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Home Cooling In Arizona – How To Reduce The Load On Your Air Conditioning System

Trane HVAC affects Arizona LifestyleMaintaining A Comfortable Home Against High Temperature Arizona  Summers

Home cooling in Arizona means installing air conditioning equipment that is capable of dealing with sequential months wherein the average temperature exceeds 90-plus degrees. In fact, Phoenix regional homes endure a season wherein heat increase rises well above 100-degrees for up to four consecutive months. It’s the kind of circumstances that make summer comfort almost as important as survival in below zero winter temperatures.

With each passing year it seems Arizona residents are pressed into even more days of unprecedented high heat index numbers. So even though Trane HVAC and other HVAC manufacturers continue to introduce better energy-efficient heat pumps and air conditioners, the cost of staying cool keeps rising. More hours of equipment operation means greater costs for comfort. The following tips show how to reduce the load on your Arizona air conditioning system.

Home Cooling, Reducing Heat In Your Home by Reducing Solar Heat Gain

People enjoy sunshine – even when the associated heat gain prompts increased energy consumption by home air conditioning systems. Weather that enables a wonderful day at the water park also forces higher cooling bills for the homestead. Longer hours of sunshine produce greater accumulation of solar heat gain. In the Arizona summer when the sun is higher in the sky, daylight hours increase and the associated heat gain accumulates even more. So keep the heat out. Here’s how:

  • Install Sunscreens – Perhaps budget conditions forbid installation of window awnings. Take a look at sunscreens as an alternative solution. Crafted from wood panels or louvered slats, sunscreens fit over windows in a manner similar to shutters.
  • Install Window Awnings – Whether crafted from rigid or flexible materials, window awnings reduce the heat that transmits through the windows of Phoenix houses. Even windows facing South or North can benefit from installed window awnings.
  • Overhangs – If a home is already completed, this suggestion doesn’t apply to the circumstance. However, for Arizona homeowners in the process of building, or perhaps doing some major remodeling, crafting wide overhangs will help shield windows and doors from the blistering Phoenix regional summer sunshine.
  • Plant Trees – If planted at a proper distance from the home, trees offer shade and reduced inside heat gain. But some cons exist: Even quick growing trees take many years to reach a height that provides full benefits. Also, if planted too near a home, the roots of the trees can end up causing issues with the foundation.

Home Cooling, Keeping the Heat Out and Reducing Indoors Heat

2013 Tax Credit for AC InstallationStopping solar heat-gain involves external solutions. The second line of defense involves controlling heat gain from within the home. This means reducing indoor heat as well as keeping heat out.

Keeping Heat Out Improves Home Cooling Efficiency…

  • Adequate Home Insulation – To keep a cool home, install sufficient and effective insulation in the walls, the attic, and the crawlspace.
  • Managed Air Flow – Close the windows and doors. Latch them. Proper home cooling demands a tightly sealed home.
  • Leak Prevention – Find the gaps around the doors, windows, vents and electrical outlets. Seal them.

Reducing Indoors Heat Assures More Efficient Home Cooling…

  • Scheduled Applications – Appliances emit heat, some more so than others. Use a timer to schedule the dishwasher so that it only runs during the late evening hours. Plan clothes drying for late night TV time.
  • Remember the “Off” Switch – From lights to televisions, stop burning electricity on devices not in use. Even small appliances resulted in accumulated heat spots.
  • Ventilate – When bathing in hot water, use exhaust fans. Likewise when cooking on the range or even when running the dishwasher.

Home Cooling, Choose the Right Air Conditioning System

Home air conditioning systems strip heat from the inside air. This means more cool for you. But not all systems function with the same efficiency. Every Arizona home is different, and requires a precise cooling configuration of equipment and installation.

Ducted forceAC Service Technician In Arizonad-air systems are the most common method of controlled home cooling. However, many components define the effectiveness of the installed A/C unit. Product selection based upon SEER ratings may seem simple and straightforward, yet the path to energy-efficient home comfort is often clouded by an assortment of additional calculations and considerations.

American Cooling and Heating offers Arizona residents the finest home cooling resources available to the region. Competitive HVAC product and installation prices form the core attraction, but our 100% workmanship guarantee is what ensures that your home cooling equipment functions at a true Energy Star efficiency rating. From energy-efficient heat pumps, to central air conditioning units, ACH supports the full line of Trane home cooling equipment.

For more information, call now.

