Thursday, December 3, 2015

Are You Ready to Stop Living in a Dust Bowl?

Does it seem like you’re forever walking around the house with a dust cloth in one hand and a bottle of polish in the other? Are the dust mites so at home in your house that they’ve starting hosting parties for their friends? If so, it may be time to call an air conditioning contractor instead of a maid. Why? It could be your home’s cooling and ventilation system that’s to blame.

How Did This Happen?
Dust is typically a compilation of everything from pet dander and dead skin cells to dirt blown in by the ventilation system. Today, we wanted to talk about the ventilation system dirt. It generally comes from a handful of sources. The chief ones are air leaks, air vents and ductwork. Now think about where your home’s ductwork is located. Chances are it runs through places like the attic, crawl spaces and wall voids.

Those are normally dusty places due to air leaks, insulation and insect or rodent activities. If the cooling system’s ductwork has holes in it or ineffective seams, it can suck in the dust from those areas and shoot it into a home via the air vents. Consequently, it may eventually seem like you’re living during the Great Dust Bowl instead of 2015.

But that’s not all. Remember, air conditioning systems pull outside air into a home too. And we all know that the air outside isn’t always the best. That’s partially why disaster planners and firefighters recommend closing a cooling system’s vents during wildlife outbreaks. Similar may be said for allergists that urge their patients to hire air conditioning service companies capable of installing allergen filters, conducting ductwork inspection and ventilation system cleaning.

Are You Ready to Put Down the Dust Cloth? 
J.R. Perkins Heating & Cooling can find out if your home’s HVAC system is contributing to your dust problem. If it is the chief cause of the dust mite convention, they’ll be able to clean and repair the system. So you can put down the dust cloth and begin living in comfort again. To request an estimate and learn more, give us a call at (480) 946-5083.

Thursday, November 5, 2015

Easy Ways to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

As the months roll by in Scottsdale, AZ, we here at J. R. Perkins are constantly thinking about how we can keep your home as cool and comfortable as possible, while ensuring that your HVAC system is promoting optimal overall air quality. With this in mind, we wanted to take a minute to point out simple ways to improve air quality within your home.

Keep the Chemicals Away 
Chemicals, like those found in cleaning solutions, can be damaging to the air quality within our home. Consider keeping cleaning products in storage outdoors to avoid filling your home with unnecessary air pollutants. Another option is to switch to all-natural cleaning products.

Assess Air Filters 
Checking, changing, and cleaning your air filters regularly will not only allow your HVAC system to perform efficiently, but it will promote better air quality.

Allow for Ventilation 
Air pollutants can become trapped inside your home and will greatly decrease overall air quality and health. To avoid this, open the windows to let in some fresh air or run bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans. A little extra air circulation can go a long way!

Block Off the Source 
Search your home for sources of unnecessary air pollutants to determine if they should be removed. For example, wood-burning fireplaces should be blocked off when not in use, and asbestos products sealed away. Even the smallest changes can really make a difference.

For more information on ways to improve your indoor air quality, contact us today!

Thursday, October 15, 2015

What Is a "Home Performance Audit" and Why Should You Get One?

Here at J. R. Perkins, we are dedicated to much more than just making sure your home stays cool and comfortable in the Arizona heat. We also stress the importance of keeping your home as safe and energy efficient as possible, while considering your overall personal health. To assess these factors, we recommend getting a Home Performance Audit.

A Home Performance Audit is a full assessment of your home’s energy performance through an in-depth home inspection, as well as research into past utility bill payments and trends. This will help identify potential issues throughout your home that may need professional attention or repair. Home Performance Audits can be very helpful to homeowners for many reasons, a few of which are as follows:
They improve the safety of your home. A Home Performance Audit will help you discover dangerous sources of air pollutants throughout your home, such as mold or dust in attics, which may be affecting your health.
They save you money. By conducting a Home Performance Audit, you will learn details about your energy usage and ways to save money in the future. Whether you identify issues with your home that are causing unnecessarily increased energy usage, or notice patterns in your overall usage, the findings of a Home Performance Audit will greatly benefit your costs.
They will make you more comfortable. Home Performance Audits will point out necessary repairs throughout your home. Once you know what kind of work needs to be completed, you can get started on working to make your home a healthier and more comfortable environment.

