Simple Tips to Prep Your A/C Unit for Fall

With cool weather rapidly approaching and the leaves beginning to change in turn, we know that Fall is upon us. Residents throughout Arizona can prepare for Fall this year by taking some time to properly winterize both their heating and cooling systems.  A little bit of preparation can go a long way toward extending the lifespan of your HVAC systems while substantially increasing the quality and comfort of your home.

Today, we are going to unveil a few simple tips that you can utilize today to prepare your air conditioning unit for the coming Fall season.

Take Time to Winterize Your Systems

First and foremost, preparing your HVAC system for the changing seasons can be integral to protecting your home. There are a few ways that you can tackle your winterizing process, so let’s highlight the most effective ones.

First, consider looking for any gaps or spaces between your windows, piping, and foundation. These gaps are common enough that they can create serious swings in your home’s internal temperature. You’ll save money on heating by re-sealing regularly.

Second, consider changing all air filters in your home. Most homeowners don’t realize that their air filters need to be changed with regularity. In doing so, you can prevent any potential build-up of pathogens or allergens. Additionally, regularly cleaning your air filters will ensure your system operates at its peak efficiency, thus running less while working more effectively.

Third, run your heat before you need to in order to test the system. The first time that you turn on your heating system for the Fall, you are likely to experience some funky smells including burnt dust from disuseLet the unit run until the smell goes away.

Finally, consider hiring a professional HVAC company to clean all of your vents. Properly cleaning your vents will allow for better airflow, more efficient HVAC use, and a more comfortable home as a result.

Schedule An HVAC Tune-Up

Like a well-oiled machine, your HVAC system will operate best when it experiences a little bit of care and attention. Regular HVAC maintenance tune-ups can go a long way toward preventing major issues down the road. To avoid any unexpected emergencies when the timing couldn’t be worse, such as a cold week in Fall, consider undergoing seasonal inspections.

A seasonal HVAC inspection and tune-up service will encompass a few typical actions.

  • Clean All Air Ducts
  • Check Refrigerant Levels
  • Test Ducts For Seals & Leaks
  • Inspect and Tighten All Connections
  • Inspect Belts and Oil Motors

HVAC tune-up services are the best way to catch a problem before it manifests into an emergency.

Perform An Exterior Inspection

While much of our focus has been on the interior of your home, preventing issues during the Fall can require a little bit of legwork outside, as well. Find your external air conditioning unit and be sure to remove all potential debris from the surrounding condenser unit. A full summer’s worth of dirt, grime, leaves, and weeds can lead to disruption in airflow if left unattended. Rake, mow, and hose away any debris to keep your system functional.

Install Additional Insulation

If you want to go all-in on protecting your exterior HVAC system from the elements, consider installing foam pipe covers around any exposed wiring and piping. Use duct tape to affix the foam insulation in place while preventing the pipes from ever cracking or freezing. For suggestions on which insulation to use, contact One Stop Heating & Cooling for insight and support!

Inspect Your Thermostat & Fans

When was the last time that you changed your thermostat’s settings? With a change of the season, you can spend some time dialing in new settings for your air conditioner’s thermostat. Cooler temps will allow us to run our HVAC system less often, decreasing use while increasing our comfort. After you inspect your thermostat for any issues, consider upgrading to a programmable option to save money in the future.

Upon finishing with your thermostat, take some time to go room-by-room in your home to change the direction of the fans. Set your fans to rotate in the opposite direction when the cool weather arrives. This will allow you to keep your home more comfortable while reducing potential heating costs.

Contact One Stop Heating & Cooling!

One Stop Heating & Cooling is a family-owned and operated business located in Phoenix, AZ. With locations scattered throughout the surrounding area, One Stop is always just a call away from assisting you with your air conditioning and heating service needs. The team at One Stop specializes in HVAC sales, service, installation, and repairs.

Customers at One Stop Heating & Cooling enjoy

  • Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed
  • Quality Workmanship
  • 24/7 Emergency Service
  • Affordable Financing on Approval
  • Free Estimates!

Contact One Stop Heating & Cooling today for your next HVAC service!

What Is That Pipe Coming Out Of My House? And Why Is It Leaking?

In general, when you find water leaking from a pipe anywhere on your home or property, your first instinct is probably to call a plumber. Before you reach for the phone, however, you should understand that in some cases, pipes leak water intentionally! If you’ve noticed a pipe leading to the outside of your home that drips water, there’s a good chance that this is actually just your AC condensate drain, which is supposed to carry water outside your home.

Still, this isn’t always the case, and some pipe leaks do need to be investigated. By having a better idea of what’s normal versus what may be problematic, you can more confidently decide when it’s time to call for help (and who to call for the best service).

