World Environment Day is an annual event that takes place on June 5th, where individuals and organizations come together to raise awareness about environmental issues and take action to protect the planet. One of the biggest environmental issues we face today is climate change, which is largely caused by the burning of fossil fuels and the resulting greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, it’s more important than ever to find ways to reduce our energy consumption, and one of the biggest sources of energy usage in many households is the air conditioner. In this blog, we will discuss some practical tips that can help you reduce your energy consumption with your AC.

1. Set Your Thermostat Correctly

One of the easiest ways to reduce your energy consumption with your AC is to set your thermostat correctly. You can save a significant amount of energy by setting your thermostat a few degrees higher in the summer and a few degrees lower in the winter. Aim for a temperature of around 78 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer and 68 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter.

2. Use a Programmable Thermostat

Another way to reduce your energy consumption is to use a programmable thermostat. These devices allow you to set your AC to turn on and off at specific times, which means you can adjust the temperature when you’re not at home or when you’re sleeping. This can lead to significant energy savings over time.

3. Keep Your AC Unit Clean and Well-Maintained

A dirty or poorly maintained AC unit can use up more energy than a clean, well-maintained unit. Make sure to clean or replace your AC filters regularly and have your unit serviced by a professional at least once a year. Dirty air filters are just one of many things that can put a strain on your unit and cause it to work much harder.

4. Use Fans To Circulate The Air

Using fans to circulate air around your home can help you reduce your energy consumption with your AC. Ceiling fans, in particular, can help you feel cooler by creating a wind chill effect, which can allow you to set your AC to a higher temperature.

Fun Fact: Did you know ceiling fans are also beneficial in the winter time? This is because they can improve air circulation, which helps to distribute heat more evenly throughout a room. By running a ceiling fan clockwise, it can push warm air from the ceiling down towards the floor, helping to keep a room warmer and reducing the workload of heating systems.

5. Close Blinds and Curtains During The Day

Closing blinds and curtains during the day can help you keep your home cool by blocking out the sun’s heat. This means your AC won’t have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Cool Touch Is Here For All Your AC Needs To Help You Reduce Energy Consumption In the Phoenix and Prescott Valley Metropolitan Areas!

Spring is a beautiful season, but it can also be a difficult time for those who suffer from allergies. As the weather warms up, plants begin to bloom and pollen counts rise. This can surely cause a lot of allergic reactions for people. One way to alleviate the symptoms of spring allergies is to ensure that your HVAC unit is working properly. Here are the top 5 ways your HVAC unit can help alleviate your spring allergies.

1. Regularly Change Your Air Filters

The air filters in your heating and cooling system are responsible for trapping allergens like pollen, pet dander, dust, dirt, and more. However, if your filters get clogged, they won’t be able to do their job effectively. That’s why it’s important you regularly change your air filters. Ideally, you should be changing them once a month (or every three months at least). This will ensure they’re clean and working properly. By doing this, you can greatly reduce the amount of allergens in your indoor air.

2. Keep Your HVAC Unit Clean

In addition to changing your air filters, it’s important to keep your HVAC unit clean. Dust and debris can accumulate inside the unit over time, which can exacerbate allergies. There are a few ways you can make sure you’re keeping your system clean. For one, you can dust the vents and registers in your home regularly. You can also wipe down the exterior of the unit. And last but not least, you can schedule a professional HVAC maintenance at least once a year.

3. Use A High-Efficiency Air Filter

Not all air filters are created equal. Some are designed to trap larger particles, while others are designed to capture smaller particles. A high-efficiency air filter, also known as a HEPA filter, is designed to capture about 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. By using a HEPA filter in your HVAC unit, you can greatly reduce the amount of allergens in the air you breathe.

4. Air Cleaners Systems and Other Indoor Air Quality Solutions

In addition to air filters, you can also invest in air cleaners systems or other indoor air quality solutions that can help reduce allergens even more. These systems use advanced technology designed to capture even the smallest airborne particles, including viruses and bacteria. By installing an air cleaner system, you will be able to breathe cleaner, fresher air and reduce the amount of allergens in your home this spring. At Cool Touch, we offer a variety of indoor air quality systems including: air cleaners, humidifiers, UV germicidal lights, and ductwork.