A Fair Heat Pump Comparison of Trane Vs Goodman

Trane heat pump or Goodman heat pumpTrane XL20i Versus Goodman DSXC18 – Like System Vs. Like System

When comparing heat pumps and other air conditioning equipment one against the other, Arizona homeowners deserve real facts that offer frank product comparison data. No one wants to read a biased A/C battle report wherein one manufacturer is favored over the other merely because the installer has better connections with that specific heat pump manufacturer. Serious buyers look for a price-balanced honest report that details which HVAC system can best suit a given home environment, housing structure, and the buyer’s budget.

This report offers Phoenix A/C buyers an accurate side-by-side Trane to Goodman heat pump comparison of similar models with similar features. We do not purpose to promote the cheapest model air conditioning system over the one with the most bells and whistles. Neither do we devalue the benefits of choosing a performance and convenience enhanced Arizona home heating and cooling product.

The following units are of similar quality and features. Perhaps this information will enable you to make an informed decision for your Phoenix regional home air conditioning purchase, replacement or upgrade.

Trane XL20i Versus Goodman DSXC18 – Choosing the Right Phoenix HVAC Contractor

From compressor work on a 1936 Chrysler Airtemp to servicing the environmental control system of an Airbus 380 commercial aircraft, workmanship is the core component for effective and reliable component installation and product repair. Hire a lousy A/C technician and your equipment may never function effectively. Get on an Airbus 380 that was serviced by a tech who lacks understanding of the A3XX ECS four-stage air cycle system, and you can expect some very unhappy results.

Likewise is the efficiency and reliability of your home Arizona HVAC equipment. Hire a half-trained heat pump installer and you can forget about brand name. Incorrectly installed heating and cooling equipment will not function efficiency or effectively. Furthermore, an incorrectly installed system may actually fail prematurely, forcing you to spend unnecessary dollars due to an early system replacement.

Quality HVAC contractors offer:

· Free Estimates
· 24-Hour Service
· Trained and Skilled Technicians
· Lifetime Warranty on Workmanship
· Support and Sales of All Brands of Air Conditioning and Heating Systems
· Broad Choice In Equipment and Equipment Options
· Evidence of Bonded, Insured and Licensed Qualifications
· Connections With National Quality Assurance HVAC Contractor Groups
· A Strong History of Proven Better Business Bureau Ratings
· Honest Sales
· Open Product Discussion
· AND Much, Much More.

To schedule your free Arizona heat pump installation product discussion and pricing estimate, contact American Cooling and Heating now.

Trane XL20i Versus Goodman DSXC18 – The ComparisonService Division in Gilbert AZ

Let’s start by taking a gander at the HVAC buying experience. It’s much like buying a car wherein some salesmen tend to jockey for your business by leaving out small details of the final product. Likewise in the A/C business, buyers can select anything from a bare-bones heat pump with minimum performance to a unit that comes complete with an optional electronic air cleaner, a “smart” thermostat system, and a whole home humidifier. And for most homeowners, the salesman holds the key to efficiency at a reasonable price.

Furthermore, if you go for an energy-rated system while failing to correctly smart-match the air handler to the condenser, you can end up with less than you deserve. So when pricing your Phoenix air conditioning system, get the facts on paper, the model numbers in detail with all options listed, and exact features that will be included in your system. Don’t save two hundred dollars on the low-bidder while getting shafted on the thermostat control system.

Point-By-Point Comparison of Goodman DSXC18 versus Trane XL20i.

External Communication provides system support for remote access to your air conditioning controls via dial-up modem. Both the Trane XL20i and the Goodman DSXC18 support this optional feature.

Humidity Control enables the fan on a heat pump or condensing unit to operate at a reduced speed. This feature helps the evaporator coil remove a greater amount of humidity from your home. The XL20i offers this feature via the Trane Comfort R™ controller. The DSXC18 comes back with Goodman’s equally effective counterpart. For functionality, both units require that the condenser and the air handler install as a matched pair.

Two-Stage Cooling is offered with either system. The Trane XL20i ships with twin Trane Dual Climatuff® Compressors whereas the Goodman DSXC18 performs the same task via a single compressor running in a two-stage mode.

Charge Assist enables your technician to better ensure that your Phoenix home heat pump is right-charged for the most efficient performance. This feature is unique to the XL20i and may actually help the tech keep your system operating more efficiently.

Multi-Stage Fan enables more efficient operation of the system condenser fan motor and the system blower motor. Both Trane and Goodman offer compatible multi-stage fan/variable speed condenser and ECM blower motor controls.