AC Condensate Drains vs. Pressure Relief Valves

Most homes here in the Phoenix area have two separate pipes leading out to the side or back of the residence. One pipe is an air conditioning condensate drain, also commonly referred to as an AC drain line. These pipes are usually white in color and are made from PVC piping.

Another pipe you may find on the outside of your home is a water pressure relief valve, also known as a PRV drain line. These pipes tend to be made out of copper and are designed to prevent water heaters from building up dangerous amounts of pressure.

By knowing what each of these common pipes look like, you can better determine whether a leak is normal or something you need to have looked into further.

When is Leaking Normal?

In general, it is normal to see water leaking out of an AC drain line; therefore, if you see water leaking from a PVC pipe on the side or back of your home, you probably don’t need to be concerned. AC drain lines are meant to drain water away that is produced by your home’s air conditioning system. During times of higher humidity, it is likely that there will be additional condensation generated. As a result, you may notice greater amounts of water draining from the PVC pipe during this time.

Water draining from this pipe is actually a good thing, and indicates that you don’t have any clogs in your AC’s drain lines.

Keep in mind that some Arizona homes will have AC systems with two drain lines; one is the main drain line as explained above, and the other is an emergency drain pipe that may be located towards the top of the home. If you see any water draining from your emergency line, this needs to be addressed as soon as possible because it likely indicates a clog somewhere else in the system.

When is Leaking a Problem?

While water leaking from an AC condensate line is generally normal, water leaks from a water heater’s pressure relief valve is not normal and needs to be looked into as soon as possible. This means that if you’re noticing large amounts of water coming from the copper pipe on the side or rear of your home, this could be the sign of a larger underlying problem.

If water is simply dripping out of this pipe at a slow pace, you may be able to tighten the valve yourself to resolve the problem. However, it is generally best not to attempt any major DIY repairs on a pressure relief valve, as this is an important safety feature on your home’s water heater.

Who to Call About a Pipe Leak

If you’re dealing with a troublesome pipe leak at your home, you may be wondering who to call for the repair. In general, an emergency AC condensate drain leak should be addressed and repaired by an HVAC professional. On the other hand, water heater PRV repairs should be handled by a plumber.

Even if you don’t have a problematic leak in your AC condensate drain, it’s still a good idea to have these drain lines blown out at least once a year. This will help to prevent clogs from forming and keep these lines clear of any debris. This is something that an HVAC professional can do, often as part of an annual inspection and tune-up service.

One Stop Heating & Cooling is Here to Help!

At One Stop Heating & Cooling, we’re proud to offer HVAC maintenance and repair services to customers in Phoenix and the surrounding areas. If you’re dealing with a leak in your emergency AC condensate line or are simply looking to schedule an annual tune-up to avoid these kinds of problems down the road, we have you covered with a wide range of HVAC services.

Contact our experienced and knowledgeable team at One Stop Heating & Cooling today to schedule your appointment. You can reach us 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling our office at (623) 688-6556, We look forward to serving you!

How to Save Energy During an Arizona Summer

As the summer months draw ever closer, warm temperatures begin to make their presence known. Residents in Arizona know that the heat can be hard to beat, especially from June to August when high temperatures can exceed 105F with regularity! While we wouldn’t trade the sunshine and warm weather for the world, there are a few things that homeowners can do to prep their house for the summer.

Let’s take a moment to outline a bunch of fun ways that you can stay cool, beat the heat, and save on your utility bills along the way.

How to Add Shade to Your Building

While it is important to work on the interior of your home to prevent heat loss and cooling leaks, you can make your life easier by adding shade to the exterior of your building. There are plenty of great ways that we can diffuse sunlight and offset heat exposure by adding decorations, natural elements, and even a few neat decor items to our property.

  • Install Shade Trees – Start smart by installing shade trees in the areas surrounding your property. Phoenix does great with trees like the Palo Verde and the Velvet Mesquite. These trees look great, grow over 30 feet tall, and can live for 100+ years. Pay attention to potential allergens before selecting a tree to prevent future issues down the line.
  • Buy Shade Screens – Did you know that you could install shade screens on your window to cut down on energy expenses? It’s true! Shade screens are applied directly to your current windows where they act as diffusers, stripping away up to 25% of cooling expenses.
  • Add a Microclimate – Consider planting a cool microclimate around your property. Landscaping can have a huge impact on the temperature of your building, so consider adding desert-adapted trees as well as plants near windows and walls to lend their support.
  • Install Porch Awnings – Awnings over your porch and windows can go a long way toward keeping the heat away from your home. Awnings look great, add actionable coverage, and will leave you feeling cool.

Adding extra shade elements to your backyard can help keep your property comfortable, your home cool, and your guests entertained.

