We get a lot of calls from homeowners that find themselves at a loss after trying for years to fix their hot rooms in their Phoenix Metropolitan area homes, even after replacing their AC systems, ductwork or adding insulation. So why are rooms still hot in homes even after doing all this work?

Well, a home needs to work as a system in order to function properly and provide even temperatures and comfort throughout the home. When one part of the system is thrown off or doesn’t work correctly, the entire system breaks down. 

Here are a few possible explanations as to why you could be dealing with hot rooms even after trying to balance the temperatures in your Phoenix home for years:

1. Inadequate Airflow: Even if your AC system is new or your home is well-insulated, there may be areas of your home where the airflow is restricted or inadequate. This could be due to closed or blocked vents, kinked ducts, holes in the ducts resulting in duct leakage, improperly sized ducts, dirty air filters, or other other problems with the ductwork. Think of the ductwork in your attic as the arteries of the AC system. If your arteries in your body are blocked, kinked, shrunk down or leaking, your health will be affected. The same concept applies with ductwork.  If the air is not flowing properly, certain rooms may feel warmer than others and the overall health of a home will be compromised.
   
2. Poorly Installed Insulation: While adding insulation can help regulate the temperature in your home, it’s possible that some areas may still be poorly insulated. This could be due to inadequate insulation in the ceilings, walls, or gaps and cracks in the insulation that are present that allow air to leak in or out. These areas may be more prone to heat gain or loss. For insulation to function correctly, it absolutely needs to be in continuous contact with another surface – which is often not the case. For example, if you have misaligned insulation on the attic flat, such as (misaligned fiberglass batts) and you just have a contractor blow more insulation over the top of the misaligned batting, the fiberglass insulation on the bottom still has gaps and voids. This means that even if you blow a nice, thick layer of insulation over the top of the misaligned batting, your rooms will still be hot and your energy bills will still be high. Proper air sealing and insulation alignment is a must to ensure.
3. Home Design: The layout and design of your home can also impact how warm certain rooms feel. For example, rooms on the upper floors or above the garage can be hotter than rooms on the ground floor. This can be caused due to the garage being poorly and improperly insulated, heating up the room from the floor since the floor of the upstairs room over the garage needs to be insulated correctly from the garage ceiling. We rarely see upstairs bedrooms that are over the garage properly insulated.
   
4. Size of AC Unit: If your AC system is too small for your home, it may struggle to keep up with the demand for cooling, leading to hot spots in certain rooms. Similarly, if your AC system is too large, which is quite often the case in Phoenix, it may cycle on and off frequently, which can create temperature imbalances throughout your home, not to mention the wear and tear on the AC compressor. The only way to determine if your AC system is properly sized for your home is to do a heat load calculation. Just keep in mind that bigger is NOT always better when it comes to heating and air conditioning as a bigger system that is not sized correctly uses more energy to operate and can cause all sorts of issues down the line.
   
5. Solar Heat Gain: Rooms that receive more direct sunlight during the day may be hotter than other rooms, even with adequate insulation and a properly functioning AC system. This is because solar heat gain can raise the temperature of the air in the room, making it feel warmer. In order to fix this, more air must be distributed to the rooms – but you should never just “tap” into an existing duct system as the ducts need to be sized correctly for each room.

The bottom line is that you can replace the ducts, AC, or insulation but if the AC system or ducts are not sized or installed correctly, a home will be thrown off and cause hot rooms and imbalance temperatures throughout your Phoenix, Scottsdale, or Mesa home. 

We run into homes often that have work done on them only to find out the insulation, ducts or AC system weren’t installed properly, leaving them with the same issues they paid to fix. 

We are here for you if you have questions or need some help trying to figure out what’s going on in your home – give us a call at 480-839-0082 and we’d be happy to help answer all of your HVAC, ductwork, air quality and insulation questions!

Home heating systems are a necessity, especially during the cold seasons. If your furnace stops working, it can be costly to repair it. This is one reason we at Ideal Air Conditioning and Insulation always tell clients in Phoenix to invest in annual maintenance to avoid any surprises.

Here, we’ll talk about 10 of the ways you can tell it’s time to call for repairs. This is what to watch for.

1. Water on the Floor

Water near a heater is never a good sign. It’s less dangerous than gas or oil leaking onto the floor, but it still causes concern.

Water appears because of condensation. Normally, the condensate lines in your furnace drain and trap condensation safely, keeping it away from the electrical components of your furnace and off the floor. If the water is pooling on the floor, there’s a big issue inside the furnace.

If you notice water pooling, call a professional. Left unchecked, this could pose dangers in the home. The condensate line is also not something for a quick DIY fix. It may mean replacing the line, which is a job for the experts.