Schedule your Home Performance Audit today to put you on the road to an energy-efficient, cost-effective, comfortable home. Contact us with questions, concerns, or to schedule your upcoming service!

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Featured Product: Trane CleanEffects™ Air Cleaner

Trane, the leader in air filtration technology, has released a revolutionary new product: the CleanEffects™ Air Cleaner. This system uses patented technology to effectively remove up to 99.98% of particles from the air in your home. This new system has set a new industry standard for efficiency, far surpassing any filtration devices we have seen thus far.

Managing indoor air pollution should be a critical concern for all homeowners. There are many serious health concerns associated with air pollution, and it is important to take an active role in protecting yourself from the harmful effects of poor air quality. The CleanEffects™ Air Cleaner filters air down to .1 micron, allowing the system to clean air more thoroughly than ever before. With the precision of this expert devise, you will be able to protect yourself from the inhalation of many common household pollutants.

For more information on Trane’s CleanEffects™ Air Cleaner, check out the full brochure on our website. Or give us a call! We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have about it!

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Is a Solar Residential Water Heater Right for You?

Is it time to replace the water heater in your home? There are many reliable options when it comes to water heaters, and it’s important to find the one that is the best match for you and your home. A product that is becoming more and more popular (especially in the East Valley) is the solar residential water heater. If you are looking to reduce your carbon footprint in a cost effective manner, a solar water heater might be just what you’re looking for!

A solar residential water heater harnesses the power of the sun to heat the water in your home. When properly installed, a single rooftop panel can provide over 2600 Kilowatts of energy annually. That’s enough energy to provide hot water to a family of 4 for the entire year!

Solar water heaters operate by using thermal energy produced by the sun. A solar collector, installed on the roof of your home, transfers that thermal energy to water held in a storage tank. Through this process, you’ll have hot water in your home from a clean and reliable energy source!

There are numerous benefits to installing a solar water heater in your home, one of the main ones being cost. Although more expensive at the offset than the average traditional water heater, a solar heater will reduce your water heating electricity by about 50%. With this decrease, your payback for installation can be as little as 4.5 years.

Plus, there are various rebates and tax credits associated with solar water heaters. Local utility companies will rebate $.50 per watt, equaling up to $1340. You can receive a federal tax credit of 30% and an Arizona state tax credit of up to $1000. After the credits and rebates you’ll receive, the cost of installation is generally less than $3300.

Request a free solar residential water heater estimate TODAY!

Thursday, August 13, 2015

Try These Five Simple Checks Before Scheduling Air Conditioning Service

Many of us have had those embarrassing moments when we ask for help to fix something only to find that it wasn't plugged in. When it seems your air conditioner isn't working, it's a good idea to rule out the simple things before calling an air conditioning service provider. Here are five of them:

Make Sure It Has Power

If your AC unit is turned on and plugged in, check the circuit breakers to make sure none have tripped. If resetting the circuit breaker solves the problem and your air conditioner continues to operate without tripping a breaker, then you should be good to go. When resetting a circuit breaker, turn it off and then turn it back on.

Carefully Check Your Settings

Assuming your air conditioner is broken when the settings are improperly adjusted happens to the best of us. Distractions, stress, being rushed, or even a bad day can make this happen. Make sure the setting is on "cool" rather than "heat" and that the temperature setting is below the temperature of your room.

Check Your Thermostat Batteries

A thermostat with a dead battery can't signal the air conditioner to turn on. Thermostats usually have a light or message display that indicates the need for a battery replacement.

Check Your Filter

A dirty air filter causes weak airflow and may even shut some units down. Do a quick filter check and replace it if it's dirty. It's best to do routine air filter checks before you experience problems because your AC unit will use less power with a clean filter. Less power consumption means a smaller electric bill at the end of the month.

