Who doesn’t love saving money—especially when it helps you get much-needed energy-efficient home upgrades? APS and SRP are currently offering great incentives and rebates when you upgrade or repair your home’s heating and cooling systems. If you’re thinking about upgrading to energy-saving thermostats and HVAC systems in Mesa, AZ, now is a great time to do so.
Here are just a few of the incentives or rebates you may qualify for.
APS
Arizona Public Service (APS) offers several rebates when you upgrade or repair your home’s HVAC, thermostat and water heater:
AC upgrade rebate: Thinking about replacing your 10-year-old (or older) air conditioner? Save $200 with a rebate, and get an additional $250 if you have your air leaks sealed at the same time.
Cool control rebate: Do you have a cool control device? This device runs the fan for five minutes after your air conditioner’s compressor shuts off, which takes advantage of all the cold air in your ducts. You can get $70 back when you install one, and save up to 10 percent on your energy bill.
Duct repair and sealing rebate: If your ducts are leaking air, you’re leaking money. Get $250 when you have an HVAC contractor seal up your leaky ducts.
Insulation rebate: Get $250 back when you insulate your home, whether by installing completely new insulation or replacing old materials. Plus, you’ll save money on your energy bill.
Smart thermostat rebate: If you buy a smart thermostat on the APS marketplace, you’ll get a $30 rebate, plus an additional $75 if you sign up for their Cool Rewards program.
Water heater timer rebate: Add a water heater timer to take advantage of off-peak hours (and lower rates). You’ll get a $200 rebate in return.
SRP
SRP is a community-based not-for-profit water and energy company in Arizona:
Air conditioning rebates: You can save up to $1,125 when you install an energy-efficient AC, heat pump or mini-split system. Plus, they’ll save you even more on your energy bills.
Duct repair rebate: Get up to $400 back when you get your ductwork inspected and repaired by participating contractors.
Free shade trees: One of the best ways to keep your home cool is to plant shade trees on the sunniest sides—and you can get two for free when you sign up for a virtual workshop.
Home energy audit rebate: Energy audits help you learn where your home is energy efficient and where it needs help. Save up to $100 with this rebate.
Insulation rebate: Installing new insulation? You can save up to $600 with SRP’s insulation rebate.
Shade screen rebates: Get 80 cents per square foot in rebates when you install energy-saving shade screens on your windows.
Smart thermostat rebate: Get up to $100 when you use smart thermostats, plus an additional $25 per thermostat in subsequent years.
Are you ready to upgrade your old water filtration system? Whole-house water filtration systems last around 10 to 20 years on average, depending on how well you maintain them. If your system is on the older side, it might be time for an upgrade. At PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air, we recommend Ultima Green Fusion water softeners in Mesa, AZ. These systems soften your water and remove harmful minerals, heavy metals, pesticides and more—all while wasting less water and using less electricity.
Here’s what you’ll get when you install an Ultima Green Fusion water filtration and softener system.
Ultima Green Fusion systems
The Ultima Green Fusion system incorporates a whole-house water filtration system and a water softener in one easy-to-maintain unit. You’ll get safe, clean water free of mineral residue. That means you’ll spend less money on soap, shampoos and detergents, and less money on energy and water. You’ll also get great-tasting water that leaves your fixtures, hair, skin and clothing clean and fresh:
KDF technology: The Ultima Green Fusion systems use reticulated KDF (Kinetic Degradation Fluxion) sponges to filter out heavy metals and chlorine. These sponges use less water to backwash, and will last virtually forever.
Coconut shell carbon: Coconut shell carbon is used to get rid of even more chlorine, cleaning byproducts, tri-halo methane, herbicides and pesticides. Coconut shell is one of the most porous substances on earth, which makes it perfect to get rid of these harmful substances.
Uniform bead resin. Uniform bead resin refers to bead size. When you keep the beads all the same size, the water softener portion of the unit only needs half the salt other water softeners require. This is great news for people with sodium sensitivity or other health conditions.
UV light. Ultraviolet light is the best way to kill bacteria without needing harsh chemicals. This helps guarantee that the water you get from your Ultima Green Fusion system is the cleanest, best-tasting and safest water your family can drink.
Green control valve. This smart valve is programmed to only regenerate when it needs to—and it uses as little as 25 percent of what other water filtration systems waste. Plus, it can still handle Arizona’s notoriously hard water.
The Ultima Green Fusion systems come in both residential and commercial models, making them great for your home, restaurant, laboratory, greenhouse, ice machine and more. You can pick your model based on how much you need to filter and store each day.
If you’re interested in finding the right water filtration system for your Mesa, AZ home or business, PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air is happy to help you identify the right model for your needs. Give us a call today to discuss your water filtration goals, budget and more. Whether you want an Ultima Green Fusion system or a different model, we’re happy to install, service and repair throughout its lifespan. With more than 15 years of industry experience, you can trust us to care for your system and make recommendations that will best serve your family’s needs.
