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Common Misconceptions of A/Cs. There’s a lot of bad advice out there, and that’s especially true when it comes to equipment like your air conditioner. Most people have an air conditioner, but few people are actually experts when it comes to how they work and what you can do to help them work longer. As your local air conditioning experts in Apache Junction, we want to help set the record straight. 

1 – There’s No Way to Make Your A/C Last Longer

 

Most people don’t take a very proactive approach to A/C maintenance. They assume it will last for several years, need some repairs, then eventually give out altogether. While there is some kernel of truth in that, and all air conditioners will eventually need to be replaced, you can dramatically prolong the life of your unit. Change the filters regularly and get regular AC tune-ups. Doing so will save you money in the long run by making your unit last longer.

2 – Get the Biggest Air Conditioner Possible

Arizona can get unbelievably hot during the summer. Some people think they can beat the heat with a larger air conditioner, but this simply isn’t true. Bigger units use a lot more energy, which increases your bills, but your ductwork can only handle so much air. Furthermore, your air conditioner regulates the humidity in your home, so it isn’t necessarily a good idea to minimize cycle times. It’s important to find an A/C unit that’s big enough to keep your home cool without being too big. An HVAC contractor will be able to help you choose the right size.

3 – Closing Vents in Empty Rooms Improves Efficiency

Unfortunately, this isn’t an appropriate way to mimic the effects of zoned heating and cooling. Unless your system has different zones, it’s intended to treat the entire house. Closing some vents will just trap cold air in the ductwork, and your system will still be working just as hard to create more cold air for the rooms that do have their vents opened. With some vents closed, your home will start to have inconsistent temperatures. If you close too many vents and your ductwork gets too cold, you could even cause problems like a frozen condenser in your air conditioner. 

4 – Turn the Thermostat Way Down to Cool the Home Faster

Some people have the idea to turn their thermostats down to a setting even lower than their target temperature. “If I set the thermostat to 50°, it will get down to 70° faster, right?” This is not the case. Your air conditioner will already work as hard as it can to get your home to the desired temperature as quickly as possible. There’s no benefit to turning it to a lower temperature, and all you’re doing is giving yourself a chance to forget to put the setting back. If your unit isn’t getting the home cool enough, you likely need A/C maintenance.

5 – Turn the A/C off When You Leave Home

There are a lot of myths surrounding this idea. Some say not to turn the A/C off because it will have to “work harder” after you turn it back on. We don’t recommend turning your air conditioner all the way off during summer in Arizona, but that’s not the reason. The real problem is that your home could become over 100° on the inside if you leave for long enough, which is bad for your food, pets, plants, and possessions. Instead, we recommend raising the thermostat to a setting higher than normal without turning it all the way off (around 80°).

6 – It Doesn’t Matter Where Your Outdoor Unit Goes

Any good HVAC professional should be able to give you guidance about the best place to put your outdoor unit. We normally recommend putting it somewhere that gives it a little some shade, since direct sunlight can make it hotter and slow down the cooling process. For that reason, it’s best to put the unit on the north side of the home whenever possible. Putting it under a tree can provide some shade, too, but make sure you keep the unit free from debris.

7 – Changing the Filter Isn’t a Big Deal

Some homeowners try to save a bit of money by cleaning the filter instead of changing it out for a new one. Unfortunately, the filter will collect some debris that simply can’t be cleaned. This permanent debris in the filter will disrupt the flow of air through your unit, which causes all kinds of problems. Your air conditioner will become less efficient, and that could lead to expensive repairs.

8 – Air Conditioners Only Cool the Home

Humidity isn’t normally a big concern throughout Arizona compared to in many other parts of the country. That said, it can be harder for your air conditioner to cool your home if the humidity is either too low or too high. The air conditioner in your home will affect the humidity of your rooms as well as the temperature. 