Check For Air Leaks

If your window unit is having trouble cooling your room, there may be air leakage between the window and the air conditioner. Check this by lighting an incense stick and holding it next to the window. If the smoke is disturbed by air currents, your air conditioner hasn't been properly sealed.

If the problem doesn't go away after eliminating the simple stuff, it's time to call in the pros. Give us a call at (480) 946-5083, or schedule service via our website.

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Should You Repair or Replace Your Air Conditioning Unit?

For the last 10 to 15 years, you may have given very little thought to your air conditioner. Each spring, you call in an air conditioning contractor for a yearly maintenance check. After that, you just enjoy your summer with cooled air in the house. However, now that the unit has gotten older, it may be requiring more and more repairs and may not run as efficiently as it should. You need to decide if it makes more sense to continue smaller repairs or if it's time to invest in an entirely new system. Here are some things that could help you decide!

Age

As one of the most expensive things for your home, your HVAC system was designed to last for many years. However, as with all appliances, it will need to be replaced at some point. If you have an air conditioner that is close to the limit of its lifespan, you might consider replacing it now instead of six months or a year from now when extensive (and expensive!) repairs are needed.

Quality

If you bought your home new, the contractor might not have selected the best quality air conditioner available at the time. While some units are top-quality and built to last a long time, there are discount air conditioners that might need to be replaced much sooner.

Regular Maintenance

Scheduling regular maintenance for your air conditioner can help to extend the life of the unit. Conversely, if the unit has not been properly maintained, it might not last as long. If you've recently moved into an older home, you may not know how well the system has been maintained. There might even have been years when you skipped the regular servicing. These unknowns might make it prudent to replace the system.

When making a final decision between repair and replacement, feel free to give us a call – we’d be happy to discuss all of your options with you.

Thursday, July 9, 2015

Common Questions About Air Conditioning Service, Installation and Repair

Air conditioners make our lives more comfortable and make it possible to do productive work when the outside temperature would otherwise force us to take afternoon siestas. However, getting the best use from these machines requires some knowledge about air conditioning service, installation, and repair. Here are five frequently asked questions:

When should an air conditioner be regassed?

The gas inside an air conditioner doesn't degrade or get old. The only time an air conditioner needs regassing is when it has a leak.

When should I replace my air conditioner?

If your air conditioner is fairly new, repairing it is the better option. However, if it is near the end of its operational life, you may want to consider replacing it. Hanging on to an old machine will mean continuing repair costs as its various components wear out. If your unit is older than ten years, you can get substantial energy savings by getting a new replacement. New air conditioners benefit from technology improvements that give them considerable energy efficiencies.

Before calling an air conditioning service company, what should I check on my own?

Make sure it's not turned off, that the thermostat is set properly, and that it's getting power. Checking the power is done by making sure no circuit breakers are tripped. If you find that your AC unit frequently trips your circuit breakers, this indicates a problem that needs to be looked at by an AC service technician.

How frequently should I schedule maintenance for my air conditioner?

To keep your unit running efficiently and to avoid expensive breakdowns, regular maintenance is best. The best time of year for an air conditioning tune up is spring to early summer.

Is a bigger air conditioning system better?

The size of the space you wish to cool determines the capacity of the air conditioner. Bigger is not better in this case. An oversized air conditioner will constantly cycle on and off. Because air conditioners are inefficient when they're first turned on, the constant cycling will run up your electrical bill. Air conditioners also require steady running time to remove humidity. Therefore your home will have a low temperature and a high humidity, which means it'll feel cold and clammy.

If you need any more information about the questions above, or have any other questions about air conditioning service, installation or repair, we can help! Give us a call at (480) 946-5083 - we'd be happy to help!