5. Proper Humidity Control

Humidity levels can significantly impact allergies. Too much moisture in the air can create a breeding ground for mold and other allergens, while low humidity can dry out your nasal passages and make them more susceptible to allergens. Your HVAC unit can help regulate humidity levels in your home, ensuring that they remain at a comfortable and healthy level for you and your family. You can also invest in a humidifier or dehumidifier.

Want To Alleviate Those Spring Allergies? Contact Cool Touch Today For All Your Indoor Air Quality Needs In The Prescott Valley and Phoenix, AZ Metro Areas

By following these five tips, your HVAC system can play a huge role in reducing allergens and alleviating your spring allergies. From regular air filter replacement to investing in an air cleaning system, there are several steps you can take to ensure your home is a healthy and comfortable place to be – always. Contact your local HVAC and indoor air quality specialists at Cool Touch today. Learn more about how you can help breathe easier this spring. We can be reached at [email protected] For Phoenix services, you can call us at (623) 748-4942 and for Prescott Valley services, you can call us at (928) 339-3107.

Common Plumbing Myths Debunked: Know The Truth

You’ve likely heard many of these myths overtime, as you search the internet for plumbing hacks to help you save time and money. However, it’s time to set the record straight because it’s time to you know the truth. Here are common plumbing myths you should stop believing right now.

1. Myth: Garbage Disposals Have Blades You Can Sharpen

Have you ever heard that you can put ice down the garbage disposal to sharpen the blades? This is false, because garbage disposals actually don’t have blades – they have impellers. These impellers move at high speeds in order to grind up food waste.

2. Myth: Putting A Brick In the Tank Of The Toilet Will Save You Money

Putting a brick in the tank of your toilet will not save you money. In fact, it can keep your toilet from flushing correctly. Not only that, but it can also tend to crumble and could even cause damage to your toilet. All that being said, you want to refrain from putting any bricks in your tank.

3. Myth: You Can Flush Cat Litter

Many people are under the impression that they can flush cat litter. While many types of cat litter are flushable, the waste found inside the litter box is not. It’s common to find toxic parasites in cat waste which can be harmful to people – especially pregnant women. It’s better to be safe and toss the litter in the garbage can and not your toilet.

4. Myth: Chemical Drain Cleaners Are The Best Way To Clean Your Drains

Not so fast. This one is actually a big drain-NO! Chemicals aren’t only bad for your health and the environment, but they’re also bad for your drains – and can actually make the clog worse. Not only that, but the chemicals found in drain cleaners can actually eat away at your pipes, even if they’re made of tough material. It’s a much better, safer, and cost effective idea to go with a professional drain cleaner.

5. Myth: Hot Water Melts Grease To Prevent Clogs

While grease may be a liquid, it’s not safe to put down your drain – period. Once the grease hits your pipes, it cools, solidifies, and eventually builds up – even if you use hot water while pouring it. It’s a much better idea to dump the grease instead of pouring it down the drain.

6. Myth: A Wire Hanger Is A Good Substitute For A Plumbing Snake

A plumbing snake is designed specifically to clear pipe blockages. Using a wire hanger in its place can actually cause damage to the pipe from the inside, which can lead to additional build-up. Instead of turning to DIY methods, contact a plumber to help with all your drain clogs.

Contact The Pros At Cool Touch Today! We Are Here For All Your Plumbing Needs In The Phoenix and Prescott Valley Metropolitan Areas.

We are here for all your plumbing needs in the Phoenix and Prescott Valley Metropolitan Areas! For over 20 years, we have been your trusted home comfort specialists for all things HVAC, plumbing, and indoor air quality. Contact us today to schedule your plumbing appointment by visiting us online here.

The Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist For Your Plumbing System

Is your spring cleaning in full effect yet? When you start making your ultimate spring cleaning checklist, don’t forget to add your plumbing system to the list! We’ve made it easy for you, and listed out the most important “to-do” items to start checking off. Here are the top 6 items to add to your spring cleaning checklist.