Condenser Coil Construction comes in the Goodman as copper with aluminum fins whereas Trane includes the Two-row Spine Fin™ all aluminum system. Although either system is efficient, some techs favor all aluminum whereas other techs favor copper with aluminum fins.

SEER Ratings are defined in both systems as Energy Star, reaping up to 20 SEER for the Trane XL20i and up to 18 on the Goodman DSXC18. Ask your ACH tech to better define any further SEER differences in the units.

Enhanced Diagnostics can help an A/C technician more quickly identify an existing problem. However just as with the computer system in an automobile, an HVAC enhanced diagnostics system has limitations. Goodman lists this feature as a unique-to-Goodman value. However, as an Arizona homeowner you should focus more on the skills of the tech and less on the diagnostics features of the system.

System Warranties differ only slightly between the two units. Both Trane and Goodman offer a 10-year warranty. However Trane defines that warranty as 10-years parts/coil whereas Goodman defines that warranty as 10-years parts. Not much real distinction here. One point to notice: Trane warrants the XL20i compressor for 12 years limited whereas Goodman warrants the DSXC18 compressor with a Lifetime limited warranty. Again, wording in this area seems a bit cluttered. Suffice to say that both companies offer outstanding product support and warranty. Most important component of an HVAC warranty: the skill of the Arizona A/C installer.

Common Components includes use of R-410A refrigerant, weather resistant cabinet structure, and a product that is engineered for quiet operation. Trane steps a bit ahead by offering the DuraTuff™ Rust Proof base pan but don’t count that as a sale-buster.

Conclusion, Trane XL20i Or Goodman DSXC18

In basic features, performance and efficiency either of these units make for a great and comparable buy. In either unit, a buyer can find some features that are unique to that unit. However, your final decision should be based upon finding a great Phoenix HVAC tech who will guild you into the best buy for your home environment, housing structure, and buying budget. Installation prices vary and can be affected by the structure of your home as well as the sense of expertise that the installer has with a given unit. But remember this: Professional Arizona HVAC service techs are trained and skilled with all makes and models of home heating and cooling equipment.

Heat Pump Efficiency – Your Solution For Summer and Winter Comfort

Mesa Air Conditioning At ACHBenefits of an Installed Heat Pump System

During warm weather, heat pumps and air conditioners function identically. Both HVAC approaches are designed to provide homes and businesses with the physical comfort of reliable cooling and dehumidification. The typical A/C or HP system uses a process defined as vapor compression cycling. In general, refrigerant materials are noted for the temperature increase that takes place when the materials are compressed and then rapidly expanded. Thus a cycle of circulating refrigerant material through a compression / expansion process results in mechanically generated cool air.

Whether in homes or businesses, the process remains the same. The condensing unit of the air conditioning system houses the compressor and is typically stored external to the home or office. This is the noisy maker, the energy consumer, and the home of the condensing coil.

However, when the weather changes and you need something that provides heat as well as cooling comforts, heat pump efficiency suddenly takes a valuable leap above the capacity of a standard air conditioner. It’s a reversal of processes. Whereas an A/C condensing unit is capable only of functioning as a cooling system, a heat pump can reverse the process so that the heat of compression rather than venting into the outside air ends up within your home or office living and working quarters.

Layman’s Definition of Installed Heat Pump Functionality

So, you ask. Define heat pump efficiency in simple terms. Herein are the basics:

  • Heat pumps move heat from one fluid to another
  • In an air-source HVAC system, air is the fluid within the home and the external fluid is the outside air source.
  • In a geothermal heat system, water is the external fluid source
  • In times of hot external temperatures, the heat pump moves inside air into the outside fluid
  • In times of cold external temperatures, the heat within the outside fluid is moved to the inside air system.

Sophisticated Definition of Installed Heat Pump Functionality

Tip: Expect a 15-year lifecycle on the typical air-source HVAC heat pump. Furnaces usually pull 20-years. The actual processing method of a HP is as follows:

  1. The external compressor unit pressurizes the system refrigerant
  2. The pressurized refrigerant is piped inside the home
  3. As the inside condensing coil receives the heated gas, room air passes over the coil and heat is transferred into the passing air.
  4. During the process of heat exchange, the refrigerant cools and condenses
  5. Now pressurized as a liquid, the refrigerant passes through a throttling valve, which causes expansion, cooling, and a shift into a state of low pressure liquid
  6. In the cooling process, the external evaporator coil uses external air to boil the cold liquid refrigerant back into a gas
  7. In the event that the external air is too cold to enable adequate heat generation, supplemental electric heat strips within the air handler provide the home with reliable heat.