9 – It Doesn’t Matter Where the Thermostat Goes

Some people think it only matters to put the thermostat in a place where it looks good or is convenient to adjust. There’s another reason that the location of your thermostat matters, though. There’s a thermometer in the thermostat that measures the temperature of the air and sends signals to the rest of your HVAC system. In other words, your home may get too cool if you put the thermostat somewhere where it can sense excess heat from direct sunlight or kitchen appliances. If you put your thermostat directly over a vent, it may cool faster than the rest of the home and cause your air conditioner to shut off too soon.

10 – A/C Maintenance Is a Waste of Money

Some people think of regular air conditioner tune-ups as nothing more than a way for HVAC contractors to make some extra money. The truth is, though, that the cost of routine air conditioning maintenance is incredibly low compared to the things that can go wrong if you neglect the system. A skilled HVAC contractor will be able to prevent the system from losing efficiency as quickly, which helps save money on utility bills. Perhaps even more importantly, regular tune-ups will help address issues proactively instead of allowing them to become big, expensive problems.

A/C Repair Services Available in Apache Junction with Superstition Cooling!

Here at Superstition Cooling, we’re proud to be family owned and operated. Our reputation means everything to us, so you can always count on us to give you the truth about your HVAC system. From regular A/C maintenance to ductwork repair, our team of experts will do everything they can to keep your home comfortable. Contact us today for air conditioning service in Apache Junction or any of the surrounding areas.

You can call Superstition Cooling at 480-712-1597. Call us today so that we can help you with your heating or A/C needs!

 

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Superstition Cooling 6235 E 18th Ave Apache Junction , AZ 85119

Common AC Problems You Could Face. Air conditioner problems are one of every homeowners’ biggest nightmares, and that’s especially true here in Arizona. Temperatures regularly rise over 100°F, which means that things can get uncomfortable in a hurry whenever there are AC problems. Even the best HVAC systems will eventually have some issues, so it’s important to recognize them quickly, diagnose them accurately, and correct them as soon as possible. Our experienced HVAC contractors have worked on countless different air conditioners over the years, and we find that the following 10 concerns are the most common ones you’re likely to experience.

1 – Clogged Drains

When your air conditioner treats the air, it removes excess moisture. Additionally, some moisture occurs because of the processes that cool the air inside your HVAC unit. All of this moisture needs a place to go, which is why your AC unit diverts it through a drain line, into a pan, and eventually down a drain and out of your home. If there’s a clog anywhere in this system, water will start to back up. Such an event can damage your system or leak out into your wall, floors, and ceilings. Watch out for excess moisture and contact an HVAC contractor before you get a mold problem.

2 – Frozen Evaporator Coil

The evaporator coil in your air conditioner is filled with refrigerant so it can absorb heat from the air, cooling it down before blowing it into your home. One common AC problem is that the airflow gets disrupted, and there’s no more warm air for your evaporator coil to treat. When this happens, it’s not unusual for the evaporator coil to get too cold and form a buildup of ice. With ice on the evaporator coil, it won’t be able to do its job correctly. Your home will either get warm air or no air at all.

3 – Low Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the critical thing your air conditioner uses to remove heat and excessive humidity from the air. If the refrigerant level gets too low, your home won’t be able to cool the air as effectively as it once could. It’s not especially difficult for an HVAC contractor to add more refrigerant, but unfortunately, the issue normally goes beyond that. Low refrigerant levels normally happen because of other AC problems. For example, it may have dropped because there are leaks or holes in the refrigerant lines or somewhere else in your air conditioner. You’ll have to get those repaired to ensure that your new refrigerant doesn’t simply leak out again.

4 – Dirty Condenser Coils

The condenser coils are found in the outside part of your AC unit, which means they’re at higher risk of getting exposed to dirt, dust, and other contaminants. This is a common concern in large cities where there is a lot of soot and pollution in the air, and it also leads to air conditioner issues here in the desert where there’s lots of dust. When the condenser coils are covered in grime, they can’t transfer heat out of the building very efficiently. Your unit will have to work extra hard to do its job, which puts wear and tear on other parts, eventually leading to a complete AC failure.

