Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Arizona Places: Agua Fria National Monument

Looking for a close weekend trip to enjoy while the weather is still nicely spring-like in Arizona?  May we at Aaron’s Mechanical Services suggest the Agua Fria National Monument.

Agua Fria National Monument is located about 40 miles north of Phoenix and contains two mesas – Perry Mesa and Black Mesa.  It is 71,000 acres of semi-desert area, which includes some rich riparian habitat along the Agua Fria River.

 This monument contains some of the most significant prehistoric sites in the southwest – at least 450 prehistoric sites inside the monument.  Its ancient ruins offer insights into the lives of those who long ago inhabited this part of the desert southwest. Between A.D. 1250 and 1450, the area's pueblo communities were populated by up to several thousand people. At least 450 prehistoric sites are known to exist within the monument area and there are likely many more. There are at least four major settlements within the area, including Pueblo La Plata, Pueblo Patio, the Baby Canyon Ruin group, and the Lousy Canyon group. These consist of clusters of stone-masonry pueblos, some containing at least one hundred rooms. In addition, there are many intact petroglyphs, as well as remnants of prehistoric agricultural features. The monument also contains historic sites representing early Anglo-American history through the nineteenth century, including remnants of Basque sheep camps, historic mining features, and military activities.

In the last few decades, the area has received increased recognition as an outstanding archaeological resource. The majority of public land in the area was acquired around 1990 from the State of Arizona and in two private exchanges. The area contains most of a National Register of Historic Places District. Originally designated in 1975, the District was expanded in 1996 to encompass approximately 50,000 acres managed by the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) and the Tonto National Forest. It is one of the largest prehistoric districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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

Brought to you by;
Aaron’s Mechanical Services
623-388-4436

info@coolingaz.com
http://coolingaz.com

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Save Money With Simple Steps

Lights Out  Turn off lights in any room when lights are no longer needed. Lighting accounts for 5 percent to 10 percent of total energy use, the potential for waste is enormous. Make the most of natural daylight, using incandescent bulbs sparingly (they are the cheapest but least efficient light source), using task rather than general lighting, using fluorescent lighting when possible and turning off unnecessary lights. Be proactive; turn off incandescent lights whenever they are not needed, and turn off fluorescent lights if they will not be needed for 10 minutes or longer (turning a light back on does not use more electricity than leaving it on, but fluorescent fixture life is decreased if switching is too frequent). If bi-level switching or dimmers are available, use the lowest setting that meets your need.

Computers, Photocopiers And Printers  Turn off computers, monitors, printers and photocopiers when you leave your home or office for the evening. During the day, turn off your computer monitor when you leave your desk for more than a few minutes. This recommendation applies to all computers and monitors, but is especially important if you use an older CRT monitor or the new, large LCD monitors. If you must leave your computer on for access, use the power management built in to your operating system to automatically reduce energy use.

Windows: Control Panel > Performance and Maintenance > Power Options;
Mac: System Preferences > Energy Saver 


Thermostats  There are many different heating and cooling systems, which makes it difficult to give general rules about thermostat use. While you will almost always save energy by turning your home thermostat up when you're away.

Appliances  Turn off coffee pots and similar appliances when they are not in use. A typical coffee pot costs 4 cents per use and another 4 cents per hour to keep the coffee warm. Radios and TVs should be turned off when you are out.

Windows  During summer, close drapes or blinds to prevent direct sunlight from entering the room. Try not to use windows for temperature control.

These simple steps can save you hundreds on your electric bill during the year.  Have an AC question or problem? Please call Aaron’s Mechanical Services at 623-388-4436 for your money saving answer.

Brought to you by;
Aaron’s Mechanical Services
623-388-4436

info@coolingaz.com
http://coolingaz.com

Monday, May 7, 2012

Being Paid To Recycle Your Refrigerator

Are you thinking about replacing your existing refrigerator?  If your current refrigerator is more than five years old a new unit will use less electricity.  The older your unit is the more electricity you will save with a new unit.

