An air conditioner’s role in ensuring your home is comfortable during the hot season cannot be overstated. When weighing the options for air conditioning systems, one of the essential factors to consider is cost-effectiveness. You want a unit with low operating costs while providing powerful cooling capabilities that are of the right size and flexible enough. One of the air conditioning systems that tick all these boxes is the mini split air conditioning system. This is one of the reasons why its popularity has skyrocketed recently. However, it doesn’t end there. You should ensure that it is installed by a licensed professional from a reputed AC repair company to ensure that it can effectively cool your indoor space while regulating the humidity and filtering out airborne contaminants. Below are five points that show the true cost-effectiveness of mini split air conditioners.

You Can Choose Ductless Ones

One of the main benefits of mini-split air conditioning systems is that they are ductless. Unlike the central air conditioning systems, there is no need to use the existing or install new air ducts in your home for it to be cooled. Instead, the repair company technician only has to install a single or multiple air handling units (One in each room or zone) and a single outdoor unit. The outdoor unit cycles the warm air outside and then sends the cool air to every indoor unit. It uses the refrigerant lines connecting every indoor unit to the condenser and its power circuit.

The lines fit in a three-inch-wide pipe and require significantly less labor than laying new air ducts in your house if they weren’t installed during the construction. Ductless mini-split air conditioning systems are considerably more efficient than traditional ones. This is because the cool air doesn’t have to travel through the air ducts where it might leak out, resulting in efficiency losses.

They Have High Energy Efficiency

One of the main things to consider before purchasing an air conditioning unit is its energy efficiency. This is measured in EER and SEER2. Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2 (SEER 2) uses a value for representing the seasonal or yearly cooling power divided by the totality of electrical energy input. An air conditioner with a higher SEER2 Rating requires less energy to attain the specified cooling capacity. Hence, it is more energy efficient, contributing to overall cost-effectiveness, so you should talk to your reputed AC repair company about installing it.

Mini split air conditioning systems can attain high SEER2 ratings on average compared to other kinds of ACs, and it is not uncommon to find a unit with a SEER value of over 20. For instance, a Trane air conditioning unit can have up to 21.5 SEER2. It is important to note here that the higher the SEER2, the more money you will save on energy utility bills, and although such a unit will have a higher initial purchase price, it will pay itself back. Additionally, you can save a fortune by looking for mini split air conditioning system rebates.

Mini-Splits Give Homeowners Zone Control

The typical mini split air conditioning systems might have 1-5 indoor units allowing the homeowners to control the atmosphere and temperatures in the number of zones or rooms at their home. Being ductless, they can also be installed in spaces that don’t have air ducts, such as the attic, outdoor sheds, sunrooms, and even the garage. The mini split air conditioning units will give you much-needed comfort regardless of the space.

The single zone systems are preferable for apartments, studios, living rooms, bedrooms, and any other area which needs air quality control and cooling. On the other hand, you can use a multi-zone system for controlling the atmosphere within your entire house, including the rooms or zones with high humidity, such as bathrooms and spaces with frequent temperature changes, such as those exposed to sunlight, kitchen, and rooms with heat-generating appliances.

Mini Splits are Environmentally Friendly

The mini-split air conditioning system runs on modern, eco-friendly coolants such as R-32 and R-410A, which are all hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). These refrigerants replaced hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) like R-22 and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) like R-12. Unlike the latter two, HFCs don’t harm the ozone layer when released into the atmosphere. Though many mini split air conditioning systems today rely on R-410A coolant, the EPA also plans to phase it out by the end of 2023.

Its use will be banned starting in 2025. R-32 is the planned replacement refrigerant for R-410A. R-32 is a more eco-friendly refrigerant with a GWP of 675, less than a third of R-410A. Hence, if you plan to replace your older air conditioner, have an AC repair company install one that uses a modern eco-friendly refrigerant.

