Arizona Indoor Air Quality Guide

Anyone who lives in Arizona knows how sweltering the state’s summers can be, and that the heat doesn’t just disappear when the summer ends. While the US southwest’s dry heat is precisely what some people love, it is, unfortunately, not beneficial when it comes to maintaining clean, healthy air. Air quality decreases during extended heat waves, which is bad news in AZ’s largely desert state. Little can be done to adjust the outdoor heat or air quality, but indoors, you have a bit more control over the cleanliness of the air you’re breathing. Learning about indoor air quality in AZ is the first step to helping your lungs breathe easy year-round in one of America’s hottest states.

Indoor Air Pollutants

The first step to understanding air quality within your home is understanding the presence of pollutants. Every home has contaminants, though some may have more than others. Contaminants usually fall into four categories:

• Asthma triggers
• Combustion pollutants
• VOCs
• Radon

Asthma triggers are, by and large, the most prominent source of pollutants in most homes. This category includes pet dander, dust, pollen, mold, and secondhand smoke. For the 25 million Americans diagnosed with asthma, these pollutants may cause coughing and difficulty breathing. For another 50 million Americans with allergies, these same pollutants can lead to sneezing, itching, and general hay fever symptoms.

Combustion pollutants consist of particles from unventilated or poorly ventilated heating appliances such as dryers, furnaces, space heaters, fireplaces, and water heaters. The amount of pollutants produced depends on the machine in question and ventilation measures.

VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are pollutants that originate from a wide array of household products. These include paints, pesticides, household cleaning products, air fresheners, and even dry-cleaned clothing. They can irritate the eyes, throat, and nose and lead to headaches in high amounts.

Radon is from the soil around a home. It’s a radioactive gas that may find its way indoors via cracks in a home’s walls and floors and is the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers within the United States.

Controlling Pollutants

Reducing the number of pollution sources within your home is always the right place to start, but it’s not always a practical move. Some of the most common home appliances, such as dryers and water heaters, create pollutants, and doing away with them entirely is beyond impractical. Fortunately, you can take plenty of other EPA-recommended steps to control your Arizona indoor air quality.

While you may not be able (or willing) to remove the water heater, the dryer, or the gas stove from your home, you can choose to ventilate them better. On days when the weather allows, consider opening windows or doors to ventilate your home a bit better. Of course, Arizona is hot, and leaving windows open all day can quickly rack up your air conditioning bill. If your energy expenditure is a concern, consider using exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom and running your air conditioner with the vent control open to boost indoor ventilation throughout the day.

Next, keep in mind that your HVAC unit is responsible for circulating air throughout your home. Keep your HVAC system clean to keep your home’s air cleaner. For most, this means remembering to change the air filter regularly, as highlighted on the packaging of the filter you use. Depending on the type, this could be every 30 days or every three months. Additionally, consider investing in a UV sanitization system for your home. These systems help eliminate viruses, mold, and bacteria that filters can’t contain.

Fortunately, humidity isn’t an issue that few homeowners in AZ have to worry about. Most of the state has a dry heat. However, for homes that might live in damper areas, it’s crucial to keep humidity under control to reduce mold growth. Ideally, indoor humidity should be kept between 30 and 50 percent. Either ventilate to reduce humidity or use a humidifier to raise it when necessary.

Some other steps you should consider taking to improve your home’s air quality include:

• Having your home tested for radon
• Don’t allow smoking inside of your home or car
• Clean your home regularly
• Inspect heat-creating appliances regularly
• Clean up and repair water leaks as soon as possible
• If you spot any mold, clean it up immediately
• Wash bedding weekly, preferably in hot water
• Keep household pests under control
• Always ventilate when using products that create VOCs
• Consider investing in a carbon monoxide detector

Finally, invest in regular inspections by an HVAC professional in Phoenix, AZ. While you may be unable to spot issues with your HVAC system that could be contributing to the low air 

quality within your home, a trained eye can spot problems like dirty, moldy coils or a bacteria-infested drain pan and recommend solutions to you in no time. Each of these steps helps to boost the quality of air within your AZ home and ensure that you, your family, and your guests are safe and breathing clean, healthy air year-round.

Get the Clean Air You Deserve

Removing pollutants from your home and keeping them out can seem like a huge challenge, but you aren’t alone. Contact Howard Air & Plumbing for more information on how you can control the presence of pollutants within your home and create a preventative plan to keep the air in your home as clean and pure as possible in the coming years. You may not be able to control the Arizona heat or the air pollution that comes along with it, but with the right tools and a team of experienced professionals on your side, you’ll have full control of your home’s indoor air quality in no time.

Featured Image: Shutterstock / Hung Chung Chih

How Ultraviolet (UV) Light Improves Air Quality

Air filters are a vital force when it comes to combating unwanted air pollution within your home. However, even if you pay attention to MERV ratings and change your filter like clockwork, you still might not be getting the cleanest possible breathing experience within your home, especially when the spring and summer months roll around with their heightened pollen and moisture levels. Fortunately, there’s another interesting way to combat airborne pollutants that is becoming more and more popular throughout Phoenix each year: UV bulbs.

