Archive for April, 2012

Cave Creek Air Conditioning Tips: How to Troubleshoot a Failed AC Unit

Monday, April 30th, 2012

In most cases, an air conditioners in need of maintenance may be fixed by going through some troubleshooting guidelines. If you would like one of our Cave Creek air conditioning technicians to help you get your AC unit running again, give Cool Touch for assistance. We can also send someone to your home if we can’t get your system working again.

Here are some basic steps to try before you call for a repair.

Check All Controls and Fuses

When your air conditioner won’t cool your home properly, always check the thermostat to see if it is on “cool” and set for the right temperature. If the air conditioner has shut down, check to make sure that the unit is receiving power by looking in the fuse box for a flipped circuit breaker and also making sure it is plugged in properly. You can also inspect the visible wires and electrical components for obvious damages. Call a Cave Creek air conditioning technician if you see physical damage to the electrical components. Never try to fix this yourself.

Sometimes when there’s extreme weather conditions in the summer, such as very high temperatures or high humidity levels, the high-pressure switch can get flipped and turn off the air conditioner. You can easily find the switch on most AC models in the compressor’s access panel. Check your owner’s manual or call us if you don’t know how to locate or reset the limit switch.

Check for Refrigerant Problems or Condensate Pan Leaks

Refrigerant problems caused by the wrong amount of refrigerant can keep the AC unit from cooling your home properly, and you can usually tell if there’s a refrigerant issue by looking for frost or icing on the evaporator coil. When there’s excess coil icing, it means that there isn’t enough cool air being delivered to your home. If you see thick frost on the evaporator coil, a technician will most likely need to charge the refrigerant, or there could be a leak in the refrigerant line.

Condensate leaks into the condensate pan can also cause an air conditioner to fail. The condensate drip pan is installed underneath the air handler to catch condensate leaks if the drain system gets clogged. Most of the time, a small clog in the drain line can be easily cleared. Also check the condensate switch for issues; sometimes these can be defective and cause your air conditioner to shut down.

At Cool Touch, we want to be the only Cave Creek air conditioning contractor you’ll ever need. Call Cool Touch any time to get troubleshooting advice for your AC system.

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2012 15th Annual $1 Million Challenge To Fight Hunger

Friday, April 27th, 2012

Cool Touch Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing and Electrical has partnered up with All Faith Community Services in the 15th Annual $1 Million Challenge to Fight Hunger! If you are interested in participating in this critical effort, please see details on the program and where to donate below.

From All Faith Community Services:

For the 15th consecutive year, Alan Shawn Feinstein will divide $1 million among hunger fighting agencies nationwide using it to help them raise food and funds to fill their pantries during the months of March and April.

All Faith has been participating in this challenge the last three years and we are again asking for the support from the community to help us fill our pantries and prepare for the hard summer months ahead.  Whatever you donate, food or funds, Mr. Feinstein will add to our collection.  Last year we pulled in over 3000 pounds of food and over $700.00 came to us.  We believe we can double this amount and we need your help.

As you may well be aware during the summer month’s families rely very heavily on the food bank to help supplement their food needs.  School is out and kids who normally receive free and reduced lunch and breakfast are at home and are food insecure.  This means that they are missing at least one meal if not more and parents are struggling financially to provide good food.  One in four children in Arizona goes hungry every day.  More than half of our schools have 60% or more of the students who qualify for free and reduced lunches.

We are challenging every church, school, business and organization to get on board and have a food drive or make a donation during the months of March and April and be a partner in the most successful ongoing effort ever to fight hunger; that is something we can take pride in.

To participate in holding a food drive or to make a contribution please contact Cassie Wilkins at 623-386-3513 or you can go on line to our website www.allfaithcs.com and donate or go to our “How You Can Help” tab then hit on the “Let’s Have a Food Drive” and fill out the information.  Monetary donations are tax deductible and can be mailed to 214 S. 5th Street…Buckeye, AZ  85326 and we will mail you a receipt.

We thank you in advance for your support.

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How To Save Energy and Money This Summer in Phoenix

Monday, April 23rd, 2012

Though Phoenix residents hate to admit it, we all do it without thinking: turn the AC higher instead of turning on a fan, or forget about the thermostat settings which are set to full-blast when we are not at home.  Oftentimes it is the simple things which can have the most impact, and with saving energy this is true as well.

