Thursday, December 27, 2018

The Top 3 Air Conditioner Supplies to Stock Up on Each Year

Extreme weather years like 2018 create a particularly demanding environment for your air conditioning system, from top to bottom. That's why now is the perfect time to check up on and maintain your temperature or environmental control systems, as on the milder days it's easier to work outdoors. If you need to expose the internals of your air conditioner or open a duct for maintenance, warmer weather is the preferred circumstance.

With that in mind, it's a great time to take stock of your air conditioner and figure out what you might need to prepare for demanding weather conditions! Here are the top 3 air conditioner supplies that we at J.R. Perkins Heating & Cooling recommend our professional and home owning customers look into each year:

Air Intakes
                                       
The duct joints that "pull in" the cooler air produced by your air conditioner are called air intakes. They are a common stress point due to the temperature fluctuation, air pressure, and physical stress inherent to their location within your duct system. Check out your intakes, look for any stressed or misshapen areas, and mark any showing wear or with leakage points for replacement.

Air Filters

Air filters are usually made of fiberglass, are inexpensive to replace, and come with immediately noticeable benefits for your air quality when transitioning from a thoroughly used filter to a brand new one. Your
air filter is the first line of defense between debris and dust from the outdoors and the inside of your home or business. Every summer, check and replace your filters to eliminate the health risks associated with poor air quality.

Air Conditioner Covers
Replace your air conditioner covers every few years. While you're checking the above points, it's worth giving a yearly look to the condition of your cover. Even the highest quality cover takes a heavy toll from the condensation inherent to air conditioner operation, and will eventually become less useful for its intended purpose over time.

Ready to check out your air conditioning system to make sure it's prepared for this summer and beyond? Great! If you have any more questions on maintaining your air conditioner, don't hesitate to contact the professionals at J.R. Perkins Heating & Cooling today!


JR Perkins Heating & Cooling is the first heating and air conditioning company in the East Valley, servicing the Phoenix area, specifically Scottsdale. To learn more, please visit our website at www.JRPerkins.com.

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

What Size Air Conditioner is Right for Your Home?

If you are in the market for a new air conditioner, the choice can be surprisingly overwhelming. J.R. Perkins Heating & Cooling is here to help you make the right choice. Not only are there different brands and designs to contend with, but there are so many other factors as well. When choosing a new air conditioner, it is best to take the process one step at a time. Your first step should be deciding on what size air conditioner you need.

For every home, the size of an air conditioner matters. If you choose one that is too small or even too big, it won't efficiently cool your home, meaning you will be spending much more than you need to.
Any of our experienced air conditioning technicians will be able to give you an accurate estimate on what size you want for an air conditioner. If you simply want to cool one room, you may not even need a whole house model. For most homes, you won't need an overly large model. What you want is an air conditioner that will cycle properly. This means it will not cool down the home too fast (as a large model would) so that it doesn't remove the humidity from the air. Furthermore, you don't want it to take too long cooling the home because it will send your energy bills rising.

If you are in the market for a new air conditioner and aren't sure what size your home needs, it is best to talk to a professional at J.R. Perkins Heating & Cooling before buying. Sometimes you will find that your home needs much less of an air conditioner than you were ready to buy. Of course, the opposite can also be true. If you are looking for a new air conditioner or just have endless questions before you feel comfortable enough to buy, give us a call and we will be willing to sit down with you.

J.R. Perkins is the first heating and air conditioning company in the East Valley, servicing Phoenix and more specifically Scottsdale, AZ. To learn more, please visit our website at www.JRPerkins.com or call (480) 422-4437.

Friday, October 12, 2018

Why Does My Air Conditioner Keep Turning On and Off?

If your air conditioner is constantly turning on and then back off again, it is a problem that shouldn't be ignored. This issue is known as short cycling, and it not only means something is wrong with your air conditioning system, but it also means your home is not being properly cooled. You need to determine what is causing this short cycling and have it fixed. A trained technician at J.R. Perkins Heating & Cooling can help diagnose the issue for you. If left alone, short cycling will cause damage to your entire air conditioning unit. 