Having a well-maintained HVAC system is only half the battle. If you want to keep your home at a comfortable temperature year-round, you need good home insulation in Mesa, AZ. Without proper insulation, your home is far more prone to heat transfer. That means a hot, miserable house in the summer and a cold one in the winter—and costly energy bills all year long.
Here is a quick guide to home insulation.
What does insulation do?
Insulation prevents heat transfer. If you remember your elementary school science classes, you may recall that when hot and cold air meet, they try to level out. If the hot air outside is intruding into your air-conditioned home, your air conditioner will have to work twice as hard to keep the house cool.
If you have appropriate insulation, however, it will block heat transfer. That keeps warm air inside during the winter, and cool air inside during the summer. How well a material insulates is called its “R-value.” Different types of insulation have different R-values, and which type you need will depend on your specific home.
Typically, heat transfer occurs in your walls and attic. If you insulate your walls, you can reduce heat transfer by up to 67 percent, and an insulated attic can reduce it by up to 40 percent. Since heating and cooling costs make up about 54 percent of a household’s utility bills, it’s worth investing in quality insulation. It’ll pay for itself over the long term.
Types of insulation
Here are some of the most common types of insulation:
Fiberglass: Fiberglass is the most commonly used insulation material. It comes in loose fill varieties and batts, and is often the cheapest option available. It’s usually installed between joists, beams and studs, is fire resistant and can protect your home from humidity (although that’s not usually a major concern in the Mesa area).
Spray foam: Spray foam insulation is, true to its name, sprayed into new wall spaces, unfinished attics and your existing walls. The spray foam expands to fill the space, and can be “carved” down after it has dried and cured. It’s fast, easy and effective, although it tends to be more expensive than fiberglass.
Mineral wool: Mineral wool is similar to fiberglass insulation. It comes in loose fill, which is blown into empty spaces. Not only is it extremely heat resistant, but it also helps soundproof your home. It is, however, significantly more expensive than fiberglass insulation.
Cellulose: Finally, cellulose insulation is an organic type of insulation—but because it absorbs moisture, it needs to be replaced every five years. It’s installed similarly to mineral wool.
Whichever type of insulation you choose, make sure you have a professional install it. Some insulation types are hazardous to your health—not to mention messy—so it’s best to work with an experienced contractor.
Are you ready to install, replace or upgrade your insulation? Work with the Mesa, AZ home insulation professionals at PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air. Call today to learn more.
Have you ever had a relaxing, hot shower unexpectedly turn into a freezing-cold nightmare? If your water heater isn’t working correctly, or if you have a lot of people in the household taking showers and running appliances, running out of hot water is a huge annoyance. If you’ve been thinking about installing a tankless water heater in Mesa, AZ, here’s a quick guide to how they work and why they may be a great option for your needs.
How does a tankless water heater function?
A tankless water heater responds as soon as you turn on a shower, dishwasher, washing machine or any other household appliance that requires water. Cold water enters the machine and is heated by either a gas burner or an electrical element. As the water enters the machine, it’s preheated by a heat exchanger to capture extra or latent heat. Before the water travels through the pipes and out of your faucets or into your appliances, it passes through the heat exchanger until it hits an acceptable temperature. The heater will automatically adjust the flame so that the water is able to stay at your desired temperature.
Why is a tankless water heater right for me?
A tankless water heater in Mesa, AZ adds convenience to your everyday life. It provides a constant supply of hot water on demand. That means no more cold showers in the morning, and no more wasting water as you wait for it to hit the right temperature. They’re more energy efficient than old-fashioned water heaters, helping you reduce your monthly energy bills and your carbon footprint. If you’re looking to help the environment and your pocketbook, installing a tankless water heater is an excellent home improvement option.
Tankless water heaters are wall-mounted, which means you can ditch your old, bulky tank water heater for a modern and attractive option. Consult with your local plumbing expert in Mesa, AZ to discover the best location for your unit. A professional may recommend installing two units to maximize efficiency.
You can feel confident that switching to a tankless water heater is a safe option for you and your family. Since you’ve gotten rid of the tank, you’re no longer susceptible to overheating or spikes in pressure that can cause standard water heaters to burst.
Who should install a tankless water heater?
If you want to make the most of your investment and get optimal efficiency from your new tankless water heater, you need to have it installed by a professional. A reputable local plumbing company in Mesa, AZ looks at all the factors, including desired fuel type, climate and all local code requirements that go along with selecting and installing the best tankless water heater for your needs. They’ll also help you with periodic maintenance and any repairs that may come up. Taking care of your investment will extend its lifespan and increase your level of comfort at home.
If you decide to add an energy-efficient tankless water heater to your Mesa, AZ home, make sure the job is done the right way. Contact PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air to install this great feature and enjoy increased comfort in your daily life.