1. Check For Toilet Leaks

First on the list, make sure you are checking your toilets! Toilets can leak for days or even weeks without you knowing because the leaks aren’t always very obvious. While spring cleaning, try the “food coloring” trick. Drop some food coloring into your tank and wait about 30 minutes. If the water in your toilet bowl doesn’t run clear, that means you have a leak and should have a professional plumber out to your residence quickly.

2. Make Sure Drains Are Cleared

Next, check your drains. If you have any blockages or clogs in your drains, it can cause poor water flow and other problems. While tempting, avoid using chemical drain cleaners or bent wire hangers to clear the blockages and clogs yourself. Homemade contraptions can actually cause more harm to your pipes. Instead, invest in professional drain cleaning to help clear your drains quickly, effectively, and safely.

3. Maintain Your Water Heater

Once a year, you should plan to have your water heater professionally drained, flushed and maintained. As the water runs out of the tank, so will the sediment that has accumulated and built up inside. This can eventually cause your tank to rust and corrosion, which will impact your unit’s efficiency. That’s why it’s so important to invest time and money into having your water heater maintained.

4. Inspect Your Sump Pump

April showers bring may flowers. They can also bring flooding if you’re not careful! Before any rain makes an appearance, check your sump pump’s ability to operate. Over time, gravel, pebbles an dirt can get caught in your pump and make it unable to operate efficiently. You can have a professional plumber assess its condition this spring. Your plumber should also be able to tell you any additional things you should consider adding to your sump pump in order to avoid flooding.

5. Clean Your Garbage Disposal

Your garbage disposal works hard for you – now is the time you work hard for it! Garbage disposals are designed to break down waste, but over time, it can collect food scraps, bacteria and other debris. Not only can this cause your garbage disposal to work inefficiently, but it can also cause your kitchen to smell. A simple garbage disposal cleaning will help keep it working well for you. However, remember to never put your hand down the disposal – even if it’s off!

6. Check Your Pipes

Your toilet isn’t the only thing that can experience leaks. Make sure you’re checking all the pipes around your house – inside and outside – for any signs of visible leaks. If you spot anything off, such as musty smelling rooms, wet spots, foundation cracks, mold and mildew, high water bills, or damaged ceilings, walls, and floors, don’t wait. Contact a professional right away.

Cool Touch Is Here For All Your Plumbing Needs In the Phoenix and Prescott Valley Metropolitan Areas!

We are here for all your plumbing needs in the Phoenix and Prescott Valley Metropolitan Areas! For over 20 years, we have been your trusted home comfort specialists for all things HVAC, plumbing, and indoor air quality. Contact us today to schedule your plumbing appointment by visiting us online here.

Top 6 Signs You Have A Slab Leak And What To Do About It

Many leaks are easy to identify. After all, it’s pretty difficult to ignore water pooling around your toilet or sink. However, a lot of leaks could be hard to identify – such as slab leaks. Slab leaks are hidden under a layer of concrete. Because they’re more difficult to spot, it’s important to pay close attention to the warning signs. Here are the top 6 signs you have a slab leak and what you can do about it.

1. Increasing Water Bill

Do you notice an unexplained spike in your water bill? Water bills can increase for a number of reasons, but one of the most common ones is that you have a leak somewhere on your property. When you have a slab leak, it means that water is running all day, every day. That being said, it’s no wonder you might see your water bill increasing.

2. Low Water Pressure

If your water pressure has decreased, it’s worth looking into. Slab leaks, for one, can be a cause of this. To test if you have a slab leak, turn off all your fixtures and look at your water meter. If you water meter still runs even though there’s no water running through your home, then you could have a slab leak. Watch it for about 15 minutes though to be absolute sure.

3. Foul Smells

A musty smell often means there’s mold and mildew. Mold and mildew grow best in moist, humid and dark conditions and really only need 24-48 hours to start growing. If you have water leaking underneath your home due to a slab leak, it’s common for moisture to get trapped under the floors, causing mold growth. Because mold is harmful to your health, it’s not something you want to just ignore. Check for signs of leaks if your house starts to smell musty, or you notice visible signs of mold and mildew.