2. Strange Furnace Noises

Clanks and bangs from the furnace are almost never normal. You might hear a sound like a soft bang when it comes off or on, especially if it’s old. If you hear a loud bang or a scraping sound, be sure to call an expert! Something definitely needs to be repaired.

3. It’s Been a While Since Servicing

Regular furnace maintenance is a must. If you know it’s been more than a year, it might need a repair. Have a professional come in to clean the furnace and check it for potential problems. The longer your HVAC system goes without regular maintenance, the more likely it will unexpectedly stop working when you need it most.

4. The Smell of Gas

If you smell gas, call for help. Turn off the furnace or gas supply to be safe, take your family out of the home, and call a repair technician. Never light candles or turn on any type of flame in the home if you smell gas or oil.

5. Vents Blow Cold

If the air coming from your vents isn’t hot, there’s a furnace problem. There are a few reasons it could be blowing cold. Before calling a professional, check to make sure the furnace is switched on.

On older furnaces, you can check for the pilot light inside the sliding door on the side of the furnace. If the light is out, it needs to be relit by an expert.

6. The Furnace is Blowing, but Barely

Weak airflow could be a sign that components inside the furnace have stopped or slowed. Motors, belts, and other working parts make your furnace come to life and heat your home. If something has jammed or stopped, air may blow weakly. Call for repair to handle this issue.

7. Higher Than Normal Heating Bill

Is your heating bill running high? It might be a sign that your furnace needs maintenance. In many cases, a good cleaning will fix this problem.

Something as simple as a dirty filter can cause your furnace to go into overtime, burning harder in an effort to heat your home when the filter clogs. A blocked filter stops air from flowing freely, which forces the furnace to work harder. The harder it works, the higher the bill.

8. Thermostat is Reading Wrong

The thermostat helps you control the heat in your home. If it stops working and you find yourself constantly turning it up to heat the house, there’s probably a disconnect somewhere between the furnace and the thermostat. This is likely a wiring issue. It’s important to call someone as soon as possible to fix this.

Faulty wiring and electrical issues are dangerous, especially when you throw an oil or gas-burning furnace into the mix.

9. Furnace Keeps Cycling

When your furnace turns on, it should heat your home as per the thermostat guide. Once heated, the furnace clicks off, and the temperature is maintained.

If your furnace is turning on and off, on and off, to heat your home, there’s a problem. Constant cycling is another sign that the furnace needs a good cleaning. Don’t panic, but do call a professional.

10. Age

Like any appliance in your home, your furnace has a shelf life. Most last about 15 years. The more regularly you service and clean your furnace, the longer it will last. At one point, the furnace will absolutely need to be replaced. Until then, a repair might do the trick and add a few years back to the lifespan of the device.

Call an Expert

If you live in Phoenix and are having trouble with your furnace, we can help. Call us at Ideal Air Conditioning and Insulation today to learn more

The furnace—a household necessity and a pain in the wallet. When the furnace stops working, things get expensive. Between repairs and parts, the question eventually arises, “should we repair or replace?”

Every furnace has a shelf life. Even the best-maintained models only last between 15 and 20 years. When determining whether it’s worth your while to call in for repairs, there are a few things to consider.

At Ideal Air Conditioning and Insulation, we work with homeowners across Phoenix for a variety of furnace needs. Here are a few of the things on our furnace checklist we recommend checking over before buying a new model.

How Old Is It Now?

This is an important question because, as we mentioned, after 20 years, your furnace has run its course. If you’ve got a furnace aged 15 or older, replacing it is likely going to cost less than repairing it. Why? Because the furnace may not last as long as the new parts you’ve paid for.

You can find the age of your furnace on a sticker located somewhere on the exterior of the unit. The model and serial number are usually on this sticker as well.

Cost Matters

Money is a good determining factor in furnace repairs. Depending on your home size and energy efficiency needs, a new furnace could cost anywhere between $3,000 and $7,000. On the flip size, repairs could cost you $350 to $1,200.

When you think about ongoing repair costs for an old or faulty furnace, buying new might be a more affordable option. You pay more all at once, but then you have a new, reliable furnace (and more than likely, a warranty).

Energy Efficiency and Rebate Offers

Depending on where you live, your state or province might offer rebates for energy efficient furnace purchases. Apart from the potential for money back, there’s the bonus of reduced energy bills. That’s a pretty good reason to upgrade to a new unit.

An energy efficient furnace could save you a lot of money over time. Think about it like this: Replacing a furnace running at 75% efficiency with one at 95% efficiency takes a potential 20% off your bill. If you pay $200 a month for heating, it’s a savings of $40 per month or $480 per year.