How to Keep Your Home Cool

Now that we are done working on the exterior of our home, let’s shift attention to the interior of the property. There are plenty of ways that we can approach keeping our homes cool this summer by making small, affordable adjustments. Let’s take a moment to highlight a few of our favorite simple cooling tricks.

  • Raise the Thermostat – Did you know that you can offset energy expenses by up to 3% when you raise your thermostat a single degree? Changing the thermostat from 78 to 80 when you are home will save a ton of money, so consider raising the temp even more if you know you will be out of the house for a while.
  • Check Your Filters – Air conditioning units thrive on efficiency to save you money. When was the last time that you changed or had your air filtration system cleaned? Regularly cleaning and changing your air filters will allow your AC to operate efficiently, cooling you quicker while saving money along the way.
  • Service Your A/C – When was the last time that you had your HVAC system properly serviced by a heating and cooling professional? Scheduling regular tune-ups to make sure your HVAC system is operating smoothly can save you time and money while also preventing potentially major repairs from manifesting.
  • Energy Efficient Upgrades – Homeowners looking to solve energy problems today and in the future can look to energy-efficient HVAC upgrades. EnergyStar-rated products ensure efficient cooling at minimum energy expenditure.

There are a ton of fantastic ways to explore cooling your home more efficiently and affordably. For a more thorough understanding of the ways that your home can be improved upon, consider contacting the team at One Stop Heating & Cooling for a free estimate and consultation.

Save on Utilities With One Stop Heating & Cooling

One Stop Heating & Cooling is a family-owned and operated business based out of the great state of Arizona. An advocate for the community, One Stop works diligently to supply honest, ethical, and affordable services to the good folks of Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale, Sun City, and the surrounding areas.

Clients who trust One Stop Heating & Cooling with their heating and AC services will enjoy a wide range of benefits.

  • 24/7 Emergency Services
  • Free Estimates & Consultations
  • Residential & Commercial Services
  • Air & Heating Repairs
  • Flexible Financing For Approved Clients

One Stop Heating & Cooling understands how important it is to treat your air and heating systems with respect and quality workmanship. Contact the team today at One Stop to schedule a free estimate at your convenience.

Beat the Heat: Simple Tips for Your A/C This Summer!

Brutal summer temperatures frequently leave Phoenix homeowners looking for HVAC support. Phoenix enjoys average highs surpassing the 100-degree mark from June through September and trust us, you don’t want your air conditioner to fail during this stretch. In order to stay cool and in control this summer, we have pulled together a list of fantastic yet simple tips for your air conditioning system.

Whether you have a small house or a massive warehouse, keep on reading to find the tips YOU need to stay cool this year!

Adjust Your Ceiling Fans

If you have to rely on your ceiling fans to keep the heat at bay, make sure to set them correctly for the summer months. In order to do this, all you have to do is set your fan to blow downwards. This causes your room to feel cooler as hot air is replaced by the cooler air from above. This is a simple fix that you can implement today that won’t cause a single penny — and we like that!

Check Your A/C Filters

Did you know that you should be in the habit of regularly changing your air conditioning filters? It’s true! While it can be easy to forget that these filters need to be changed, avoiding doing so will lead to a reduction in efficiency throughout your household.

Dirty filters make it harder for air to pass through your system and this can cause your A/C to strain from the efforts. Not only will you feel less cool, but your home’s energy will also become less efficient — leading to increased energy bills throughout the summer.

Tip — Some air conditioning filters can be cleaned at home. Check online with your filter’s manufacturer to see if yours can be scrubbed clean. Try to change your filter at least once every three months, changing based upon use.

Trap Cool Night Air

While Phoenix can feel like it is boiling during the day, nights in Arizona are actually rather comfortable. Before you go to bed at night make sure to turn off your air conditioning unit before opening all of your windows. Allow the cool night air to fill the home and then in the morning make sure to close the windows before the heat of the day arrives.

By closing the windows before it gets too hot, you can trap that cool air in your home. Shut the blinds to retain all of that precious cool air.

Install a High-Efficiency System

How long have you lived in your current home? When was the last time you oversaw the installation of a new HVAC system? The average air conditioning unit can operate effectively for between 10 and 15 years, often depending on the level of maintenance the system enjoys. As most homeowners tend to ignore their HVAC system until it breaks, the odds are good that your building is due for an upgrade.

Consider investing in a high-efficiency HVAC system by contacting a local HVAC contractor. Discuss SEER ratings and any potential green energy credits that are available with your purchase. An upgraded HVAC system can leave your home cooler for longer periods of time at a more affordable rate.

Install Blackout Curtains

Radiant heat leaking through your window can go a long way toward raising the temperature of your home. If you really want to hide from the heat, consider investing in blackout curtains. Blackout curtains are designed to completely remove the light from your room, and they are often used by people who work overnight shifts.

