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.
The last thing anyone needs is another item on their to-do list, which is why many homeowners fail to schedule their HVAC tune-ups in Mesa, AZ. However, they’re an easy and low-commitment way to ensure that you won’t be surprised by your heater or air conditioner breaking down just when you need them most. Preventative maintenance is the key to great performance—and lower utility bills. All you need to do is pick up the phone and schedule a tune-up twice per year.
Why an HVAC tune-up is worth your while
Since Arizona tends to have milder winters than the rest of the country, winter is a great time for an HVAC appointment. Here’s why this service is so critical:
Keep your HVAC unit running efficiently: The most important reason to schedule an HVAC tune-up is, of course, to ensure your unit is running properly. It’s well worth the time and money to avoid problems later on down the road. Your HVAC technician will check the hardware, thermostat, ductwork and filters to make sure the system is functioning properly, so you can count on warm air when it’s cold outside, and air conditioning as soon as the hot Arizona summer arrives.
Spot problems before they harm your system: Getting a tune-up also gives your HVAC contractor in Mesa, AZ an opportunity to point out potential problems with your system. During the inspection, they’ll go over the entire system and let you know if parts look like they need to be repaired or replaced. They’ll also tell you if the system is reaching the end of its operable lifespan. If you’re considering a new HVAC unit, they can make recommendations for when the time comes. Take advantage of the easy opportunity to stay on top of your home maintenance.
Lower your utility bill: When your heater and air conditioner are running efficiently, they won’t require as much power or gas to control the indoor temperature. From changing your filters to patching up leaks in ductwork, your system will better be able to serve your needs. You should notice a drop in your energy bill after your next tune-up—and as long as you keep changing your filters regularly, the energy savings will likely continue.
Take advantage of the offseason: Finally, getting a tune-up in winter allows you to take advantage of the offseason. Since Mesa typically has mild winters—at least compared to the blistering hot summers—HVAC companies here are less busy during the fall, winter and spring. Some companies even offer discounts and incentives to keep business coming in. Why not jump on the additional savings and easier scheduling?
Scheduling your HVAC tune-up in Mesa, AZ is as easy as picking up the phone and calling your local HVAC contractor—and in return, you’ll rest easy knowing your system is running efficiently, with plenty of warning to fix any problems before they become big, costly messes.
To schedule your winter HVAC tune-up, get in touch with PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air today.
Living in Mesa means that we’re used to temperatures in the triple digits during the summer—and a utility bill to match. What if we told you that you could improve your air conditioner’s efficiency just by adding (or replacing) insulation and sealing your HVAC ducts? It’s true—about 20 percent of your cool air is lost before it ever reaches the living areas of your home, thanks to poor insulation and gaps in your HVAC ducts in Mesa, AZ. What a waste!
On the other hand, saving money, keeping your home in good repair and enjoying cool temperatures indoors sounds like the start of a great summer to us.
Benefits of insulation and HVAC duct sealing
Here’s how insulation and HVAC duct sealing can help your air conditioner run more efficiently, and the benefits you’ll experience:
You’ll save money: Losing 20 percent of the air that your air conditioner just worked so hard to cool is a waste of money—do you really want to be air conditioning your attic, your crawlspace or the space behind your walls? If you have leaky or uninsulated HVAC ducts, that’s what you’re doing—spending money to cool off an unused part of your home. It’s not much better than standing in front of your open refrigerator for hours on end.
Your home will be cooler: When that 20 percent of air that was once lost is actually funneled into your living space, you’ll find that your home will cool off faster and stay cool longer. When the mercury is rising, you’ll be glad you made the investment.
Your HVAC system will run safely: Properly sealed ducts help your HVAC system run safely, which is of paramount importance to most homeowners. You can increase the safety and efficiency by making sure furniture, curtains and rugs aren’t blocking any of your vents.
Your air will be healthier: When your leaking HVAC ducts draw from dusty or dirty spaces, they can pull these pollutants and fumes into your home’s living spaces. For those with allergies or asthma or who are otherwise sensitive to air quality, this can cause illness and discomfort. If you don’t have to breathe it in, why would you?
Can I DIY or should I hire a professional?
Saving money is one of the best reasons to get your air conditioner working efficiently, so you might be considering DIY-ing this project. However, consider that many HVAC ducts are in the walls or in other hard-to-reach areas—which usually means it’s better to leave this particular job to the pros. Locating the ducts can be a job in and of itself, and if they’re in the basement, attic or ceiling, the potential for damage is fairly high. Plus, your HVAC pros will be able to make sure the insulation is in great shape and make replacements as necessary.
When you’re looking for reliable HVAC contractors in Mesa, AZ, turn to the team at PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating & Air. Reach out today to learn more or schedule a consultation.