Poor Air Quality

Air quality in your home is important. It’s what your family breathes day in and day out. The air circulating through your home is controlled, in part, by your HVAC system. Your furnace, for example, blows warm air into your home through air ducts. Any dust and debris in your furnace winds up in your home and lungs.

Of course, furnace filters are there to catch most of this debris and should be swapped out every three months. If changing the filter doesn’t help, it could be a bigger problem than you think.

Tips to Keep Your Furnace in Top Shape

Before you get to the point of no return with your furnace, get proactive. Here are some things you can do to keep your furnace running at max capacity.

• Keep it Clean: Along with regularly changing furnace filters, you should have your furnace cleaned once a year.
• Vacuum Airducts: Before the furnace gets switched on in the winter, clean all registers and air ducts. This keeps air flowing freely.
• Get a Tune Up: Furnace tune ups are another annual maintenance need. You can likely have yours cleaned and tuned up at the same time. This keeps it running efficiently throughout the winter season.
• Don’t Clutter the Furnace: The furnace needs room to breathe (so to speak). Keeping the area around the furnace clear of clutter protects your furnace and your home. Anything pressed up against the furnace runs the risk of igniting. It could also cause the furnace to overheat.
• Use Energy Saving Tactics: Save heat in the winter months when the furnace is used the most. Curtains, carpets, and window insulation are all great hacks to reduce heat loss in the home.

The best thing you can do for your furnace is take care of it. The more proactive maintenance it receives the less problems you’ll encounter.

Contact Ideal Air Conditioning and Insulation Today

If you live in Phoenix and think you might need a new furnace, call us at Ideal Air Conditioning and Insulation today. It’s important to us that our clients feel safe and cozy at home. Our team of experienced professionals will help you make furnace decisions to benefit your home and your bank account.

The air in your home is full of microorganisms you may not even realize exist. On top of these organisms, we also deal with dust, pollen, pet dander, fungal spores, and a variety of other floating debris.

At Ideal Air Conditioning and Insulation, we take air quality seriously. It’s important to us that our community here in Phoenix isn’t breathing harmful substances or allergens.

One of the questions we often hear regarding air quality is, “Can the dust in my home make me sick?” While dust is more of an irritant than an illness trigger, there are plenty of things to be wary of apart from dust that could be putting your health at risk.

Fortunately, an easy way to get cleaner air in your home is to ensure your air filters are clean.

Blocked Air Filters as a Culprit

Over time the filters in your HVAC system and AC unit get clogged. All the dust and debris floating around your house passes through these filters. After it gets full, the filter stops filtering. In other words, all that yucky stuff is stuck floating around your air supply.

In the case of your furnace, a blocked filter can also lead to damage to the furnace itself. This leads to lasting damage to the furnace and might cause your home heating bills to go up.

It’s important that filters get changed every 3-months to avoid problems with heating and cooling units. You may need to change them more frequently during busy seasons. For example, your AC unit might need an extra filter change during the summer and your furnace during the winter.

Types of Illnesses Caused by Dirty Filters

When unwanted air pollutants start filtering in through your HVAC system, it can cause a myriad of problems. Some of the most common symptoms experienced are cold symptoms such as:

• Itchy eyes
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Coughing
• Sneezing

Individuals with asthma or allergies often experience this and worse. If symptoms are left untreated, and air quality remains poor, you could get a respiratory or sinus infection.

Long-Term Negative Impact

Along with the respiratory health problems caused by pet dander and dust in the air, you could face long-term issues within your home. Temperature and moisture impact safety in other ways.

One of the biggest issues we’ve noted about clogged air filters is circulation weakens throughout the ductwork. Less air is being forced through your home, which leads to humidity and moisture imbalances.

Humidity creates a breeding place for mildew to form. Mold causes more severe symptoms than pollen, including:

• Itchy eyes
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Coughing
• Sneezing

Mold can also cause staining and lead to the growth of other things, such as fungi. Fungi eat away at wood and other materials, causing permanent damage to your home.

Air Quality Checks

One thing you can do, apart from regularly changing your air filters, is to have the quality of your air checked annually. An experienced professional can check the air in your home to check for:

• Humidity
• Temperature
• Pollutants
• Dust
• Carbon monoxide
• Radon

Air quality checks help prevent illness by treating air where the quality is hindered. You may be recommended to get a dehumidifier, humidifier, air purifier, or simply use a different type of air filter on your HVAC system.

If the Filter Doesn’t Do the Trick

Unfortunately, clogged filters can lead to dirt and debris entering your HVAC system and ductwork. When this happens, mold growth and other air pollutants end up inside the vents, blowing into your home with the air.