Blackout curtains can remove the light from your home while allowing the ambient temperature in the room to decrease. While blackout curtains aren’t exactly cheap, they are infinitely more affordable than some other options available.

Buy a Programmable Thermostat

As it turns out, micromanaging the thermostat in your home can save you money and sweat. Programmable thermostats make adjusting the dial more efficient than ever, giving you the chance to take absolute control over your cooling efforts. Some studies suggest that programmable thermostats can save homeowners hundreds of dollars every single year in energy costs.

With a programmable thermostat, set the A/C to stay cool when you are awake and to turn off when you are in bed or away from the home. Easy!

About One Stop Heating & Cooling

As temperatures begin to rise, Arizona residents need to know that their cooling solutions will work. The team at One Stop Heating & Cooling has dedicated themselves to providing top-tier sales, service, repair, and installation for all air conditioning, heating, and indoor air quality products.

Driven by honest and reliable work, One Stop Heating & Cooling is proud to offer an array of winning benefits to its clients throughout the area.

  • Family-Owned, Family Operated
  • 24 Hour Emergency Hours
  • Free Estimates
  • Commercial and Residential Services
  • Flexible Financing Solutions (On Approval!)

For an appointment with the best residential and commercial HVAC team in Arizona, fill out our online contact form or pick up the phone and call for a quote at your convenience!

Tips to Keep Your Home Cool During an Arizona Summer

During the summer months, it is not uncommon for the average temperature in Phoenix to exceed 99 degrees Fahrenheit! That means your home’s air conditioning system is working hard around the clock to keep your home comfortable. However, there are some steps you can take to keep your home cool during the sweltering months of summer that don’t involve cranking the thermostat down!

Create Shade Around Your Home

You can use landscaping to your advantage to reduce the amount of sun that reaches your home in the first place. Specifically, having larger shrubs or trees around your home’s east- and west-facing windows can create some much-needed shade that will keep your home a little cooler during the hottest times of the day.

If you don’t have any significant landscaping around your home’s perimeter, now is a good time to consider working with a landscaping professional to minimize sun exposure in your home and add some curb appeal in the process!

Use Ceiling Fans to Your Advantage

Ceiling fans can be a great (and energy-efficient) way to keep each room of your home a few degrees cooler without having to adjust your thermostat. Make sure you’re using any existing ceiling fans in your home to keep air circulating. If you don’t have ceiling fans in your home (or if they’re missing from your main living spaces), having one installed is relatively simple and inexpensive. In fact, any money you spend having ceiling fans installed can be offset by energy savings down the road!

Invest in Window Treatments

Just as you can use strategically placed landscaping to cut down on sunlight entering your home, you can use window treatments in a similar manner. Specifically, you’ll want to make sure that any east- and west-facing rooms in your home (which will naturally receive the most sunlight) have light-blocking window treatments. This can include blinds, drapes, curtains, or even full blackout panels.

During the brightest times of day in these rooms, be sure to draw these window treatments closed. This will reduce the amount of sunlight that enters the room and thus keep the temperature down in your home. And of course, the right window treatments can also add some beauty to your space!

Reduce Your Use of Heat-Generating Appliances

You might be surprised at just how much heat clothes dryers, ovens, and even dishwashers can put off as they operate. With this in mind, you may want to avoid using these appliances during the heat of the day whenever possible. If you have to run a load of dishes or dry a load of laundry, try to do so during the evening or nighttime hours instead.

You can also cut down on your use of these heat-generating appliances by making sure that your dishwasher is completely full before you run it. Likewise, avoid doing laundry until you have a full load of clothes to wash. This will not only keep your home more comfortable during the summer months, but will cut down on the wear and tear of these appliances as well.

Maintain Your Air Conditioner

The last thing you need in the middle of a sweltering Arizona summer is to run into mechanical problems with your air conditioning unit. This is why it’s so important to take care of all components of your AC system year-round! There are plenty of steps you can take to maintain your AC system, starting with swapping out the air filter as needed. Typically, filters should be changed about once every 90 days to ensure proper airflow and maximize the efficiency of your unit. When was the last time you changed yours?

You’ll also want to take measures to protect your outdoor AC compressor unit from the elements. This includes keeping any landscaping (shrubs, plants, weeds, etc.) trimmed back and away from the unit itself to allow for proper airflow.

In addition to all of this, scheduling an annual air conditioning tune-up and inspection with a trusted HVAC professional can also extend the life of your unit and help you avoid unwanted surprises this summer. An annual inspection can alert you to potential problems that you can repair before they turn into more costly issues. Meanwhile, a tune-up can keep your air conditioning running smoothly all summer long.

Schedule Your AC Service Today!

A little creativity can go a long way towards keeping your Arizona home cool this summer. By following these tips, you can give your air conditioner a much-needed break without sacrificing comfort in the process.

