If you find yourself suffering from the summer heat even though your air conditioner is on full blast, this is a sure sign your AC isn’t working properly. One of the easiest ways to spot an AC issue is to check your outside unit suction line. If your line is coated in ice despite rising summer temperatures, this means your AC needs attention from your Phoenix HVAC experts at Ideal Air Conditioning and Insulation. Here’s why your AC suction line is frozen, and what you can do about it.
Clogged Air Filters
The first step to troubleshooting a frozen suction line is to check your air filter. You should be changing your AC air filters monthly in peak season. If not, they become clogged and prevent proper airflow. In turn, it freezes the coils. Check your filters and if they appear clogged, try replacing them to see if this helps.
Closed Supply Vents
If your AC seems to be hitting rooms that are too cold, you might close the vents to try to redirect the air to warmer rooms. However, this can actually lead to issues because it too can limit airflow. Go through your home and open any supply vents that are closed to see if this helps.
Blocked Return Vents
Return vents are designed to suck air into the unit as part of the airflow process. If they are blocked it can cause issues with the unit. You should keep return vents clean. If your AC suction line is frozen, check your return vents and clean any that are blocked.
Fan or Blower Not Working
Your blowers and fans work together to pull warm air from rooms into the system and then force cool air out. If they aren’t working, nothing really works. There isn’t adequate flow, so your line can freeze. Listen for your fan and blower to see if it is working. If you either don’t hear anything, or it sounds like it is struggling you’ll need to call Ideal Air Conditioning and Insulation for repairs.
Leaking Refrigerant and Dirty Evaporator Coils
If you do all of these checks and fixes and nothing works, it’s time to call for professional help to check and see if you have something else causing the freezing line such as low refrigerant levels. This is typically caused by a leak in the system. There will be other notable issues if your refrigerant is leaking including increased energy bills, blowing warm air instead of cold and hissing sounds. We will check the refrigerant, find the leak, and repair it. They’ll also replace the refrigerant so your AC will be back to proper cooling function.
Another potential issue is a dirty evaporator coil. Like your air filters, these coils can’t work properly when they are dirty. That’s why regular maintenance for your AC is so important. Your maintenance call includes a good cleaning of your evaporator coil. Your AC expert will also check the coils to see if they could be causing the issue.
Can I Just Thaw My AC Line?
This is often a DIYer solution when they spot a frozen suction line. Although you can turn off your thermostat and leave the fan on for a few hours, it will thaw the line, but won’t address the actual problem. This will lead to an endless cycle of you thawing out the line and then having a few hours of cool air and then thawing it out again when it refreezes. As well, when the line thaws it produces water which can lead to water damage to your house. It’s always best to call Ideal Air Conditioning and Insulation to come and assess the problem. They’ll figure out what’s wrong and make the necessary repairs that will get your AC back in tip-top condition.
Regular Maintenance
The best way to avoid frozen suction lines is to replace your air filters and schedule regular AC maintenance. A service call once a year will ensure your coils are clean, your filters aren’t clogged, and all the components of your AC are in working order. You’ll save wear and tear on your system, while also keeping your system running more efficiently. This will show up on your energy bills. Best of all your family will be comfortable even on the hottest day of the year.
While it can be tempting to take the DIY route, you can actually cause more damage than good. A properly maintained AC unit will reduce energy costs and keep comfortable all summer long.
Indoor air quality refers to the condition of the air within buildings, including homes, offices, schools, and other enclosed spaces. The significance of IAQ cannot be overstated, as the average individual spends approximately 90% of their time indoors.
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we seldom stop to ponder the invisible elements we breathe in our homes and workplaces. However, the quality of the air we inhale indoors can significantly impact our health and well-being.
In this blog series, we’ll dive deep into each aspect of indoor air quality, understand various factors that decrease indoor air quality, and provide actionable tips to empower you to make informed decisions about your living spaces. From DIY home testing kits to professional air quality services, we’ll explore the available options to gain insights into the quality of the air we breathe every day.
Remember, improving the air you breathe is a proactive and transformative step towards a healthier and happier life.
Why Indoor Air Quality is Important?
Indoor air quality is a big deal. It’s important for your health, the health of your family and friends, and the health of your home. And it’s something you can take control of right now.
You might think indoor air quality only affects people working in factories or other industrial environments. But it actually affects everyone—including you! And if you’re not taking care of it, it leads to serious health problems.
Here are several reasons why indoor air quality is important:
Indoor Air Quality Impacts Health
Did you know that the average person spends 90% of their time indoors? That’s a lot of time breathing in indoor air quality, so it’s important to ensure your indoor air is as clean as possible. Poor indoor air quality can lead to extreme health issues like asthma and allergies, contributing to headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. If you want to avoid these symptoms, make sure there are filters in place that will keep allergens from entering your home or workspace.
Indoor Air Quality Affects Productivity and Performance
Indoor air quality impacts more than just our bodies—it also affects our brains! Studies have shown that poor air quality can lead to reduced productivity and performance at work or school by making us feel less alert and more fatigued than usual. So if you’re looking for ways to improve your workplace or school environment by reducing distractions from other people around you, consider investing in better ventilation systems (like whole house fans) or installing an HVAC system that keeps your indoor air clean!
Indoor Air Quality Affects Comfort and Well-Being
Indoor air quality is about more than just “sick building syndrome.” It’s about how you feel in your home—about how comfortable you are there, how healthy it makes you feel, and how safe you feel. Indoor air quality has been shown to affect our moods, cognitive performance, concentration levels, and even productivity. We spend 90% of our time indoors, so it’s important that we maintain safe levels of pollutants in our homes.