Thermostat Issues


The most unsuspected cause of short cycling could very well be your thermostat. A thermostat gauges the air around it, and as such, it decides when it needs to activate your air conditioning based on that ambient temperature around it. This means that something like sun shining on your thermostat, for example, could cause your thermostat to misread the home's temperature. However, when it senses cool enough air, it will turn your air conditioning off. Having a thermostat in the sun or over a vent can cause short cycling issues.

Low Refrigerant


When the refrigerant is low in your air conditioner, the compressor levels become unstable and it can cause short cycling. Refrigerant is necessary for absorbing heat and producing cool air from your air conditioner. However, refrigerant doesn't just run low. When you have low refrigerant, it means there is a leak that needs to be rectified before your air conditioner stops working altogether.

Air Conditioner is Too Large


When it comes to air conditioners, bigger is not better. Any air conditioning technician at J.R. Perkins Heating & Cooling will agree. What happens when an air conditioner is too big for your home is that it cools the house too fast and causes the air conditioner to short cycle. This seems like it would be preferred, but air conditioners take increased wear while short cycling, and also suffer from diminished energy efficiency.

J.R. Perkins is the first heating and air conditioning company in the East Valley, servicing Phoenix and more specifically Scottsdale, AZ. To learn more, please visit our website at www.JRPerkins.com or call (480) 422-4437.

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

Boost A/C Performance with These Tips

It's hotter than blazes, and if you feel like your air conditioner isn't keeping up with the cooling demand in your home, a few simple and inexpensive tasks can boost its performance—and save you money on energy costs. From the team at J.R. Perkins Heating & Cooling, here are five surefire ways to enjoy cool comfort without cranking down the thermostat.

1. Seal air leaks.


If your home's envelope is leaking air, your air conditioner has to work overtime to compensate as cool air escapes and warm air infiltrates. Caulk around leaky windows and baseboards, and install weatherstripping around exterior doors. Seal around pipes and service entrances on exterior walls, and make sure the attic hatch is well-sealed. 

2. Install a programmable thermostat.


A programmable thermostat that's properly installed and programmed can shave ten percent off your cooling bill, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. To enjoy savings without sacrificing comfort, set your thermostat to eight degrees higher than normal while you're at work and four degrees higher than normal while you're asleep. You'll never have to worry about forgetting to set it back, and you can program it to have your rooms cool by the time you wake up or arrive home.

3. Get a tune-up.


Your air conditioner works hard all season long to keep you comfortable. Much like a car, your system loses efficiency over time, but an annual tune-up can restore peak operation and prevent common problems. During a tune-up, a certified technician will test the controls, remove dust buildup, tighten belts and electrical connections, and check for refrigerant leaks and other problems.

4. Turn on those fans.


When you're hot, sweat evaporates from your skin to eliminate heat and regulate body temperature. Fans keep the air moving around your skin to promote more evaporation, which keeps you cooler. Turning on your fan increases your comfort, even at higher thermostat settings. But remember: Fans cool people, not air. Turn them off when you leave the room to save energy.

5. Replace the air filter.


A dirty air filter restricts airflow and makes your air conditioner work harder to keep you cool, wasting energy and dollars. Replacing a dirty air filter with a clean one can increase system efficiency by up to 15 percent, according to the Department of Energy. Choose a high quality, pleated air filter, and check it each month. If it's coated in dust, replace it. 

Comfort doesn't have to be costly, and you can even save money on cooling bills by keeping your air conditioner in top condition and maintaining an energy efficient home. For more information about ways to stay cool during the dog days of summer, feel free to contact J.R. Perkins Heating & Cooling.

J.R. Perkins is the first heating and air conditioning company in the East Valley, servicing Phoenix and more specifically Scottsdale, AZ. To learn more, please visit our website at www.JRPerkins.com or call (480) 422-4437.

Tuesday, August 14, 2018

Air Conditioning Maintenance for Pet Owners

At J.R. Perkins Heating & Cooling, we find that one of the often overlooked aspects of pet ownership (or pet parenthood, if you prefer) is the amount of hair and dander that animals can produce. This is a problem with the most common household pets: dogs and cats. Hair and dander can vary dramatically between breeds, but are still major household problems in most cases. It can have a significant impact on a home's indoor air quality and an equally significant impact on its air conditioner. If you are a pet owner, you can help to protect your air conditioning unit and other parts of your HVAC system by following these steps:

Bathe and Groom your Pets Regularly

Bathing and grooming are important for your pets' wellbeing but it is important for your HVAC system as well. It can help to control the amount of hair that the animal sheds and which can end up inside your air conditioner.