Looking for an HVAC company you can trust with your annual AC inspection and tune-up? One Stop Heating & Cooling has you covered! Contact us today at (623) 688-6556 to schedule your inspection or to find out more about our residential services.

Things You Can Do To Prep Your AC for the Arizona Summer!

As summer approaches and temperatures rise throughout Arizona, homeowners find themselves relying more and more on their air conditioning systems to stay comfortable indoors. Before the most sweltering temperatures of the year hit, however, it’s a good idea to make sure your home’s air conditioning system receives a little TLC. After all, a well-maintained air conditioner will run more efficiently and be less prone to mechanical failures throughout the summer.

Not sure where to begin when it comes to preparing your AC for another sweltering Arizona summer? We’ve got you covered with some practical tips and recommendations.

Replace Dirty Air Filters

Start by asking yourself when you last changed your HVAC system’s air filter. If it’s been more than a few months, then there’s a good chance that your air filter is in dire need of replacement. With most furnace and AC air filters, the recommended amount of time in between changes is around 90 days.

Swapping out your air filter with a fresh one ensures that you’re not trying to run your air conditioning with a clogged filtration system. This, in turn, improves your indoor air quality and helps your unit run more efficiently. By preventing your air conditioning system from working harder than it needs to this summer, you’re also reducing the likelihood of needing costly and unexpected repairs.

Optimize Efficiency

Now is also a good time to take some proactive measures to improve the efficiency of your air conditioning system, which in turn can keep it running more smoothly. There are plenty of steps you can take to optimize efficiency, such as checking around your home for drafty windows and doors. Taking the time to caulk around drafty areas of the home provides better insulation, thus protecting your air conditioning unit from being overworked.

If any of the ductwork in your home is exposed, you may also want to consider having it insulated. This will help to keep cold air traveling from your AC’s condenser unit as cool as possible as it makes it way to your vents. This improves energy efficiency, which can save you money on your electric bills while also helping your AC unit run more efficiently.

Check the Condensate Line

Your air conditioning system also contains a part known as a “condensate drain,” which is responsible for carrying moisture away from the unit that is formed during the refrigeration cycle. Unfortunately, condensate drain lines can become clogged over time. When this happens, water can become backed up in the drain pan and eventually overflow, causing water damage that can affect other important parts of your air conditioning system.

For this reason, it’s a good idea to check your AC’s condensate line for clogs at least once a year—and to clear them out as necessary. This small step can protect you from much more costly damage and repairs down the road.

Schedule Preventative Maintenance

If you’re not already enrolled in an HVAC service plan for your home, now is the time to consider signing up for an annual maintenance and tune-up plan for your air conditioning system. Having a yearly inspection done by an experienced and knowledgeable HVAC professional is a great way to stay on top of small repairs and other issues that need to be addressed before they turn into major and costly AC repairs or premature replacement.

Meanwhile, many HVAC service plans also include tune-up services, which can help to get your air conditioning system ready for summer. While the exact services included in a tune-up can vary greatly from one company to the next, many will include such services as cleaning parts, checking condensate lines, measuring refrigerant levels, and much more. An annual tune-up is a great way to keep your home’s AC system running as smoothly as possible.

Ideally, you should have an AC inspection and tune-up done in the early spring months; this gives you time to have any necessary repairs done and ensures that your AC system is ready to perform as the warmer months of the year approach. However, you can have an AC inspection done at any time.

One Stop Heating & Cooling is Here to Help

Looking for a local HVAC company you can trust with your home’s AC inspection and tune-up? One Stop Heating & Cooling has you covered. Our NATE-certified technicians can also handle any necessary repairs or even total AC replacement to suit your needs. Ultimately, our goal is to help you stay as comfortable as possible in your home this summer—no matter what Arizona’s harsh climate brings.

Schedule your AC tune-up and inspection with our friendly team at One Stop Heating & Cooling today by our contact form or calling us anytime at (623) 688-6556. We look forward to serving you! We’d also be happy to answer any questions you may have about our residential services or schedule a quote for AC replacement, so feel free to reach out.

How to Prepare For Your Spring A/C Tune-Up!

As spring rolls into view once again and the temperatures begin to rise, air conditioning units throughout Arizona will be relied upon once again. Arizona’s spring season rolls into view starting in early March as temperatures climb from the steady 50°Fs into the 80°Fs with regularity. As temperatures continue to climb, cities like Phoenix can get hit with daily highs exceeding 100 °F!

To beat the heat and stay cool this year, make sure that you prepare your air conditioning system with a tune-up service. Let’s explore how air conditioning maintenance routines can benefit your home, your health, and your overall bottom line.