Indoor Air Quality Affects Vulnerable Populations
There are several groups in our communities who are particularly vulnerable to poor indoor air quality: children and pregnant women; those with asthma; people with chronic respiratory illnesses; older adults; and people with allergies or chemical sensitivities. These populations should have access to cleaner air so they can live healthier lives. The WHO reports that approximately 570,000 children under the age of five die each year due to respiratory infections, often caused or worsened by indoor air pollution.
Indoor Air Quality has Long-Term Effects
It is a common misconception that outdoor air pollution is more severe than indoor air pollution. However, the EPA reveals that indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air on average. In some cases, indoor air pollution can be up to 100 times higher than outdoor levels, especially in poorly ventilated spaces or those with significant pollutant sources.
Indoor Air Quality Affects Energy Efficiency
Proper management of indoor air quality, including efficient ventilation and air circulation, can lead to improved energy efficiency in buildings. When ventilation systems are functioning optimally, they help maintain a balanced and controlled indoor environment, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling, thus saving energy and lowering utility costs.
Indoor Air Quality Impacts Environment
Indoor air pollution can also have indirect effects on the environment. Some pollutants that enter indoor spaces, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), can contribute to outdoor air pollution when released from products and materials indoors.
Which Factor Would Increase Poor Indoor Air Quality?
We live in a world where poor indoor air quality is a real problem. In fact, it’s so common that most people don’t even think about it. But the truth is that bad Phoenix indoor air quality can cause a lot of health problems, especially if you have a family or pets.
The 10 main factors that contribute to poor indoor air quality Phoenix, Arizona quality are:
Inadequate Ventilation
Poorly ventilated areas can accumulate pollutants in the air, such as dust, pollen, and mold spores. This can lead to respiratory problems, including asthma attacks and infections like Legionnaires disease.
Indoor Pollutant Sources
The second factor that contributes to poor indoor air quality Phoenix is the presence of indoor pollutant sources. These include things like cigarette smoke, chemicals from cleaning products and carpets (which can release volatile organic compounds when they’re new), cooking odors from your kitchen or bathroom, pollen from plants outside your window, etc.
Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew are found in damp environments, such as bathrooms or basements. They can grow on surfaces like drywall or tile if they’re not properly cleaned and dried. Mold spores spread through the air when they become airborne. This can cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to them.
Dust and Allergens
Dust and allergens are common sources of poor indoor air quality. Dust is made up of tiny particles that come from dirty air filters, furniture, carpets, electronics, and clothing. Allergens include things like pollen from trees outside or pets inside your home. When these particles get into the air throughout your home, they can cause symptoms like sneezing or itchy eyes for people who have allergies to them—even if you don’t see any visible signs of dust or pollen!
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
VOCs are emitted as gases from certain household products, such as paints, varnishes, cleaning agents, and air fresheners. Long-term exposure to high levels of VOCs can cause respiratory irritation and other health problems.
Radon
Radon is a radioactive gas that can be found in homes and buildings. It comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. When radon gas enters your home, it can get trapped in your home’s air. You can’t see or smell radon, so you may not know it’s there until you test for it.
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that is produced by appliances that burn fuel without sufficient ventilation, such as furnaces, fireplaces, stoves, and water heaters. CO can build up indoors and poison people who breathe it. It also can cause flu-like symptoms in healthy people. CO alarms can alert you to potential CO problems before they become serious or deadly.
Poorly Maintained HVAC Systems
Poorly maintained HVAC systems can cause poor indoor air quality. Make sure your system is working properly and have it professionally cleaned at least once per year. If you have pets, consider installing a HEPA filter in your system so that pet dander doesn’t get circulated throughout the house.
Outdoor Air Pollution
Outdoor air pollution can also affect indoor air quality by depositing particulate matter on furniture and floors inside buildings. To minimize this effect, keep windows closed whenever possible when there are high outdoor air pollution levels in your area (or when there’s heavy traffic nearby). Also, try to keep all vents open in rooms where you spend most of your time (such as bedrooms).
Occupant Activities
The number of occupants and their activities can influence IAQ. For instance, overcrowding can lead to increased CO2 levels, which can cause discomfort and reduce cognitive function.
How to Test Indoor Air Quality?
The health of your home is just as important as the health of your body. You wouldn’t think twice about getting a checkup at the doctor’s office, and it’s no different for your home. Testing the air in your home is a great way to make sure it’s healthy and safe for you and your family.
But what does testing your indoor air quality entail? How to improve indoor air quality, And how do you know if you need to get it done?
There are several methods for testing indoor air quality, ranging from simple DIY tests to professional assessments. Here are some common approaches:
DIY Indoor Air Quality Test Kits
Indoor air quality test kits are an easy way to find out if there are any pollutants in your home. You can buy these indoor air quality testing kits at most hardware stores or online retailers. They’re usually pretty inexpensive and relatively easy to use—just follow the instructions on the package!
Indoor Air Quality Monitors
Indoor air quality monitor devices measure indoor air quality by analyzing the amount of particulate matter in the area. They often come with sensors for VOCs as well as carbon dioxide and temperature measurements. Some also have sensors for humidity and other metrics that can affect indoor air quality.
Professional Indoor Air Quality Testing
If you’re concerned about the quality of your indoor air, consider having it tested by a professional Air quality service company. A professional company will come out and do all the work for you, and they’ll also give you a report that will help you understand what’s going on with your indoor air quality.
Radon Testing
Radon is a radioactive gas that can build up in your house and make you sick. Unfortunately, radon testing isn’t always cheap (especially if you have a large house), but it’s definitely worth checking out if you think there’s a chance that radon could be affecting your health or the health of those who live with you.
Mold Testing
Mold is a fungus that grows on organic matter like wood or paper. It can cause allergies and respiratory problems, especially in people who have asthma or allergies to mold spores.
Mold testing can help you find out if there’s mold in your indoor air. You’ll collect samples from the air in your house and send them to a lab where they’ll perform tests on them to find out if they contain mold spores. The lab will tell you what types of mold are present, so you’ll know which ones might be causing health problems for you and your family members.