Contacting a reputable HVAC company is the best way to counteract this issue. Ductwork cleaning, furnace cleaning, and even AC cleaning can all make a big difference to air quality and the longevity of your units.

It’s recommended that homeowners have HVAC systems cleaned annually. If you know your filter hasn’t been changed in a while, you may need to have the rest of the system checked out. You can do some maintenance yourself but wiping down exterior portions of the floor grates and AC unit and vacuuming inside the vents you can reach.

Contact Ideal Air Conditioning and Insulation Today

If you live in Phoenix and have concerns about your air quality, Ideal Air Conditioning and Insulation can help. Our team is well-versed in filter maintenance and HVAC care. To learn more about how changing your filters can benefit your health, give us a call. You can also check out our services online.

Home heating is an essential part of your property. It controls the temperature in your home, as well as the airflow and ventilation. As a leading HVAC company in Phoenix, Ideal Air Conditioning and Insulation often receives questions about home heating inspections.

Do you really need a home heating inspection? Absolutely. It’s a good investment for your home, and it ensures your family is safe and prepared when the heat goes on.

Homeowners should have an HVAC inspection once every year, here are a few reasons why.

Rising Cost of Utility Bills

One of the first reasons our customers come to us for regular heating inspections is to keep heating costs low. If you notice your heating bills have been increasing, it might be time to call your HVAC company.

HVAC systems work hard year-round, between AC in the summer and heat in the winter. When the furnace or AC filters get dirty, or there’s a problem in the furnace, it works even harder. This is when you’ll see utility bills on the rise.

Poor Air Quality

Your HVAC system blows air through all the ventilation in your home, from the basement where your furnace is located to the living and dining room and into your family’s bedrooms. Air quality is, therefore, dictated by what your furnace is blowing through your ventilation.

Having your heating system serviced regularly ensures limited dust and debris gets blown through your home. This is especially beneficial to families with allergies or illnesses. Less dust in the air means less irritation.

Potential Long-Term Damage and Safety Risks

If your heating system is having trouble, it could mean long-term damage to the furnace and other HVAC components. Straining to run could overheat the furnace.

Even with the safety shut-off feature, there are safety risks involved anytime your heating system is overwhelmed. Especially if parts aren’t working properly, it could lead to a fire or explosion in your home with severe consequences.

It’s important to us that the families we work with are safe. Our HVAC professionals undergo ongoing training for new products and services, so we know how to keep your heating system in tip-top shape.

Insurance and Resale Costs

Keeping your HVAC system in good working order keeps home insurance premiums low and resale value high. If you’re looking to sell your house in the future, a buyer will want a home inspection done. This includes a heating inspection.

If the furnace and other HVAC components aren’t up to code, it could cost you in the long run. Paying for repairs is a greater cost than paying for annual checkups to guarantee the longevity of your furnace and heating system.

Home Heating Inspection Checklist

Your home heating system is a vast network of components working together. There are many elements to check during a heating inspection. It’s best to have your furnace and heating system inspected by a professional, but there are some areas you can visibly check yourself.

When we inspect a home, we bring our handy home heating inspection checklist. It includes many areas of the HVAC and heating system homeowners don’t think to check.

Here are some of the essentials on our list of heating components to inspect:

• Filters
• Blower wheel and motor
• Crankcase heater
• Ductwork, vents, and floor grates
• AC unit wiring
• Furnace wiring
• Flue venting
• Heat exchanger
• Gas valve
• Manifold
• Burners
• Ignition
• Gas line
• Carbon monoxide emissions
• Condensing unit screw lug terminals
• The refrigerant in heat pumps

Following your home heating inspection, you can schedule cleaning and maintenance.
Maintenance tasks depend on the outcome of your inspection but might include tasks such as:

• Furnace and AC filter changing
• Vacuuming and clearing of ventilation and ductwork
• Tightening of screws and other materials
• Gas line bleeding (if there’s air in the fuel line)
• Ignition maintenance
• Pilot light maintenance

There are a variety of additional HVAC services offered by local heating professionals. Speak to your home heating company to learn how your home heating could be improved.

Contact Ideal Air Conditioning and Insulation Today to Learn More

If you live in Phoenix and want to learn more about heating inspections, we’ve got your back! Our team of experienced HVAC professionals serves families all over the city.

It’s important to us that our clients not only have the highest quality products and services but understand how your home heating system works.

To get more details on our heating inspection checklist, or to schedule an inspection of your home, give us a call today.

Fall is quickly approaching, and with it comes a myriad of household checks and maintenance. HVAC systems are built to last, but they need a little help along the way to perform at their best. Here in Phoenix, we all know fall means cooler nights and shorter days, which leads to a change in thermostats.