4. Damp Flooring

When you have a leak that is severe enough, or doesn’t get addressed quick enough, can cause damage throughout your home. If you find that your floors are damp, or appearing warped, then you may have a leak under your home. With carpet, be aware of random damp spots that are unexplained. With hardwood or laminate, be aware of a warped appearance that is also unexplained.

5. Water Around Your Foundation

Unless it’s a wet day, or you have a water source close by (like a garden hose), then you shouldn’t notice any water around or under your foundation. Standing water around (or under) your home’s foundation can be a sign of a slab leak.

6. Water Is Continuously Running

Do you hear water running underneath your floors, even when your plumbing appliances and fixtures are turned off? This isn’t a good sign, and could be an indication you have a slab leak.

What To Do If You Have A Slab Leak?

If you notice any of the above signs, it’s best to contact a plumber right away. The faster you contact someone, the faster you can resolve the issue and avoid extensive water damage to your home. Many plumbing companies will specialize in slab leak repairs.

Cool Touch Is Here For All Your Slab Leak Needs In the Phoenix and Prescott Valley Metropolitan Areas!

We are here for all your slab leak needs in the Phoenix and Prescott Valley Metropolitan Areas! For over 20 years, we have been your trusted home comfort specialists for all things HVAC, plumbing, and indoor air quality. Contact us today to schedule your appointment by visiting us online here.

Love Is in The Air: Top 6 Indoor Air Quality Tips For Valentine’s Day

Love should be the only thing in the air this Valentine’s Day. If harmful pollutants are causing you and your Valentine to feel sick (and no, we don’t mean lovesick), then it’s time to take action. Here are the top 6 indoor air quality tips for a happy and healthy Valentine’s Day.

1. Use Exhaust Fans

6. Invest In Indoor Air Quality Solutions

Maintaining clean air quality is an important part of preventing aggravated asthma, allergies and contagious illness. There’s nothing like being sick to ruin a romantic evening. Consider investing in indoor air quality solutions. Cool Touch offers a variety of indoor air quality services, such as air cleaners, humidifiers and UV germicidal lights.

Cool Touch Is Here For All Your Indoor Air Quality Needs In the Phoenix and Prescott Valley Metropolitan Areas!

We are here for all your indoor air quality needs in the Phoenix and Prescott Valley Metropolitan Areas! For over 20 years, we have been your trusted home comfort specialists for all things HVAC, plumbing, and indoor air quality. Contact us today to schedule your indoor air quality appointment by visiting us online here.

5 Reasons To Hire A Professional Commercial Plumber

While there are some plumbing jobs that can be done on your own, such as plunging a clogged toilet, there are many that require the skills and expertise of a plumber. Especially if you have a commercial establishment, it’s important you never attempt to fix the plumbing problems yourself. Any type of commercial job is best left to the professionals. Here are 5 reasons why.

1. Access To The Right Tools

Commercial plumbers have high-quality, industry-leading equipment to tackle even the most complex commercial jobs. If you use DIY methods and the wrong tools to try and fix the problem yourself, you could actually cause more damage to your pipes. Commercial plumbers use the right tools in order to fix your plumbing issue without creating more problems or costing you more money. Let’s face it, a commercial plumbing system is far too complex and large for just anyone to attempt to fix.

2. Available 24/7

Most commercial plumbers work around the clock to help with your plumbing troubles. Rarely do plumbing troubles happen during normal business hours, so finding this 24/7 availability is very helpful. Plumbing issues could cause a variety of issues if not addressed swiftly, like decreased employee productivity, lower sales, and more, so it’s important you find someone who can fix your situation as soon as possible.

3. They Follow Plumbing Codes

Your area might have certain plumbing codes that you need to follow, otherwise you could risk being shut down if any violations are discovered. It’s risky business to try and handle plumbing issues yourself, as you could violate these plumbing codes. Commercial plumbers are well-versed in what these plumbing codes look like based on the areas they’re working in. They will help ensure everything they do is in accordance with the plumbing codes established in your area. That peace of mind, alone, is reason enough to hire a professional commercial plumber.