How to Prepare for Your AC Tune-Up 

As Arizona’s warmer months fully roll into view, our reliance on the air conditioning system within our home increases. With high temperatures in July, August, and September elevating past 107 °F, access to proper cooling solutions can impact your overall health and wellness.

Before ringing your favorite HVAC technicians at One Stop Heating & Cooling, there are a few ways that you can prepare for your AC tune-up service.

  1. Inspect Outdoor Unit — Properly preparing for a professional A/C tune-up should include assessing the outdoor unit attached to your home. Take this time to monitor for potential issues including broken panels or failing components. This is also a good time to make sure there are no animals or nests near your equipment.
  2. Change AC Filter — One of the easiest ways to vastly improve the operational efficiency and lifespan of your AC unit is by regularly changing the air filter. Air filters should be replaced between 30 and 90 days, pending the level of use that your household experiences. Not only are clean air filters vital to the efficiency of your air conditioning system, but they are also your first line of defense when it comes to maintaining the air quality of your household.
  3. Clear Debris From Near Outdoor Unit — From ants and bees to pack rats and birds, the pests and rodents of Arizona are always ready to make a nest or make a mess. While inspecting your HVAC unit outside, look for any twigs, debris, or potential nesting materials put in place by an animal.
  4. Schedule Regular Services Every Spring — Regular air conditioning tune-ups can go a long way toward improving the air quality of your home, the comfort of your household, and the size of your bank account. With a $49.95 maintenance special currently available, now is the best time to call on One Stop Heating & Cooling to book your annual maintenance services.

With these points of preparation out of the way, we can move forward by scheduling a maintenance appointment with the team at One Stop Heating & Cooling! One Stop Heating & Cooling specializes in upfront pricing for services offered by qualified experts!

Benefits of Regular AC Maintenance 

As the world seemingly comes to life around us with Spring’s full introduction, improving our air quality and ensuring proper access to our cooling system should become a priority. While the average air conditioning unit can last for up to 15 years, regular maintenance and competent check-ups are imperative. Let’s look at a few key advantages that come with regular AC tune-up services.

  • Extended System Lifespan — With an average lifespan between 10 and 15 years, homeowners can make sure they get the most out of their system by scheduling regular tune-up services. Regular maintenance calls are ideal for addressing issues before they come to their full realization.
  • Improve Operational Efficiency — An air conditioning system that does not experience frequent maintenance will begin to heavily showcase signs of wear-and-tear. As issues manifest throughout the system, operational efficiency can drop while causing your energy bill to skyrocket!
  • Save Money in the Long Run — An ounce of preparation is more affordable than a pound of repairs. By engaging in regular maintenance services, we are keeping an eye on one of the most important systems within our household. Pay for maintenance today to avoid exorbitant bills in the future!

According to the team at One Stop Heating & Cooling, it is imperative to schedule at least one AC tune-up per year to ensure your systems continued operational effectiveness.

Call One Stop Heating & Cooling For a Quote, Today!

One Stop Heating & Cooling is a family-owned and operated company that has been proudly serving residents of Arizona for years.  With a full team of sales, service, repair, and installation technicians at the ready, One Stop Heating & Cooling is proud to offer 24/7 services to keep you cool no matter the situation or time of day.

In addition to offering 24/7 emergency service hours, One Stop Heating & Cooling can be counted on for a variety of beneficial services.

  • Residential & Commercial Repairs
  • FREE Estimates on All Service Calls
  • Customer Satisfaction GUARANTEED
  • Frequent Specials & Financing Options

Don’t sweat out your next service call, let the team at One Stop Heating & Cooling help you, today!

4 Common Causes of HVAC Failure in Modern Homes

Heating and cooling solutions have been part and parcel of daily life since they were first introduced in the early 1900s. The air conditioner was brought forth by Willis Carrier in 1902 while the furnace as we know it was introduced in 1919. Since then, homes around the nation have been outfitted with modern and advanced HVAC systems.

Yet for all the comfort and convenience that our modern HVAC systems provide, they also experience some common causes of failure. There are many reasons that an HVAC system can fail and the majority of them should be diagnosed by the professionals at One Stop Heating and Cooling.

Before you pick up the phone to call on your team of HVAC professionals, let’s take some time to outline four of the most common causes of HVAC failure in homes and businesses, today.

Dirty Filters Due to Neglect

Did you know that one of the most effective ways to maintain a high level of air quality is by changing out your air filters on a routine basis? It’s true and yet so many people neglect to even find out where the filters for their HVAC units are.

Dirty air filters are one of the most common causes of struggling HVAC systems in the world. Thankfully, this is a relatively simple fix. Merely find the dirty filters within your HVAC system before replacing them entirely. There are washable filter options available for people that want to shop for more sustainable heating and cooling solutions.