Change or Clean your Filters More Frequently

The most common recommendation our team at J.R. Perkins Heating & Cooling offers for homeowners regarding filter-changing schedules is to do it monthly. If you have a pet that sheds a lot (or multiple hairy pets) you may want to shorten the length of time you go without changing or cleaning your filter. Clogged filters increase energy costs and can cause your system to break down.

Brush your Pets Outdoors

Brushing pets inside will result in the dispersal of filter-clogging hair and dander throughout the rooms in your home. Even if you vacuum some of it up, you will never get all of it. What escapes will eventually make its way into your HVAC system and may cause issues.

Even if you clean your home frequently, you should still have your HVAC system inspected by professionals on a regular basis. Contact us by calling (480) 422-4437 or visit our website at www.JRPerkins.com. We serve the East Valley area (Phoenix, and more specifically Scottsdale) and can help you to keep your HVAC system running smoothly even with pets in your household.

Monday, July 16, 2018

3 Reasons to Leave Air Conditioning Repair to the Professionals

When it comes to air conditioning repair, it is wise to leave it up to the professionals. Keep reading to learn three reasons why.

Keep Your Warranty Valid

When your air conditioning unit is initially installed, it comes with a warranty on it. However, if you do something yourself to try and repair or alter the system in anyway, then the warranty is no longer valid. This means that anything that happens beyond that point, you will have to pay for entirely out of pocket. In contrast, when you hire a professional HVAC technician at J.R. Perkins Heating & Cooling, your warranty will still be valid and the issue can be taken care of.

Accurately Find the Problem

When you self-diagnose what is wrong with your air conditioning unit, you run the risk of misdiagnosing. You may know enough about an air conditioning unit to see one issue, but be completely oblivious to other issues that may be occurring as well. This could end up costing you more money and time than you'd like because you keep realizing that the issue you discovered isn't the main issue, or perhaps it wasn't really even an issue at all. By calling a professional the first time around, you fix the issue immediately and have a fully functioning air conditioner once again.

Keep Yourself Safe 

Trying to fix your own air conditioning unit can actually be a lot more dangerous than you think. This risk is then heightened by the fact that you don't know what you are doing. You could potentially electrocute yourself, which has the ability to kill you if the shock is strong enough. This kind of risk simply isn't worth it when you can instead hire a professional who will execute the proper safety methods and fix the issue with your air conditioning unit.

It is definitely best to leave air conditioning repair to the professionals at J.R. Perkins Heating & Cooling, because it keeps your warranty valid, they can accurately find the problem on their first try, and your safety is ensured.

J.R. Perkins Heating & Cooling is the first heating and air conditioning company in the Easy Valley servicing Phoenix, specifically Scottsdale. To learn more, please visit our website at www.JRPerkins.com or call (480) 422-4437.

Tuesday, June 26, 2018

Repair your Air Conditioning to Fight Airborne Bacteria

Bacteria are pretty amazing living beings; they make up most of the biodiversity on Earth, and yet we sometimes forget they exist. What's more is that they are so small that the airborne particulates, like pollen and dust, can contain bacteria and viruses. Obviously, one bacterium here or there isn't going to make you sick, but occasionally bacteria or viruses from someone else's cough or sneeze can transmit airborne illnesses.

Your Immune System Fights Your Battles

Many people assume that if they don't touch surfaces that are covered in bacteria, they are unlikely to be exposed to bacteria at all. In fact, your immune system is always working to catch and kill bacteria you are inhaling; it's usually not a problem because your immune system is strong enough to fight off the vast majority of bacteria. The issue comes when you are in a very particulate-laden air environment and when you also have a compromised immune system, like when you haven't slept enough or have recently had a cold. You are then more vulnerable to other airborne illnesses.

Results of Long-Term Exposure to Airborne Bacteria


The biggest result of these exposures is more infectious disease, but some other effects have been observed from airborne bacteria, viruses, and particulates. In fact, a study in the Annals of Occupational Hygiene found that bio-aerosols found in workplaces of recycling, food, and biotechnology can sometimes impact allergies and, depending on the material can also have some toxic effects. The impacts are hard to measure, but there is some evidence that it is a good idea to limit your exposure to unknown bacteria, viruses, and particulates when possible; the point of the research is not to generate worry but definitely is something to consider and bring up with your workplace if you are in a high-particulate area for long amounts of time.

