Heating Problems and Repair Solutions For Heat Pumps and Furnaces For Chandler Homes

Heating Problems and Repair Solutions For Heat Pumps and Furnaces For Chandler Homes

For as diverse as the "All-American City" is in it’s housing types, we have found that most heating and cooling repairs in Chandler homes all stem from a couple core problem areas. Even in newer Chandler homes, with subdivisions seemingly popping up overnight in the 85248 and 85249 zip codes, you can bet builders and AC contractors did not pay detailed attention to the quality of their workmanship. In older Chandler neighborhoods around Corona Del Sol like Twelve Oaks, College Park and Anderson Springs, aging HVAC systems have notoriously common (and preventable) heating and cooling problems. Here is our list of the most common heating and air conditioning problems in the City of Chandler.

Air Conditioning Repair Findings for Bungalow Style Homes in Chandler

Chandler bungalow homes were built in the 1980’s throughout the 85224 and 85284 zip codes and includes the Twelve Oaks and Gila Springs neighborhoods.  The bungalow home is characterized by vaulted ceilings in the main living area, plenty of windows and natural sunlight and package heat pumps on the roof.  Chandler homes south of Chandler Blvd and between Kyrene and McClintock and some  along the 101 freeway are typically one to two stories, with partial stucco or wood siding, have all electric package heat pumps on the roof and have tight attic spaces.  Green ID has been performing heating and cooling repairs and replacements around these homes since 2009 and find that these homes are plagues with undersized ductwork, ductwork that has been outlawed in Arizona since 1990 and metal elbows that are far too small for the unit they deliver air for.  If heating and cooling contractors would only take a whole home approach to installing heating and air conditioning systems, their units would operate 10 times better.  How do we know?  We have measured and seen the effects of addressing the whole home on a heating and air conditioning system… the electrical usages (amps) DECREASES, the airflow (CFM50) INCREASES, and the utility bills go DOWN.  The best Chandler HVAC contractors will address home performance (not radiant barrier) issues should be done by every heating and air conditioning company during air conditioning repairs, service and installation.  No air conditioning company in Chandler should be talking about HVAC without addressing a complete home performance picture.

On homes with a package unit on the roof, do you know it’s rare for an air conditioning contractor in Chandler to go into the attic at all during a maintenance inspection, air conditioning tune up or an air conditioning service call?  Air conditioning contractors need to focus more on the whole-home and less on the bells and whistles of air conditioning systems like Aersoeal UV lights and washable filters (the unnecessary products of the HVAC industry).  If the ductwork was sealed like it should be, homes wouldn’t be half as dusty and the need for a UV light would go away.  

Air Conditioning Repair Findings for Ranch Style Homes in Chandler

Ranch style homes in Chandler are characterized by long roof lines and a heat pump package unit on the roof with a metal elbow built in the 1980s.  Some Chandler homes have or used to have evap coolers on the roof next to the main heating and cooling system.  The main ductwork is a metal trunk that runs down the middle of the hallway with 7 foot ceilings and registers located above the bedroom doors.  

In these Chandler homes the air conditioning systems go bad not because the units are old, but because the components around the air conditioning system are bad.  The components that deliver the air, the ductwork is very important to how hard the air conditioning system has to work.  Think of driving a Prius with a hole in the gas tank… that’s what is happening to homes all over Chandler when heating and cooling systems are installed on a home with leaky ductwork, low insulation and ductwork sized for a smaller unit. 

 Air Conditioning Repair Findings on Stucco Spec Homes in Chandler

Chandler spec homes were built after 1990 and are homes where the original homeowner had 3-5 model home choices to pick from.  The builder would then pull out the plans for the particular model chosen and build it as quickly and as cheaply as code would allow.  At Green ID we have a saying that, “code is the worst you can legally build a home,” that is exactly what builders and HVAC companies did in these spec homes.  Chandler stucco homes vary widely in size and layouts depending on each home builder.  The HVAC air handler systems are most commonly located in the attic but are also found in garages and air handler closets inside the house. 

Most of these homes are found in Chandler zip codes of 85225, 85526, 85286, 85248 and 85249.  These homes, while the code for insulation increased to R30, may be insulated with the wrong type of insulation if it was done with fiberglass batts.  What?  The Pink Panther type of insulation?  Yes, like Joe Camel the Pink Panther is not your friend here.  All these type of homes in Chandler have flex ductwork, which is super easy to install that little to no skill or training is required, so what happened is that best practices went out the window and are still long forgotten by Arizona heating and cooling companies. This means that the average Chandler homeowner will have to run their heating and cooling system longer, their energy bills are going to be higher than they should be and the HVAC system will have to be replaced sooner.