Allergen Testing
Allergens are things that cause allergies in people who are sensitive to them (like dust mites or pollen). If you want to know if any allergens are present in your home’s air, then allergy testing might be right for you! It collects samples from the air inside your home and sends them off for analysis at an allergy testing lab (like Allergy Labs).
Combining Methods
The best way to ensure that your indoor air is safe for you and your family is to use more than one method of testing. This will help you get a clearer picture of what’s happening inside your house, which means you can be more confident about what changes you need to make in order to improve things.
How Can You Improve Indoor Air Quality?
We’re living in a world where we can’t escape the harmful effects of poor indoor air quality. From the moment you wake up in the morning and start your day to when you go to sleep at night, we are constantly surrounded by poor air quality.
It’s not just bad for our health—it’s bad for the planet. The EPA estimates that indoor air pollution is responsible for 80% of all illnesses caused by poor indoor air quality.
But there are several ways you can improve your indoor air quality. Here are some effective strategies to improve indoor air quality:
Regular Cleaning
The easiest and most effective way to enhance your indoor air quality is by regularly cleaning the surfaces in your home. Dust, debris, and other particles can build up on your floors and furniture, making it harder for you to breathe.
Use a Humidifier
If you live in a dry climate or have been exposed to too much heat, humidity can help alleviate some of the symptoms of dryness. Humidifiers are a great way to add moisture back into the air without having to spend time outside in cold weather.
Ventilation
Ventilation is one of the most effective strategies to improve indoor air quality, as it removes unwanted pollutants from your home and helps you breathe easier.
Indoor Plants
Plants are a great way to improve indoor air quality because they naturally filter out harmful substances like dust and pollen, which can cause allergies and asthma symptoms. For best results, choose plants that are known to be high-quality air filters and keep them in sunny areas of your home, such as near windows or in rooms with plenty of natural light.
Use Low-Emission Products
Low-emission products are those that emit fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than other products. These products include paints, stains, cleaners and varnishes, adhesives, floor finishes, and sealants. VOCs can cause health problems such as nausea, headaches, dizziness, and even cancer over time.
Control Humidity
Humidity is another factor that can impact indoor air quality negatively because it allows mold growth to occur more quickly than usual. Mold can cause eye irritation and respiratory problems in certain individuals, so controlling humidity levels in your home is important!
Properly Ventilate Cooking Areas
If you have a kitchen or other area that is used for cooking or preparing food, it’s important to ventilate it properly. This will help remove odors and fumes that could cause health problems. You can also use an exhaust fan with a HEPA filter in areas where cooking happens frequently, such as restaurants and commercial kitchens.
Radon Mitigation
Radon is a colorless and odorless gas that can lead to lung cancer when inhaled over time. It’s found naturally in the soil, so if you live in an area where there’s a lot of dirt, your home may be more likely to have higher radon levels than others—and this can cause problems for your family’s indoor air quality overall. Radon mitigation systems can help reduce radon levels inside your house, so you don’t have to worry about breathing dangerous gases into your lungs every day!
Monitor Indoor Air Quality
Use an air quality monitor to check on the levels of common indoor pollutants such as pollen, dust mites, and mold spores in your home. These pollutants are known triggers for allergies and asthma attacks.
Avoid Smoking Indoors
Smoking indoors is a major source of indoor air pollution. A cigarette contains over 4,000 chemicals, many of which are toxic and carcinogenic. These include benzene, formaldehyde, hydrogen cyanide, and arsenic. The chemicals can remain in the air for up to three months after smoking has occurred.
Proper HVAC Maintenance
HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. It’s a system that helps control your home’s temperature and ensures you have fresh air to breathe. If it’s not maintained properly, it can lead to dust buildup in your ductwork and vents, which can lead to respiratory issues for everyone in your family. To avoid this problem, schedule annual maintenance checks with a professional HVAC technician in Phoenix, AZ. They’ll inspect your entire system to ensure everything runs smoothly and efficiently.
DIY Vs. Professional Indoor Air Quality Services
Let’s face it: when you need indoor air quality services, you’re probably not looking for an amateur.
When you want the job done right and done well, you need a professional. But what exactly is the difference between DIY and professional indoor air quality services? And how do you know which one will work best for your home?
So we’re going to compare DIY indoor air quality services and professional indoor air quality services to help you figure out the best option for your home.
Criteria
DIY Indoor Air Quality Test Kits
Professional Indoor Air Quality Services
Cost
Relatively affordable.
More expensive but comprehensive.
Testing Scope
Limited focus on specific pollutants.
Comprehensive testing for various pollutants.
Ease of Use
DIY with clear instructions.
Requires trained professionals.
Testing Accuracy
Results may vary.
More accurate with professional-grade equipment.
Sample Analysis
Results take time to receive.
Immediate on-site analysis.
Testing Parameters
Covers a limited number of parameters.
Measures multiple IAQ parameters.
Potential Detection
May miss complex or less-known issues.
Identifies hidden and less common pollutants.
Recommendations
Basic suggestions based on test results.
Tailored action plans for specific IAQ issues.
Additional Expertise
Limited access to expert advice.
Offers expert knowledge and guidance.
Time and Effort
Requires time and effort for testing.
Handles the entire testing process.
Complex Issues Resolution
May not identify complex or multiple issues.
Tackles complex IAQ problems with solutions.
Get Help from Professional Indoor Air Quality Service Provider in Phoenix, AZ!
The air quality in your home can majorly impact your health, especially if there’s a lot of dust and allergens floating around. If you’ve noticed that the air in your home is feeling a little stale or hard to breathe, it might be time to call Ideal Air Conditioning and Insulation!