Changing out your dirty filters should become a priority and the first line of defense against a failing HVAC unit. The team at One Stop Heating and Cooling suggests changing air filters at least once every three months, depending on use.

Malfunctioning Thermostat / Broken Thermostat

Without the thermostat centrally controlling your HVAC system, things can stop working as they should. Broken thermostats are far more often the cause of issues within HVAC systems than many might expect. Thankfully, this is a relatively simple and inexpensive repair. With that being said, use this time to consider upgrading to a better style of a thermostat, particularly if you live in an older home with an older and out of date HVAC system.

Broken thermostats can be quickly fixed by an HVAC repair technician. The big hurdle that must be overcome with this problem is that a broken thermostat may be hard to pin down at first due to the evolving nature of HVAC systems. As always, a careful inspection with the assistance of an HVAC tech can clarify this issue further.

Frozen Evaporator Coil

When we don’t regularly clean our air filtration devices, we can end up with a big issue in the form of a frozen evaporator coil. Frozen coils are caused by air filtration problems that cause a build-up of frost on or near the actual coil. This issue can get identified rather quickly by inspecting the coil itself. This is an issue that would benefit from a professional set of hands, so consider a technician when it comes time to fix and solve this problem for the future.

Frozen evaporator coils can also happen when an air conditioning system is operated too long and too intensely. Make sure to pay attention to your AC needs and to quickly identify potential frozen coil problems. A small issue today can grow into a large issue tomorrow.

HVAC Without Power Might Signify a Tripped Breaker

Have you ever come home to a cold or otherwise non-temperature controlled home? While our first thoughts may run to the thermostat, another likely cause for this issue is a tripped breaker. When an HVAC system refuses to function at all it potentially signifies an issue between the power system and the furnace, likely fixable through simply resetting the break.

The first time that a homeowner finds a non-function HVAC system, check the breaker box. If resetting the breakers doesn’t bring power back to your heating and cooling systems, make sure to pick up the phone and call on the team at One Stop Heating and Cooling for a free estimate.

Maximize Your Winter Energy Efficiency by Watching For This!

If you’re feeling defeated by high heating bills this winter, it may be time to re-evaluate the energy-efficiency of your home’s heating system. Whether you have a gas or electric furnace, there are a number of issues that can waste energy and cost you money. And of course, a furnace with poor energy-efficiency has to work harder to keep your home comfortable—which results in premature wear and tear.

There are many potential sources of skyrocketing energy bills during the winter months, but one you won’t want to overlook is that of leaky air ducts. By understanding what causes air duct leaks and what you can do about them, you can optimize the efficiency of your home’s heating system and possibly cut down on those energy bills as a result.

Are Duct Leaks Costing You Money?

Your home’s furnace is connected to a series of ductwork that runs throughout your home. Because ductwork tends to be hidden in ceilings and behind drywall, you probably don’t think much about it. Over time, however, individual sections of ductwork can loosen (especially as your house naturally settles). This creates gaps that allow air to escape.

Why is this a problem? Because after your furnace works to generate warm air, that air can be lost through leaks in your ductwork. As a result, your furnace needs to work even harder to create more heat. As you can imagine, this is detrimental to your home’s energy efficiency and may lead to higher energy bills.

Ideally, sections of ductwork in your home should be completely airtight. Unfortunately, even small leaks in your home’s ductwork can lead to a loss of up to 40% of efficiency. Meanwhile, these small leaks in your home’s ductwork can also invite dust and other debris to make their way into your ducts and vents. This can result in poor indoor air quality in addition to higher energy bills. What a drag!

How to Diagnose an Air Duct Leak

Determining whether air duct leaks are a problem in your home can be difficult, especially when you consider that much of your home’s ductwork is hidden behind walls. Still, there are several “red flags” you can watch out for that may indicate the presence of air duct leaks in your home, such as:

  • a sudden or gradual increase in energy bills
  • inconsistent heating/cooling (some rooms are colder/warmer than others)
  • noticeable increase in dust throughout your home

If there are visible areas of ductwork (such as in your basement or attic), there are also some things you can do to check for leaks. Start with a visual inspection to look for obvious tears or other damage. Pay careful attention to duct joints, which are areas where two sections of ductwork are joined together.

You’ll also want to be on the lookout for signs of patched ductwork from previous homeowners. For example, if you notice that there is duct tape wrapped around a section of ductwork, this is probably a sign that the duct had an air leak in the past and was not properly repaired.

What to Do About an Air Duct Leak

If you believe your home has air duct leaks, you’ll want to repair them as soon as possible. Otherwise, you’ll continue to throw money out the window each month with high heating bills.

Generally, it’s best to leave air duct leak repairs to an HVAC professional. Not only will an experienced HVAC specialist be able to pinpoint the exact locations of leaks throughout your home, but he or she will also be able to repair them properly. Using specialized metallic tapes and sealants, it is possible to repair most air duct leaks in a way that will last.