Before heaters get switched on for the cool fall months and colder winter season to come, it’s important to inspect your HVAC system. At Ideal Air Conditioning and Insulation, we perform a full assessment of client HVAC setups in spring and autumn to keep things running efficiently.

Here are some of the checks you can perform yourself as a homeowner before calling in the experts.

HVAC Filters

Filters are a small but important piece in the HVAC puzzle. Filters catch unwanted debris, keeping it from circulating in your home when the air is on. Both air conditioning and heating units use filters to reduce air pollution in your home.

HVAC filters should be changed every three months, but it’s especially important before peak seasons like summer and winter to have them changed. Fall is a great time to inspect and change your filter.

Air Conditioning and Ductwork

Fall weather may not call for AC as often as summer. A lack of future use is precisely why you should clean and check your AC for problemsbefore it retires for the cool season.

To clean your AC unit, follow these steps:

1. Turn the AC unit off
2. Wipe exterior unit and grill with a damp rag
3. Open AC unit carefully
4. Wipe evaporator coils and rinse drain pan
5. Check AC drain for clogs
6. Close AC unit securely

Ductwork also needs inspecting and cleaning. You should call an HVAC specialist to thoroughly clean your ventilation and ductwork twice a year. You can also wipe registers clean and vacuum out the vents below on your own.

Clearing ductwork improves the air quality in your home, removing unnecessary debris which gets blown into your home.

Furnace and Thermostat

Thermostats tell you how well your HVAC system is performing. If your furnace isn’t able to meet demands for temperature change, there could be something wrong. A quick check of the thermostat is a great place to begin your furnace inspection.

From the thermostat, you can inspect the furnace itself. Some items to check off your list include:

• Blue pilot light: A yellow light isn’t burning properly
• Gas line: Look for leaks or any potential cracks in the line
• Clean burners: Burners need to be clear of soot and dirt
• Wiring: Any frayed or disconnected wires are cause for concern

Use all your senses as you inspect your furnace. Strange sounds or smells could indicate trouble. Contact your HVAC specialist if you notice anything out of the ordinary in or around the furnace. Leaking furnace problems for longer than necessary can further damage individual components or the entire furnace.

Check Home Detectors

Every home in Phoenix should be outfitted with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. During your fall HVAC check, test each detector to see if it works. Change batteries as needed and wipe clean if detectors have become dirty.

At least one of each detector should be installed on each level of your home. The National Fire Protection Association says there should also be smoke alarms in every bedroom or sleeping area, as well as the basement. Downstairs detectors are necessary even in homes with unfinished basements.

Home Humidifier

If you have a home humidifier, it’s about to get a workout. Cold months tend to be dryer than warm months. Depending on your state, you might run a humidifier year-round. Either way, be sure to clear the water panel before the autumn season.

Water panels should be cleared once every three months, but if you notice more activity in the fall and winter, an extra clearing doesn’t hurt.

Roof Inspection

Finally, your roof should be inspected at the end of summer/beginning of fall. Look for any inconsistencies or damage, including:

• Buildup of debris
• Warped shingles
• Leaks
• Cracks
• Missing shingles
• Drainage issues

Roof repairs and gutter cleaning should be complete before winter to avoid additional damage.

Get in Touch with Ideal Air Conditioning and Insulation for Fall HVAC Servicing Today

If you want to prep your HVAC system for fall, we can help. Our team of experienced HVAC specialists will assess your current setup and help with cleaning and maintenance. Give us a call to make an appointment today.

As energy efficiency becomes more and more prevalent in society, you may notice the abbreviation SEER. This stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and relates to your HVAC system and a rating which expresses the cooling efficiency of your AC and heat pump in a typical season.

At Ideal Air Conditioning and Insulation, we work with home and business owners across Phoenix to ensure your HVAC unit is in good working order. Part of this diagnosis comes from the SEER rating.

A SEER rating tells us so much more than just how efficient your HVAC system is running. It points out issues with your unit, reasons for rises in your energy bill, and more.

Here, we’ll talk a bit about the SEER rating, what it is, how it’s calculated, and why it matters.

Why Does SEER Matter for my HVAC System?

The SEER rating is a measurement of cooling efficiency, both for your AC unit and heat pump. The higher your rating, the more efficient your HVAC system. This is important because the more efficient your system is, the less you pay for:

• Monthly energy bills
• HVAC repairs
• Additional heating or cooling tools (fans, mobile heaters, etc.)

Having an HVAC system in good working order ensures comfort year-round. A high SEER rating is worth investing in.

How Does a SEER Rating Work?

The SEER rating measures HVAC efficiency based on temperature and other factors. You can compare this to the fuel efficiency of a vehicle. Maybe your SUV gets great fuel efficiency driving on a highway, but the rate lowers when idling.