Air Conditioning Problems and Repair Solutions for Heat Pumps and Furnaces for Newer Chandler Homes Built After 2000 in 85248 and 85249 Zip Codes

Even though Arizona builders and HVAC contractors are forced to build better through stricter codes, we often find that even newer homes have their own set of heating and cooling problems.  After 1990, Chandler HVAC contractors stopped using sheet metal ductwork and started using 100% flex ductwork.  Flex ductwork is easy to install, in fact anyone can install it.  Because anyone can install it, the best practices for airflow and duct design have almost all been long forgotten by installers, technicians and sales reps in the heating and cooling industry.  Some of the best practices for airflow are common sense things like a duct doubling back on itself or a kinked duct across a roof truss is bad for airflow.  Other things like how to route the flex duct off a plenum are more subtle. 

Heating and air conditioning systems in newer Chandler homes in the 85248 and 85249 zip codes with the newer refrigerant R410A are probably not charged correctly either.  SRP estimates that 60% of the HVAC units installed after 2005 were never charged properly with the correct amount of refrigerant.  Over and undercharging a system can cause comfort problems in the home, high energy bills, shorten the life of the unit and lead to costly repairs  much faster than expected.  Newer Chandler homes that are 3000 sq ft or more are particularly prone to refrigerant charging problems because of the long distance from the outside condenser to the attic air handler. 

Symptoms of a Broken Air Conditioner in Chandler

Have you experienced these common symptoms in the winter?

• Your air conditioner is blowing cold air 
• Your air conditioner or fan never shuts off and runs constantly
•  The air conditioner never turns on
• The air conditioner runs for 5 seconds then shuts off
• The thermostat doesn’t turn on

All these air conditioning problems are likely caused not from the age of the system or its components but something outside the unit itself.

What Causes Heating and Cooling Problems Around Chandler Homes

Common air conditioner problems in Chandler homes are listed below:

1.      

      Ductwork leaks.  A return duct leaking 15% of its air in the middle of the summer will cause a 5 ton heating and cooling system to operate as a 2.5 ton system.  The #1 reason why air conditioning components fail is because the system is overworked during the hot Arizona summers and it’s not because the heating and cooling systems are undersized.  In Chandler homes, there was no code for ductwork sealing when the homes were built and after 20 hot summers, any tape that was used around the ducts has lost its effectiveness.  Leaky ductwork wastes our hard earned money because every time the heater or air conditioner turn on, 15% of that is lost into the attic through ductwork leaks.  If you could gain an extra 15% of airflow into your home, it would be noticeable, and it starts by sealing up the ductwork.  SRP estimates homeowners can save $200 a year by sealing leaky ductwork.

2.       Undersized ductwork.  Have you ever seen a child try to breathe through one straw?  They get starved for air pretty quickly and that’s exactly what’s happening to your heating and air conditioning system when the ductwork is undersized.  In Chandler homes were built with round rigid ductwork has was too small for the existing HVAC system.  Next time your air conditioner turns on, listen to see if your return sounds very loud, it’s likely from an undersized return.

3.       Low insulation.  Insulation on a heating and air conditioning repair post?  Yes, your home’s insulation is very important in keeping the warm air in the winter time and cool conditioned air in during the hot Arizona summers.  If your attic has too little, you’re heating and cooling system will be constantly running and short cycling on and off, overworking your system.  In Arizona, the DOE Energy Star recommends R38 level of insulation in the attic.  To add insult to injury, most Chandler homes are grossly under insulated (insulation code was 6” in the 1980’s). 

4.       Capacitors that go bad, overworked fan motors and bad mechanical components.

All these home performance defects cause the heating and cooling system to constantly overwork itself, putting stress on the mechanical components.  The first components to go out are the capacitors and fan motors and then overtime, the compressor.  Gain a few more years on your heating and air conditioning system by fixing the home performance defects and you’ll have a comfortable, energy efficient and long lasting heating and cooling system for many years.

Check our list of common problems for air conditioners if you notice the air conditioner is not working.

What Causes the Most Heating and Air Conditioning Problems in Chandler Homes? 

The answer is not the air conditioning units themselves, it’s the other components of the home that cause the air conditioning system to work much harder than it should.  Fix those, and you’ll have a system that operates much more efficiently, quietly and less troublesome during the air conditioning season.

If you are looking for air conditioning repair contractors in the Chandler area chances are you need fast service to get your air conditioner working again.  For fast, reliable service call Green ID 24/7 at 602-926-1650.  Our technicians are trained to never over-sell repairs, in most cases a quick repair is all that’s required to get it back in working condition.

