R-22 Refrigerant Phase-Out: What You Need to Know

February 17, 2020

If you have an air conditioning system that was manufactured before 2010, chances are it runs on a specific type of refrigerant called R-22. Refrigerant, commonly referred to as Freon®, is a mixture that undergoes phase transitions between liquid and gas as it travels through your cooling system, removing heat from the air to cool your space. Beginning in 2010, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and various other similar agencies around the world began phasing out 2010 because R-22 contains chlorine, an ozone-depleting substance. When the ozone layer is depleted, more ultra-violet radiation reaches the earth and

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Ways to Increase Energy Efficiency During Cooler Weather

November 26, 2015

Saving money on energy costs during the winter in your Central Arizona home requires nothing more than a couple of simple weekend projects, most of which are inexpensive or even free. Here are the top five ways to improve your energy efficiency, reduce your heating costs and stay warm this winter. Seal Air Leaks Air that infiltrates your home through cracks and gaps in the building’s envelope reduces your comfort level and makes your heating system work harder to keep you warm. On a windy day, close your exterior windows and doors and pass

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Tips for Saving Money with Water-Efficient Plumbing Fixtures

November 17, 2015

How much do you know about water-efficient plumbing fixtures? With the average person using 80 to 100 gallons of water every day, you can save money quickly and painlessly just by installing water-efficient toilets, showerheads, and faucets. Here are a few options to get you started. WaterSense Labels When shopping for new water-efficient plumbing, look for models that have the WaterSense label. With these products, your family can save up to an average of 700 gallons of water per year. This is equal to 40 showers. Not only will you save money on your

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Those Energy-Efficiency Upgrades That You Make Today–They Could Help You Sell Your Home Tomorrow

December 5, 2013

Advanced technology has helped to create many products for today’s homes that make it a better place to live. Homeowners now have access to energy-efficiency upgrades for heating, cooling, water, and appliances that add comfort, convenience, and increased value to a home. Energy-efficiency upgrades cut costs, conserve energy, protect the environment, and add valuable features to your home that prospective buyers will find appealing. Heating – In most climates, we would advise homeowners to upgrade to a high-efficiency furnace if their current model is more than 10-15 years old. However, in the Phoenix area, cooling

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Desert Heat Tips

March 27, 2013

With summer just around the corner in Arizona, the time must come for air conditioning season. If you do not have an air conditioning unit already installed in your home, now is the time and Wolff Mechanical Inc. is available to help you install one before the extreme heat of the desert hits your home. Before you install your air conditioning unit, or if we already installed one for you in the past, here are some great tips to prepare you and your home from the extreme temperatures of Scottsdale. These tips will also help with energy-saving for electric bills

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Ceiling Fans Can Optimize Your Heating System’s Efficiency

March 22, 2012

If you’re having trouble keeping your winter heating costs down, the ceiling fan is a piece of old-fashioned technology that can still be beneficial. Ceiling fans are useful year-round, and in winter they can be used to optimize the efficiency of your heating system. You’re probably aware of ceiling fans’ cooling power in the summer, but many homeowners are surprised to learn that they make you feel warmer in winter just as effectively. The key is reversing your fan’s direction to promote air circulation: the blades should rotate counterclockwise in summer and clockwise in winter.

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A Heat Recovery Ventilator In Your Phoenix Valley Home Ensures Fresh Air Without Extra Energy Costs

February 23, 2012

Though newly-constructed homes and retrofits are very sound and energy-efficient, a side effect is that the air becomes trapped and stagnant. With extreme temperatures in the Phoenix Valley, it’s not pleasant to open the windows to let in the fresh air on a cold winter day or during a sweltering heatwave. The solution to this dilemma is a climate-control system called a heat recovery ventilator, or HRV. How HRVs work: HRVs utilize two fans that circulate airflow in opposite directions. One fan blows fresh air into your home, and the other fan blows stale air

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Be Prepared For Power Outages This Year

January 31, 2012

The power supply in the Phoenix area is relatively stable, with few power outages each year. However, strong winter storms, summer thunderstorms and equipment failure can knock out the power for hours. Even though the area seldom experiences freezing temperatures, it helps to be prepared for any outage that occurs during the winter. Some of these tips apply all year long, as well, to keep yourself comfortable without the electricity. Have enough fresh batteries around the house for flashlights, a portable radio and/or a television set. It’s important to stay in touch with announcements about

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Dry Home? Is A Whole-House Humidifier Or Portable Unit For You?

January 27, 2012

To combat the negative effects of dry air, especially in extremely dry areas like the Phoenix Valley, a whole-house humidifier is critical. Portable units are also an option, and while both devices have their advantages and disadvantages, it’s important to evaluate each system to select the right one for your home and needs. Ease of use Whole-house humidifiers, once installed, will operate efficiently and easily, without requiring attention from you. Portable units, however, require daily attention, because the water tank has to be full in order for it to function. Capacity

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Here’s How To Effectively Use Your Heat Pump’s Thermostat

January 19, 2012

In general, programmable thermostats save homeowners money with the use of scheduled setbacks; however, heat pumps work differently. Therefore, to ensure energy savings, you need to know how to effectively use a heat-pump thermostat. Like anywhere, Phoenix-area homeowners should consider setting back their thermostats at night or when they’re away from home to lock in savings. But setbacks can be counterproductive to savings if you’re using a standard manual thermostat. This is because heat pumps don’t do a good job of making the several-degree switch from a night-time temperature of, say, 63, to the ideal daytime temperature

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