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Archive for March, 2012
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Friday, March 30th, 2012Why it is Important for Phoenix Residents to Examine Their Ducts Before Installing a New AC System
Wednesday, March 28th, 2012The day people install a new air conditioner in Phoenix is a terrific day for them. It means they can look forward to a summer of cool comfort, sheltered from the blistering summer heat that would otherwise make you feel sticky and sluggish.
Before that air conditioning installation can take place, however, there are many smaller tasks that must be performed. You have to do some research, shop around, consult with a contractor and finally decide on the best system for your home. Finally, you should have your ducts examined.
Your ducts are the pathway by which cooled air will be distributed through your home. Without regular maintenance, ducts are less efficient in transferring air and can cost you money, not only in electricity but in air quality control. Like any major component of your HVAC system, they need to be properly maintained to work properly.
So, you want your ducts to be in tip top shape for your new AC system. Having a professional inspect them thoroughly prior to installation will identify any damage, dirt, debris, leaks, corrosion or other trouble spots that could impede your air conditioning.
This gives you the opportunity to get any of those problems fixed before the new system is installed. Plus, a professional inspection is an important part of routine duct maintenance anyway. Having it done at this juncture is easier and ensures you know will have a smooth running air conditioner for some time to come.
Having duct work in good repair is vital to the operation of your HVAC system, including the new AC system you want to install. If you are contemplating having a new air conditioning system installed or even if you are not, now is the time to call Cool Touch Air Conditioning & Heating Specialists for full inspection of your ductwork. Especially if you have a forced air heating system and those ducts are used year round, you want to know for a fact that they will work properly in the future, no matter what is hooked up to them.
Thank You For Your Feedback!
Saturday, March 24th, 2012From all of us here at Cool Touch Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing and Electrical, we would like to express our gratitude to our loyal customers. We strive to offer the highest quality service and always welcome your feedback. Please consider taking our online survey to let us know how we are doing!
Here is a recent testimonial from a long time customer:
My husband and I would like to Thank you……. We appreciate you fixing our AC as well as your customer service. It’s not often these days you meet individuals or companies who care about the wellbeing of others. Once again we are grateful to you and Cool Touch for outstanding service. Please accept this letter as a token of appreciation.
- C.C. in Glendale
Thank you!
Toxic Mold Prevention For Phoenix Homes
Thursday, March 22nd, 2012As a Phoenix resident you’ve likely heard the horror stories associated with the development of toxic mold in homes like yours where family members were sick for weeks or even months with no clear sign. Black molds and toxic fungi can cause a number of health problems ranging from respiratory distress to long term disease. So, the best response is to prevent it from developing in the first place, and maintain good indoor air quality.
Moisture is the Enemy
Mold needs one thing to grow – moisture. So, the easiest way to prevent mold from developing is to minimize the amount of moisture in and around your home. This is especially true in your attic and your basement. Any space beneath ground level is susceptible to leaks while the attic can leak due to gaps in the chimney lining or roof problems.
Mold develops on carpets, upholstery and other fabric and cloth spaces – so it’s a good idea to pay close attention to these spaces when in the basement or attic. In most cases, it is recommended that you stick with tile or wood floors anywhere that water has a habit of getting in.
Humidity should be removed from your basement with a dehumidifier as well to reduce the chance of sweating on concrete walls when the temperature drops outside. Sealing potential leaks and cracks in your roof will reduce the risk of other potential issues as well – dropping the total health problems faced by even the most innocuous of mold spores.
What to Do When Mold Appears
Obviously the goal is to stop mold from developing at all with dehumidifiers and air cleaners, but what happens when you see the telltale sooty black or gray patches on walls, carpets, or upholstery? Most mold abatement companies will start by sealing up the sources. Getting rid of mold is pointless if you cannot stop it from redeveloping. For that reason, you should work with whichever firm you hire to develop a clear and direct plan for removal of the offending mold.
Regular maintenance is recommended once mold has been removed to check for new growth. Even when mold is removed and the conditions that lead to the growth of the toxic substance are fixed, mold can come back. So, it’s important to check for potential regrowth on an annual basis. If you have any questions about indoor air quality place call Cool Touch Air Conditioning & Heating Specialists.
AC and Energy Recovery Ventilators in Phoenix
Friday, March 16th, 2012As a homeowner in Phoenix with an air conditioning system, you know that it costs plenty to keep your home cool and comfortable in the summer. It is an expense you are willing to pay for the comfort and overall health of your family, but if you are like most homeowners, you would do anything to lower your monthly electric bills where possible.
One way to make your air conditioning system a little more efficient is to install an energy recovery ventilator (ERV). Read on to learn what ERV is and how it works alongside your AC system to reduce energy loss and improve indoor comfort control.
What Is an ERV?
Not to be confused with a heat recovery ventilator, an ERV is a mechanical device that transfers heat and water vapor between the incoming (i.e. outside) air and outgoing air being moved by your ventilation system.
The main difference between an energy recovery ventilator and a heat recovery ventilator is that the former transfers both heat and moisture, while the latter transfers only heat.
What Does an ERV Do?
What does that transfer mean for your air conditioning system? Well, in the hot summer months, your air conditioner pulls in warm air from the outside, cools it and then blasts it into your home, while exhausting warm air to the outside.
What an ERV does is make that process a little easier for the air conditioner to handle by transferring heat from the warm air coming in to the exhaust air that the AC is blowing out of the house. The incoming air therefore has to be cooled less, which means your AC doesn’t have to work as hard, which means less electricity is used.
After adding this air conditioner installation, many users of ERV systems report that the moisture exchange also makes the air in their homes feel “fresher,” rather than the stale feel that air conditioning can sometimes produce.
So, if you would like to increase efficiency and reduce the cost of running your AC system, consider an ERV as one possible solution. Call Cool TouchAir Conditioning & Heating Specialists with any questions.
Key Components for Annual Maintenance of Your HVAC System in Glendale
Wednesday, March 7th, 2012Annual service checkups in Glendale are an important component of your HVAC system’s ongoing operation. Without this anual air conditioning maintenance, the system may not run properly when the hottest days of the summer are upon you. While there are some tasks you can perform yourself, most of the vital maintenance tasks need to be performed by a professional annually.
As you look for a contractor to perform your annual maintenance, make sure you find someone who will perform each of the most important tasks listed below for your system each year:
- Electrical Connections – These should be tightened, tested and replaced as necessary.
- Thermostat – A professional thermostat calibration ensures the system runs at the right temperature throughout the summer.
- Control Panel – The control panel is checked for error codes and recalibrated to ensure it continues running as intended for another year.
- Blower Parts – The fan and motor are checked and serviced as needed. Replacement parts are installed.
- Condenser Coils and Evaporator – Both are cleaned and checked for signs of wear. Any bent coils are repaired.
- Gas Connections – An inspection of your gas lines, if applicable, is made. Additionally, if you have electrical components, they will be checked for damage.
- Exchanger and Combustion Components – If you have a packaged system, these are checked for the entire system.
- Refrigerant Check – If you have a refrigerant filled air conditioning system, it will be checked to ensure levels are high enough for another summer.
- Air Filters – While you can do this yourself each month, a professional will check permanent and replaceable filters for wear and tear.
- Moving Parts – All moving parts are inspected, oiled, and checked for damage. If a part needs replacement it is done now to avoid future problems.
Good annual maintenance is necessary to keep your system running smoothly year round. While there are plenty of cleaning tasks you can perform each month, the most important tasks are those performed by your contractor.
If you are interested in learning more about how maintenance will be performed on your system, call Cool Touch Air Conditioning & Heating Specialists today.
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