5 – Faulty Sensor

Your air conditioner uses a sensor to determine when it needs to increase or decrease the temperature. If the sensor is malfunctioning or is in the wrong place, it won’t be able to gauge the temperature accurately. You might start to notice that your air conditioner is going on and off at unusual times or with unusual regularity. An HVAC contractor will be able to troubleshoot this situation by testing the sensor itself and making sure it’s positioned properly.

6 – AC Capacitor Problems

Your capacitor is the component that keeps everything else in your air conditioner running. It’s hard work keeping the motors going, so air conditioning capacitors occasionally get worn out and need to be replaced.

Regular cleaning and condenser filter replacements can help your capacitor last longer by reducing how hard it has to work to get the job done. You’ll definitely notice when you have a broken capacitor because it creates obvious air conditioner problems. For example, your system will make unusual noises, turn itself off, or simply fail to turn on at all.

7 – Circuit Board Problems

The control board in your air conditioner is what translates your settings so the AC can function. If it starts to seem that your air conditioner has developed a mind of its own, this likely points to a control board issue. This is the first place an HVAC contractor is likely to check if your AC seems to ignore your temperature settings.

8 – Air Conditioner Trips Circuit Breaker

If your breaker trips every time the AC turns on, it means there’s a serious electrical issue. Contact an HVAC professional as soon as possible whenever this happens. For one thing, your home won’t be able to cool down until the issue is resolved, Worse still, it can lead to dangerous electrical overloads.

9 – Compressor Problems

This is one of the common AC problems that might lead to difficulty cooling your home. Essentially, your compressor will start to wear out over time, which prevents it from pressurizing the refrigerant as efficiently as it should. If the refrigerant level in your air conditioner is good, but your home still isn’t cooling, it could be because the compressor’s output has been compromised.

10 – Wear and Tear in Outside AC Unit

The outside part of your unit is prone to AC difficulties since it’s exposed to the elements. Common issues include things like damaged connections, normal wear and tear, and even pest damage. Regular AC maintenance can help you prevent these concerns, or at least correct them as early as possible.

Need Air Conditioner Repair Near Apache Junction? Contact Superstition Cooling Today!

When if you notice any AC issues, including those mentioned above, give us a call here at Superstition Cooling. We’ve proudly served Apache Junction, Scottsdale, Tempe, Gilbert, and all the surrounding areas for 15 years. You can count on our experience when you need to make your home comfortable again, and our large community of satisfied customers can attest to that. Our customers contact us with complete confidence because everything we do is backed by warranties. Contact us today to get fast, effective service that will put your mind at ease and keep your home comfortable for many years to come.

‌‌Tips‌ ‌for‌ ‌AC Maintenance. One of the nice things about apartments and condos is that they’re generally less demanding on your air conditioner. Your apartment or condo AC unit still needs some regular maintenance, though, which is especially important for hot climates like we have here in Arizona. Keeping up with your HVAC system doesn’t have to be a lot of work if you rely on professional AC maintenance. Here are the top five things you can do to maintain your air conditioner for apartments, condos, and other small spaces.

1 – Watch for Problems or Unusual Behavior

 

When your air conditioner isn’t cooling the way it used to, you can save yourself a lot of money and inconvenience by addressing it quickly. If your system is working harder than usual, it could mean that parts are getting worn out or that you’re running low on refrigerant. Low refrigerant levels normally mean that there are more significant AC problems like leaks and holes. Beyond changing temperatures, be mindful of signs like unusual smells, sounds, or run times.

2 – Clean the Vents

 

It’s best to dust your home regularly, and we recommend including the vents in your normal cleaning routine. As a rule, it’s best to dust your vents every couple of months to make sure they don’t get clogged up with dirt and grime. If you find that your vents get dirty even when you’re doing regular cleanings, that could be a sign that there is a lot of dust inside your air conditioning ducts. You might want to have a professional do a thorough cleaning of your ductwork to ensure that you can get proper airflow in your home and preserve the air quality.

3 – Change the Filter

HVAC systems need to have their filters changed at least every few months. If you have pets in the house, or if you have respiratory problems, you may want to change your filter even more frequently, possibly even every month. The great thing about changing the filter is that it’s easy enough that almost everyone can do this all by themselves. Do it regularly to keep your AC in good shape.

