s leaders in the manufacture of HVAC equipment and refrigerants, the Daikin brand will be supported by an aggressive brand reinforcement campaign that will include several unique co-marketing partnerships. In addition, several programs to drive prospective sales leads to qualifying Daikin dealers will be actively deployed. The premium product line and brand will be positioned as bringing ‘Comfort for Life’ to residential homeowners across North America.

“We believe that the Daikin brand launch allows us an opportunity to better serve a focused group of HVAC dealers who will find value in the leading technology associated with the Daikin brand and who want to represent the number one HVAC brand in the world. One of our goals with the Daikin brand is to serve a segment of the replacement market in which other manufacturers have under-invested. It’s a rare and exciting opportunity to launch a new brand in the North American HVAC industry,” said Dave Swift, President and CEO of Daikin North America, LLC.

On a global basis, the Daikin brand is a market leader in the development of high technology, energy-efficient indoor comfort solutions to residential, commercial and industrial customers. For nearly 90 years the company has grown consistently and successfully due to the loyalty and success of its customers.

Takeshi Ebisu, a Daikin Board Member, said “We believe that applying Daikin’s proven technological innovation and leadership from around the world is a great opportunity for the HVAC dealers serving the North American market. It’s the largest global HVAC market. With the full range of ducted and ductless products, this is a special opportunity for our customers and our company.”

All Daikin brand unitary products will be assembled in manufacturing plants located in Texas and Tennessee, further enhancing Daikin’s investment in local operations.

At Aaron’s Mechanical Service we want you to stay cool and comfortable all year round.  If your HVAC unit needs service or replacement please think of us and call at 623-388-4436 and we will come to you and solve your air conditioning service needs.

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

Cool Places: Seeing Arizona’s Beautiful Fall Colors

During the first couple weeks of October the leaves of certain trees in Northern Arizona are reaching the peak of their fall colors.  You may want to know where to go on a weekend drive to see these spectacular riot of colors.

Flagstaff Ranger District

Drives
Hart Prairie (Accessed via Hwy 180 and Forest Service Road 151 and/or FSR 418, which also loops around the north end of the Peaks for a pretty view)

Lockett Meadow (Hwy 89 north  approx 12 miles north of Flagstaff to FSR 418/420 junction, then FSR 552)

FSR 420 aka “Schultz Pass Road” (Hwy 180 approx 3 miles north of Downtown Flagstaff OR Hwy 89 approx 12 miles north of Flagstaff. High clearance vehicles only north of Elden Springs Road)

Hikes
Any trail on the San Francisco Peaks including Apen Loop Trail, Humphreys Trail, and Waterline Trail (Aspen are some of the first to come back after a fire. Aspen regrowth from the 2010 Schultz Fire is abundant on the north end of this trail).

Mogollon Rim District (north of Pine and Strawberry)

Drives
FSR 321 aka “Dane Ridge” (Hwy 87 to FSR 95 next to the Mogollon Rim Ranger Station, right on
FSR 96, right on FSR 321)

FSR 300 aka “Rim Road” or “General Crook Trail” (Hwy 87 or Hwy 260 to FSR 300, 2.5 miles east of Hwy 260, 10 miles north of Strawberry)

Hikes
Cabin Loop Trail

The USDA has a link from their website to their “flickr” account that lets you see some great fall photos. These photos are from 2009 to the present and are of the Coconino National Forest area.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/coconinonationalforest/sets/72157627806938991/

At Aaron’s Mechanical Service we want you to stay comfortable all year round.  If your HVAC unit needs service or replacement please think of us and call at 623-388-4436 and we will come to you and solve your air conditioning service needs.

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

Arizona Utility Assistance Programs For Low Income

Did you know that there is a short-term aid for low-income Southwest Gas customers who are facing a hardship or find themselves in a crisis. A hardship or crisis is defined as:

• Those at risk of endangering their health by not utilizing necessary appliances, such as furnaces and water heaters
   
• A sudden loss of income

• An unexpected expense that result in the inability to pay, such as a medical expense

The Low Income Energy Conservation Program provides free audits, conservation education and comprehensive weatherization materials that increase energy-efficiency and safety in the homes of qualified low-income customers.

The Arizona Home Energy Assistance Fund
The Home Energy Assistance Fund is a self-sustaining non-profit energy assistance program. The program is administered through Community Action Agencies statewide, which in addition to utility assistance; provide assistance with food, shelter, clothing, job training, tax preparation, and financial education.

Southwest Gas can also help make your home greener than you think...

Whether you own or rent your residence, Southwest Gas has programs that can assist you with money-saving home improvements to increase the energy efficiency of your home. Energy-saving measures are available to income-qualified customers, at no cost.

Examples of energy saving measures installed through the program may include, but are not limited to, the following:

    Ceiling, floor and duct insulation
    Duct leakage sealing
    Shell infiltration sealing
    Insulation of water heater and water heater pipes
    Minor home repairs
    Heating and cooling system repairs/replacements
    Health and safety measures

In order to participate in this type of program, a customer must meet certain income qualifications. Income qualified customers can also apply for rate discounts and assistance on their natural gas bill.

At Aaron’s Mechanical Service we want you to stay comfortable all year round.  If your HVAC unit needs service or replacement please think of us and call at 623-388-4436 and we will come to you and solve your air conditioning service needs.

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