Our Phoenix IAQ experts are here to help you get the air quality in your home or business back on track. Our team has been helping homeowners and businesses with their indoor air quality needs for many years now, and we’ve seen it all, from duct cleaning to mold removal to complete system replacement. We’ll work with you to create a plan that fits your needs and budget, and then we’ll carry it out—no matter how big or small the project may be. We specialize in:
Indoor air quality testing
Energy efficiency solutions for your home or business—from ductless mini splits to whole house systems
Whole house humidifiers
Duct cleaning services (which can reduce allergens by up to 90%)
We believe that every home should have healthy air quality as standard equipment. We want everyone who comes through our doors to feel comfortable in their own space, whether in their bedroom or kitchen. If you need help with Indoor Air Quality Solutions in Phoenix, contact us today at 480-839-0082!
Every spring there’s a spike in allergies related to pollen that affect the air quality here in Phoenix, AZ, and if you’re sensitive to them, grass and tree pollination can make you feel crummy every time you step outdoors, producing uncomfortable systems like asthma, sneezing, coughing, runny noses, hives, and more.
Does it feel like seasonal allergies have been following you into your home, even though all your windows are closed? Your HVAC system’s air filter is one of the best lines of defense to keep allergens and other air pollutants from circulating throughout your home. But air filtration comes in many different sizes and can be rated differently. What filters will make the most difference to the indoor air quality in your Tempe, Chandler, or Scottsdale home?
MERV Filter Ratings—How to Tell Your Air Filters Apart
The most common way to differentiate between air filters is their MERV rating. The MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating system is on a scale of 1-16, and the higher the MERV rating, the smaller the particulates that your filter will trap as air moves through it.
The average air filter that comes with a standard HVAC system is probably around a MERV-7, which means that it will filter out approximately 50% of airborne pollen allergens from the air circulating in your house. But smaller particles, whether they are allergens or other air pollutants like pet dander, dust, dirt, and mold spores will pass right through.
Why Ideal Energy Puts MERV-13 Air Filters in Every HVAC System We Install
Finding the right MERV air filter is a balancing act because it isn’t as simple as just picking the filter with the highest rating. The finer the filter, the harder it will be for air to move through it, which can build up pressure in your ductwork, leading to excessive wear and tear on your heating and cooling system unit and poor indoor comfort levels.
Ideal Energy installs MERV 13 filters in every new furnace or AC installation project we complete. These filters can trap more than 90% of pollen allergens and can also remove much smaller particles from your air, creating a healthier indoor environment for your home without compromising airflow and affecting the operation of your HVAC system.
To you, this might seem like complex and complicated HVAC building science—and it is!—but to Ideal Energy, it’s just another day on the job. We pride ourselves on proper HVAC system sizing and other areas where many contractors cut corners and settle for just “good enough” design or craftsmanship. At Ideal Energy, we take the time to double-check our math and ensure that your HVAC system will deliver reliable service while cleaning the air in the home and removing allergens and other unhealthy air pollutants.
Breathe Easier This Spring With MERV 13 Air Filters in Your Arizona Home
It’s important not only to have properly fitted and high MERV rated air filters in your HVAC system but also to change them out regularly to avoid airflow issues. Wondering how you can improve your home’s air filters or want to make sure your HVAC system is in good working condition? Ideal Air’s heating and air conditioning maintenance visits are a great place to start.
We follow industry-standard ACCA maintenance protocols during our tune-up visits with a 16-point checklist of different heating or cooling system elements that we inspect and test, including your air filters. And, if you enroll in our maintenance program, you’ll get automatically scheduled maintenance visits as well as discounts on repair!
Keep seasonal allergies out of your home with air filter replacement and upgrade services from Ideal Energy. Call 480.839.0082 or contact us today to schedule an appointment with our team.
Summers are really heating up across the U.S. Regardless of whether you enjoy warm weather all year round, or are in a location where you experience the changing seasons, the hotter temperatures can make summers unbearable without air conditioning. The only problem is, you might also find your air conditioner struggling to keep up with demand if it is an older or less energy-efficient model.
This can impact your budget because you are either a) paying for more repairs or b) paying for additional energy consumption. Both cases point to the possible benefits of installing a new, high-efficiency air conditioner. But will a high-efficiency AC unit really reduce energy costs? Yes, as long as you consider these three important factors.
1. Choosing the Best Unit for Efficiency
Since high efficiency is your goal, you have to compare the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) for each unit. This measurement is assigned based on the Department of Energy’s SEER ratings which look at the total cooling in BTUs divided by the watts consumed. When comparing SEER ratings, the higher the rating, the more energy-efficient the system. If you think this won’t make much of a difference, consider that the average AC system in 1979 had a SEER of 6 and by the 1990’s the minimum standard was set at 10. Higher standards are constantly being debated, which means your unit could easily become short on meeting those standards.
Although the units with higher SEERs do cost more, they will provide as much as 30% more cooling per watt, so you can save money in energy costs to help offset the cost. The warmer your climate the higher SEER you should choose. Although SEER is important, if your home is poorly insulated you won’t see as much energy efficiency. So when investing in an energy efficiency unit it makes sense to have your home checked for insulation issues. More on this in point #3!
2. AC Size
Always discuss your needs with a licensed HVAC professional in Phoenix. They understand AC ratings which are based on Btu’s/hour or in ‘tons’ which are equal to 12,000 Btu’s/hour per ton. When shopping on your own it’s easy to think a bigger air conditioner is best. However, if you get a unit too big for your home it actually costs more money not only to buy and install but also to run. So basically you will not be doing much to improve energy efficiency, or can maybe even make it worse.
Larger units in smaller homes also have trouble dehumidifying the air. If you choose the right-sized unit you can effectively reduce energy by as much as 35%. Your Phoenix Ideal Air Conditioning and Insulation will calculate the volume of air needed to keep your home cool, but also consider your local climate, the layout of your home, your insulation and how much sun exposure your home has. All of these variables contribute to the heat in your home. There is a formula used as an industry standard to measure size requirements.