4 – Keep the External Unit Clear

The part of your air conditioner outside the home needs access to open air. Avoid storing anything on top of or against it, so it can do its job. We also recommend inspecting it for dirt regularly.

5 – Get a Professional AC Tune-up

Even if you follow all the tips above to help with your one AC maintenance, there are some jobs that are best left for a professional. For example, an HVAC contractor will be able to do things like check the refrigerant level, calibrate your thermostat and confirm that electrical components are still in working order. Most people simply don’t have the experience or equipment required to appropriately diagnose the status of their coils, controls, and compressors by themselves. 

Require An AC Tune-up? Contact Superstition Cooling Today!

When you require AC maintenance for your apartment or condo, you can count on our team at Superstition Cooling. We have more than 15 years of experience serving Apache Junction, Scottsdale, Mesa, and the rest of the East Valley area. We take pride in every project, and our customers can experience complete peace of mind because everything we do is backed by warranty. Contact us today to get fast, professional AC maintenance that will keep your apartment or condo cool and comfortable while minimizing your risk of air conditioner problems.

You can call Superstition Cooling at 480-712-1597. Call us today so that we can help you with your heating or A/C needs!

Contact Us

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Superstition Cooling 6235 E 18th Ave Apache Junction , AZ 85119

AC maintenance is critical to extending the lifespan of your air conditioner, making it run more efficiently, and helping save money on utility bills. The cost of AC maintenance will vary somewhat depending on how thorough your regular AC tune-ups are, which components are inspected, and which services are provided. All things considered, the cost of air conditioner tune-up services will normally range from $100-$200 dollars, and it’s worth paying that price to save money in the long run. It’s important, though, to make sure you’re paying for a legitimate service that will actually help your air conditioner last longer and work more efficiently.

Is the Cost of AC Maintenance Worth It?

Yes, it’s worth it to pay for AC tune-ups, but only from an HVAC company, you trust. Most HVAC technicians are trustworthy because they value their reputations within their communities. You can generally tell whether or not a company is legitimate by checking their reviews and seeing what others are saying about them. Thanks to online reviews, it’s easier than ever before to see how reliable a company is and what kind of service they provide. If a company has a reputation for being dishonest, that will quickly become apparent in its reviews on Google, Yelp, and other platforms.

Beyond checking the reviews, you can use your best judgment about whether or not the recommended repairs seem valid after your AC tune-up. For example, your system generally doesn’t need serious work if it’s still cooling the house properly and without using too much energy. The exception to that might be if you notice unusual smells or noises, especially in conjunction with poor cooling or rising energy bills. If everything seems normal in your home, you might want to be skeptical about expensive repair claims like the following:

• • The AC coils are leaking or damaged (especially if this goes beyond a minor refrigerant leak).
  • The blower motor is failing or is about to fail.
  • The compressor is failing or is about to fail.

Mechanical issues like that are certainly possible, but it’s most likely that you would notice a problem if that were happening. If your HVAC company tells you that your air conditioner is in need of an expensive repair, ask them additional questions about why that hasn’t impacted your utility bills or the temperature in your home. Unless they can give you an especially satisfactory answer, it might be time to get a second opinion. When getting a second opinion, don’t start by saying what the other questionable technician has already said. Simply ask for routine AC maintenance or an inspection and see if the second company reaches the same conclusion about your system.

What Are the Benefits of Regular AC Tune-Ups?

Simply put, an AC tune-up should include an inspection, some cleaning, and basic maintenance for your entire air conditioning system. The benefits of AC maintenance are that you will be able to detect and address small issues before they turn into larger problems. Catching things early allows you to save money by avoiding mechanical failures or other repairs that could come at a high price. Sometimes even small adjustments can prevent problems from spreading and ensure that your AC continues to run as efficiently as possible. If you get your air conditioner maintained on a regular schedule, you’re likely to recuperate the cost on your utility bills and by avoiding larger repairs.

How Often Should I Get an AC Tune-Up?