Households throughout the US will spend somewhere between $1,200 and $2,200 per year on energy costs.  With the cost of living in many areas of life skyrocketing, it’s nice to know there are some easy ways to lower at least one household bill: the energy bill.  Of course, some of these fixes are free, and some cost a little time and energy, while others must be paid for as long-term investments.

Free, Do-It-Yourself Energy Solutions

These quick and easy, do-it-yourself, no cost solutions produce energy saving results almost immediately!

  • Adjust the air conditioning thermostat to higher numbers, such as 78 while at home and 85 or higher when away.  Supplement AC usage with a ceiling or room fan, as moving air feels cooler on the skin.
  • Eliminate wasted energy by turning off appliances, lights, and equipment when not in use, unplug electronic chargers when not in use, and get rid of spare appliances such as refrigerators which are plugged in but not in use.
  • Put those dishwashing gloves away and let the dishwasher do the dirty-work!  Dishwashers use less water than washing by hand.  In addition, let the dishes air-dry rather than running through the heat-cycle to save even more.
  • Do laundry more efficiently by washing and rinsing in only cold water, and line dry instead of using the dryer.
  • Use the microwave to cook and not only speed up the cooking process, but use two-thirds less energy than a stove or conventional oven.

Low-Cost, Economical Energy Solutions

Most of these energy saving options can be procured at the local hardware store, are fairly inexpensive, and can be easily done by any competent home-owner.

  • Perform air conditioning maintenance and replace air filters as often as the manufacturer’s specifies.
  • Weather-proof your home by plugging air leaks on doors and windows with weather stripping, sealant, or caulk where applicable.
  • Purchase and install ENERGY STAR® certified products such as porch lights, floor and table lamps, pocket lights, and even programmable thermostats to ensure energy using items are using as little energy as possible.

Invest in Energy Solutions

If it is important to you to save energy and money long-term and on a larger scale, there are a number of durable energy-saving investments to consider.

  • Purchase new windows, a new air-conditioning unit, refrigerator, or other household appliances which use less energy than older units
  • Install window and house shading such as patio covers, or strategically plant trees to shade the home during peak times of heat
  • Install a whole house fan which can suck cool air into the home after sundown or in the early morning in order to cool the entire house thus reducing air conditioning usage
  • Seal and insulate all household ducts in crawl spaces and attics
  • Increase or upgrade attic insulation to higher than the standard grade to keep housing temperatures more constant

To save energy also means to save money, and by following any of the simple steps listed above the average consumer can save energy and save money almost immediately.  Please contact Cool Touch Air Conditioning & Heating Specialists with and questions or concerns

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$35 Off Any Plumbing Service!

Friday, April 20th, 2012

Only ten more days to receive $35 Off ANY Plumbing Service! Call us today or schedule a service online to take advantage of this offer!

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Indoor Air Conditioning Components for Peoria Homes

Monday, April 16th, 2012

Air conditioning in Peoria is a modern convenience that we can easily take for granted as long as all the parts are working well.  In every unit, no matter the size, the basic process is one of extracting heat from the conditioned space and moving it to the outside, leaving cool air in its place.

This process easily divides into indoor and outdoor components.

Air Conditioning 101

Based on the principal of thermal energy which states that heat gravitates toward cooler temperatures, compounds known as refrigerants are moved through a closed loop system, repeatedly contracting and expanding between liquid and gas forms, alternately releasing and absorbing heat along the way.  The particular chemicals are selected for their abilities to transform from one state to the other at low temperatures.

While the refrigerant evaporates into a gaseous state within the looped system, it absorbs heat, removing the stale air from the space being conditioned and evacuating it to the outdoors. The warm air is pulled through ducts to meet with the cooling loop.

Ductwork

The cooled air is distributed through ducts or tubing and released into individual spaces.  Additional ductwork is required to remove the stale air and pull it back to be reconditioned as it passes over the loop containing the refrigerant.  The air is moved in both directions by a blower, usually electric and sized to handle the amount of air no matter the building.

Ductwork is also sized to handle appropriate volumes of air. To maintain efficiency, large trunks distribute along central lines to smaller ones reaching farther out. The return air is usually taken from common areas.

The grates are found in the walls, floors and often as part of the dropped ceiling. When combined with a forced air heating system, the total energy use is much more efficient.

Looped Coils

The refrigerant is enclosed in a loop where it can expand and contract to make its transformation from gas to liquid and back again.  To change into a heat-absorbing gas, it travels through the evaporating coils, an intricate series of delicate fins that meets with the ductwork to regenerate the conditioned air.

