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.

Image source: http://pixabay.com/en/house-panel-ceiling-fan-light-315331/

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.

Image source: http://www.a-1american.com/wp-content/uploads/ManSweating_istock.jpg

Let The Sun Do The Work

Here in the valley of the sun, even when it’s scorching outside, we still use hot water inside. Every day we need hot water for bathing, washing clothes and dishes. Solar water heaters can be a cost effective way to generate hot water for your home year round because it can be used in any climate and use sunshine, which is free!

Solar water heaters have many other advantages. First, when you purchase any solar energy products, the government offers reimbursements. Second, solar energy is renewable, making it the best green option you can use. Next, if you produce more electricity than you use, it will be fed back into the electrical grid for use somewhere else and your utility bill will carry a negative amount! Lastly, solar hot water systems can last over twenty years maintenance free.  http://www.wolffmechanical.com/water-heaters/solar/

Though there are many benefits that make solar an obvious choice for many, there are many variables that must be considered to make sure you choose the right system for you. Be sure to work with a qualified solar contractor to install your system. They will be able to guide you through choosing the best solar system for you, including teaching you about the difference between direct and indirect circulation systems, passive solar water heating, the types of storage tanks and solar collector options, and how to improve your energy efficiency and maintain your solar system for years to come.

           

Before installing a solar water heating system, these are some of the items and components of which your installation contractor should be knowledgeable:

• Evaluate your site's solar resource
• Determine the correct system size
• Investigate local codes, covenants, and regulations
• Heat exchangers for solar water heating systems
• Heat-transfer fluids for solar water heating systems  http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/solar-water-heaters

Wolff Mechanical technicians are experts in installing solar water heaters. Call us today to learn more about the cost benefits and to get a free in-home estimate. We are dedicated to helping you achieve maximum efficiency, reliability and comfort in your home. Let us show you why Wolff Mechanical is an industry leader in customer satisfaction.

Image source: http://news.softpedia.com/newsImage/Storing-the-Sun-s-Heat-2.jpg/

Spring Cleaning Your Air & Bills

Its spring and we’re all enjoying the glorious weather in our dessert this time of year! Summer is the last thing we want to think about, but this is the best time to prepare for the upcoming summer temperatures. If you haven’t had your air conditioner (AC) serviced after months of non-use, we guarantee you won’t be happy when you go to turn on the AC for respite from raising temps just to discover it isn’t working properly. Even worse is having your AC go out in the middle of summer due to parts failing that could have been avoided from a routine servicing.

Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Scheduling an annual service appointment is often overlooked, but these service appointments will not only ensure your home feels cozy year-round, but will also make your system operate more efficiently, thus saving you money on your monthly utility bills. There are many advantages associated with keeping your air conditioning system in proper working order:

• The more efficient your system is, the greater your carbon footprint is reduced.
• You can have greater peace of mind that you have a safer, more reliable system.
• A smoother running system helps you save on your energy bills.
• You will have decreased risk of a system breakdown in the middle of extreme weather.
• Parts will stay in better working order, lessening wear and tear.

There are other things that don’t necessarily need to be done annually, but should be completed and checked periodically. These will help make sure you are maximizing your energy savings and comfort level throughout the extreme temperatures.

• Repair your ductwork – Any damage found in your ductwork is most likely causing conditioned air to leak. Also consider insulating your ducts, as this will keep warm air from seeping out during the winter months.
• Install a programmable thermostat – Why cool your home when no one’s home? This wastes energy and money. Investing in a programmable thermostat allows you to set the thermostat to automatically turn on and off, and will make a huge difference on heating and cooling bills.
• Radiant heat barriers – Have a radiant heat barrier, which is thin layer of metal insulation, installed in your attic in order to reduce the amount of heat transferred here from your home by almost 95 percent.
• Install ceiling fans – During the summer, ceiling fans make you feel cooler, allowing you to keep your thermostat a few degrees higher. Using ceiling fans throughout the year will save energy and energy costs. 

For over 20 years, Wolff Mechanical has been serving the valley of the sun for both residential and commercial needs. Our goal is to help educate our customers, offer the best technology, quality products, world-class customer service and warranties. For more information about an annual service call, please contact us at (602) 814-0004 or visit our website. http://www.wolffmechanical.com/

Image source: http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=spring+cleaning+image&id=800CEFB8E127B71A601C370CA29E6A6558AF15F4&FORM=IQFRBA#view=detail&id=90EA4F76AEEFCFD373A79F3E7E5E9431976A7D11&selectedIndex=11

More Dreaded Than Summer In Phoenix!

Whether we like it or not, April 15th is quickly approaching. Time to get those taxes done. Taxes aren’t our area of expertise, but did you know there are many deductions and credits you can take advantage of for being energy efficient?

There are a number of reasons to make your home more energy efficient, but one of the benefits is to deduct expenses and receive credits from energy efficiency upgrades. The IRS’ website states, “Residential energy property is any of the following.

- Certain electric heat pump water heaters; electric heat pumps; central air conditioners; natural gas propane, or oil water heater; and stoves that use biomass fuel.

- Qualified natural gas, propane, or oil furnaces; and qualified natural gas, propane, or oil hot water boilers.

- Certain advanced main air circulating fans used in natural gas, propane, or oil furnaces."

As far as energy efficient property credits, "you may be able to take a credit of 30% of your costs of qualified solar electric property, solar water heating property, fuel cell property, small wind energy property, and geothermal heat pump property. The credit amount for costs paid for qualified fuel cell property is limited to $500 for each one-half kilowatt of capacity of the property."

But not all tax deductions for residential property are strictly energy efficiency upgrades. There are other household expenses you can deduct from your taxes if you have relocated due to employment.

If you meet the requirements, these deductions can apply not only to expenses related to the actual moving of your household items and members, but you can deduct certain costs associated with disconnecting and connecting household utilities.

"There are often household expenses that many have no idea can be deducted from your taxes. Take the time to go over your previous year tax records to see if you missed anything. You may find there are a number of things you missed that you could also be deducting this year." http://www.wahm.com/articles/tips-for-the-wahm-how-to-deduct-household-expenses-from-your-taxes.html

Please consult with a tax pro and don't say you did your taxes strictly based on what we found. We're experts in other areas, not taxes. But if you missed out on tax credits and deductions because you haven't made energy efficiency upgrades to your residential property, we are the pros to talk to! Give us a call.