Most air conditioning units should be cleaned and given minor maintenance at least every couple of years. As your unit starts to get older, it may be a good idea to get it checked on every year or even every six months. There are also some things you can do yourself to help make sure that it stays in good condition. 

For example, you can make sure the part of the unit outside your house is clean and free from debris. It’s also important to make sure you’re changing your filters before they get too dirty. Even if you do those simple tasks, it’s important to get a professional to your home to provide a more in-depth inspection.

How Expensive Should an AC Tune-up Be?

If you’re offered an AC tune-up at a price that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Ask what’s on their checklist to make sure it includes all of the key areas mentioned below. If the tune-up isn’t thorough enough, it’s not worth any amount of money. The company may not do a good job, or they might just be trying to get into your home so they can make expensive recommendations. As long as the checklist is thorough and the company has good reviews, you can count on them to do a good job. 

What Does AC Maintenance Include?

There might be a slight variation in what your AC tune-up includes depending on the type of equipment you have and the company that performs your service. That said, there are certain things that should appear on just about any checklist. Most reputable HVAC companies will include the following nine things on their AC tune-up checklist:

1. 1. Check the air filter and replace it if it has become too dirty.
   2. Check for leaks in the ductwork and the unit itself to ensure that the treated air can make it into your home as intended.
   3. Clean the outdoor air conditioner unit to remove any debris that may have gotten inside.
   4. Clean the condensing coil in the outdoor unit and the evaporator coil in the indoor unit to ensure efficient heat transfer.
   5. Check the fan to ensure it’s moving as it should.
   6. Check the refrigerant lines for leaks, and add refrigerant if needed.
   7. Check the drain system and clean it out if needed.
   8. Inspect the blower, clean it, and adjust if necessary.
   9. Inspect electrical components like the capacitor.

After your AC maintenance is complete, the technician should be able to give you a report. Some companies write their reports up, and others will simply discuss the tune-up with you. At the very least, you should expect feedback about the services performed, things to keep an eye on, and what you can do to maximize your air conditioner’s performance. 

If the technician identifies any problems, you may be presented with an estimate for repairs. In that case, your technician should be willing and able to walk you through all of your options and provide a professional opinion. Don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion if you have your doubts.

Get the Best AC Maintenance from the Pros at Superstition Cooling

The best thing you can do for your AC maintenance is to hire an HVAC company in Phoenix you can trust. Here at Superstition Cooling, we take pride in providing reliable AC tune-ups for residents of Apache Junction and the rest of the East Valley area. We live and work here, so our reputation means everything to us. Every time we get called to perform regular AC maintenance, we look at it as an opportunity to help keep our neighbors comfortable. Contact us today to set up an appointment.

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Since Phoenix has such warm weather during most of the year, a lot of us don’t think about our furnaces very much. That can all change in a hurry if your furnace fails on one of the coldest days of the year. If you start to notice that your furnace is acting a little bit differently, it’s best to be proactive and nip things in the bud.

Here are five common furnace problems you should watch out for to prevent costly repairs down the road.

1 – Furnace Cycling Too Much

If your furnace seems to constantly cycle on and off, that means it’s having a hard time regulating temperature. The problem could be related to airflow, or it could mean your furnace is working too hard. If the problem is airflow, the solution could be as simple as replacing the filter. Otherwise, you may be dealing with a maxed out blower fan, faulty switch, or fuel problems. Contact an HVAC contractor to get to the bottom of things.

2 – Furnace Blows Cold Air

There are a few different reasons your furnace could be blowing cold air. Check your pilot light immediately to see if it’s still on. If the pilot is off, you may be able to relight it– just follow the instructions on your unit carefully to make sure you’re safe. If the pilot light is on but you’re still getting cold air, it may be time for a maintenance call.

3 – Thermostat Problems

Make sure your thermostat is set to automatic and on the right temperature. If the thermostat is telling you that it’s warmer than it really is, you may have to get a new one.

4 – Furnace Blows Dirty Air

If your furnace is blowing contaminated air that smells bad or seems dirty, it’s time to replace your filter. For best results, we recommend doing this every three months. When you replace your filter, set a reminder to do it again in a few months. This will help you keep your air quality as pure as possible.