They Only Run When Necessary

Another significant benefit of installing a mini-split air conditioning system at your home is its flexibility. The mini splits grant a homeowner independent, complete control of every indoor unit, allowing them to turn them off or on or even choose particular temperatures of every controlled zone or room. Compared to a central ducted system, a mini-split is much more efficient and delivers air independently to all the zones.

Their mini-split design ensures that a room is cooled to target temperatures. They then turn themselves off whenever the sensors detect that the current temperatures are sufficiently close or equal to the target. Hence, if you have been experiencing thermostat wars or want personalized cooling, contact your reliable AC repair company to install a ductless mini split. This way, your home’s comfort will significantly improve.

Mini Split Air Conditioning Systems are Cost-Effective and Flexible

Are you seeking cost-efficient temperature control and air conditioning for your office or home? Mini-split air conditioners are your best choice. Liaise with a reputable air conditioner installation company during the entire journey, from choosing the unit to installing it and its maintenance. Contact us at One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Phoenix for professional services.

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A Simple Guide For Finding A Reliable AC Repair Company

If you have lived in Paradise Valley long enough, nobody needs to tell you about the importance of having an air conditioning system in your house. This is because the weather around here is known to get extremely hot, especially in summer. For your ambient temperature to remain comfortably cool, your air conditioning system needs to work extremely hard. But the air conditioner, like any other appliance, can break down when you need it most. However, it is important to know that handling a broken air conditioning system can be extremely hazardous, and therefore, no matter how much you like getting your hands dirty, you should not try repairing your air conditioner yourself unless you are a professional HVAC contractor. Instead, you should get a professional AC repair company to help you handle all your air conditioning issues.

Unfortunately, although there are a lot of people posing as AC repair experts, very few of them can be trusted to do the right thing. Therefore, if you do not have a reliable HVAC service provider already, finding one may not be easy. Here is a simple guide that can help you avoid settling for an incompetent or untrustworthy HVAC contractor.

Create a Comprehensive List of Local HVAC Contractors

If you do not know any repair company in Paradise Valley, you can ask your friends, neighbors, and workmates to refer you to some. Additionally, you can go to the Internet and search for HVAC contractors near you. This way, you can create a comprehensive list of the HVAC contractors you can potentially hire. However, you should not just trust any repair company simply because it has been recommended by a person you trust. As such, you will need to find more information about the companies on your list for you to make a more informed choice.

Check If They are Duly Licensed

HVAC service providers are usually regulated by both local and federal authorities. Therefore, not everyone is allowed to offer professional HVAC services. Indeed, professional HVAC service providers need to undergo years of training and acquire some experience before they can be allowed to do their trade legally. All good HVAC service providers should be duly licensed by the relevant authorities, and they will be happy to show you their licenses. Therefore, if a given AC repair company is hesitant or unwilling to show you its licenses, you should not take the risk of hiring it. This is because hiring an unlicensed repair company could lead to several serious problems. For instance, since its technicians may be incompetent, they might damage your HVAC equipment. Besides, letting an unlicensed HVAC contractor lay their hands on your air conditioner could effectively void its warranty.

Check If They are Adequately Insured

As mentioned above, repairing an air conditioning system can be quite a dangerous job. Indeed, it can put an HVAC technician at risk of sustaining serious physical injuries. For instance, an AC repair job might expose the person doing it to the risk of electrical injuries or freon poisoning. Unfortunately, if a technician gets hurt while working in your house, you could potentially be held financially liable for the cost of their injuries. The good news is that a good AC repair company will protect its clients against such risks by being insured. Therefore, to be on the safer side, you need to ensure that the repair company you settle for is well-insured. If there are any doubts as to whether the HVAC company you are about to hire is insured, you should not take the risk of hiring it.

Check Their Experience

When it comes to handling air conditioning issues, experience is literally the best teacher. Considering the technical nature of the job, HVAC contractors seem to get better at what they do with experience. Therefore, the more experienced a repair company is, the more competent it is likely to be. Therefore, before you can trust a given HVAC company with something as valuable as your air conditioning system, it is imperative for you to ask about their experience. If an HVAC company has not been around for more than a few years, then you shouldn’t risk hiring it.