An exchange valve allows just the right amount of liquid refrigerant into the evaporator coils.  If there is too much, the tube is flooded too tightly to allow expansion of the molecules and room to attract the heat.  If too little, the process is inefficient.

Cool Maintenance

If an air conditioning maintenance is performed on a regular basis, the system functions with little attention and over sight.  Relaxed and comfortable, even on the most brutal of days, we are able to do our stuff and sleep well.  Contact Cool Touch Air Conditioning & Heating Specialists

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$50 Off Water Heater Replacement!

Friday, April 13th, 2012

Give us a call today or schedule a service online to take advantage of this great offer! For a limited time, Cool Touch will give you $50 OFF your Water Heater Replacement!

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The Danger of Refrigerant Leaks in Phoenix

Monday, April 9th, 2012

Air conditioners in Phoenix are filled with a chemical compound called refrigerant. This substance is what allows air conditioners to remove heat from and dehumidify homes. It is a necessity, but it is also a dangerous chemical that, if released, can cause damage to the environment and pose health risks to your family.

Why Refrigerant Is Dangerous

There are many types of refrigerant but most air conditioners use either R-22 or Freon coolant – depending on their age. Newer air conditioners may use R410-A refrigerant, an environmentally safer, but still dangerous alternative.

All of these refrigerant types are chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs. These chemicals are controlled substances by the Environmental Protection Agency, meaning they must be properly removed and disposed of. Because your air conditioner does not consume any of coolant in operation, it should never need to be refilled unless there is a leak. Such a leak would require immediate air conditioning repair due to the immense damage CFCs can do to the environment.

If refrigerant leaks into your home it will evaporate as a gas and is harmful to inhale, causing a variety of health problems, including nausea, headache and in extreme cases asphyxiation. This is not a common occurrence but if you suspect a leak, you should call a professional immediately to inspect your air conditioner.

Damage to Your Air Conditioner

Beyond the environmental and health issues posed by a refrigerant leak, the biggest problem you will face is damage such leaks can cause to your air conditioner. Low refrigerant levels put undue stress on your compressor and can lead to damage in almost every part of the device.

Not only that but the air conditioner won’t work as efficiently. A 10% loss in refrigerant volume can result in up to a 20% increase in electricity cost to run your air conditioner.

What to Do in the Event of a Refrigerant Leak

If you suspect a refrigerant leak in your air conditioner, take action immediately. Call Cool Touch Air Conditioning & Heating Specialists so we can recapture the escaped gasses and seal the leak fast. It is important not just for your safety but for the wellbeing of the environment.

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Happy Easter from Cool Touch

Saturday, April 7th, 2012

From your Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing, and Electrical specialists at Cool Touch, we hope you enjoy your weekend! If you are celebrating Easter, check out these family friendly Easter Egg decorating ideas for a little inspiration. Enjoy!

Easter Eggs

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Phoenix Air Conditioning Guide: The Ins and Outs of Ductless Splits Air Conditioning

Monday, April 2nd, 2012

So, it’s time to install a new air conditioner and you’re pretty sure there just isn’t enough room in the walls or ceilings to place the necessary ductwork. No problem. There is a rapidly evolving technology that allows you to have air conditioning without ductwork. It’s called mini-split ductless air conditioning and it relies on individual units placed in key locations around your house. Here’s how they work.

Multi-Zone Cooling

The first step is to install a central unit. This is your compressor and condenser and is usually placed outside like the core of a central AC system. These units range between 15,000 and 40,000 BTUs depending on how much cooling your home needs and will support up to 4 zones within your house.

Once the central unit is installed, smaller room-sized units are placed throughout your house. These units are designed for between 9,000 and 18,000 BTU spaces and are usually placed high on the wall of your room to distribute cooled air. The smaller units are connected to the main unit by refrigerant lines that are run up the side of your house (or inside if you want them out of the elements).

Because each indoor unit is individual and has its own thermostat, you save electricity by having direct control over each part of your home. In fact, the average Phoenix ductless split system uses something like 30% less electricity than a standard Phoenix air conditioning system.

Is it Right for You?

This is the most common question we hear and to be honest, it really depends on your needs. If you have a large house – we’re talking 3,000 square feet or bigger, a multi-zone ductless system may not provide enough cooling on its own. Most systems only support up to 4 individual units and therefore cannot cool massive spaces. However, if you have a smaller home, or more importantly have no space for ductwork, these systems are much more efficient than installing multiple window units.

For more information about having a mini-split ductless air conditioning system installed in your home, give Cool Touch Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing & Electrical a call today!

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