Your HVAC system could have higher cooling efficiency in the late spring and early autumn compared to summer and winter. It works harder during hot and cold months and therefore takes longer to cool down, reducing efficiency.

What is a Good SEER Rating?

There is no typical SEER rating for a well-maintained HVAC system. It depends entirely on your system and can range anywhere between 13-21. Some of the factors to consider when you choose a unit and SEER rating include:

• Home size
• Type of ductwork
• Local climate

There’s nothing wrong with having a 14 rating if you live in a small one-bedroom apartment and don’t use AC or heat often. Similarly, it might be worthwhile to purchase a system with an 18 rating or above if you live in a large home and run the unit regularly.

Does the SEER Rating Change with Use?

Unfortunately, even the most efficient HVAC systems with SEER ratings of 14 and above will deplete over time. Efficiency depends on various factors, including:

• Age
• General wear and tear
• Regular maintenance
• Use of stock parts during repair
• Regular cleaning

When your HVAC system is damaged or filters get clogged, it works harder. When the system works harder, it takes longer to cool. This limits the overall efficiency, even if you have a unit that was once top of the line.

Locating Your HVAC SEER Rating

One of the questions we frequently get at Ideal Air Conditioning and Insulation is how to find the SEER rating on a unit. New systems come with an energy guide sticker. Usually, this is a yellow and black sticker with a SEER number.

Older machines or resale units might have the specs in another area. Whatever the case, the SEER rating resembles a product number. It might start with AC## followed by dashes and numbers. The number following XC is generally the SEER rating.

Replacement units might include the SEER rating on a building permit, sales slip, or other documentation. If you know the year, make and model of your unit, you can also contact the manufacturer directly.

Contact Ideal Air Conditioning and Insulation to Learn More

If you live in Phoenix and are looking for the best SEER-rated HVAC system for your home, Ideal Air Conditioning and Insulation is here to help. Our experienced staff are constantly watching the changes and evolution in HVAC technology. We can help you break down the differences in each unit and SEER rating and how they might benefit your home.

Being a local business, it’s important to us that our clients receive an honest and custom assessment for SEER ratings. It’s better to have a rating that fits your home and lifestyle than spend extra you don’t need to spend.

Call or visit us online today for a diagnosis of your HVAC system and SEER rating.

Your HVAC system is designed to keep you comfortable all year round, but that doesn’t mean it’s always going to work exactly the way you need. When you have issues with your HVAC system, it’s important to call in a professional to get the help you need. Let’s review the most common reasons for HVAC service calls.

Thermostat Malfunctions

When the furnace isn’t heating up as it should, or you notice hiked-up power bills, the culprit is often the thermostat. Faulty thermostats, whether dial type, programmable or smart thermostats, can be quickly spotted by an HVAC technician and repaired to avoid incurring future repair costs.

Leaking Refrigerant

Leaking refrigerant on the exhaust or intake side affects your HVAC’s cooling. An uptick in heat despite turning on the AC could result from leaking or low refrigerant. It is important to enlist the services of a qualified HVAC expert to fix the leaks and replace the refrigerant correctly.

Leaky Ducts

Leaking ducts cause your HVAC to work inefficiently. Leakage in the ductwork causes low cooling and low heating in the house. Since most of the HVAC ductwork is installed above the ceiling, you may not spot leaks immediately until you see damage to your walls and ceilings. It is best not to ignore such signs of leaking ductwork.

Blown Fuses and Tripped Circuit Breakers

At times, your HVAC system shuts off on its own. When you notice your dual-split system periodically shutting down, it is not a friendly ghost playing tricks on you. Blowing fuses and tripping circuit breakers cause the system to shut off.

Dirty filters cause the blower and evaporator to overwork, resulting in recurring fuse blowing and breaker tripping. An overworked blower drives up your power bills and affects heating. Consider replacing your air filters if the problem recurs.

A Noisy HVAC

When split systems are working efficiently, they produce little sound. But if there is internal mechanical fixture wear and tear, you will notice strange sounds from your furnace, indicating an impending failure. You need to call an HVAC specialist to replace the worn-out fixtures or the entire furnace motor.

Dirt and Debris in the Coils

Dirty evaporator and condenser coils reduce your system’s efficiency and accelerate wear and tear. Most people think the simple DIY fix is to run water inside the coils. Do not. Washing the coils only reduces their efficiency and introduces rust. Instead, call an HVAC repairer to clean the coils. Schedule regular maintenance, especially if you live in an area with twigs, leaves, and other debris around the outdoor unit.

Sensor Problems

HVAC systems have flame and air sensors that control the surface ignitor and the amount of air coming in through the evaporator coils. Damage to the sensors means your home won’t be as warm or cool as you want it to be.