4. Insight and Training

Commercial plumbers have gone through extensive training to be able to handle all plumbing issues, no matter how big or small. They are well-equipped to troubleshoot all equipment, as well as being able to identify issues and come up with solutions. When you attempt to fix commercial plumbing problems on your own, you run the risk of creating even bigger issues. Not only can this be damaging to your plumbing system, but it can also cost you more money in the long run. It’s better to hire a plumber right off the bat.

5. Help Minimize Disruptions

You have a business to run. When plumbing problems come up, this can really disrupt your business operations. Luckily, commercial plumbers can help minimize this as much as possible. They will work efficiently and quickly, as to not waste your time. Nothing can truly beat the knowledge and hardwork of a commercial plumber.

Cool Touch Is Here For All Your Commercial Plumbing Needs In the Phoenix and Prescott Valley Metropolitan Areas!

We are here for all your commercial plumbing needs in the Phoenix and Prescott Valley Metropolitan Areas! For over 20 years, we have been your trusted home comfort specialists for all things HVAC, plumbing, and indoor air quality. Contact us today to schedule your appointment by visiting us online here.

Does My Air Conditioner Need To Be Covered In The Winter?

We get asked this question a lot: does my air conditioner need to be covered in the winter? Long story short, no – but there’s a lot more to it than just that. We cover everything you need to know about covering your AC in the winter, below.

Your AC Was Built For Snow

Truthfully, modern air conditioning units were built and designed to handle tough weather conditions. They were made with weather-resistant materials. That being said, they’re usually able to withstand everything from rainfall to snow to high summer temperatures. In fact, you shouldn’t be as concerned about snow and rain as you should be about debris and leaves. In fact, if items like leaves, branches, pine needles, and other debris build-up in or around your unit, it can cause damage and impact the overall performance of your AC unit.

You Should Cover Your AC – But Winter Isn’t The Time To Do It

Like we mentioned briefly above, what you should really be concerned about is leaves, branches, and other debris getting trapped inside your air conditioner. And you know what time of year you’re most likely to experience that? Fall. That’s why you should consider covering your AC in the fall, to avoid having any of the typical fall debris get lodged inside your unit. However, before you cover your unit, you want to make sure the unit is off for the season. You also want to make sure you weigh the pros and cons of covering your unit. For example, AC covers tend to trap moisture and cause mold growth. Not only that, but they could also cause pest problems, as small animals try finding a warm place to hide when the temperatures drop. But on the contrary, it can protect your unit from expensive damage – which might mean covering the unit is worth it, after all.

What If I Experience Heavy Snow and Ice Where I Live, Though?

Depending on where you live, covering your unit in the winter might not actually be the worst idea – especially if you experience heavy snow and ice. Covers can protect your outdoor condenser from ice build-up and the weight of heavy snow. People who live in the north often do invest in covers just as a precaution to protect their AC unit. However, like we said, your AC unit was built to withstand the elements and isn’t something that we deem a true necessity.

Cool Touch Is Here For All Your Air Conditioner Needs In the Phoenix and Prescott Valley Metropolitan Areas!

We are here for all your air conditioner needs in the Phoenix and Prescott Valley Metropolitan Areas! Whether you need air conditioner maintenance, repair, replacement, or installation, we’re the trusted name for the job. For over 20 years, we have been your premier home comfort specialists for all things HVAC, plumbing, and indoor air quality. Contact us today to schedule your maintenance appointment by visiting us online here.

New year’s resolutions are a chance for you to set new goals and develop new habits. While you may be thinking of your personal resolutions, and how you can take better care of yourself this year, why not think about how you can also take better care of your plumbing system? Here are the top 6 new years resolutions for your plumbing system.

1. Be Careful What To Flush Down Your Toilet

A toilet is designed to handle two things and really two things only: toilet paper and waste. Avoid flushing anything that’s considered “non-flushable”, like cotton balls, hair, toys, garbage, paper towels, diapers, and feminine hygiene products. You should also consider refraining from using “flushable” wipes because they don’t break down as easily in your sewer system and can clog your pipes.

2. Fix Leaks Right Now

Do you have a small leak you’ve put off fixing? Make the new year the time to have it fixed! A leaking faucet or weird sounds from your pipes can all be small signs of a much bigger problem. Fixing leaks and addressing problems, no matter how big or small, will help you avoid high water bills and water damage.