Heating Problems and Repair Solutions For Heat Pumps and Furnaces For Chandler Homes

For as diverse as the "All-American City" is in it’s housing types, we have found that most heating and cooling repairs in Chandler homes all stem from a couple core problem areas.  Even in newer Chandler homes, with subdivisions seemingly popping up overnight in the 85248 and 85249 zip codes, you can bet builders and AC contractors did not pay detailed attention to the quality of their workmanship.  In older Chandler neighborhoods around Corona Del Sol like Twelve Oaks, College Park and Anderson Springs, aging HVAC systems have notoriously common (and preventable) heating and cooling problems.  Here is our list of the most common heating and air conditioning problems in the City of Chandler.

Heating Repair Findings for Bungalow Style Homes in Chandler

Chandler bungalow homes were built in the 1980’s throughout the 85224 and 85284 zip codes and includes the Twelve Oaks and Gila Springs neighborhoods.  The bungalow home is characterized by vaulted ceilings in the main living area, plenty of windows and natural sunlight and package heat pumps on the roof.  Chandler homes south of Chandler Blvd and between Kyrene and McClintock and some  along the 101 freeway are typically one to two stories, with partial stucco or wood siding, have all electric package heat pumps on the roof and have tight attic spaces.  Green ID has been performing heating and cooling repairs and replacements around these homes since 2009 and find that these homes are plagues with undersized ductwork, ductwork that has been outlawed in Arizona since 1990 and metal elbows that are far too small for the unit they deliver air for.  If heating and cooling contractors would only take a whole home approach to installing heating and air conditioning systems, their units would operate 10 times better.  How do we know?  We have measured and seen the effects of addressing the whole home on a heating and air conditioning system… the electrical usages (amps) DECREASES, the airflow (CFM50) INCREASES, and the utility bills go DOWN.  The best Chandler HVAC contractors will address home performance (not radiant barrier) issues should be done by every heating and air conditioning company during heating repairs, service and installation.  No heating company in Chandler should be talking about HVAC without addressing a complete home performance picture.

On homes with a package unit on the roof, do you know it’s rare for a heating contractor in Chandler to go into the attic at all during a maintenance inspection, heater tune up or a heating service call?  Heating contractors need to focus more on the whole-home and less on the bells and whistles of heating systems like Aersoeal UV lights and washable filters (the unnecessary products of the HVAC industry).  If the ductwork was sealed like it should be, homes wouldn’t be half as dusty and the need for a UV light would go away.

Heating Repair Findings for Ranch Style Homes in Chandler

Ranch style homes in Chandler are characterized by long roof lines and a heat pump package unit on the roof with a metal elbow built in the 1980s.  Some Chandler homes have or used to have evap coolers on the roof next to the main heating and cooling system.  The main ductwork is a metal trunk that runs down the middle of the hallway with 7 foot ceilings and registers located above the bedroom doors.  

In these Chandler homes the heating systems go bad not because the units are old, but because the components around the heating system are bad.  The components that deliver the air, the ductwork is very important to how hard the heating system has to work.  Think of driving a Prius with a hole in the gas tank… that’s what is happening to homes all over Chandler when heating and cooling systems are installed on a home with leaky ductwork, low insulation and ductwork sized for a smaller unit.  

Heating Repair Findings on Stucco Spec Homes in Chandler

Chandler spec homes were built after 1990 and are homes where the original homeowner had 3-5 model home choices to pick from.  The builder would then pull out the plans for the particular model chosen and build it as quickly and as cheaply as code would allow.  At Green ID we have a saying that, “code is the worst you can legally build a home,” that is exactly what builders and HVAC companies did in these spec homes.  Chandler stucco homes vary widely in size and layouts depending on each home builder.  The HVAC air handler systems are most commonly located in the attic but are also found in garages and air handler closets inside the house. 

Most of these homes are found in Chandler zip codes of 85225, 85526, 85286, 85248 and 85249.  These homes, while the code for insulation increased to R30, may be insulated with the wrong type of insulation if it was done with fiberglass batts.  What?  The Pink Panther type of insulation?  Yes, like Joe Camel the Pink Panther is not your friend here.  All these type of homes in Chandler have flex ductwork, which is super easy to install that little to no skill or training is required, so what happened is that best practices went out the window and are still long forgotten by Arizona heating and cooling companies.  This means that the average Chandler homeowner will have to run their heating and cooling system longer, their energy bills are going to be higher than they should be and the HVAC system will have to be replaced sooner.