5 – Furnace Not Blowing Air

If the furnace is on but no air is coming out of the vents, you have a fan problem. This is a mechanical issue, so it’s best left to a professional technician. They’ll repair your fan and make sure it’s not related to any larger issues.

Furnace Repair Vs. Furnace Replacement

When your furnace starts to malfunction, one of the biggest questions is, “should I repair my furnace or replace it?” The answer will depend on your unique situation, but we normally try to fix problems because it’s less expensive for our customers.

In the event that your furnace has failed completely or the repairs would be too extensive, it may be less expensive to replace your furnace altogether. Either way, a trustworthy Phoenix furnace repair company will give you an honest professional opinion about all of your options.

Contact Superstition Cooling for All Your Furnace Needs

Here at Superstition Cooling we are proud to be family owned and operated. Since we’re a local business with strong ties to the Phoenix community, our reputation means everything to us. We work hard to make a name for ourselves by providing excellent work, friendly service, and the best prices for furnace maintenance.

Contact us today if you’ve been experiencing furnace problems, or even if you want to take a proactive approach with regular maintenance. We’re available 24 hours a day to provide estimates and get to work on your furnace quickly.

When it’s time to install a new HVAC system in the Apache Junction area, most residents find themselves deciding between a heat pump and a traditional air conditioning system.

Both options offer roughly the same capabilities when it comes to cooling your home or business while it’s hot outside. The biggest differences occur when it comes to heating. Luckily, people in the area don’t have to worry about heating their homes as often as they need to cool them.

Heat Pumps Vs. Air Conditioners

Before you can decide between a heat pump and an air conditioner, it’s important to explore some of the differences between the two. Simply put, both types of HVAC units will be able to pump heat from inside your home to the outside, which lowers the temperature in your home.

The difference is that a heat pump can also work in the opposite direction, moving heat into the home to cool it off. This helps reduce the need for an additional heater or furnace.

We find that most customers are primarily concerned with the differences between price and energy efficiency. A new heat pump installation may be slightly more expensive than a traditional A/C unit. The good news is that customers can make their money back by saving on utility bills since heat pumps are more efficient.

Should I Choose an Air Conditioner or a Heat Pump?

The choice of an HVAC system will depend on the size of your home, the current setup of your heating and cooling plan, and a few other factors. For example, a heat pump may be more accessible if your home doesn’t have the ductwork to support central air.

Of all the factors that affect this decision, the environment may be the most important. Climates that regularly get below 40°F are not well-suited for heat pumps and may require a traditional furnace. The good news is that all of the following areas have climates that make heat pumps a viable option:

• • Phoenix
  • East Valley
  • Scottsdale
  • Tempe
  • Chandler
  • Sun Lakes
  • Mesa
  • Gilbert
  • San Tan Valley
  • Queen Creek
  • Apache Junction
  • Gold Canyon
  • Florence
  • Superior

Air Conditioner Vs. Heat Pump Maintenance

Both heat pumps and traditional HVAC equipment should last for a long time as long as you buy from a reputable brand, get regular maintenance, and address problems as soon as you can. If you notice that your existing system isn’t working as well as it used to, we recommend you call a professional as soon as possible.

Taking a proactive approach will help you save money in the long run, and more importantly, it will help you keep your home more comfortable. Here are just a few of the signs that you may need A/C or heat pump maintenance:

• • Inconsistent temperatures throughout the home
  • Strange noises or smells from the HVAC unit
  • Unusual increases in utility bills
  • Standing water or humidity problems
  • Temperatures too hot or too cold

Contact Superstition Cooling for Quality HVAC Service Today!

If you decide to use a traditional HVAC system, a heat pump, or a combination of both, we at Superstition Cooling can provide all the services you need to keep your home comfortable. We’re located in Apache Junction and have been serving the entire Phoenix area for over 15 years.

Our work is always backed by warranties, so our customers can choose us with complete confidence for their residential and commercial HVAC needs. Contact us today to get quick assistance that will help your home stay as comfortable as possible.

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