During winter months, ice sometimes forms on the external coil system. The heat pump then engages a periodic defrost cycle which enables the system to melt ice and resume normal operation.

All AC Brands In AZAir-Source HVAC Heat Pump Efficiency

Every form of measurement needs a base line. Thus horsepower as well as watts and amperage define engine performance. Likewise, heat pumps also require a base line measuring gauge. We call it the Heating Season Performance Factor (HSPF). The gauging is based upon comparing the ratio of heat provided in Btu per hour to watts of energy consumed. The HSPF process also factors components such as:

  • Energy loss during the systems defrost cycle
  • Energy loss during system startup
  • Energy loss during system stops
  • And modifications due to specific climates.

Typical HSPF standards range from 7.7 for minimum efficiency equip to 8.2 for high efficiency units. Variable speed air-source HVAC systems may rate as high as 9.0. Actual efficiency performance varies from climate to climate.

When performing air-cooling services, heat pump efficiency performance is measured and rated by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). Again: the calculations factor in concepts such as start, stop and specific climate. Current national mandates set minimum residential air conditioning SEER rates at 13.0. However some units actually exceed a 19.0 SEER rating. And again, variable speed systems typically out perform standard units.

Expect to spend around 30% more for a variable speed HP or variable speed A/C. However, expect benefits as follows:

  • Better energy efficiency
  • Quieter operation
  • Better dehumidifying functions
  • AND better home comfort.

For more details on how to fit your Arizona home with a quality installed heat pump efficiency system, contact American Cooling and Heating now.

 

Reasonable AC Installation Phoenix AZ Homes

Trane Air Conditioners And Heat Pump Units In AZPhoenix AZ Resources For Reasonable AC Installation

If someone says, “Define the core components of reasonable AC installation,” the wise homeowner conceives a mixed response wherein “Reasonable” means right priced for the quality, the product, and the required services. There is a difference between shoddy components and cost-efficient components. There is a distinction between substandard HVAC equipment and just-the-right-unit for the purpose. And there is a valuable division between lazy, careless technicians and in skilled technical air conditioning installation professionals.

So it seems that the concept of “reasonable pricing” for a new or replacement heat pump installation or A/C system should exclude a focus on “cheap.” Now that doesn’t mean that “rational AC pricing” means “expensive” pricing. It merely eliminates time and money wasted on price comparisons that fail to match product-to-product, warranty-to-warranty, service-to-service, and reliability-to-reliability. 

Definition of Reasonable AC Installation Sometimes Distorted By Unlicensed Operators

In conclusion to a 2015 drive to eliminate unlicensed contractor work in the state of Arizona, the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AZ ROCK) successfully netted 30 offenders (1). Two of the unlicensed operators are already lised on AZ ROC’s “Top Most Wanted List.” In total:  

  • Nine offenders were arrested
  • Five offenders were cited for criminal and civil offenses
  • AND 16 received AZ ROC warnings for advertising without being in possession of a proper Arizona contractor’s license.

Note: Advertisements placed by the guilty parties covered false business cards, private websites, and adds on Craigslist.

One of the offenders, specifically known for performing poor work and taking money without completing the jobs already faced nine prior complaints. At the time of arrest, he was also facing four outstanding Warrants. Another of the offenders was picked up for scamming an 86-year-old woman out of $26,000. Thankfully, most of these unlicensed construction contractors were involved in work dealing with roofing, pool services and other home improvement tasks.

Yet the fact remains: Too many unskilled and untrained people are actively affecting the Phoenix concept of “sensible A/C installation pricing” (2). From false advertisement to shoddy and incomplete work, the danger of mistaking “cheap” for “reasonable” cannot be denied. They are in every profession: unlicensed amateurs seeking to mislead innocent homeowners faulted only for looking for the best deal. 

American Cooling and Heating: A Real HVAC Contractor With Reasonable AC Installation Pricing  

You want quality products, superior quality, reliable service and “reasonable pricing.” American Cooling and Heating understands what it takes to battle desert temperatures, and we know how to do it using the most cost-effective HVAC installation game plan.

Keeping you comfortable is our business. The ACH service guarantee begins with a “Free” onsite appraisal. Our schedule is flexible, for the estimate and for the installation. We handle the whole nine yards, including filing your warranty paperwork and registering your new heat pump or air conditioning system according to the manufacturer’s specs.