Heating Problems and Repair Solutions for Heat Pumps and Furnaces for Newer Chandler Homes Built After 2000 in 85248 and 85249 Zip Codes

Even though Arizona builders and HVAC contractors are forced to build better through stricter codes, we often find that even newer homes have their own set of heating and cooling problems.  After 1990, Chandler HVAC contractors stopped using sheet metal ductwork and started using 100% flex ductwork.  Flex ductwork is easy to install, in fact anyone can install it.  Because anyone can install it, the best practices for airflow and duct design have almost all been long forgotten by installers, technicians and sales reps in the heating and cooling industry.  Some of the best practices for airflow are common sense things like a duct doubling back on itself or a kinked duct across a roof truss is bad for airflow.  Other things like how to route the flex duct off a plenum are more subtle. 

Heating and air conditioning systems in newer Chandler homes in the 85248 and 85249 zip codes with the newer refrigerant R410A are probably not charged correctly either.  SRP estimates that 60% of the HVAC units installed after 2005 were never charged properly with the correct amount of refrigerant.  Over and undercharging a system can cause comfort problems in the home, high energy bills, shorten the life of the unit and lead to costly repairs  much faster than expected.  Newer Chandler homes that are 3000 sq ft or more are particularly prone to refrigerant charging problems because of the long distance from the outside condenser to the attic air handler. 

Symptoms of a Broken Heater in Chandler

Have you experienced these common symptoms in the winter?

• Your heater is blowing cold air 
• Your heater or fan never shuts off and runs constantly
• The heater never turns on
• The heater runs for 5 seconds then shuts off
• The thermostat doesn’t turn on

All these heating problems are likely caused not from the age of the system or its components but something outside the unit itself.

What Causes Heating and Cooling Problems Around Chandler Homes

Common heater problems in Chandler homes are listed below:

• Ductwork leaks.  A return duct leaking 15% of its air in the middle of the summer will cause a 5 ton heating and cooling system to operate as a 2.5 ton system.  The #1 reason why air conditioning components fail is because the system is overworked during the hot Arizona summers and it’s not because the heating and cooling systems are undersized.  In Chandler homes, there was no code for ductwork sealing when the homes were built and after 20 hot summers, any tape that was used around the ducts has lost its effectiveness. Leaky ductwork wastes our hard earned money because every time the heater or air conditioner turn on, 15% of that is lost into the attic through ductwork leaks.  If you could gain an extra 15% of airflow into your home, it would be noticeable, and it starts by sealing up the ductwork.  SRP estimates homeowners can save $200 a year by sealing leaky ductwork.
• Undersized ductwork.  Have you ever seen a child try to breathe through one straw?  They get starved for air pretty quickly and that’s exactly what’s happening to your heating and air conditioning system when the ductwork is undersized.  In Chandler homes were built with round rigid ductwork has was too small for the existing HVAC system.  Next time your heater turns on, listen to see if your return sounds very loud, it’s likely from an undersized return.
• Low insulation.  Insulation on a heating and air conditioning repair post?  Yes, your home’s insulation is very important in keeping the warm air in the winter time and cool conditioned air in during the hot Arizona summers.  If your attic has too little, you’re heating and cooling system will be constantly running and short cycling on and off, overworking your system.  In Arizona, the DOE Energy Star recommends R38 level of insulation in the attic.  To add insult to injury, most Chandler homes are grossly under insulated (insulation code was 6” in the 1980’s).
• Capacitors that go bad, overworked fan motors and bad mechanical components.  All these home performance defects cause the heating and cooling system to constantly overwork itself, putting stress on the mechanical components.  The first components to go out are the capacitors and fan motors and then overtime, the compressor.  Gain a few more years on your heating and air conditioning system by fixing the home performance defects and you’ll have a comfortable, energy efficient and long lasting heating and cooling system for many years.

Check our list of common problems for heaters if you notice the heater is not working.

What Causes the Most Heating and Air Conditioning Problems in Chandler Homes? 

The answer is not the heating units themselves, it’s the other components of the home that cause the heating system to work much harder than it should.  Fix those, and you’ll have a system that operates much more efficiently, quietly and less troublesome during the heating season.

If you are looking for air conditioning repair contractors in the Chandler area chances are you need fast service to get your air conditioner working again.  For fast, reliable service call Green ID 24/7 at 602-926-1650.  Our technicians are trained to never over-sell repairs, in most cases a quick repair is all that’s required to get it back in working condition. 