Ask About Their Availability

Your air conditioning system can break down at any time and on any day. If it fails on a hot summer afternoon, you will have to ensure that it is repaired immediately. Unfortunately, if your HVAC contractor is not always available for emergencies, you may suffer a lot waiting for help to arrive. Therefore, even if the issue at hand is not an emergency, it is important to ensure that you have an emergency HVAC contractor on speed dial. Therefore, if the AC expert you are about to hire does not offer 24/7 emergency services, you should continue searching.

Ask About Warranties

Even after finding a seemingly good AC repair company, there is no guarantee that it will meet your expectations. This is because the job will be done by people who can make mistakes. Unfortunately, this means that they might fail to fix your issue decisively, forcing you to get the issue redone at an extra cost. The good news is that good HVAC companies in Paradise Valley usually protect their clients against such costs by offering warranties. Therefore, before you can trust a given HVAC service provider with your air conditioning system, you need to ask them if you will get a warranty for the services offered. If the answer is negative, hiring them is going to be too risky, and you should not do it.

The Bottom Line

When looking for a dependable HVAC contractor, this guide will go a long way in helping you choose the best one. If you are looking for an experienced and reliable AC repair service near you, One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Phoenix is an excellent choice. Feel free to get in touch with us for more information about our company and services.

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Benefits Of Working With A Professional Air Conditioning Service

Your air conditioner contributes largely to the comfort of your home and, more often, is an invaluable asset during weather extremities. AC units are designed to last decades before replacement; however, like any machine, it’s bound to break down. When you experience an issue, it can be frustrating, especially during the hot summer or cold winter climate.

Before paying for expensive repairs and replacements, One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Phoenix encourages clients to look for warning signs. These signs alert you when to call a professional air conditioning service, either for an inspection or an emergency.

While most AC units come with instruction manuals, it’s best to have a professional diagnosis and provide a lasting solution instead of approaching it as a DIY project. Below are the benefits of working with an AC repair expert.

Benefits of Working with an AC Repair Expert

They Offer Comprehensive Diagnosis

One of the main benefits of working with a professional is that they offer a comprehensive diagnosis of your system. During an inspection, they don’t focus only on the problem you mention but go a step further to unearth and address other underlying issues with your AC unit.

Some people avoid hiring professionals to handle their units because of the cost. However, getting an expert to work on your unit gives you value for your money. Addressing these hidden issues extends the life cycle of your unit while reducing the cost of future repairs.

Access to Expertise and Experience

Working with professionals gives you access to a pool of expertise with the necessary training and experience needed to handle any maintenance and repairs. Approaching AC repair as a DIY or hiring someone without experience may cause more damage than good to your unit.

A professional from One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Phoenix will provide a sound diagnosis to your system and address the issues once and for all. The best part is that they’re equipped with the necessary tools and techniques needed to effectively and efficiently handle any AC repair issue.

Access to AC Parts

Fixing your AC units may need a few parts replaced to restore their functionality. However, finding all the parts needed can be challenging and even more if you don’t know where to get them. Your AC, like other machines, experiences wear and tear and needs parts replaced now and then.

During the inspection, an expert will identify parts that need replacement and find the right parts. On the other hand, an inexperienced individual may not find all the parts needed for the repair. Aside from access to these parts, a professional can find replacements readily at discounted prices, unlike when you order parts and have to wait for them to be shipped.

Emergency Response

Finding someone to repair your AC during working hours and weekdays is easy; however, the problem comes in when you have an emergency during the weekend or at night. Finding an expert to handle an emergency after working hours can be a nightmare unless you are working with an air conditioning service with an emergency response.

Professional AC repair companies have the necessary tools and logistics to respond to emergencies. With the emergency response unit, you don’t have to worry about interfering with the comfort of your home. Another benefit of emergency response is that you don’t have to sacrifice your productive hours supervising the professionals working on your AC unit.