How long has it been since you last had your air ductwork tested? If you’re like most people, that’s probably lurking at the bottom of your priority list—if you even realized you need to do it at all. Ductwork testing in Mesa, AZ is the key to getting great performance from your HVAC unit, as well as improving your indoor air quality.
Here’s how to tell when it’s time for ductwork testing, and what the process involves.
How often do I need my ductwork tested?
Generally, you should have your ductwork tested every three to five years. If you live in a particularly dusty area, have family members with respiratory illnesses or have noticed that your indoor air quality is declining, schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Some other signs that it’s time to have your ductwork checked out include smelling mold—it’s a musty odor that is usually unmistakable. You might also notice your HVAC unit sending out puffs of dust, or black dirt collecting around your air vents. If it’s been a while since you’ve changed your air filters, that could be contributing to the problem, too.
Age is also a good indication of when it’s time to have your ductwork inspected. Over time, your ductwork and its components will deteriorate, even if you’ve kept up with regular maintenance. A well-maintained ductwork system usually lasts about 15 years on average.
Finally, if you notice buzzing or screeching sounds—or have seen insects and other pests enter your ductwork—schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Insects, rodents and other critters can travel inside your ducts and cause damage.
The ductwork testing process
When you schedule a routine HVAC maintenance appointment, your contractor should inspect your ductwork at the same time. They’ll go through your home’s ductwork system and look for holes, tears, evidence of pest intrusion and other problems. If the ducts are in relatively good shape, they might simply repair minor problems. However, if your ductwork has suffered extensive damage, you’ll probably need to replace it.
You can also schedule appointments specifically for ductwork testing.
Benefits of testing your ductwork
Ductwork testing in Mesa, AZ offers immediate benefits. First, you’ll save money on your utility bills. When you have leaky or malfunctioning ducts, your HVAC system has to work twice as hard to distribute hot or cold air. If the ducts are leaking, you might be paying out the nose to air condition or heat your attic.
You’ll also notice an improvement in indoor air quality, which is great for people with respiratory ailments and allergies. Clean, sealed ducts are less likely to send dirt and debris into your home through the vents. You’ll breathe easier, your home will smell better and you’ll pay less money to the utility company.
If it’s been a few years since your last ductwork testing in Mesa, AZ, call PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air today to schedule an appointment. We’re here to help with all your HVAC and plumbing needs.
Even if you take care of your HVAC unit perfectly, its lifespan will eventually come to an end. No one wants an unexpected expense, but this is actually a great opportunity to install a new, highly efficient HVAC system. If your energy and repair bills are increasing, it’s a good time to consider contacting an HVAC contractor in Mesa, AZ to install a new unit.
How to tell it’s time for replacement
Here’s how to tell when it’s time to replace your system, and why it’s so important to work with a qualified installation company to complete the job:
Your HVAC unit is over 10 years old: HVAC units should be replaced every 10 years, according to Energy Star. Over the course of a decade, your HVAC’s parts can deteriorate. This makes them less efficient, which increases your energy bills. Luckily, today’s HVAC units are manufactured with efficiency in mind.
Your repair costs are increasing: Is it getting more expensive to repair your HVAC system than it would be to replace the entire thing? If you’re finding yourself on a first name basis with your friendly local HVAC repair company, it might be time to consider replacement.
Your energy bills are through the roof: Energy costs are increasingly expensive, so a malfunctioning HVAC system doesn’t help. Consider investing in a new, energy-efficient unit to keep your heating and cooling costs as low as possible.
You hear loud noises coming from the unit: Finally, listen for loud noises coming from your HVAC system. Loose or damaged components can rattle and bang around, necessitating repair or replacement. If you have an older system—or if repair doesn’t solve the problem—it’s time to replace your unit.
Choosing the right HVAC installation contractor is crucial
Getting the right HVAC unit isn’t the end of your HVAC replacement—it’s also critical to have it correctly installed by a highly qualified licensed and NATE certified HVAC contractor in Mesa, AZ. In fact, proper installation of an HVAC unit is even more important than which HVAC unit you choose.
It doesn’t matter how much money you spend on an AC unit with a high SEER rating—if it’s poorly installed, it will operate less efficiently than a unit with a lower SEER rating. This also shortens the lifespan of your HVAC unit, which means you’ll be looking for a new system far sooner than you should.
Hiring a company that employs NATE certified technicians is one way to ensure your unit will be installed to factory specifications, and run exactly as it is designed to do for years to come. It will also ensure that your unit operates at peak performance, keeping your entire house comfortable every hour of the day, every day. Best of all, getting the right unit installed by the right company means you’ll save money on your utility bills, even in freezing winters and boiling hot summers.
Are you ready to purchase and install your brand-new HVAC system in Mesa, AZ? PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air’s technicians are NATE certified experts and Trane Comfort Specialists. Call us today to learn more and schedule your installation appointment.