Heating Problems and Repair Solutions For Heat Pumps and Furnaces For North Tempe Homes

Homes in the 85281 zip code are historic Tempe homes, built in the 1950’s and 1960’s.  These Tempe homes are mostly ranch style homes with long roof lines and a heat pump package unit on the roof with a metal elbow.  Some Tempe homes have or used to have dedicated closets for furnace heaters or air handlers with the return grille under the door.  The main ductwork is a metal trunk that runs down the middle of the hallway with 7 foot ceilings and registers located above the bedroom doors.  In these Tempe homes the heating systems go bad not because the units are old, but because the components around the heating system are bad.  The components that deliver the air, the ductwork is very important to how the heating system works.  Think of driving a Prius with a hole in the gas tank… that’s what is happening to homes all over Tempe when heating and cooling systems are installed on a home with leaky ductwork, low insulation and ductwork sized for a smaller unit. 

If heating and cooling contractors would only take a whole home approach to installing heating and air conditioning systems, their units would operate 10 times better.  How do we know? We have measured and seen the effects of addressing the whole home on a heating and air conditioning system… the electrical usages (amps) DECREASES, the airflow (CFM50) INCREASES, and the utility bills go DOWN.  Addressing home performance issues should be done by every heating and air conditioning company during heating repairs, service and installation.  No heating company in Tempe should be talking about HVAC without addressing a complete home performance picture.

Do you know it’s rare for a heating contractor in Tempe to go into the attic at all during a maintenance inspection, heater tune up or a heating service call?  Heating contractors need to focus more on the whole-home and less on the bells and whistles of heating systems like UV lights and washable filters (the scams of the HVAC industry).  If the ductwork was sealed like it should be, homes wouldn’t be half as dusty and the need for a UV light would go away. 

Symptoms of a Broken Heater in Tempe

Have you experienced these common symptoms this winter?

1.       Your heater is blowing cold air

2.       Your heater or fan never shuts off and runs constantly

3.       The heater never turns on

4.       The heater runs for 5 seconds then shuts off

5.       The thermostat doesn’t turn on

All these heating problems are likely caused not from the age of the system or its components but something outside the unit itself.

What causes heater problems around Tempe homes in the 85281 zip code

Common heater problems in Tempe around the 85281 zip code are listed below:

1. Ductwork leaks.  A return duct leaking 15% of its air in the middle of the summer will cause a 5 ton heating and cooling system to operate as a 2.5 ton system.  The #1 reason why air conditioning components fail is because the system is overworked during the hot Arizona summers and it’s not because the heating and cooling systems are undersized.  In Tempe homes, there was no code for ductwork sealing when the homes were built and after 20 hot summers, any tape that was used around the ducts has lost its effectiveness. Leaky ductwork wastes our hard earned money because every time the heater or air conditioner turn on, 15% of that is lost into the attic through ductwork leaks.  If you could gain an extra 15% of airflow into your home, it would be noticeable, and it starts by sealing up the ductwork.  SRP estimates homeowners can save $200 a year by sealing leaky ductwork.
2. Undersized ductwork.  Have you ever seen a child try to breathe through one straw?  They get starved for air pretty quickly and that’s exactly what’s happening to your heating and air conditioning system when the ductwork is undersized.  In Tempe homes were built with round rigid ductwork has was too small for the existing HVAC system.  Next time your heater turns on, listen to see if your return sounds very loud, it’s likely from an undersized return.
3. Low insulation. 
   
   Insulation on a heating and air conditioning repair post?  Yes, your home’s insulation is very important in keeping the warm air in the winter time and cool conditioned air in during the hot Arizona summers.  If your attic has too little, you’re heating and cooling system will be constantly running and short cycling on and off, overworking your system.  In Arizona, the DOE Energy Star recommends R38 level of insulation in the attic.  Most homes have been under insulated unless you were a part of the City of Tempe noise reduction program.  To add insult to injury, most Tempe homes in 85281 zip code are grossly under insulated (insulation code was less than 6” in 1960).
4. Capacitors that go bad, overworked fan motors and bad mechanical components.  All these home performance defects cause the heating and cooling system to constantly overwork itself, putting stress on the mechanical components.  The first components to go out are the capacitors and fan motors and then overtime, the compressor.  Gain a few more years on your heating and air conditioning system by fixing the home performance defects and you’ll have a comfortable, energy efficient and long lasting heating and cooling system for many years.

Check our list of common problems for heaters if you notice the heater is not working.

What causes the most heating problems in Tempe homes? 

The answer is not the heating units themselves, it’s the other components of the home that cause the heating system to work much harder than it should.  Fix those, and you’ll have a system that operates much more efficiently, quietly and less troublesome during the heating season.

