Repair or Replace – Know When It Is That Time

When your Air Conditioner breaks down, you need it fixed. Sometimes it is better to replace it rather than repairing it.  Knowing when to do which is a financial balancing act between pouring money into what you have, or investing in a new, and better, more efficient, unit.

Our thoughts at Aaron’s Mechanical Services is to protect your Air Conditioner and Heating investment. Only when repair makes no sense do we recommend replacement.

Repairs on a unit may be the least expensive immediate option, but may cost the customer more in the long run.

Installing a new, energy efficient system can pay for itself over time. However, at times simple repairs can sufficiently prolong the life of an air conditioner so an immediate replacement of the unit is not the most sensible option. Environmental laws can determine the course of action a technician must take when faced with malfunctioning equipment. If the evaporator coil has numerous leaks or is severely corroded, there is no question, it’s time to replace the unit.

Efficiency Ratings
In general, the more efficient the unit, the larger initial cost. However, the more efficient, more expensive unit will actually save you money over time as it requires less fuel to cool your home.

If you are concerned about efficiency, watch for the Energy Star Label. Cooling efficiency for air conditioners is indicated by a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating). The SEER rating tells you how efficiently a unit uses electricity: the higher the number, the greater the efficiency.

The typical SEER rating of units manufactured prior to 1992 is about 6.0. In 1992, the government established a minimum cooling efficiency standard for units installed in new homes at 10.0 SEER. High efficiency units have a rating of at least 12.0 SEER.

Correct Size
To achieve comfortable cooling and dehumidification, the system must be correctly sized. The size of central air conditioning is measured in tons.  Typically, you need one ton of cooling for each 500 square feet of living space:

Proper Installation
Nothing affects your comfort more than how well your HVAC system is engineered and installed. Installation is the single most important factor. Sizing, balance, returns, and a host of other variables are taken into account when a new system is installed. No two houses are the same, nor are their climate control demands. That’s why choosing an experienced installation contractor is critical.

Feel free to ask about our most recent installations. That way you can be certain that when you choose us, you get absolute comfort and the best possible service.  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

Ceiling Fans Can Reduce Cooling Costs

Homeowners can save energy while improving their home's comfort level by adopting energy-efficient building practices. Substantial savings are possible whether building a new home, renovating an existing one, or simply updating some features to improve your home's efficiency. At the same time, homeowners can use green power for their home to reduce further their consumption of energy from fossil fuels and lower their carbon footprint. Energy efficiency and green power are two ways to go green in your home.

Providing fresh air flow into a house is a low-cost and potentially energy-efficient way to cool a home and maintain good indoor air quality. In good weather, natural ventilation (when air moves through windows or doors) can suffice for cooling. On some days, the air temperature at night is pleasantly cool and letting this air into the house during the night can significantly cool down a house after a warm day. However, there will be times when it is too hot or humid, or pollen levels are very high, and this will not be effective -- or may even be undesirable -- and air conditioning may be necessary. In addition, it is important to make sure windows are closed when they need to be, such as in storms and blowing rain, and if air conditioning is finally used, that the house is closed up tightly for maximum efficiency. It makes no sense to air condition (or heat) a house with a window open! Given this, fresh air cooling takes some attention and diligence to do it right. Natural fresh air ventilation can also be supplemented by a number of low-energy mechanical ventilation devices that can help. These include:

Ceiling fans are a useful alternative to help keep you cool while reducing or eliminating the need to use air conditioning. Typically a ceiling fan consumes much less electricity than does a central air conditioner. A ceiling fan doesn't cool or de-humidify a room - it only cools you through a wind-chill effect against your skin. Ceiling fans are also inexpensive to purchase. Make sure, however, to turn your fan off when you leave the room. If you are not there to feel the cooling air movement on your skin, continuing to operate the fan only wastes energy.

When combined with lowering your AC setting using ceiling fans leads to lower utility costs while still keeping you comfortable.

Need AC repair or replacement?  Give Aaron’s Mechanical Services a call and let us help you get your AC running again!

Call 623-388-4436

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

Arizona Places: Thunderbird Conservation Park

Thunderbird Conservation Park is a 1,185-acre park in the Hedgpeth Hills locates in Glendale, AZ. It is a conservation park dedicated to preserving the desert environment. The hills were named for Robert Hedgpeth, an early homesteader in the area. The park took its name from the World War II pilot training facility located four miles south of the park. The city of Glendale acquired the park in 1951 through a lease with the federal government. Ownership came in 1956 with the assistance of the Glendale Women’s Club and Glendale Rotary Club. Maricopa County operated the park from 1963 to 1984 and many of the park improvements were made during this time. In 1984 the park was returned to the city. Park activities include picnicking, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, jogging and bird watching. About 15 miles of multi-use trails have been constructed, thanks to the efforts of many volunteer groups.

