Category Archives: Residential

The Importance of a Quality Air Conditioner Installation

While it’s important to choose the right air conditioning unit for your home or business, it’s equally important that it’s installed correctly. Too often, inexperienced HVAC contractors lack the skill to properly determine the correct air conditioning specifications for a space.  Others fail to properly install a unit. With the wrong model for the space or a poor installation, cooling efficiency can be impacted by up to 30 percent. Here are some key considerations when it comes to air conditioner installation that you’ll want to keep in mind when it’s time for a new unit.

The Problem of Short-Cycling

Many air conditioner installation mistakes can lead to a problem commonly referred to as short cycling. This is when the compressor of the air conditioner turns on and off rapidly over a short period. This prevents the system from completing its cooling cycle. Short cycling raises utility bills, results in poor air distribution through the house and causes heavy stress on your air conditioner’s components. In other words, it decreases the lifespan of your unit.

One of the most common errors inexperienced installers make is failing to accurately size a system. Often, an air conditioner that is too large is installed. While an oversized air conditioner can quickly lower the temperature, it also shuts off prematurely. When the temperature rises after a short amount of time, the compressor turns back on. This leads to the problem of short-cycling.

Faulty Installation Is Often a Hidden Problem

A less than quality installation isn’t something that is always easy to spot. Initially, it might seem to be functioning properly, but the first sign of a problem is often a sky-high utility bill. An experienced, thorough installer will take the time to ensure that every aspect of the AC unit is functioning optimally before leaving the job. As well, extensive inspection of the AC unit’s location should be conducted before it is installed.

Is It Installed Properly?

Don’t be afraid to ask your technician questions. Conduct your own inspection and note anything that doesn’t seem right. Your HVAC contractor should be more than willing to answer questions and address concerns. You also should be given details on your manufacturer warranty and installation guarantee.

Have questions about air conditioner installations? Call Futureway Mechanical today. We’re always happy to help.

Transitioning Your HVAC System from Summer to Fall

Here in the greater Phoenix metro area, it can seem like summer goes on forever. High temperatures can extend well into the fall months. Yet, the change of seasons also happens quickly, and cooler weather will return. This is why it’s a good idea to begin thinking about transitioning your HVAC system from summer function to fall and winter.

Making the transition to fall and winter is not quite as simple as just turning off your air conditioner. The following are some helpful ideas to ease back into chillier temperatures.

Reset Your Thermostat

One of the first signs of fall is cooler evenings. This is a prime opportunity to start saving on your utility bill by turning your air conditioner off at night. With temperatures in the 60s and 70s, you will stay cool and comfortable throughout the night, without having to keep your AC on 24/7.

Use Fans and Open Windows

Fall is primetime for opening windows and letting in some fresh air. With more moderate weather, you can rely on your ceiling fans and a few open windows to stay comfortable while enabling your house to air out.

Close Blinds and Curtains

Nearly one-quarter of your home’s hot and cold air is lost through cracks, holes, and other small openings in doors and windows. Curtains and blinds can help keep late summer sun and heat out to reduce your need to flip on the air conditioner.

Clean Around Your Air Conditioner Unit

Summer in Arizona isn’t just about the heat. There’s also plenty of rain, wind and dust which can wreak havoc on your outside air conditioner. With summer monsoon storms coming to an end, use a hand-held brush or shop vac to remove visible dust, dirt and debris from the unit. Clear leaves, branches and other vegetation that could also hinder its function.

Schedule Maintenance

Your HVAC system needs preventive maintenance at least twice a year. Fall is a great time to schedule an appointment to check your AC, as well as prepare your heating system for the upcoming cold winter months.

Want to schedule a fall HVAC system tune-up or find out more about our maintenance agreement and service contracts? Call us at 480-219-1026.

3 Things to Look for When Choosing an HVAC Contractor

You need service on a malfunctioning air conditioner or furnace. Or, maybe you’re ready for installation of a new cooling and heating system. When you’re looking for an HVAC contractor, it can be downright overwhelming. There are hundreds of options in the greater Phoenix area. How do you make the right decision? The following are three key qualities to look for when comparing air conditioning and heating technicians.

License and Credentials

While there are plenty of unlicensed contractors who are more than willing to work on your HVAC system, they’re not a good choice when it comes to repairing such an important piece of equipment that you and your family rely on each and every day. They also offer you no protection if something should go wrong. Don’t take chances with an unproven, unqualified technician. Licensing and certification proves that the technician has been professionally trained and is qualified. Other certifications such as NATE, HVAC Excellence certification and EPA 608 give even more proof that you have a contractor who has what it takes to successfully get the job done right.

Experience

Look for an air conditioning and heating contractor who has a proven track record of success in your local area. Check out the business’s home page to search for clues such as how many years they’ve been in business and the breadth of the work they offer. If they don’t offer these details, you’re wise to look elsewhere.

Reviews and References

Do you remember the days when you simply called the first listing in the phone book to find a service provider? Today, we have many more options to find a quality contractor. You can find out a great deal about a business by checking the Better Business Bureau’s website or perusing online review sites like Yelp. Referrals from friends or family members also can be beneficial.  As well, a quality provider of air conditioning and heating services will gladly provide you with a list of customer references who you can contact to learn more about the quality of the work provided.

At Futureway Mechanical, we invite you to learn more about our residential and commercial HVAC services. Call us today at 480-219-1026.