3. Preparing for a New Unit
As mentioned in point #1, your new SEER-rated AC unit is only as efficient as your existing insulation. Before you arrange for your AC installation, consider having an energy efficiency audit performed by a professional. Since your insulation and overall home energy efficiency impact the size of the AC unit you need, you want to make improvements that will help improve not only your new unit’s performance but also potentially reduce the size of unit you require. This in turn could allow you to buy a less expensive model. Your auditor will make recommendations of how you can improve your home’s insulation such as new weather stripping on doors and windows or insulation upgrades for interior walls, attics, or basements.
4. Is Your Unit Still Working?
Before you jump the gun, you should also consider how well your unit is working now. For example, how old is your unit? What is its SEER? How often are you calling for repairs? These questions are important, especially for newer units with higher SEER ratings. For example, although you might think replacing a 10 SEER unit with a 13 SEER unit will offer savings, you’ll really only be saving maybe $42 per year. That really isn’t worth the investment or effort.
However, if you have a lower SEER unit of 8 and replace it with a SEER unit of 12, you can actually reduce annual costs by a third. When it comes to age, units at about 12 to 14 years old are approaching their life expectancy so it makes sense to start shopping. Anything around 10 years old or less that has a good SEER rating and that is not yet costing money in repairs could still last at least another 5-years with regular maintenance.
5. Research Local Rebates
While this won’t impact the effectiveness of your energy-efficient unit it will certainly help offset the costs. Many local electric companies offer rebates for any form of energy-efficient upgrades including HVAC systems. Last but not least, consider warranties to make sure you find a unit with a good manufacturer warranty.
Speak to your Phoenix AC experts at Ideal Air Conditioning and Insulation today for more information on the benefits of a high-efficiency air conditioner today.
Your home should provide a safe place to relax, enjoy meals, and spend time with family and friends. However, as safe, and comfy as your home might appear, it could be exposing you to allergens that can aggravate or even cause allergies. Your home’s indoor air quality is very important because it is often shut tight to keep your house warm in the cold months and cool in the heat of summer.
As a result, your air quality suffers, keeping in dust, dust mites, pollen, pet dander and harmful VOCs circulating in the air you breathe. Without an air purification system, all of these allergens and contaminants continue to get recirculated day after day. Because this has a direct impact on your health, it’s important to find ways to reduce harmful allergens in the air. You can improve air quality to help fight the symptoms of allergies using these tips.
You Might Have Allergies and Not Know It
Often people suffer from allergies and don’t even know it. In fact, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI), up to 30% of the population suffers from allergies. Most people associate allergies with pets, or outdoor sources from grass to pollen. However, your home is filled with all kinds of allergens you can breathe in every day including dust and dust mites. If you have pets, or even if prior owners of your home had pets, your home can be filled with pet dander, hair and fur that can lead to irritation.
Other allergens commonly found in Phoenix homes include fungus, molds, mildew, and dangerous chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOC) released from paints, and other household items such as flooring. Another issue is that your symptoms might not be what you expect. While many people associate sneezing with allergies, you can suffer other symptoms including itchy eyes, respiratory issues, skin issues and more. Your best defense is to avoid allergens altogether, so you don’t suffer from symptoms and also avoid developing new allergies.
How to Improve Air Quality
There are a number of steps you can take to improve air quality including:
Install an Air Conditioner
Today, most HVAC systems use built-in air filters to help improve air quality. Even standard filters trap larger particles, and by changing your filters regularly you can see improvements in your indoor air quality. However, you can be even more effective by switching to HEPA filters. This is especially important if you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above. HEPA filters are designed to trap the smallest particles to help filter out tiny, harmful particles in the air. This includes dust, dust mites, pet dander and other irritants. An AC system also helps dehumidify indoor air, so the growth of allergens like mold and fungus is more difficult.
Install an Air Purifier
Air purification systems are designed specifically to improve indoor air quality. As the name implies, they purify the air removing not only allergens, but bacteria, viruses, and many household odors. The best models use ultraviolet (UV) the same systems used to kill germs and pathogens in hospitals. However, if your main concern is smoke and odors, a carbon filter air purification system works best. Overall, your best bet might be a HEPA air purifier as like HEPA filters they tackle dander, pollen, mold spores, and dust.
One last option is the ionic air purifier which makes allergens heavier using negative ions, so the allergens are easier to clean up from your surfaces. But this takes more work on your part. Newer units offer the benefits of all these air purification systems providing a triple threat for allergens. Although these tend to be more expensive, they work as a single unit with your HVAC system.
Clean Air Ducts
If your HVAC system uses air ducts to deliver heated or cooled air to the rooms in your home, it is possible for allergens to build up in your ducts. As a result, they continue to be fed back into your home, affecting your indoor air quality. Speak to your Phoenix air quality technicians to find out if they offer an air duct cleaning service. They use high-powered vacuum systems to effectively remove allergens. They also help improve the efficiency of your HVAC system if you had blocked ducts.
Get in touch with the team at Ideal Air Conditioning and Insulation today for more information on the products and services they offer to improve indoor air quality.
If your air conditioner has been on the fritz, calling in a professional Phoenix AC expert is a must. They can take a look at your unit and let you know what repairs are required. But if they say you have something like your AC’s evaporator coil is damaged, does it make sense to have that replaced or repaired, or is it better to replace your entire AC unit? While replacing the coil will certainly cost less, is it really the best solution to keep your home comfortable in the heat of an Phoenix summer? Here’s how to decide.
Why is Replacement Necessary?