Most people wait until summer and winter to call in HVAC specialists when they are in high demand. Be a smart homeowner and schedule maintenance during off-peak seasons to save money and ensure your HVAC system runs efficiently. If you have any of these problems, call an HVAC professional in Phoenix, AZ from Ideal Air Conditioning and Insulation. to check, repair, or maintain your HVAC system.

You rely on heating, ventilation, and cooling to keep your indoor space comfortable all year round. But heating and cooling can be expensive. Your HVAC system accounts for about 40% of your utility bill, but there are steps you can take to lower the energy costs of your HVAC system significantly. From routine maintenance to various DIY tasks, let’s take a look at some energy-saving tips every homeowner should know.

1. Install Smart Thermostats

Maintaining optimum heating and cooling settings cuts down your energy costs by up to 8% on average. Smart thermostats automatically regulate the temperature, or you can control them from your phone and the touch panel to dictate how hot or cold you want your home. Smart thermostats are easy DIY projects that take less than an hour for experienced DIY’ers. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing your smart thermostat. If you’re unsure, you can always give us a call at Ideal Air Conditioning and Insulation and we will take care of the rest.

2. Schedule Regular Maintenance

Even top-of-the-line HVAC systems lose efficiency over time. Lost efficiency means the system will have to work harder to heat and cool your space which means more electricity and water bills. Regular HVAC maintenance from Ideal Air Conditioning and Insulation ensures your HVAC is in good working condition.

Schedule maintenance during spring and fall. You get more savings for hiring an HVAC expert during those off-peak seasons. Regular maintenance checks identify problems early on and avoid long-term repairs, which can be very costly. Consider a monthly maintenance plan to lower overall costs. Maintenance impacts 5%-40% of HVAC-related energy costs.

3. Replace Your Air Filter

Air filters pick up dust and dirt, creating clogs that lead to issues with performance. A dirty filter lowers the HVAC’s efficiency and increases energy costs. Luckily, replacing your filter is an easy DIY job that saves you money on utility fees and maintenance.

Change your filters every 4-6 months, or monthly if you have pets and kids. Compare the dimensions of the filters before replacing them with newer ones and follow the instructions on how to replace an HVAC filter.

4. Install a New System

We certainly don’t like to add the cost of a new HVAC system to the high energy bill you pay. But sometimes, you have to pay expensive upfront costs for a new split system to register savings over its usage.

If you have an HVAC system older than ten years, replacing it with an Energy Star model will save you about $700 per year in utility bills. Aim for units with a Seasonal Energy-Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of 14-18 or an Energy-Efficiency Ratio (EER) of 8. You can double your savings, especially if you double the SEER rating.

Federal law requires new units to have at least: 13 SEER and 8 EER. You may have to upgrade your system if the ratings are below Phoenix, AZ requirements.

5. Retrofit an Old System

A workaround for expensive new HVAC system purchases is retrofitting an old one. You will spend less on installing and updating components than on buying and installing a new system. Consider retrofitting the compressor and adding side economizers and condenser controls to take advantage of the natural cooling. It is best to contact Ideal Air Conditioning and Insulation for such installations to install them correctly.

6. Seal Duct Work

Leaky ductwork lets hot gases escape, which means your heating system puts in a double shift and consumes much more electricity. Use sealing products on your ductwork and pipes to prevent leakage. You will save on energy bills and also keep your environment fume free.

7. Clean Your System and Its Surroundings

Cleaning debris, clearing twigs from your outside unit, and cleaning coils are simple DIY tasks that prevent your system from consuming too much water and electricity. Use a vacuum cleaner to clean the coils rather than an abrasive chemical solution. Be careful not to damage the integrity of electrical connections and gas pipes.

8. Make Use of Curtains

Curtains and blinds block the summer heat, which improves long-term performance and reduces cooling bills. Conversely, during winter, dress appropriately and make use of curtains and blinds to prevent your home from leaking warm air, resulting in increased heating costs. Insulation is crucial in lowering utility bills when using HVAC systems.

Stay Comfortable While Saving

Lowering your energy costs for an HVAC system transcends installation and regular maintenance. A blend of human input, technology, energy-efficient practices, and proactive maintenance of your HVAC system ensure you reduce your utility bills and improve your system’s efficiency. Ideal Air Conditioning and Insulation helps you become a savings guru through maintenance and installing HVAC systems that lower bills without compromising comfort.

Refrigerants have two copper lines that connect the indoor evaporator coil and the outdoor heat pump. The suction line is the larger tube that has insulation. It carries cool gas under low pressure from the indoor evaporator to the outdoor compressor. The suction line is also called the return or the vapor line.