Four wildlife viewing blinds are located at Thunderbird Conservation Park along the north side of the sedimentation basin. Three of the viewing blinds are accessible from the trails off Pinnacle Peak Road and the fourth is handicap accessible and located off 59th Avenue.  These blinds provided areas for viewing the park's 50+ different species of birds and wildlife attracted to the man-made water feature. They feature a decorative block wall with "windows" for viewing, benches and a path to access them. Check them out and be sure to bring binoculars to get an even closer look and a camera to capture those precious animals.

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

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

Roof Safety and Your A/C Unit

You know Murphy’s Law?  If it can go wrong it will go wrong and at the worse possible time.  Air Conditioning units are probably the finest examples of Murphy’s Law.

They tend to brake down when you need them the most.  The hottest days, when you are expecting company, when you have a big important party planned.  I looked a my dash mounted temperature readout and it told me this May 14th at just after 3pm it was 111° Fahrenheit outside.  Yes, I think that reading is under the car near the pavement.  But a good day for Murphy to raise his ugly head.

Today your air conditioner just might stop working.  Some brave souls may think that they need to go up on their roof and check things out.  That is not the smart thing to do.  Being on your roof on a hot sunny day can be the first step to the emergency room.

Actually the first wrong step can be your choice of ladders to get on the roof.  How good is your ladder?  How safe is the footing area where you will place your ladder.  Do you have a safety harness to wear while on the roof?

How are you with checking to see if the 220 volt power is making it to the A/C Unit.  Do you have the right meter? Or, do you have the right training in the first place.

I know money is tight.  Does your well meaning neighbor sue you when he falls off your roof while helping out?  Even if you both make it down safely how about the roof tiles you damaged while making your way to the Air Conditioner.  In a damaged or dislodged state they can let in rain that will lead to mold and even structural beams rotting.

When your AC stops call in the pros, Aaron’s Mechanical Services.  We are fast and fair.  Give us a try, call 623-388-4436.

Look for the second half of the Heat Gain Story next Monday – May 20th 2012.

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

Your House and Summer Heat Gain Part One

We have featured APS several times so we thought we would share some advice direct from SRP’s  (Salt River Project) web site.

The Direct Link Is:  ttp://www.srpnet.com/energy/ess/heatgain.aspx

Components of your house, such as windows, walls, doors, and ceilings work to insulate your interior living space. The energy efficiency of these components impacts your cooling and heating costs.

In the summer, controlling the amount of heat that enters your home will help you reduce the cost of air conditioning, while at the same time, helping to increase your comfort level.

Windows

Windows account for almost half of your home's heat gain in the summer.

 •Shade all "sun-struck" windows in your home with devices such as outside shading screens, awnings, trees and shrubs, window tints and films, and indoor blinds, shutters and draperies. Shaded windows can save up to 25% of the cost of air conditioning, when compared to un-shaded windows.

•The effectiveness of a window-shading product is measured by its shading coefficient. The lower the shading coefficient, the more effective the material is at blocking the sun.

•In the summer, close draperies and blinds during the day to help keep out the heat.

Weatherization

•Inspect weather stripping around exterior doors and windows to ensure cracks are sealed and air isn't leaking into your home.

•Caulk around window frames and all exterior wall penetrations such as pipes, electrical boxes, and vents.

•Install foam or rubber receptacle gaskets on all switches and outlets.

•Keep windows and doors shut tightly to retain cooled air.

•Check pet doors to make sure they are snug and replace the rubber gaskets as they become worn.

•Check the fireplace damper to make sure it's closed and that no daylight can be seen around the edges.

We will have Part Two of Summer Heat Gain in tomorrow’s blog.  If you need air conditioning service please give Aaron’s Mechanical Services a call at 623-388-4436.  Thanks!

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

A/C Repair from Aaron's Mechanical Services

A/C Broken
?

We Can Fix That! And Fast!

Just Call
602-446-5630
for Our Daily Specials!

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

Your Emergency Power Outage Kit

Many people take their electric power for granted.  You walk over to the wall and flip a switch and you have light and power.  Yes, that is the way it normally works.  But every so often and for a period of time from seconds to many hours something stops your power company from bringing their service to you.

We normally think of a storm but it can be an accident or mechanical failure that stops your power.

Having an emergency power outage kit will make getting through this event much easier.  So what should be in your kit?  This list is for power outages of two hours or less.

Light 
Candles and matches
 Flashlight and spare batteries
 Camping light and fuel

Communication
 Portable radio and spare batteries

Food 
Snacks and canned goods
 Leave refrigerators and freezers closed

Water
 A case of recently purchased bottled water

Keep in mind that the local region, season and weather conditions may require items of protection from the elements.

Need emergency help with your air conditioning let us know at 623-388-4436.

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