So whether you are replacing a refrigerator because it is on its last legs, because you want to upgrade it for more storage or you just want a different surface or color now might be the best time. 

After you get the best price from the local home store or appliance retailer you will have one more option.  When this is being written APS will provide a $30 credit to you and they will take away your old refrigerator.

The APS program is laid out in full detail on; http://www.aps.com/main/green/choice/choice_107.html?source=prgj

Turning in that old refrigerator or freezer in your garage can save you up to $100 a year on your energy bill. Plus, APS will haul it away for free, recycle it and send you a $30 rebate.

The APS refrigerator recycling procedure utilizes a state-of-the-art patented process that recycles 95 percent of the contents used to manufacture a refrigerator.

It is a simple way for you to save some money, use less energy and keep these appliances out of landfills which helps the environment.

You can even donate your rebate to a good cause.  Donate your rebate to The Salvation Army's Project SHARE - Service to Help Arizonans with Relief on Energy.

So rather than pay to have your old refrigerator hauled away you can earn a $30 credit from APS.  The APS web page can get you started on saving $30.00.  If you need help with any other heating or cooling needs please give Aaron’s Mechanical Services a call at 623-388-4436.

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

Friday, May 4, 2012

Aaron's Mechanical Services: Tune-up Special

Aaron's Mechanical Services:
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 Services
623-388-4436

info@coolingaz.com
http://coolingaz.com

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Use BBB Listed Contractors

The BBB (Better Business Bureau) is a trusted Source for Information

Impartial Business Reviews provide vital pre-purchase or pre-contribution information

3 out of 4 consumers said that BBB accreditation has an impact on their purchase decisions

Scam warnings provided regularly to help avoid becoming a victim

The BBB Reputation

Pioneers in voluntary business regulation: Established in 1912

Well-known for upholding ethics in business

Services are offered at no charge to consumers

Customer Service Quality

Available: 24/7 accessibility to BBB via website and automated phone system

The BBB Responds Quickly: More complex requests get response within 48 hours

Polite: Pride ourselves on the courtesy that we extend to all consumers

Aaron’s Mechanical Services is accredited by the Arizona BBB and you can follow that on http://www.ethicalaz.com/aaronsmechanicalservice

Brought to you by;
Aaron’s Mechanical Services
623-388-4436

info@coolingaz.com
http://coolingaz.com

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Places in Arizona - Challenger Space Center

With the U.S. space shuttles being ferried to museums across the country, I thought now would be a good time to have a look at some of the exhibits that Challenger Space Center in Peoria, Arizona http://www.azchallenger.org/ has to offer.

An Astronaut’s Life:
Articles Flown In Space

Featured are 23 items on loan from the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., 19 of which have flown in space on Gemini 8, Skylab 2, and several STS missions. The artifacts tell the story of how astronauts live in space. Included are a washcloth from the first Space Shuttle, STS-1 Columbia, clothing and bio-belt worn on Skylab 2 by astronaut Paul Weitz, space food from STS-27 Atlantis, and an actual heat shield fragment from Gemini 8 which carried astronauts Neil Armstrong and David Scott into orbit on March 16, 1966. The 23 items include additional artifacts that while earth-bound, helped astronauts and NASA prepare for space exploration. Visitors will see a model of the complete, two-astronaut Gemini spacecraft as it appeared in orbit, a Mercury capsule hatch, a procedures trainer form-fitting couch, and a TV camera similar to the one used to transmit images of astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on Apollo 11 and record their activities (the original camera is still on the moon). The exhibition is made possible by a grant from the Tohono O’odham Nation. The new gallery is made possible through the generous contributions of corporate partners CORE Construction and Knight Transportation, and a City of Peoria grant.

Astronaut Bill Gregory Loans Items Flown In Space
Former NASA Space Shuttle Astronaut William Gregory has placed on loan some of his personal items which flew with him on STS-67 Endeavour March 2-18, 1995. Among the articles are a shirt worn by Gregory in space, part of a detonated nut which held a rocket booster in place on the launch pad, a disposable interface used to grow protein crystals in microgravity, back-up checklists and some of his personal hygiene items that he used during the research mission. Also on display are Gregory’s NASA jet flight suit, helmet, oxygen mask and boots he wore as a T-38 test pilot.