An emergency response team will respond to your call anytime, fix the issue, and allow you to return to your duties.

Warranties and Guarantees

An AC installation or repair service can go either way. It can be successful, or it may develop complications interfering with its normal functioning. Unlike quacks, experts usually stand by their work and even provide supporting documents to guarantee their services. A professional is willing to stand by their work to help boost customer confidence which is a main ingredient of customer satisfaction.

Aside from guarantees, professional AC repair services also offer warranties on labor and parts to guard against botched works or faulty parts during repair and installation. These warranties last up to thirty days after the service.

They are Insured and Licensed

Working on an AC has risks, including electrocution or further damage to the house. Without comprehensive insurance coverage, you may have to shoulder the financial burden of the damages or injuries related to the AC. However, working with a professional who is insured and licensed gives you peace of mind as it absolves you from financial responsibility in case of risk.

Another benefit of working with a licensed professional is that some insurance companies can refuse to settle your claim if you don’t work with a licensed AC repair service.

They Observe Industry Standards

An AC unit is a delicate machine that requires expert knowledge during repairs to ensure everything is working optimally. An experienced and licensed technician has the training, knowledge, and skills needed to complete the job effectively and efficiently in one go. These professionals are backed by online reviews and consumer protection organizations that ensure they observe industry standards when delivering their services. Working with a professional comes in handy when dealing with little-known brands.

Discounted Prices

Most AC repair companies charge flat rates for their services. However, these costs change for repeat customers. A reliable air conditioning service will likely offer discounted prices on their services to repeat customers, especially if you have a subscription-based agreement.

These subscriptions allow the company to make scheduled visits to clean your AC unit and ensure every component operates efficiently.

An AC is a valuable asset that contributes to your home’s comfort. With proper care and maintenance, your air conditioner can serve you for a very long time. The best way to prolong the life cycle of your AC is by hiring a professional air conditioning service to install, maintain, and repair your unit.

Contact us at One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Phoenix for more information on our AC services, including installations and repairs.

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High MERV Filters-Advice From Your Trusted AC Repair Company On Their Unintended Consequences

Higher MERV filters, mainly MERV 12-16 filters, can stop smaller and more pollutant particles and other junk, which leads to a poor IAQ, which is a fact. The terms “smaller” and “more” are particularly important when discussing healthy indoor air quality. It seems, and it is a good thing. But what could be wrong with installing a filter having a higher MERV rating? It removes the smaller and even more particles. Well, it could also result in poor airflow, an uncomfortable home, HVAC equipment failure, and higher energy costs, among other issues that need the attention of an AC repair company. Because of the unintended consequences of using the Higher MERV filters, the cure might sometimes appear worse than the original problem. So why might a higher MERV filter be wrong for your furnace, air handler, air conditioning system, or heat pump?

Overview of MERV Rating

What’s the MERV rating? What is the best MERV rating for your filters? If you are asking yourself these questions, you are at the right place. Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) measures the minimum or smallest particles an air filter can efficiently or effectively remove when tested with reportable and verifiable test results. Hence, the higher the MERV, the smaller the particles removed. MERV 8 filters can effectively remove particles of about 3+ microns, such as mold spores, most pollen, debris, and dust mites. MERV 12 and MERV 10 filters eliminate particles between 1.0-3.0 microns, plus the larger ones. MERV13-16 filters can remove particles of 0.3-1.0 microns plus the larger ones.

So, what’s the best MERV rating for your air handler or furnace? The best MERV-rated filter is the one your AC manufacturer recommends and is usually about 8-12 MERV. It is normally listed on the air conditioner, handler, or furnace owner’s manual. If you do not have a manual, consult your repair company for such information or browse the manufacturer’s website. Whenever in doubt, it is recommended that you choose MERV 8-10 to ensure that it doesn’t damage the air handler or the furnace.

The Issue with MERV 12 – MERV 16 Filters

The highest rating for a 1″ filter is MERV 14, although such filters are hard to come by. So why are higher MERV-rated air filters an issue, at least for some air handlers or furnaces? This is because such air filters restrict airflow, and the heating and cooling equipment requires enough airflow to work durably and efficiently.