3. Throw Out Your Chemical Drain Cleaners

Start the new year off right by throwing away all store-bought chemical drain cleaners. These are no good! Most drain cleaners contain toxic chemicals that are not only harmful to your health, but can also be harmful to your pipes. No matter how tough your piping material is, these drain cleaners can eat through the pipe itself while trying to clear the clog. Instead, hire a professional for routine drain cleaning – like Cool Touch!

4. Flush Your Water Heater

Make sure you are flushing and draining your water heater frequently. This can help prevent malfunctions, costly repairs, and even breakdowns. Flushing your water heater can help remove any mineral, dirt, or sediment build-up that has accumulated over time.

5. Pay Attention To Your Water Quality

Do you notice your skin drier than normal? Your hands feeling cracked? Your hair not feeling clean no matter how much you wash it? Does your water taste funky, and do you notice stains on your dishes? You may be dealing with hard water and poor water quality. One way to resolve this problem this year is to invest in a water filtration system.

6. Be Kind To Your Garbage Disposal

Treat your garbage disposal better this year. It’s important to remember that garbage disposals aren’t a replacement for a garbage can. Refrain from putting items, such as coffee grounds, bones, grease, fat, oil, pits, fibrous vegetables, potato peels and more down the drain. These items can cause damage to your blades, or lead to clogs.

Add Plumbing Maintenance To Your New Year’s Resolutions List! Cool Touch Is Here For All Your Plumbing Needs In the Phoenix and Prescott Valley Metropolitan Areas

Ready to start making New Year’s resolutions for your plumbing? We are here for all your plumbing needs in the Phoenix and Prescott Valley Metropolitan Areas! For over 20 years, we have been your trusted home comfort specialists for all things HVAC, plumbing, and indoor air quality. Contact us today to schedule your plumbing appointment by visiting us online here.

Who doesn’t want the gift of a warm home for the holidays? Before you start to host guests in your home, it’s a good idea to schedule a furnace maintenance. Here are the top 5 reasons why furnace maintenance is so important.

1. Ensures Efficiency

When used extensively and for many years, parts of your furnace can begin to wear down. Let’s take your air filter for example. An air filter is designed to remove common pollutants from your air, like dust, dirt, dander, and more. When the air filter is dirty or clogged, it greatly restricts airflow and can cause your furnace to work much harder to heat your home. This can negatively impact the efficiency of your unit.

2. Extends the Lifespan of Your Unit

A furnace maintenance can help address minor, small issues before they turn into major, costly issues. A properly-maintained unit can last anywhere from 15-20 years usually. However, if you don’t maintain your furnace, you may find yourself replacing it much sooner than that.

3. Saves on Energy Costs

As briefly mentioned above, when a furnace is dirty or worn out, it’s less efficient. Not only will you notice a change in your comfort as a result, but you’ll also likely notice higher-than-usual energy bills. Neglecting maintenance can result in an inefficient unit that increases energy bills.

4. Keeps Your Family Safe

Many things can go wrong with a furnace that isn’t properly maintained. For one, it can experience electrical issues that can be a huge risk to your home and health. Not only that, but you have a crack or a leak in your heat exchanger that is causing carbon monoxide to leak out which is a serious issue. A professional can check for leaks and make sure that all carbon monoxide is exiting your home, and your family isn’t being exposed to the harmful and deadly gas.

5. Maintain Your Manufacturer’s Warranty

You should plan to double check your paperwork, as many manufacturer’s will void the warranty if you don’t have your equipment regularly maintained and inspected. It’s better to be safe than sorry, and always make sure you’re maintaining your unit so your warranty can stay intact.

Cool Touch Is Here For All Your Furnace Maintenance Needs In the Phoenix and Prescott Valley Metropolitan Areas!

We are here for all your furnace maintenance needs in the Phoenix and Prescott Valley Metropolitan Areas! For over 20 years, we have been your trusted home comfort specialists for all things HVAC, plumbing, and indoor air quality. Contact us today to schedule your furnace maintenance appointment by visiting us online here.