My Solar System by PlayMotion!
Have you hugged a planet today? Challenger Space Center's newest interactive exhibit is made possible by a grant from the Tohono O’odham Nation. Visitors can catch and hold a virtual planet as bubbles appear with relevant science facts.

Columbia Shuttle Memorial Display
On February 1, 2003, the world lost seven brave heroes; NASA lost seven family members and friends. When the space shuttle mission STS-107 ended in tragedy over the skies of the southwestern United States, the anguish of the loss was felt around the world, including here in Arizona. The people of Arizona came to the Challenger Space Center to remember the crew in their own ways. They left many items and tributes to the crew. In tribute to those who were lost, the Challenger Space Center has a small memorial display consisting of several items that were left at the Center in the days after the accident, as well as photos and several other items in memory of the crew.

Robert McCall's "Tour of the Universe" Mural
As visitors cross the elevated gantry bridge into the Center, the first sight they see is a six-story mural wrapping around the walls of our rotunda. This mural, painted by world-famous space artist, Robert McCall, encircles the entire interior rotunda of the main floor. Utilizing 27,000 square feet of canvas, this phenomenal piece of artistry took six months to complete. It is believed to be the largest mural in Arizona.

Atlantis Space Shuttle Model
This 10 foot high model of the Atlantis Space Shuttle was donated to the Challenger Space Center by Honeywell. Before finding a permanent home at the center, this model traveled around the country to different industry trade shows and educational events associated with Honeywell.

Journey Through the Space Program
The second floor of the Challenger Space Center has been re-organized to give visitors a chance to take a walk back through manned space flight. Starting with the current day space station and space shuttle, and stretching back past Skylab, Apollo, Mercury and Gemini, these displays offer a chance to see how much NASA has accomplished over the last several decades. Among these displays are included mission patches from every mission flown, and several other pictures and donated materials related to each of these programs.

Let Aaron’s Mechanical Services help you with your summer AC needs.

Brought to you by;
Aaron’s Mechanical Services
623-388-4436

info@coolingaz.com
http://coolingaz.com

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Always Use ROC Licensed Contractors

Arizona Licensed Contractors are tested and licensed under the Arizona Registrar of Contractors

Arizona Licensed Contractors are bonded

Arizona Licensed Contractors have liability insurance

Arizona Licensed Contractors carry Workman's Compensation insurance

Arizona Licensed Contractors are responsible for paying federal, state, and local taxes on materials and labor

Arizona Licensed Contractors are legally bound to stand behind their workmanship for one year and structural integrity for two years

Why should you consider these reasons?

A very simple answer! When you're investing your dollars in a home, home improvement or commercial venture, these reasons assure you of quality workmanship and a warranty that the services provided will meet the various local, state and federal building codes. You have recourse if they do not!

Unlicensed contractors may not meet the standards required for performance or compliance to the various building codes that may be applicable. Poor workmanship and non-compliance can cost you dollars! Are you willing to risk your money? Using an unlicensed contractor may be equated to spinning the roulette wheel!

The Recovery Fund

Dealing with licensed contractors allows the homeowner access to the Registrar of Contractors Recovery Fund.

The Recovery Fund is financed by licensed contractors and is administered by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. It was established to cover losses suffered by homeowners that have incurred damages caused by the failure of a Licensed Contractor to adequately build or improve a residential structure or appurtenance on their property.

When a contractor refuses or is unable to comply with an order of the Registrar of Contractors to remedy a violation, the homeowner may file a claim against the Recovery Fund and can recover as much as $30,000. The maximum payout for any one contractor's license is $200,000.

The recovery fund benefit is not available to homeowners using unlicensed contractors!  Aaron’s Mechanical Services ROC # is 274388.

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