The higher the filter’s MERV rating, the higher its restrictiveness. A MERV 1212 filter just an inch thick will be more restrictive than a four-inch thick MERV 12 filter. If the rating is high for an air handler or furnace to the extent that the blower motor might not be able to handle it, there will be low airflow. This is a leading cause of many AC and indoor air quality issues. The low airflow results in low air pressure on the air filter’s opposite side. The HVAC systems are designed in a manner that they can handle a slight drop in air pressure caused by the filters. A highly restrictive filter becomes more clogged, resulting in a larger pressure drop.

When Not to Use High MERV Filters

You shouldn’t use a filter having a MERV rating higher than what the air handler or furnace is rated for. More complicated, you shouldn’t use higher MERV-rated filters whenever you realize the following signs such as:

Reduced Indoor Discomfort

If the rooms furthest from your furnace or air handler don’t get sufficient conditioned air, they won’t be comfortable. Do distant rooms remain warmer than others during winter? Are they cooler during winter compared to those close to the furnace? That could be because of low airflow. While there are many other issues that your AC repair company might diagnose as the cause, using a higher MERV-rated air filter is certainly one of them.

Low Airflow via the Vents

Have you noticed that air doesn’t flow out from the grates with the same robustness as before moments after installing a MERV 12 – MERV 16 filter? The issue might be the filter itself. Air filters and kinked air ducts are the largest reasons for poor airflow.

Higher Energy Bills

Are the heating and cooling bills higher after installing a MERV 12- MERV 16 filter? Have you noticed the same when using a MERV 10 pleated air filter when using cheap spun fiberglass? That means the air conditioning or furnace system works harder than necessary to push the conditioned air via the dense filters. That overtime effort shows up in higher gas or electricity bills. Since this is one of many issues resulting in higher energy utility bills, have your AC repair company inspect the entire unit.

Mechanical Issues Resulting from Low Air Flow

Blower Burnout

Have you ever felt your lungs working harder when you have your mask on the filter? A higher MERV rating that the unit cannot handle makes the air handler work harder to push the air. Unfortunately, premature wearing out of the motors is the commonest result.

Compressor Quit

The worst-case scenario is the compressor malfunctions. The low airflow occasioned by using higher MERV filters means that the thermostat set temperatures will be hard to reach. Hence, all the other components, including the compressor, will work harder to compensate for the low temperatures. Thus, the thermostat keeps the compressor running beyond what it’s rated for and fails. This particularly happens after an extended cooling or cooling cycle. Repairing the compressor at times might be economically unsound, and you might have to call an AC repair company to replace it.

Higher Isn’t Always Better

While filtering all the contaminants from the air is the desired goal, using a filter with a very high MERV rating can have negative implications, as explained above. Do you need the right MERV rating information for your air handler or furnace? Call us at One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Phoenix.

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Diagnosing The Leading Causes Of Thermostat Miscalibration With Your Reputable AC Repair Company

A thermostat is a component that can break or make your HVAC system. You may have the most advanced air conditioning system or heater installed at your home. However, a properly working thermostat can program or control the system accurately. This results in inefficient HVAC performance and reduced comfort. Often the thermostat malfunctions appear like any other repair problem in the unit. Thus, you should have the issue addressed by a reliable AC repair company or technician. They have the skill, tools, and experience to resolve the issue and diagnose whether your thermostat is at fault. In some instances, you might have to replace the existing thermostat as the existing one is damaged beyond repair. You should install a newer, more modern smart or programmable thermostat whenever this happens. These new thermostats offer enhanced features that bring more convenience, comfort, and energy saving. One of the main issues with thermostats is miscalibrations. What shows that a thermostat is not calibrated correctly?