If you are looking for air conditioning repair contractors in the Tempe area chances are you need fast service to get your air conditioner working again.  For fast, reliable service call Green ID 24/7 at 602-926-1650.  Our technicians are trained to never over-sell repairs, in most cases a quick repair is all that’s required to get it back in working condition. 

Common Heater Repairs for Heat Pumps and Furnaces

Your heating system should keep you warm and comfortable throughout the winter season. The excessive summer of your HVAC system may cause fatigue of the heating components and whether you are proactively tackling heating maintenance or find yourself coming home to a broken heating system, here are some early warning signs and symptoms you can look out for to keep your heater running smoothly and save money on your utility bills.

Common Symptoms of a Broken Heater 

Furnaces and heat pumps are fairly complex machines of electrical and mechanical parts and heating systems can have one independent component fail or multiple shut downs at once. Diagnosing a broken heating system starts by listening to its initial symptoms. Whether you have a gas powered furnace or gas pack or an all-electric heat pump heater, here are the common symptoms you might find if you suddenly experience your heater not working.

1. Your heater is blowing cold air 
2. Your heater or fan never shuts off and runs constantly 
3. The heater never turns on 
4. The heater runs for 5 seconds then shuts off 
5. The thermostat doesn’t turn on

Common Symptoms the Heater Has A Slower Chronic Problem That Can Be Proactively Addressed 

Often our technician’s catch emerging problems before they cause bigger and more expensive problems, some of the symptoms of an overworked heating system are below.

1. Your heating bill is increasing with no lifestyle changes on your part
2. You experience unpleasant smells
3. You experience inconsistent temperatures from room to room
4. You hear weird sounds coming from the unit
5. The system is loud when it turns on

Air Conditioners and Heaters In Arizona Can Have These Problems If You Notice The Heater Is Not Working 

Heating and air conditioning repairs in Arizona homes stem from several common problems. 

1. Clogged filter. I hate to list this one, but sometimes it’s as easy as turning your system off and changing your filter to get your heater working properly again. Before you make a heating repair call, check your filters if possible and change them out if needed. Speaking of clogged filters, read why other restrictions could also cause your heater to stop working and actually blow cold air out of your vents in the winter. 
2. Bad fan motor. A bad fan motor can cause the heater not to work and can be caused by a bad fan relay, where the contacts inside the relay get stuck open and go bad. Having to replace a fan relay is much less expensive than the fan motor and a good heating and cooling technician will be able to tell the difference and not turn a potentially easy fix into a complicated on. A bad capacitor can also cause the fan motor from running and providing the home with heat. Fan motors in general can also just go bad due to the motor burning up or the bearings seizing. 
3. Bad capacitor. Capacitors store energy for the compressor and fan to run and is made up of dielectric plates with an oil in-between the plates. Over time, the capacitors deteriorate and their rated capacity diminishes. Once the capacitor goes bad, your heater will not work because the fan motor will not run. 
4. Bad reversing valve. Reversing values are only found in heat pumps and reverse the flow of refrigerant depending if you are heating or cooling the home. A bad reversing value in the heating season can often be confused with a compressor failure. Again, a costly mistake on the heating and cooling technicians’ part. A reversing value may be stuck in the heating or cooling position due to a bad solenoid which would cause your heater to not blow hot air in the winter. 
5. Burnt or faulty electrical wiring. Bad thermostats, poor splice connections or loose wires can also be the culprit in your heater’s problems. A line by line electrical check can diagnosis if any wires have gone bad in the heating and cooling system. 
6. Bad pressure switches, pressure sensors, limit switches, or flame sensors on gas furnaces. On furnaces good technicians will be able to diagnose these problems by simply reading the blink code through the panel sight glass. This saves time to diagnosis the heater problems and cuts much of the trouble shooting time exponentially lower. 
7. Low Freon charge on heat pumps. A refrigerant leak will cause your thermostat to never satisfy and your home will never reach it’s set-point. If you set the house temperature to 72 degrees in the winter, but it only reaches 68, and the unit keeps running, you may have a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant leaks can occur slowly over time but once the refrigerant gets low enough that you start having comfort problems, the size of the hole has increased also and rate of loss also increases. When refrigerant leaks occur, it’s best to have a technician perform a pressurized leak test to find the source and seal it up to avoid damaging the compressor in the future.

If you are looking for heating and air conditioning repair contractors in the Phoenix area chances are you need fast service to get your system working again. For fast, reliable service call Green ID 24/7 at 602-​926-1650. Our technicians are trained to never over-sell repairs, in most cases a quick repair is all that’s required to get the system back in working condition. Mention this blog for a 10% discount off any repairs and call (602) 926-1650 today.