Evaporator coils will eventually fail due to erosion. Because the cooling refrigerant flows through the evaporator’s coils it begins to wear down the inner lining. This in turn weakens the coils. Once this happens, you can develop refrigerant leaks and replacing the coil is more cost-effective than just trying to repair the leak itself. In fact, if your AC unit uses R-22 refrigerant, it makes more sense to replace the entire unit than trying to repair the leak.
Your AC unit uses R-22
R-22 is an older refrigerant that is no longer produced. Why? Because it is harmful to the environment. Because of this once your evaporator coil leaks, it gets expensive to replace the coil as you then also have to recharge your unit with more R-22. When this happens there are very few HVAC experts in Phoenix that would bother to advise you to replace the coil instead of the entire AC unit.
Mismatching Your Condenser and Unit
The older your AC unit, the more chance there is replacement could lead to mismatches. By this, we mean the evaporator coil doesn’t quite meet the needs of your entire AC unit. This is not because your repair expert has made a mistake. Instead, it’s because your AC unit is older and the specific part required is either very hard to find, or just isn’t available. So why is this an issue? When your condenser and evaporator aren’t ideal, they can vary in age, SEER rating or refrigerant. This means it’s just a matter of time before you experience issues such as:
Increased cost for energy bills
Ongoing repairs
A decrease in AC performance
All of these things can cause your unit to fail completely and sooner than expected.
Two Coils
Your AC has two coils:
The condenser coil is on the outside
The evaporator coils in on the inside
Although they are separate components they are designed to work together. If you just replace the evaporator coil, you can run into problems. A good rule of thumb is if your AC unit is over 8 years old, you should replace the entire unit. Since they are generally expected to last from 10 to maybe 12 years on the outside, the 8-year mark is not an unreasonable time to replace the unit knowing replacing parts can simply cause more damage. You then are out of pocket for the coil replacement AND the cost of the new unit when it dies in a few years. Also, because the two coils work together, the older coil will not be long for this world, as it is struggling to keep up with the new coil replacement. So it will die, costing even more money.
SEER Ratings
AC units receive a “SEER” rating from 13 to 21 to rate efficiency. The higher the SEER, the better efficiency your AC unit offers. This includes the coil for your unit. Today, the minimum SEER rating allowed is 14 according to the federal government. However, older units tend to have ratings below 14, depending on the age. This becomes a problem if your coil fails because coils suitable for a SEER rating of 12 or lower are obsolete — meaning, they are no longer made and probably impossible to find. If you run into this issue, you have to replace the entire unit, as mentioned above you’ll end up with a mismatch.
As a result, you interfere with performance and you are wasting money because, in the not-so-distant future, you will have issues with your other coil, and your entire unit. Investing in a new AC unit saves money in the long run, as you also have the benefit of lower energy bills thanks to improved technology and increased SEER ratings.
If you would like more information about AC unit replacement in Phoenix, speak to the experts at Ideal Energy today.
If you haven’t already turned on your furnace, you will be sooner than later. And while most people love the comforts of fall—pumpkin spice everything, fuzzy blankets, warm coffee on a chilly morning— turning on your furnace for the first time of the new season might put a damper on your fall fun.
After months of disuse, new season furnace smells are pretty common, but that doesn’t mean you should shrug your shoulders and assume all is well. Although furnace odors are rarely dangerous, they can be—which means they’re always worth investigating. Downside? Your furnace doesn’t smell so great, and now you have to figure out what’s causing it. Upside? You get to play detective.
Here’s what those common furnace smells mean and what you can do about them.
Furnace Smells Like Burning Dust
This is the most common and (thankfully) least worrisome smell. While you’re not using your furnace in the summer months, dust settles everywhere. After that first ignition and first few cycles, the dust will burn off and create that familiar odor. No reason to panic! If it doesn’t stop after a few cycles, try changing or cleaning your filter.
Furnace Smells Like Burning Plastic
If it smells like a horse it’s probably a horse, right? First check all your vents and ducts for wayward plastic toys, plastic wrapping, or other debris—especially if you have little ones. You know better than anyone that your kids’ favorite toys end up in the most unlikely places! Checking for the obvious can save you lots of time and worry.
However, a burning plastic smell can also mean overheating. Capacitors, plastic-coated wires, and fan belts are the usual culprits of that plastic smell. Make sure to turn off the furnace and take care of this one quickly, since burning plastic is toxic.
Furnace Smells Oily or Smoky
You’ll experience this if you have an oil furnace. This usually means the oil filter needs cleaning or replacing. It could also be a blocked chimney. Regardless, turn off your unit immediately and inspect the issue further.
Furnace Smells Metallic, Electrical, or Chemical
Usually if your furnace is overheating, it will automatically shut off. But if there’s something wrong with the blower motor or heat exchanger, this safety feature won’t kick in. These overheated parts create a metallic, electrical, or chemical smell. Some people say this issue causes a smell like formaldehyde. (Oh, such fond memories of dissecting frogs in biology class.) Turn off the furnace and inspect it for damage.
Furnace Smells Like Burning Gunpowder
If you’re getting a distinct odor of gunpowder, you probably have a fried circuit board or fan motor. Turn off the furnace and call us for a safety inspection.
Furnace Smells Like Rotten Eggs
Natural gas is odorless, but your gas company adds sulfur to make gas leaks easier to find and correct. So, a rotten egg smell means you’re having an issue with your gas supply. Immediately get everyone out of your home (including you!) and then call your gas company or fire department.
Furnace Smells Musty or Mildewy
If you turn on your furnace and it smells like a damp basement or moist dirt, there are a couple potential causes. The first thing to check is your air filter and to replace or clean it as needed. Next, check your humidifier filter (if you have one) for mold. Clean with water and vinegar for an easy fix.
Need more help with your furnace in Phoenix Metro Area?