Likewise, if it is discovered that any of your home’s air ducts have fallen out of alignment, this is something that an HVAC professional will be able to assist with. Once everything is sealed back up and aligned properly, you can rest assured that both cool and warm air will be carried efficiently throughout your home with minimal temperature loss and proper air pressure. This, in turn, should lead to lower energy bills, a more comfortable living space, and improved overall indoor air quality for everybody in your household!

Schedule an Appointment With One Stop Heating & Cooling

Ready to have an HVAC specialist check your home’s air ducts for leaks? Need air duct leaks patched or repaired? Our team at One Stop Heating & Cooling is here to help. We proudly serve Phoenix and the surrounding areas with a wide range of HVAC services that include air duct repair. Our goal is to help you maximize energy efficiency in your home by detecting and sealing off leaks. We can also assist with correcting air pressure imbalances within your system.

Reach out to our friendly team at (623) 688-6556 to schedule your appointment or to find out more about what we can do for you!

Heater Maintenance Tips to Get You Through the Winter

Proper heater maintenance will ensure that you and your family stay warm and cozy throughout the winter months. There’s nothing worse than a heating system that’s not working right on a cold winter night. Here’s a list of things that you should check on to keep your heating system in good condition for the chillier months. With the proper maintenance, your heating system will everyone warm, run more efficiently and last a lot longer. Just like a car needs to be maintained, so does your home’s heating system.

Check the Furnace Filter

A clean filter will keep your heating system operating well and with efficiency. The filter should be replaced about every 30 to 90 days, depending on how often you use the heat. Dirty filters just make the heating system have to work harder and longer. Be sure to stock up on furnace filters for the winter, so you’re prepared for those cold nights.  You can also ask your HVAC technician if you’re using the proper filter on a maintenance visit.

Flush Out the Hot Water Tank

Flushing out the hot water tank will remove sediment that could impede the operation of your HVAC system. Over time, debris builds up in your heating system and it has to be flushed out. You can also check the pressure relief valve to ensure it’s in good working order.

Clean the Humidifier

The home humidifier is a critical part of the heating system. Maintaining the right amount of humidity inside your house keeps the air quality good and your heating system operating well. Be sure to change the evaporator pad, too.

Bleed Radiator Valves

If your home has a hot water radiator, it’s important to bleed the valves. This helps remove trapped air. When you bleed the valves, it helps your heating system operate better. Just open the valves a little bit and close them when the water starts to leak.

Keep the Furnace Area Clean

Proper airflow is essential for your heating system to work properly. Remove items block any vents or air duct registers. Remove stored items that are close to your heating system and move them away from the unit. With proper airflow, your heating system doesn’t have to work as hard to provide heat for your home.

Inspect for Leaks

Take a good look around the air ducts. Do a thorough inspection.  Are there any loose joints, leaks or holes? If so, do some ductwork repair or call a professional to do it for you. This will prevent warm air from escaping and keep your heating system operating at its top performance.

Check the Thermostat

Don’t just assume that the thermostat is working properly. Test it out. Turn the thermostat up a few degrees. You should hear the heater turn and then feel some warm air coming out. Be sure to check the thermostat before winter rolls in. If it’s time for a new thermostat, go ahead and invest in one.

Clean the Outside Unit

Your heating system is not just operating inside your house. It draws air from the exterior, warms it up and then distributes the warm air inside your home. Remove debris from the outside unit from all of the elements, including leaves.  It will only block and stall the air intake. And if it snows, shovel it away from the unit, so the unit can breathe. The outdoor unit should always be clean and free of debris.

Clean and Unblock Vents

Heat won’t come from the ducts if the vents are blocked. And the built-up heat can cause damage to your hearing system. Be sure t dust and unblock all vents from things like pet hair and other types of blockages. This way, the warm air can flow freely into the rooms.

Fix Crack and Holes

It’s important that your heating system doesn’t have to overwork in the wintertime. The warm air that constantly escapes from drafty windows and cracks in the walls will force your heating system to have to work harder. So, plug up any cracks or holes. You can plug holes with caulk and cover drafty windows with plastic. This will help the home retain heat and lessen the load on your heating system.

Get a Winter Tune-Up

Getting a winter tune is well worth the investment. During a tune-up, all ductwork and airflow are checked, gas pressure and gas leaks are tested, electrical controls are inspected, the thermostat is tested and air temperature tests at vents are done. A winter tune-up for your heating system is the ideal way to maintain your heating unit. Plus, it’s best to know if any repairs are needed before things breakdown on a cold night.

If you don’t properly maintain your heating system, it just might not make it through the winter. Follow this list of maintenance steps to take and stay warm this winter.