What To Do If You Notice Ice Forming On Your Air Conditioner Coils

Ever wonder why your AC is set but only hot air is blowing out of the vents?  Have you gone outside to find a ball of ice has formed on your coils and your coils are frozen over? Ice on your air conditioning unit may seem strange but it’s just a diagnostic signal of what needs to be repaired at your air conditioning unit.  Here are some DIY steps you do to try to fix the ice problem yourself and if not, we’ve listed the causes why the coils are freezing over to better educate yourself. 

If you notice ice over your air conditioner coils take these immediate steps to prevent further damage to your HVAC system.

1. Turn the system off completely.

2. Change your air filter. This is such a simple fix but it can potentially save you a service call. It is true that having dirty air filter's cause for enough airflow in the system to cause ice to fill

3. Check that all the supply and return grilles are not blocked and completely open. Restrictions at the registers can be big enough to significantly lower airflow which can cause ice to build up on the refrigerant lines.

4. At the thermostat, turn the heater or air conditioner off and the fan on. This will speed that's the process to defrost the ice. The reason the coils are freezing over is that the refrigerant is getting too cold enough to freeze because ice buildup because there is a leak or restriction in the system. It can take 60 minutes or more to defrost the ice depending on the severity so be patient.

5. Once the ice is completely melted, set the thermostat back to cooling mode and keep a close eye on the coils to see if they start to freeze up again.

If changing the filter does not fix the problem call your trusted HVAC technicians at Green ID to properly diagnose and repair the problem.

Why Is Ice Forming On Your Refrigerant Lines?

There are several reasons why your air conditioner coils start to freeze and can form massive blocks of ice. Here is a short list of some of the reasons why that occurs.

1. The air conditioning system is low on refrigerant. If not enough refrigerant was added when a new unit was installed or there is a refrigerant leak in the system the coils can ice up.

2. The filters are clogged. A clogged filter will restrict the airflow into the system. Depending on how clogged it is they can severely limit the amount of air that passes over the coils which is necessary to remove the heat or cool air from the home depending on the season. Filters should be changed regularly about every 30 days in the summer in Phoenix.

3. The air conditioning filter dryer is clogged. Purpose of the filter dryer is to protect the compressor from debris and contaminants. Air-conditioning filter dryer becomes clogged refrigerant will not flow through freely and will start to build up causing the coils to freeze. A Green ID technician can check if the filter dryer is clogged and make the necessary replacement to get the system working properly again.

4. The air conditioner system has a refrigerant leak. A refrigerant leak can occur over months before you ever start to notice any changes in your comfort or energy bills or it happens quickly. Either way if your air conditioning system does not have enough Freon to remove the cold air from your house in the winter and warm air in the summer, your coils will start to freeze and ice up.

5. The air conditioner blower speed is set too low. The blower speed may have not been set right or changed during your last air conditioning service. This may have been done to make the air colder air coming out of the vents but can have a negative effect of not transferring enough heat across the evaporator coils. And our air-conditioning technician's will inspect the fan settings at the air handler or furnace and the thermostat wiring to ensure your system has the proper airflow to prevent icing up.

6. Dirty evaporator coil. If your indoor coils have never been cleaned there is likely a healthy layer of duct covering the coils which will cause the coils to freeze up.

Some air-conditioning systems are equipped with a defrost mode that will automatically melt the ice off the coils once. When the air conditioner is running in defrost mode hot air well actually blow out of the vents even if it's the middle of the summer. If you feel warm air coming out of your our vents it's probably your defrost sensors working to melt the ice off your evaporator coils.

If you need an emergency AC repair without the emergency AC fees call Green ID at (602) 926-1650 and get your AC repaired today. Mention this blog to get a free trip charge and 5% off any repair.

Best Priced Heat Pumps in Phoenix

If you are doing your research looking for the best priced, inexpensive heat pumps around Phoenix we at Green ID have put together a short list of heat pumps you can use as a quick reference. We understand that finding an inexpensive heat pump that lasts for years and saves money on your energy bills is a top priority. You’ll be glad to find inexpensive heat pumps from a variety of AC brands that don’t break your budget or compromise on quality.

Tips From A Heat Pump Contractor On Buying An Inexpensive Air Conditioning Unit

Here are a few tips help maximize your dollars to find the best priced, inexpensive heat pump for your home.