If your furnace smell continues, gets worse, or you can’t find the cause, call your local fire department for a safety inspection. When it comes to furnace and fire safety, you’re always better safe than sorry. Then give us a call! We take pride in keeping you and your neighbors safe and comfortable in their homes.
Wouldn’t it be great if winter was all about snowflakes and sledding and sipping hot chocolate? Sure it would… but it’s not. It’s also about scraping ice off your windshields, 4:30 PM sunsets, and freezing cold temps. And for some of you, it might also be about making big decisions about a significant expense: repairing or replacing a furnace.
Your furnace is among the most essential features of your household during the winter. So, what happens when your furnace needs a tune-up? Is it worth it to repair it? Or do you just bite the $2,000+ bullet and replace the unit altogether? We want you to stay warm this winter, so here are eight questions to ask yourself when deciding to replace or repair your furnace.
Question 1: How old is my furnace?
One of the most significant factors in deciding to repair or replace is how old your furnace is. On average, you can expect a furnace to last 15-20 years. Many factors contribute to your furnace’s lifespan: good maintenance, quality of repairs, usage, original efficiency. But if it’s less than 15 years old, you’re probably better off repairing it.
Question 2: When was my last repair?
Furnaces start needing more frequent repairs in the last two years of their lives. If you’ve called in the pros more than a couple times over the previous two years, it might be worth it to replace your unit.
Question 3: How long did my last repair take?
You can’t underestimate the value of your time. Did it take weeks to get your replacement parts the last time you needed a repair? If so, this means your unit is becoming outdated. This makes replacement a better choice.
Question 4: What do my heating bills look like?
You expect your winter heating bills to be high, but not this high. If you notice a significant difference between this year’s and last year’s heating bills, it might be time for a replacement. As it ages, your furnace loses efficiency—so the older your furnace is, the more money it takes to heat your home. Weigh the costs of a full replacement against how much more you’re paying on your monthly heating bills.
Question 5: Am I still comfortable?
Loss of efficiency also means your furnace isn’t as great at distributing all that warm air around your home. This leads to uneven heating and worse indoor air quality. If you’re experiencing any of these things, it might be time to replace your furnace:
Colder indoor temperatures
Constant cycling to keep up with your heating needs
Hot and cold spots
Drier or stuffier air
More dust accumulation
Static shocks
Drooping plants
Cracking furniture
Musical instruments not staying in tune
Question 6: Am I hearing strange noises?
When you’re turning on your furnace for the first time this season, you might hear some rattling or other sounds as your furnace gets back into working condition. But ongoing sounds like banging, popping, rattling, and squealing are indications of a problem. It could be something easy to repair. Or it could mean your furnace is working way too hard to heat your home. Calling in Phoenix HVAC tech can help you decide your next steps.
Question 7: Am I moving soon?
Furnaces are long-term investments. If you’re moving homes within the next year or so, it’s essential to factor in your furnace. You might need to replace the furnace to meet inspection standards or to make your home more marketable.
Question 8: Are there any other funky things happening in my house?
All furnaces come with a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. But the older your furnace, the more likely this deadly problem becomes. Here are some warning signs that carbon monoxide is leaking into your home:
Yellow or flickering flame inside your furnace
Streaks of soot around the unit
Absence of upward draft in your chimney
Moisture on walls, windows, or other cold surfaces
Rusting on flue pipes or appliances jacks
Water leaking from the base of the chimney, a vent, or flue pipe
Rust on an outside vent pipe
Sudden onset of nausea, disorientation, headaches, drowsiness, or other flu-like symptoms
If the last one is true, get outside immediately and call for emergency assistance. Then contact us to discuss your replacement options.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line often comes down to weighing age against cost. Here’s our general recommendation: If your current furnace is less than 15 years old—and if fixing it would cost less than half the price of a replacement unit—then repair it. But every situation is unique, and we’d be happy to offer a custom recommendation.
As your Phoenix HVAC professionals, we can handle all your furnace needs. Give us a call today!
Do you feel the chill of winter creeping into your home? Is cozying up to the fire or wrapping yourself up in a blanket the only way to keep warm? If so, your gas furnace might need some TLC.
Keeping your gas furnace working at peak performance requires preventative cleaning and maintenance. This is the best way to get the longest life and reliability out of your home heating system.
So how do you clean a gas furnace?
If you want to keep your system running efficiently, you can use these gas furnace cleaning tips.
Step #1: Gather up your tools
To do the job, you’ll need some essential tools including:
Screwdrivers
Ratchet & socket set
Vacuum preferable a shop vac, but can be any vacuum with an upholstery brush attachment
Small, stiff-bristled brush
New furnace filter
Emery cloth
Drinking straw
Lightweight machine oil
Get them all together so you don’t have to keep stopping your work to find the right tools.
Step #2: Turn off the furnace power and gas
This is important to reduce the risk of shocks or gas leaks. First, turn off the furnace power source found in your circuit breaker box. Next, switch the furnace’s electrical power to off. Then, shut off the gas valve with a ¼ turn.
Step #3: Clean the surfaces
Start with the exterior surfaces, wiping them down with a clean damp rag. Next, remove the furnace access door, which usually comes off if you lift it up and out. If you have a burner cover, you’ll have to loosen the screws to remove it. Use a vacuum to clear away dust from the burners and furnace base. Try to get every surface, including the compartment behind the blower door. Just lift it and reach in with the vacuum nozzle. If you notice any soot, or dark dust build-up, stop the job, and give your local gas furnace expert a call. This means there’s something wrong with combustion.
Step #4: Remove and clean the blower
You’ll probably have to unscrew the control panel as it most likely is blocking the blower. Use a socket and ratchet to remove the bolts holding the blower in place. Take the blower out carefully and avoid touching the wiring and counterweights on the fan blades. Gently use the vacuum to remove dust, and if necessary, use a small brush to wipe off anything that the vacuum doesn’t remove. Although you can do this yourself, a professional will make sure that the cleaning removes all the dirt or else the system can be thrown off balance.