With the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping the world, there’s a lot of well-intended health information—and misinformation—going around. As you’re no doubt aware, many people have turned to hoarding toilet paper, sanitizers and food as a way to cut down on their trips to the store. Many states have issued shelter-in-place orders and have required the use of face masks in public.
In our efforts to stay healthy and protect our workers and customers, we recently learned that many people want to know whether HVAC filters can kill coronavirus in Mesa, AZ. Here’s what you need to know about the virus and whether your HVAC system can kill it for you.
What is coronavirus and how is it transmitted?
COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, is a highly transmissible virus that’s spread through airborne droplets, or by touching infected surfaces and then touching your face. In other words, if an infected person coughs or sneezes and those droplets make it to your eyes, nose or mouth somehow, you can be infected, too.
The virus creates an upper respiratory infection in some patients, which can be so severe as to be fatal. As scientists race to find mitigating factors and a reliable vaccine, they emphasize the importance of taking precautions to protect ourselves and our loved ones.
Many coronavirus patients are asymptomatic, meaning that they may have the virus but they don’t show any of the common symptoms, like fever over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, a dry cough and shortness of breath. They are totally unaware that they are sick and at risk of infecting others. That means they may not take measures like wearing a face mask or staying home as much as someone who is immunocompromised.
Can air purifiers and filters kill the virus?
Some people have been floating the idea that air filters, like HEPA filters, and air purifiers can kill the virus effectively. While it is true that HEPA filters are good at filtering out about 99 percent of what’s in the air, like bacteria, pollen, mold and dust, the coronavirus is much smaller and may not be trapped by the filter.
Additionally, the virus won’t be killed—it will simply live in the filter until the end of its natural lifespan, which can be over a week in some conditions. However, studies are showing that industrial air purifiers achieve better results, and there may be virus-catching filters available at some point in the near future.
If you’re concerned about your Mesa, AZ HVAC system’s ability to filter out and contain the COVID-19 virus, be sure to contact PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air to talk about your options. While industrial air purifiers are more effective, they’re also more expensive. They may be out of reach for many families, but proper hygiene and exercising caution will help.
Update your HVAC system in Mesa, AZ
When you need to update or maintain your HVAC, call PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air. We continue to operate as an essential business during the coronavirus pandemic. Reach out to us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Starting
early next year, the United States will no longer produce or import the
refrigerant chemical R-22, commonly known as freon. This freon ban in Mesa, AZ
might not sound like a big deal to those who aren’t in the HVAC industry, but
it will actually affect us all. Continue reading to learn more about the ban
and how it could potentially impact your day-to-day life.
Why is there a ban?
Freon
does wonders to cool our homes and offices, but it’s horrible for the
environment—the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has gone so far as
to label it as a dangerous greenhouse gas. To protect the ozone layer and help
mitigate the effects of global warming, the EPA is implementing this ban. It’s
not just America implementing the ban, either—all 197 member countries in the
United Nations agreed to start phasing out the use of R-22 over the coming
decades in hopes of combating climate change.
How will it impact you?
There
will be a limited amount of freon left after the ban goes into effect. As any economist
will tell you, a limited supply means prices will rise for the freon that’s
still on the market. More expensive freon means heating and air conditioning
companies may have to start charging customers more when they need a freon
recharge or other HVAC repairs in Mesa, AZ. The good news is that if your AC is
less than 10 years old, it probably doesn’t use R-22, but instead employs a
more eco-friendly coolant.
It’s time to be proactive!
If
your unit is on the older side and still uses R-22, it’s time to get off the
couch and call an HVAC pro. Here’s what we recommend doing:
Make
repairs now: If it’s
been a few years since your older AC has had a freon recharge, it’s a good idea
to do it now! As we mentioned above, the cost of a recharge is likely to go up
when the ban goes into effect, so having it done today will save you some
money.
Schedule
a maintenance call:
Old or new, now is the perfect time to have an HVAC technician take a look at
your AC unit. A routine maintenance call helps ensure your unit is energy
efficient and prevents the need for emergency HVAC repairs in Mesa, AZ. Even
though you might not need to flip on your AC for a while, it’s never a bad time
to have it maintained.
Replace
your unit if necessary:
If you’ve been thinking about replacing your AC for a while, now is the time to
do it! Newer models are both more energy and more cost efficient. You’ll save
yourself hundreds of dollars on your monthly cooling bills over time if you buy
a new unit today.
Put
any worries about the freon ban in Mesa, AZ to rest, and purchase a new air conditioning unit from PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating
and Air. We sell the best brands in the industry and offer lifetime warranties
for all of our units.