1. EER (pronounced “ear”) is more important than SEER in Arizona. SEER is how we measure the efficiency of the heat pump, the higher the SEER rating, the more efficient it’s operation is and less you’ll spend on your energy bills. EER is almost exactly the same as SEER but it is how we measure the efficiency of how the heat pump operates at higher temperatures more like Phoenix. The SEER rating is done in an air conditioned factory at 76 degrees, EER ratings are done at 95 degrees. You want the heat pump that performs well at higher temperatures, so ask about the EER rating of the system. Often times you can have two air conditioners that have the same SEER rating, but different EERs. If they are the same cost, you can claim more energy savings for free!

2. Don’t just consider a unit upgrade, discuss the whole house and see if it’s feasible to go with a smaller heat pump with a Manual J calculation with a home performance upgrade. Sometimes we can save a homeowner more money by upgrading the insulation, sealing the ductwork and sealing all the leaks with a lower SEER than spending more money upfront on a higher efficiency unit but not addressing the other attic issues. Another example would be having existing ductwork that’s designed to handle only 3 tons of air on a 4 ton system could be the cause of rapid aging of an air conditioner. Have an energy audit performed on your house by Green ID as part of the heat pump replacement scope can help save on upfront costs and operating costs.

3. Ask about rebates and current promotions. Often manufactures will have separate running promotions that bring down the cost of heat pumps and air conditioners. Sometimes the rebates come from manufacturers that are less known but still have a good reputation for quality where you can get a more efficient unit for the same price as a standard heat pump from a better known manufacturer.

5 Best Priced and Reliable Heat Pumps ​

We have installed and serviced each manufacturer on our short list of the 5 best priced heat pumps for the Phoenix market to ensure you are getting a well-made air conditioner at the best price. All of these heat pumps feature upgrades like rust resistance screws, hail protective guards and 10 year warranty’s.

#1 Trane XR14

​Trane’s inexpensive XR14 heat pump line is just as reliable as its higher end models. Efficiency ranges are SEER 14 – 14.5 and EER 11.0 – 12.0. Trane has an optional indoor air quality filter to cut down on household pollutants and dust. We service all Trane units, are certified Trane dealers and have seen minimal issues with the quality of their units. Learn more about Trane heat pumps here.

#2 Carrier Comfort Series

Carrier features SEER rating up to 16 and features a quiet, low decibel rating. Carrier is a big advocate of its dealers to perform a load calc on your home to ensure the right size unit is installed to avoid call backs. At Green ID we always perform load calculations with our energy audits and never take short cuts that most contractors do which lead to high energy bills and hot rooms in the summer. Read more about Carrier heat pumps here.

#3 Day and Night Performance Series

​Day and Night heat pumps are very space friendly, often with a smaller footprint than other manufacturers for installations in tight areas. Day and Night has efficiency rating of SEER 14 – 14.5 and EER 11.5 – 11.7, with ultra quiet systems no lowers than a common hair dryer. Learn more about Day and Night heat pumps here.

#4 Rheem Classic Series

Rheem requires all their dealers to perform a load calc on your home to ensure the right size unit is installed. At Green ID we always perform load calculations with our energy audits and never take short cuts that most contractors do which lead to high energy bills and hot rooms in the summer.

#5 Frigidiarie’s F-Series 

Frigidiarie’s F-Series warranty is fantastic where if any major component is defective within 10 years of its installation, Frigidiare will replace the entire unit, not just the defective part. Efficiencies range from SEER 14 – 15 and EERs 11.5 – 12.5. Learn more about Frigidaire’s inexpensive AC units. ​

​Why Do I Need a Load Calculation?

When purchasing a new heat pump, it’s very important that a complete evaluation, or “load calculation” is performed. By doing this, a Green ID consultant will look at all the factors that affect the heat gain and loss of your home. Bigger is not better in the air conditioning and heat pump world. We take into account the size, shape, and orientation of your home, what type of insulation and how much you have is important along with window size, type, quantity, and the directions they face. We will also perform a leakage test of the ductwork and air leaks. By combining these and other factors, your Green ID consultant will evaluate what size unit your home requires. An over or under sized unit is one of the most common problems with any system; when a licensed Green ID technician performs a load calculation, you will have a more efficient system and a more comfortable home.

Why Super Low Cost Heat Pumps Can Cost Homeowners In The End

At Green ID we say, the most important day of an air conditioning system’s life, is the first day it’s installed. You can be sure your heat pump installation will be done by following the best practices that may cost us more, but are the right thing to do to keep your heat pump running smoothly for years. We don’t take short cuts that save money to AC companies but end up costing the homeowner more on their energy bills and in the shortened life of its components.

We are here to help, click here to contact us or call (602) 926-1650 today.