Reducing Exposure to Airborne Bacteria


Take a serious look at your home environment: how is the ventilation? Does air circulate, ensuring that particulates released and dust generated will quickly be dispersed outdoors? It is essential to evaluate if the particulates in the air are affecting you. Has it been too long since you had your air conditioning serviced or your filter checked?

If you are concerned about the air quality in your home, contact us at J.R. Perkins Heating & Cooling; a healthy air conditioning system is the first step to reducing airborne bacteria and promoting healthy, clean, cool air.

JR Perkins Heating & Cooling is the first heating and air conditioning company in the East Valley, servicing Phoenix, specifically Scottsdale, AZ. To learn more, please visit our website at www.JRPerkins.com or call (480) 422-4437.

Sunday, April 15, 2018

Air Conditioning in Allergy Season


If allergy season is hitting you hard, it may be time to ensure that your air conditioner is a helper and not a hindrance. By keeping the places that collect dust, pollen, mold, and other harmful particulate matters spic and span, your air conditioner can aid in preventing an unnecessarily uncomfortable spring.

Vents and Filters

Keeping your doors and windows shut while allergy-triggering pollen flies around outside may not be enough to prevent the sniffles and sneezes. Keep your vents and filters clean as a whistle so that stealth pollen doesn't bother you or your family members. You may also want to consider a Home Performance Audit to find out just how air is circulating in your home, seal up unsealed ductwork, or fix problematic areas like air leaks that might be causing minor health issues for your family.

Ducts and Carpets

It's also important to keep your ducts and carpets as clean as possible. Leftover particulate matter from home renovation projects or just plain old dust left in ducts and circulated by your AC will agitate your allergies. Furthermore, mold growing atop tile or in damp corners can become mold particles in your circulated air. Your properly maintained air conditioner can work as a dehumidifier to keep your home dry and prevent growths. It's also important to keep tiled areas clean of any possible mold to prevent reactions. You should always consult your J.R. Perkins Heating & Cooling technician before deep cleaning carpets and ducts.

Air Quality

You may want to consider a HEPA filter or air cleaner, but it could restrict air flow. Consider a Trane CleanEffects Air Cleaner for the prevention of allergic reactions in your household and improved air quality.

When you come home from a long day during allergy season, your home should be a haven and not another place that might agitate you and your loved ones further. For more information, contact the professionals at J.R. Perkins Heating & Cooling.

JR Perkins is the first heating and air conditioning company in the East Valley servicing Phoenix, specifically Scottsdale. To learn more, please visit our Website at www.JRPerkins.com or call (480) 422-4437.

Friday, March 16, 2018

Why Is Your Air Conditioner Making Noises?


A noisy air conditioner can not only be a nuisance, but it could also be a sign that your unit is on the verge of a breakdown. Ignoring the noises that your air conditioner is making could result in a minor issue becoming an even bigger one. To help you diagnose the issue, here is what you need to know to avoid a major repair.

What Is Causing the Noise? 

The type of noise you are hearing could provide a clue as to what is going on with your air conditioner. For instance, a clicking noise could be a sign that the thermostat is on the verge of failing. It could also point to a problem with other electrical components within the unit. 

A clanking or banging noise could be indicative of compressor issues. The compressor itself could be loose or have a loose part, such as a piston pin. An imbalance with the indoor blower or outdoor fan could also lead to both noises. 

Other noises, such as buzzing, humming, and squealing, can result from other issues, including debris in the unit, a dirty condenser coil, or refrigerant leaks.

What Can You Do? 

Unless you have experience with air conditioner repairs, your options for dealing with a noisy air conditioner are limited. However, there are a few steps you can take to attempt to resolve the issue. 
For instance, you can change the air filter in the unit. You should also check the outside unit for debris. Debris can sometimes be removed with the use of a vacuum cleaner equipped with a brush attachment. Before attempting to remove the debris, turn off the electrical power to the unit. 

If the noises continue, contact us. An experienced JR Perkins HVAC technician can inspect your air conditioner, locate the source of the noise, and take the necessary steps to get your unit operating as quietly and efficiently as possible.