Signs Your Thermostat is Incorrectly Calibrated

Do you find your home isn’t as comfortable as it once was? That could be because your thermostat is off by several degrees. While this might appear simple, it could increase energy utility bills, component damage, or indoor discomfort. The common signs that your thermostat isn’t properly calibrated include the following:

High Energy Bills

If a thermostat is not properly functioning, it will not send proper signals to the air conditioning system to begin cooling. On the other hand, one functioning properly will keep your home properly cooled without using excessive energy. Have you noticed a sudden increase in the energy utility bills at your home without any apparent or explainable reason? Then you should check your thermostat to see if there is a need for any adjustments. Incorrect thermostat calibration can result in your cooling and heating system turning off and on frequently, wasting energy and exposing your unit to unnecessary wear and tear.

Fluctuating Temperature

Do the temperatures in your home wildly fluctuate? Have you seen this happen even when the thermostat has been set to a specific temperature? That means the thermostat is incorrectly calibrated. If certain rooms or zones are too cold or hot, that could be a sign that your thermostat requires re-calibration. You should contact an experienced repair professional or company for a reliable service. Only try repairing any air conditioner component yourself if you are professionally trained.

Decreased Comfort Level

The indoor temperatures of your home can have a significant impact on your daily comfort. For example, you may have set the thermostat at 73F, which will signal the AC to begin cooling if the indoor temperatures go beyond that point. However, if the thermostat has a calibration problem and is reading five degrees higher, it won’t trigger the AC to start cooling until temperatures reach 78F. Unfortunately, this will precipitate many indoor discomforts at your home. It also can impact your sleep because you might have to wake up in the middle of the night because of extreme cold or heat.

Causes of Thermostat Miscalibration

As the introduction mentions, a properly functioning thermostat is critical to maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures, whether at home or office. However, the AC thermostat may sometimes be improperly calibrated, resulting in inaccurate readings. But what causes thermostat miscalibration?

The Age of Your Thermostat

Age is among the main reasons for thermostat miscalibration. With time, the thermostats will become worn out and less accurate. This makes them start misreading the room temperatures. Exposure to dust and debris and normal wear and tear are the leading causes of this. So, if you suspect your thermostat is too old and has started giving the wrong readings, you should have an AC repair technician replace it with a more advanced unit.

Thermostat’s Location

A thermostat’s location is essential to its accuracy. If it is located where it is subject to drafts and sunlight, it might start giving the wrong signals to the AC unit. If the AC thermostat is installed in a location shielded from other parts of your home or room, it might not reflect the temperature in the surrounding area. This means that your home will not be effectively cooled.

Wiring Issues

Thermostat miscalibration can also be brought about by loose or faulty wiring. If there are wiring issues, the thermostat will not get or relay the right signals to your air conditioner. The wires may be loosely connected, insulation damaged, or even dirty. Hence, ensure that an AC repair technician checks the thermostat’s wiring when they come for maintenance and calibration.

Dirty or Blocked Sensors

Dirt, grime, and other forms of debris may accumulate and cake around the thermostat sensors, interfering with the thermostat’s ability to measure the room temperatures accurately. This might result in incorrect thermostat calibration, causing uneven cooling or heating. Fortunately, you can avoid this by having an AC repair technician clean the thermostat sensors when they come for air conditioning services. Sometimes, the professionals might have to replace the sensors if they are too dirty or damaged.

To effectively deal with thermostat miscalibration problems, you should have a professional take care of the thermostat by ensuring its proper installation and servicing. This means installing it away from drafts, checking the wiring for problems, and regularly cleaning the sensors. Remember, a thermostat is an electrical device; working on it yourself could expose you to electrocution. On the other hand, technicians have the required tools and experience to open the thermostat, clean it, inspect the wiring, or even replace it.

Have Your Thermostat Calibrated Regularly

When was the last time you had your thermostat recalibrated? Does your home need to be more consistently and regularly cooled or heated? Those are among the top signs that your device requires calibration. Contact us at One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Phoenix today for a thermostat inspection, calibration, cleaning, or replacement.

See our most recent blog on this topic here.

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