Step #5: Clean the pilot or hot surface igniter
Use the straw to gently blow dust off the pilot light to make sure your readings are accurate. If your furnace is a newer model, it might have a hot surface igniter instead. If so, don’t touch it. You can still use the straw to blow off dust.
Step #6: Clean the flame sensor
The flame sensor is in a bracket. Pull it out and use your emery cloth to clean it to help ensure your furnace lights properly. Slide it back into place.
Step #6: Inspect the drive belt
Look for signs of cracking or fraying on the drive belt. If it seems damaged, you can purchase a new one and replace it. When you make a replacement it should be tensioned to deflect ½-3/4-inch.
Step #7: Lightly lubricate
Remove the oil caps and clean them and then use no more than 2 to 3 drops of lubricating oil on the two blower motor and shaft bearings.
Step #8: Replace the air filter
Remove the oil furnace filter and replace it. This should actually be done every three months. Always choose a filter based on manufacturer recommendations or else you might strain the blower motor.
Step #9: Activate the burners
Once complete you can turn everything back on. To activate the burners turn up your thermostat and then make sure the burner flames are even and blue. If the flames are yellow, you have dirty burners. This is a problem and needs a professional maintenance person to come in and clean and adjust them.
Step #10: Adjust the dampers
Last but not least, if you have a heating and cooling system, you have to adjust the dampers for seasonal settings.
Here’s a problem you likely never anticipated: Ice on your HVAC in the middle of summer. It’s actually more common than you think!
When we’re running our AC units more often and at colder temperatures, they’re more likely to freeze up. If you notice something wrong with your air conditioner, especially visible ice crystals, it’s time to take action. We’re here to help you defrost and get back to normal cooling ASAP.
Quick Summary: How Long Does an AC Take to Defrost?
A frozen AC unit typically takes between 1 to 24 hours to completely defrost, depending on the thickness of the ice buildup. To speed up the thawing process safely, turn your thermostat to OFF and set the HVAC fan to ON.
Is Your AC Unit Iced Over Right Now?
Running a frozen AC can cause irreversible damage to your compressor. Turn your thermostat to OFF, switch your fan to ON, and contact Ideal Air for 24/7 emergency AC repair in Phoenix!
Other than visible ice on any part of your HVAC unit, the next most obvious sign of a frozen AC unit is a lack of cool air. If you put your hand in front of your supply vents and you sense warm air coming out, you probably have ice somewhere in the system.
You may also notice a hissing sound coming from the unit. If that’s the case, take steps immediately to prevent further damage. Your wallet will thank you later.
How to Defrost a Frozen AC Unit
Your AC will take anywhere from an hour to more than a day to completely defrost. It’s important to catch it early to prevent further damage to your unit—and, of course, so you’re without cool air for the shortest amount of time possible.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Thaw a Frozen AC
Step 1: Turn OFF your AC.
We know, we know: It’s hot. But frozen AC parts are bad news for the most expensive piece of your HVAC unit—the compressor. To avoid lasting damage and a hefty bill, turn your thermostat from COOL to OFF. This will start the defrosting process.
Step 2: Switch the fan to ON.
Turning the HVAC fan to ON will force it to blow warm air over any frozen coils—which will speed up the defrost process. Make sure it’s actually set to ON and not to AUTO. Automatic settings cause the fan to cycle—starting and stopping over and over again. You want continuous, non-stop airflow over the frozen areas.
Step 3: Find the source.
Now it’s time for some investigative work. What caused your AC to freeze up in the first place? There are a few common culprits:
Dirty Air Filter
Clogged-up air filters essentially suffocate your HVAC unit. When warm air is restricted from the coils in your unit, the coils get too cold and eventually ice over.Replace air filters at least once a monthto prevent an icy surprise.
Dirty Evaporator Coils
If your coils are dirty, the same process occurs. Dirt and grime covering the evaporator coils cause air restriction the same way dust does in your filter.
Leaking Refrigerant
If you spot a leak anywhere, that’s probably the cause of your ice problem. Low refrigerant levels cause pressure drops, allowing moisture in the air to freeze around your HVAC coils.
Despite what many homeowners may think, refrigerant doesn’t simply get “used up.” It doesn’t decrease over time, and it doesn’t evaporate during AC use. So if you’re low on refrigerant, there’s no doubt you leak.
Suspect a Refrigerant Leak or Dirty Coils? Refrigerant doesn’t evaporate naturally—if your levels are low, your system leaks. Our certified HVAC technicians diagnose leaks and perform coil cleanings to restore your cooling power. Schedule Professional AC Diagnostics & Leak Repair
Problem Parts and Other Issues
A collapsed duct, weak blower, or closed valves might be causing your HVAC to freeze. AC units are also complex machines with a lot of other pieces and parts. Our Phoenix HVAC pros can help to diagnose these less obvious problems.
Step 4: Monitor the situation.
As your HVAC unit thaws out, you might encounter some collateral damage. Overflowing drain pans and clogged condensation drains are a risk when this much water is coming off your AC. Put down some towels around the unit and watch for additional leaks to prevent water damage.
Once your HVAC is completely clear of ice and all parts are dry, you can turn your AC back on. Monitor the unit for continued problems over the next several hours to a few days.
Need Help Defrosting or Repairing Your AC in Phoenix?
If changing the air filter solved your ice problem, you’re in luck! Now it’s time to keep your unit in top shape throughout the summer. Getting regular preventative maintenance and inspections can help catch issues early and prevent your AC (and your wallet) from freezing up. Ideal Air Conditioning & Insulation provides expert diagnostic, maintenance, and repair services across Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, and Tempe.
(480) 839-0082
