Save Your AC, Use the Ceiling Fan

Using ceiling fans in your home may help cut down your energy costs; however there are a few things of which you should be aware to use your ceiling fan efficiently. Ceiling fans do not actually cool air in the room. The only reason a ceiling fan should be turned on is if there is someone in the room who will feel the benefits of the air movement.

“Ceiling fans are considered the most effective... fans, because they effectively circulate the air in a room to create a draft throughout the room. If you use air conditioning, a ceiling fan will allow you to raise the thermostat setting about 4°F with no reduction in comfort... Install a fan in each room that needs to be cooled during hot weather.” When you raise the thermostat’s setting, you can save about 1 percent on your energy bills for every one degree you lower your thermostat. Over the summer, that 4 percent savings will add up.

When buying ceiling fans, be sure to look for the Energy Star label. Fans that earn the label move air on average 20% more efficiently than standard models. Be sure to check the noise ratings, and, if possible, listen to your fan in operation before you buy it.

When installing a ceiling fan, remember “ceiling fans are only appropriate in rooms with ceilings at least eight feet high. Fans work best when the blades are 7 to 9 feet above the floor and 10 to 12 inches below the ceiling. Fans should be installed so their blades are no closer than 8 inches from the ceiling and 18 inches from the walls.

“Larger ceiling fans can move more air than smaller fans. A 36- or 44-inch diameter fan will cool rooms up to 225 square feet, while fans that are 52 inches or more should be used in larger rooms. Multiple fans work best in rooms longer than 18 feet. Small and medium-sized fans will provide efficient cooling in a 4- to 6-foot diameter area, while larger fans are effective up to 10 feet.”

This summer, save energy and stay comfortable by using your ceiling fans. It will alleviate the strain on your wallet and your air conditioning unit. For more information about ways you can save energy throughout your home, contact Wolff Mechanical today. We’re happy to put our expertise to good use for homeowners in the Phoenix valley area.

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AC on the Fritz?

We’re all used to the summer’s scorching temperatures here in the valley of the sun. We rely on air conditioning to survive it year after year. You know the game; dashing from one air conditioned area to the next air conditioned area, using your shirt to grab handles that have been baking in the sun’s heat, sun shades in car windows and oven mitts on hand to drive until the AC cools down the inside of your vehicle. But if the temps in your home or business start climbing when you have your air conditioner running, we start to panic. Not to worry though, it could be due to some common problems putting a strain on your air conditioning system. 

The number one issue is usually a lack of adequate maintenance to your system. To keep your air conditioner running efficiently requires regular maintenance. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends that you use a qualified technician that can properly inspect and repair your air conditioning system. Using someone who is not qualified can exacerbate problems rather than fix them. Here are some common air conditioner problems that a reputable technician will look for when servicing your system: 

• Refrigerant leaks
• Inadequate maintenance
• Electric control failure
• Sensor problems
• Drainage problems 

In addition to having your AC unit serviced, be sure to change out your air filters every month. Air filters clog with dust and particles quickly which cause your system to work harder to keep an adequate airflow moving through your home. Make sure that when your air conditioner is on, you close your home's windows and outside doors.

If you need assistance with any air conditioning repair, installation, maintenance or services in Phoenix or across the valley, Wolff Mechanical has certified technicians ready to assist you.

Wolff Mechanical is dedicated to helping your home achieve maximum efficiency, reliability and comfort. Visit our website to learn more and call us today for a free in-home estimate.

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Efficient Home, Happy Home

Every day in the United States alone, around one-sixth of the total electricity used goes to air condition buildings. So much energy being used to keep us comfortable every day needs to be used responsibly. One way everyone can easily help in using electricity responsibly is by maintaining a commitment to energy efficiency.

In air conditioning, SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is the means used for rating an air conditioner based on the amount of energy it uses effectively. The rating represents the amount of cool air produced (measured in BTUs per hour), to the amount of electricity used to produce that air (measured in watt-hours) and averaged over the length of the cooling season. The higher the SEER number rating given, the higher the energy efficiency of the machine.

As concerns about the environment increase, the more important a high SEER rating on air conditioners has become. In 1992, the minimum SEER standard was 10. A law passed in January 2006 that made the minimum SEER rating 13. The increase in SEER ratings from 10 to 13 means the efficiency of air conditioners has improved a minimum of 30 percent since 2006. These days, the most efficient models can have SEER ratings of over 27!

Here are some incentives to consider for using a high-efficiency SEER system:

• Lower monthly utility bills
• Monetary rebate and incentive programs
• Environmental impact
• Greater control over indoor temperature and humidity

While we are advocates of higher efficiency systems that use less energy, save you money and provide better service, you don’t want to just buy the biggest, highest SEER-rated unit possible. It’s important to work with a reputable contractor who can properly size a system that’s the best fit for your home. http://www.ac-heatingconnect.com/seer-101/

Choosing equipment with a high SEER rating is the best way to increase your home’s energy efficiency for your AC unit. For more suggestions or to learn more about our Phoenix air conditioning repair and replacement services, visit our website.

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Don't Sweat It!

It’s that time of year in Arizona when the temperatures are going to begin to climb every day until we inevitably reach record highs. You cannot survive a summer in the valley of the sun without air conditioning (AC)! Flip a switch and we almost forget the sweltering heat outside. It’s a standard expectation for the home, car, office, grocery, convenience store, etc. Our AC systems can be running 24/7 in the summer, but we don’t really think about it until the AC stops working.

Seasonal air conditioning system tune-ups are a wise investment every home and business owner should make as preventative maintenance. Not only will it keep your system running when you’re relying on it, but it’s good for your budget. Running a poorly maintained system is foolishly expensive. A neglected system can cost you up to 50 percent more to run than one that has had proper care. A seasonal tune-up is about preventing problems, such as breakdowns on a sweltering summer day, inflated energy bills due to declining efficiency or the unnecessary expense of replacing equipment that has failed prematurely.

Here are some things that should be completed in a seasonal air conditioner tune-up:

• Testing of system functions and safety controls.
• Inspection and maintenance of electrical connections and components.
• Inspection, lubrication and maintenance of pumps.
• Cleaning and maintenance of motors.
• Inspection, cleaning and balancing of blowers.
• Checking for proper airflow and air filter maintenance.
• Inspection of coils and condensate pans, lines and traps, and cleaning as necessary.
• Testing of refrigerant levels and, if low, locating and repairing any leaks. http://wolffmechanical.net/hvac-tune-up/

Given the benefits an AC tune-up has on both comfort and finances, it just doesn’t make sense to skip seasonal service. If you neglect preventative maintenance of your AC system because you simply don’t know how or are too busy, a maintenance agreement might be a smart investment for you. A service agreement places the management of your maintenance schedule in the hands of your AC contractor to ensure it is completed properly and regularly.

The trained staff at Wolff Mechanical focuses on taking care of your HVAC equipment during the off-season months to give you peace of mind when it counts the most. You can trust our professionals for exceptional service and solutions every time. For more information about air conditioning tune-ups and annual maintenance agreements, please contact us.

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