JR Perkins is the first heating and air conditioning company in the East Valley, servicing Phoenix and specifically Scottsdale. To learn more, please visit our website at www.JRPerkins.com or call (480) 422-4437.

Friday, February 16, 2018

Help! My Air Conditioning Unit is Leaking Water

Most air conditioning units produce water as part of the cooling process. They use the water to cool the warm air that your home discharges. However, the water produced should run out of the back or through a specific drain line within the system. If you notice that water is leaking from somewhere else and pooling in your home, you should be alarmed. Here are some of the top reasons why your AC is leaking water and what you can do about the problem.

Clogged drain lines

The air conditioner is designed to drain most of the water that is produced during the cooling process. Unfortunately, with the debris and dust in the air, your drain lines may get clogged over time. This causes water to collect in the unit instead of getting discharged. The accumulated water leaks through the ducts and other indoor components. If you notice that the AC is leaking, unplug it and inspect the drain line for blockage. Ensure that it is clean before plugging in the unit.

Ice collection in the coils


During the warm weather, the AC unit may collect a lot of water due to high levels of humidity. When there is too much water in the air conditioner, the fans blow some of it on the cold coils. This can cause the coils to collect ice. As warm air blows into the air conditioner, it melts the ice and causes water to pool beneath the AC. Your air conditioner coils can collect ice even during the summer; therefore, you should check the coils if you notice puddles of water below the unit.

Infiltration of warm air


Your window air conditioner requires proper sealing to prevent warm air from infiltrating your home. If the unit isn't sealed correctly, air flows through, and as it hits the conditioned air in the house, it condenses. Humidity is forced out of the air, and this leads to the formation of water droplets which drip down the sides of the AC unit. You should seal it properly to prevent warm air from infiltrating the house.

Water leakage can significantly affect the performance of your AC unit's components. If you are unable to pinpoint the source of the problem, don't hesitate to contact us. We will inspect the AC unit, identify the problem, and carry out the necessary repairs to restore its performance. We service Phoenix, AZ, specifically Scottsdale. JR Perkins is the first heating and air conditioning company in the East Valley. To learn more please visit our website at www.JRPerkins.com or call (480) 422-4437.

Monday, January 29, 2018

6 Qualities to Seek in Your Air Conditioning Contractor

Air conditioner problems seem to strike at the most inopportune times. Fortunately, you can survive the unpredictability of air conditioner troubles if you have a top-notch air conditioning contractor. From superb accessibility to expert technicians, you should seek an air conditioning contractor that offers the following six qualities.

1) Responsiveness that is second to none. When your air conditioner fails and you reach out to your contractor for help, you deserve a prompt and professional response. Make sure that your contractor offers same-day appointments and after hour emergency service.

2) Decades of industry experience. Contractors with multiple decades of experience have invaluable expertise acquired through years of resolving the most challenging HVAC issues. They typically have accumulated an extensive network of contacts and resources that can be instrumental in resolving your air conditioning complications quickly.

3) Industry accreditations.
As you conduct your search, look for contractors who are APS Qualified and accredited by the Better Business Bureau. Contractors who are Trane Comfort Specialists are also good choices, as they are committed to the best installation and cooling technology.

4) Affordable pricing.
The contractor you choose should offer fair pricing and convenient financing options such as monthly payments. The contractor you choose should also reward new and existing customers by offering special promotions.

5) Highly trained technicians.
A team of properly trained technicians is the cornerstone of success for an air conditioning contractor. Ideally, your contractor should have North American Technical Excellence (NATE) Certified Technicians on staff to ensure that your air conditioner is serviced by a contractor with training in nine specialty areas.

6) A focus on the future.
The most accomplished contractors are interested in helping you save money and conserve precious energy. They educate their customers about HVAC care and offer energy savings programs to encourage preventive maintenance.

There is no substitute for a combination of experience, responsiveness, and professionalism when it comes to selecting an air conditioning contractor. By choosing a contractor that possesses the qualities above, you will be ready to face the heat of the summer with confidence. JR Perkins is the first heating and air conditioning company in the East Valley servicing Phoenix, specifically Scottsdale. To learn more please visit our website at www.JRPerkins.com or call (480) 422-4437.