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Seven Benefits of Well-Maintained Air Conditioning

There's a reason why we sweat and feel uncomfortable when it gets hot. The body is stressed and is trying to cool itself down. We have an internal thermostat that makes us shiver when it's too cold and makes us sweat when it's too warm. There is nothing inherently healthy about roughing it when it's too hot. A comfortable environment is optimal for the body's functioning and benefits us in many ways. Some of these benefits include:

Comfort

While this benefit is obvious, it is the main reason why most people use air conditioning. Comfort is important for well-being and enjoyment of life. However, air conditioning can lead to discomfort if the thermostat setting is too low. Shivering in the middle of July is no more comfortable than shivering in the middle of January. Make sure the temperature is set at a comfortable level at your home, store, or office.

Productivity

This benefit ties into being in an environment that's optimal for the body's functioning. When a person is hot, more of his blood is diverted to the skin where it is cooled before circulating through the body. More blood in the skin means less blood is available to provide oxygen and nutrients to the brain, organs, and muscles of the body. This is why you are more intellectually active and physically energetic in an air-conditioned room than in the sweltering heat. This promotes high productivity and means you'll get more things done at work and at home.

Sleep

Adequate and uninterrupted sleep is vital to your health and mental functioning, and a comfortable environment promotes sleep. Being able to keep the windows closed at night prevents outside noise from interrupting your sleep.

Insects

While intact screens keep out mosquitoes and most other air-borne pests, some insects, such as very small gnats, can get through ordinary screens. Closed windows keep these pests out.

Home Security

Another benefit of keeping your windows closed and locked at night is that it makes home entry more difficult. Screens can be quietly cut by an intruder while breaking into locked windows means breaking the glass, which is noisy and attracts attention.

Senior Health

The elderly have less tolerance to high heat and humidity than the rest of the population. Extreme heat can be very hazardous for them. This is why you should always check on your grandparents/parents during heat waves to ensure that their air conditioners are on and working properly.

Air Quality

An air conditioner that is properly maintained and operated reduces pollen, air particulates, bacteria, dust, house mites, and pet fur. This is especially important for those who suffer from allergies and respiratory conditions. Make sure to take a close look at the air filter the next time you clean or replace it.

Remember that these benefits only occur with well-maintained air conditioners set at the right temperature. If your AC unit isn't functioning as it should, give us a call – we’d be happy to come check it out and get it working correctly again!

Friday, June 5, 2015

Seven Air Conditioning Tips for Surviving Heat Waves

It's that time of year again, when Mother Nature dials up the heat. While air conditioning in your home certainly takes the edge off the sweltering summer heat, there are a number of tricks you can use to make your abode even more comfortable.

Set Your Air Conditioner At 78 Degrees

This is the best setting for comfort, power consumption, and efficient operation of your AC unit. Temperatures lower than 68 degrees may cause your air conditioner to freeze up and can make the transition of going outdoors very uncomfortable. After a few weeks, the body adapts to the heat so that the 78 degrees in your home will feel comfortable compared to the outdoor heat.

Keep Your Air Conditioner Running

Turning off the AC during the day when you're at work allows the air and the contents of your home to heat up. Cooling them down when you get back home overworks the air conditioner and leaves you feeling uncomfortable for several hours while you wait for things cool down. Instead, an adjustment of just a few degrees while you're away is all that's necessary.

Shut Out The Heat

Keep the curtains closed on the sun facing sides of your home. Sunlight in the summer puts out a lot of heat, which makes your AC unit work harder. Just like you would in the winter to keep out the cold, keep your windows and doors closed in the summer to keep out the heat.

Use Overhead Fans

Overhead fans, which use minimal energy, allow you to feel comfortable at a higher temperature setting. Make sure the fan is directing air downward.

Keep Air Conditioning Vents Clear Of Obstructions

Keep furniture and other objects away from the vents and thermostat. Make sure that outdoor AC units are clear of nearby vegetation.

Avoid Generating Heat

During the hottest times of the day, avoid cooking large meals on your stove, taking long hot baths or showers, doing laundry, or using the dishwasher. These activities pump a lot of heat and humidity into your home.

Keep Your Air Conditioner Maintained

Check your AC filters and clean or replace them if necessary. Call us for a tune up before the dog days of summer arrive.