Fan On vs. Auto: How Phoenix Homeowners Should Set the Thermostat

July 30, 2015

Almost all thermostats come with the “on” and “auto” fan settings. A deeper understanding of both settings helps you know the right time to use each. The “On” and “Auto” Setting When the thermostat is set to “auto,” the fan only works during the heating and cooling cycles. Once the thermostat’s temperature is reached, it stops running. Setting the thermostat to “on” makes the fan run continuously, regardless of whether or not your home’s cooling and heating cycles are on or off. Pros of the “Auto” Setting

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How to Understand the EnergyGuide Label

July 28, 2015

The EnergyGuide label found on a wide range of appliances and electronics helps consumers learn about how efficiently the appliance or device operates. The Federal Trade Commission requires that manufacturers place the labels prominently on the product or its packaging. It’s especially important to scrutinize this label on cooling equipment since the cooling load in the desert southwest is exceptionally high. Energy Efficiency Ratings All air conditioners and heat pumps manufactured after January 1, 2015, must disclose at least two energy efficiency ratings on the label. In the southwestern states, manufacturers need to indicate

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Don’t Be Tricked by These Home Cooling Myths

July 14, 2015

Home cooling myths can cause higher energy bills and stress your A/C system. If you want to save energy while staying as comfortable as you possibly can in your central Arizona home this summer, get the facts about common home cooling myths, as well as info about efficiency, A/C upgrades and tips for operating your A/C correctly. The Bigger the A/C, the Better When it’s time for you to upgrade your air conditioner, make sure it’s properly sized using HVAC industry best practices. Oversized air conditioners don’t reach peak efficiency, while new A/Cs deliver

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Learn the Great Benefits of Variable-Speed Air Handlers

July 7, 2015

One of the best pieces of energy-saving equipment you can choose for your next air conditioning system is a variable-speed air handler. It employs technology that varies speed based on the heating and cooling requirements of your home. It operates almost continuously, offering homeowners several benefits. Lower Operating Costs Variable-speed handlers often operate at low speeds and reduce energy consumption. They can reduce your electricity bill by up to 40 percent. Quieter Operation Air handlers are usually loudest when running at high speeds and when turning on and

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An HVAC Zoning System: Is it Right for Your Phoenix Home?

July 2, 2015

The Phoenix metro area experiences serious heat for months on end, causing energy bills to soar. Many homes in the area would benefit from an HVAC zoning system to cut those costs without sacrificing comfort. These systems help maintain temperatures evenly throughout, which can be challenging given our intense sunlight. A zoning system lets you individualize your home’s HVAC system to match how you use your home. A zoned home has motorized dampers in the ductwork that open and close based on the zone’s thermostat’s settings. Each zone uses an individual thermostat wired to a central control

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Learn How to Maximize Energy Savings With a Programmable Thermostat

June 25, 2015

The Phoenix climate means that for much of the year, homeowners spend a lot of energy dollars keeping their homes comfortable. Cutting back on your energy spending by limiting the time your HVAC system runs to when you’re home and active is a proven energy saver. Programmable thermostats can make it easy. Tips for Using Your Programmable Thermostat Using your programmable thermostat correctly is the key to saving. Here’s how: Get the right model. Thermostats vary in what kind of schedules they’ll support. Some allow you to set a

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Learn How Professional Duct Maintenance Can Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

June 23, 2015

Without proper duct maintenance, residential ductwork is all too often the weak link in the chain of HVAC energy efficiency. The Department of Energy reports that at least 20 percent of the air conveyed by ducts never reaches the rooms it’s supposed to keep comfortable. That’s cooling and heating—and energy dollars—lost due to leaks, thermal deficiencies, and airflow obstructions. A great deal of residential ductwork installed in the past wasn’t fabricated to last the life of the home. Duct maintenance performed by a qualified HVAC technician is critical to keep airflow high and energy expenses low. Air

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Summer Energy Conservation Tips for Your Phoenix Business

June 18, 2015

Expenses can soar during the summer months, in an effort to keep employees and customers comfortable and your business up and running. Simple changes to habits and a few upgrades can have a positive, lasting impact on your company’s bottom line. Here are some great energy conservation tips for businesses that can make a difference this summer and all year-round. Get Audited Invest in an energy audit to see where your energy dollars are being spent. Your auditor will provide you with a report, including tips on where you can save.

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Great Advantages of Solar Air Conditioning

June 11, 2015

The sun is a great source of energy. Every summer, much of that energy pours down on your house in the form of heat. But with solar air conditioning, you can take that energy and use it to cool your home and reduce your energy bills in the process. Here are five of the advantages you can expect when your home cooling goes solar: Sustainability – Solar energy is abundant and easily available in central Arizona. Unlike natural gas and oil, it’s not subject to supply fluctuations due to economic pressures. That not only

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What Every Phoenix Homeowner Should Know About Energy Audits

June 4, 2015

If opening your electric bill each month is a terrifying experience, it’s probably time to schedule a home energy audit. This in-depth inspection of your home identifies areas where energy is wasted and leads to recommendations to resolve the issues. Use a home energy audit to help you save money. What Will a Certified Home Energy Auditor Do? An experienced auditor will inspect your home and it’s various systems, including the effectiveness of the HVAC system and insulation. He or she will look for leaks and blockages in the ductwork, air leakage from cracks

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