The other line is usually smaller and uninsulated. It carries hot liquid under high pressure from the condenser to the evaporator.

The suction line can freeze for many reasons. Read on to know the main ones.

Quick Summary: Why Is My AC Suction Line Freezing?

A frozen AC suction line is typically caused by restricted airflow (dirty air filters, closed vents, or a failing blower motor) or low refrigerant levels due to a copper line leak. Turning off your AC immediately prevents catastrophic compressor damage.

Is Your AC Unit Frozen Right Now?

Running a frozen air conditioner can ruin your compressor. Turn your thermostat to OFF, switch the fan to ON to melt the ice, and call Ideal Air for 24/7 emergency AC repair in Phoenix!

Call (602) 560-9715

Airflow Problems

If the filter gets dirty, it blocks airflow to the evaporator coil. Without airflow, heat doesn’t get to the evaporator coil, and the refrigerant doesn’t boil. As a result, the pressure and the temperature will drop, causing the system to freeze.

If the filter you’re using is too restrictive, it can cause the same problem. In this case, scheduling timely AC filter replacement will restore proper airflow and keep your evaporator coil warm.

Also, the blower motor could stop working or run at a low speed due to worn-out bearings. An electrical problem could blow up the motor, or the board could fail to supply current. This problem reduces the amount of air getting to the evaporator coil. The longer you let the system work without the motor, the more ice will accumulate on the suction line. Anything that blocks airflow to the evaporator coil can cause the unit to freeze.

Low Refrigerant

A refrigerant is a compound that changes from gas to liquid and vice versa as it regulates temperature in the house. When the refrigerant absorbs heat from the house, it changes from low-pressure gas to high-pressure liquid. Then the high-pressure liquid travels outdoors, where a fan blows hot air. As a result, it turns back into a low-pressure gas.

The refrigerant’s volume remains at the same level throughout the air conditioner’s life unless there’s a leak. A leak causes the pressure inside the copper tubes to reduce. A reduction in pressure causes a drop in the refrigerant’s boiling point and temperature. Adding more refrigerant won’t help unless you find the leak and fix it. Our team uses advanced infrared diagnostics and electronic leak detectors to pinpoint hard-to-find copper line cracks.

When the refrigerant is low, its temperature at the beginning of the evaporator coil will be lower than the freezing point. The low temperature will cause the condensation inside the coil to freeze. Then, Ice builds on the coil and restricts airflow through the coil.

Without airflow to the coil, the refrigerant won’t absorb heat. So it will start to boil further in the coil, leading to more freezing, which continues up to the suction line.

Suspect a Refrigerant Leak?

Simply adding Freon won’t fix the root problem. Our certified technicians perform electronic leak detection and system recharges to restore your cooling power safely. Schedule Refrigerant Leak Detection & Recharge

Low Temperature

If the indoor temperature drops below 70F, the saturation temperature will also drop. And if it goes below 32F, the system will freeze. One reason why this might happen is if you set your thermostat too low. Most thermostats operate over 67F. If you set yours below that, it might cause freezing.

What You Should Do If Your Suction Line Freezes

If you notice frost on your suction line, check whether everything is running as it should. Check whether the motors are working and the fans are blowing air. If you don’t notice any problem, turn off the system to avoid causing further damage.

Remove the air filter and clean it to ensure the problem doesn’t result from blocked airflow. If the air filter is too restrictive or old, replace it. Keep in mind that many factors could cause the suction line to freeze. Sometimes the problem may be hard to detect. Instead of guessing what the problem is, contact our certified technicians for prompt AC troubleshooting and diagnostic service.

You can ask your HVAC professional to install a freeze stat. This device monitors the temperature of the heat exchanger. If the temperature falls slightly above freezing, the freeze stat initiates a protective action and keeps the suction line from freezing.

How to Keep Suction Line from Freezing

Most problems with the HVAC system occur due to a lack of regular maintenance. If you don’t maintain your HVAC system, it will become inefficient. As a result, it will take longer to achieve the temperature you want in your house. Inefficiencies will also cost you more in power bills.

In addition, lack of maintenance can accelerate the rate of wear and tear on the HVAC components. If serious damage occurs, you’d incur extra costs replacing those damaged components. To avoid unexpected summer breakdowns, protect your system with annual AC maintenance and tune-ups from Ideal Air.

Don’t Guess—Get Fast, Professional AC Repairs in Phoenix

Whether it’s a clogged filter, a blown blower motor, or a hidden refrigerant leak, Ideal Air Conditioning & Insulation is here to help. We inspect, diagnose, and repair frozen AC lines across Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, and Tempe.

Call (620) 560-9715 or Book Your AC Inspection Online!