And we understand the true meaning of “realistic A/C installation pricing.” This means that we are competitive with any legitimate Phoenix AZ HVAC sales and service center. And then, we go the extra mile. We offer professional in-home behavior and attitude, from wearing booties to protect your flooring to using temp attic boards to save from harm your ceilings. And it is all followed up by a full and complete after-market cleanup. And don’t forget our American Cooling and Heating lifetime A/C installation labor warranty.

Air conditioning condensers and heat pumps on sale today. So stop burning energy. ACH does “reasonable AC installation” in Phoenix, Tucson and many other regions within the Valley. Call now…. 

 

 

  1. 1)      http://www.azroc.gov/rocnews/releases/20150630%20-%20Statewide%20ULE%20Sting%20Operation.pdf
  2. 2)      http://www.azroc.gov/wanted/violations.html

HVAC Maintenance Agreements – For the Best in Heat Pump Performance

24 Hour AC Service In ArizonaHeat Pump HVAC Maintenance Agreements For Homes That Don’t Need A Furnace

In this region of unique heating and cooling requirements, Arizona homeowners have come to expect reliable air conditioning services accompanied by flexible HVAC maintenance agreements. The age of one-size-fits-all has pasted us by. Local climate makes heat pump heating ideal for winter use thus the need for additional furnace equipment gets a bit obsolete. It’s just not all that cold during the Phoenix winter.

Cost is also a driving factor behind system choices. For example: By installing a HP-only system, Phoenix regional homeowners gain three important price saving features: They,

  1. Avoid the installation cost of additional Natural Gas and/or HVAC plumbing
  2. Gain more flexible control over temperature management within the home
  3. Get better pricing on HVAC maintenance service contracts.

In this modern society, homeowners want protection with options. They also seek to establish relations with a trustworthy service center. Company performance during and after HVAC maintenance services help homeowners meet these goals. But there is yet much more to be gained. A well-maintained heat pump can provide effective energy-efficient heating and cooling with long-term cost savings that reach far into the homeowner’s future. Furthermore, a clean and functional heat pump helps the environment while also adding value to the home.

A/C Maintenance Checklist

According to the Energy Star home improvement A/C maintenance checklist, homeowners should expect the American Cooling And Heating Is Your Home Comfort Solution In Arizonafollowing services:

  • Examination of thermostat settings to confirm efficient usage of energy resources
  • General electrical check and tightening of all connections, including taking voltage measurements on said connections as well as on motors
  • Lubrication of moving HVAC system components
  • Examination of the system operation, cycling and safety controls
  • Cleaning of condenser a/c coils and evaporator coils
  • Check and adjust of central heat pump / ac refrigerant levels
  • Clean, examine and adjust blower components to ensure adequate and accurate system airflow
  • Examine gas/oil connections and associated functions such as burner combustion, gas pressure and the condition of the heat exchanger.

Note… Homeowners are typically responsible for cleaning and or changing filters.

Precision HVAC Tune-Ups or Professional HVAC Cleaning: What’s In It For The Homeowner?

Although there are several reasons why a Phoenix A/C service center may offer homeowners an HVAC M/A, “repeat business” stands as the primary factor behind this business choice. According to Decision Analyst, the company that holds a homeowner’s maintenance agreement usually gains the order when system replacement comes due. In short, providing an air conditioning maintenance agreement typically eliminates the competition.

But what’s in it for the homeowner?

Due to excess accumulation of dust and dry weather, the typical Arizona HVAC maintenance agreement should also include two inspections per year and a guarantee of priority service. Some contracts also include a special discount on repairs and parts. Another level of M/A services may include a waiver on diagnostic fees. So much depends on the local company, but homeowners should always make certain that their provider offers:

  • 24/7 A/C response time
  • Certified technicians
  • Evidence of HVAC licensing
  • Bonded securities
  • And reasonable A/C maintenance pricing.

Full-Service HVAC Maintenance Agreements

Ok. It’s really not reasonable to expect a full-service warranty agreement on an aged and obsolete heating and cooling system. However, when a homeowner is seeking a maintenance agreement for a system that is still under warranty, the service provider incurs no liability beyond labor. This means that replacement of parts can be priced into the maintenance agreement. It may result in a bit higher pricing, but it can be money well spent.

AND… of course, if the company holding the agreement is also responsible for the Arizona Heat Pump installation of the warranted unit, the options for better coverage become even more acceptable.    

 

 

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