The Science Behind the Method

Ultraviolet (UV) light is a frequency of light that mostly exists beyond the scope of human perception. It is emitted by the sun and is the force that leads to freckles and sunburn when you spend too much time outdoors. Aside from being a sort of light, UV is also a form of electromagnetic radiation. UV light is sorted into three categories, depending on how powerful the radiation it emits is:

• UV-A (315 to 400 wavelength band) is more visible than the other two categories and is mostly harmless (used in black lights and tanning beds)
• UV-B (280 to 315 wavelength band) is more robust and has enough energy to disrupt the DNA in skin cells, leading to skin cancer and sunburn
• UV-C (100 to 280 wavelength band) is the most powerful of the three categories and can completely wipe out microscopic organisms by destroying their DNA

The UV-C classification of ultraviolet light is used in UV sanitation methods. While there is an abundance of UV-C outdoors to clean the environment naturally, it’s very rarely found in the enclosed, insulated spaces of modern homes. This is why it’s estimated that the number of pollutants inside homes can be more than 100 times higher than outdoor spaces.

How UV Light Is Used to Keep Air Clean

Of course, the solution to reducing the number of pollutants and microorganisms in your home isn’t just to fill it with UV lamps. While it would be an excellent way to get a sunburn indoors, it’s not a very effective way to keep the air clean. Instead, an effort should be made to concentrate the presence of UV light within critical parts of your air conditioning system. These lights keep your HVAC system clean, reducing the number of particles circulating throughout the air in your home.

Though UV sanitation lights in Phoenix can be installed in ducts, vents, and even near the ceiling in rooms, they’re most often found mounted near the drain pans or cooling coils of HVAC systems that use this technology. In these areas, the UV-C light can dramatically reduce the amount of mold and bacteria found in the air by reducing – or even stopping – their growth. These two areas are by far the most responsible for accumulating and shedding mold and bacteria, making them the ideal spots for UV cleaning to take place.

The Benefits of UV Sanitization

When you choose to implement UV bulbs to keep the air clean in your home, you’ll encounter a wide range of benefits. First and foremost is, of course, cleaner air throughout your home. While air filters provide an irreplaceable service when it comes to filtering out pet dander, pollen, and dust from the air in your home, many filters are powerless against the microscopic presence of bacteria, viruses, and mold. UV light can reduce or eliminate these unwelcome pollutants, making them a perfect complement to a good, efficient air filter.

For millions of Americans, this boost in air purity comes with the added benefit of more comfortable, healthier breathing. This boost in air quality is suitable for even the healthiest lungs, of course, but is even more beneficial for the 24 million people in the United States with asthma and the 50 million Americans who suffer from household allergies. By reducing the number of irritants in the air, you’re reducing the likelihood of hay fever or asthma attacks for both residents and guests who might otherwise be affected in your home.

Additionally, by keeping your HVAC system cleaner, you’re keeping your system more efficient. By killing off bacteria, mold, and other pollutants, you’re keeping your coils cleaner. Cleaner coils mean your system can work with less strain. Not only does this mean making your home’s operations more “green” in the long run, but it may also translate to reduced monthly energy bills. Installing UV bulbs is a simple step that keeps homes healthier and greener while bolstering your energy budget.

Finally, keeping your coils clean also means reducing the likelihood that you’ll need to perform expensive repairs soon. Dirty coils inside an HVAC system often lead to corrosion, leading to refrigerant leaks and other issues that keep your system from running effectively at best and contribute to a complete system breakdown at worst. Cleaning your coils with UV light serves as a form of preventative maintenance so your system can work better, longer.

Biocide Chambers

Biocide chambers are UV sanitization products that fit both above and below your cooling coil. The dual chambers are installed by a professional and work hard to bring you all the benefits of UV cleaning without any hassle on your part. After they’re installed, biocide chambers will:

• Reduce the presence of mold and mildew
• Keep your air conditioner coil sanitary
• Reduce the presence of allergens in your home
• Slow system corrosion
• Keep coils clean to discourage refrigerant leaks
• Keep your HVAC efficient and effective for longer
• Improve the overall air quality of your home

It’s estimated that a good, top-of-the-line biocide chamber could reduce the presence of airborne threats such as viruses throughout your home by up to an astounding 99 percent. Used in tandem with an air filter with a suitable MERV rating and proper maintenance, these UV cleaning products will keep you breathing easy in your home year-round.

Learn More

If you’re interested in learning more about how biocide chambers and other UV cleaning methods can keep your home clean and clear of airborne pollutants, contact Howard Air & Plumbing. Our team of HVAC professionals in Phoenix, AZ, are highly knowledgeable on the subject of UV lighting systems and can give you a thorough rundown of how, exactly, your home will benefit from the installation of one of these air cleaning systems. You deserve to breathe easy in your own home, regardless of whether you have asthma, allergies, or other breathing problems. Rely on the power of UV light to give you the clean air you need, and rely on our professionals to provide you with the professional installation you deserve.

Featured Image: Shutterstock / Nor Gal

A/C Repair vs Replacement

When you face serious issues with your home’s air conditioner, you’ll be forced to make a big decision that has plagued homeowners for years and seldom an easy one to answer. However, by considering a few details, you can make an informed decision that’ll be good for your home’s comfort levels and budget in the coming years. Find the answers you need to the air conditioning repair replacement debate once and for all by considering a few key details regarding your system:

The Age of the System

While air conditioners are usually built to last, they all have their limits. When a unit gets too old, not only is it likely to encounter problems that need to be repaired continually, but it’s likely not operating at anything nearing peak efficiency, either. If your AC unit is over ten years old, it’s time to begin at least closely considering the possibility of a full air conditioner replacement in Phoenix, AZ, soon. It might cost more upfront, but it will save you money on both repairs and operating costs in the coming years.

The Cost of Repairs

The first thing you’ll need to do to make the right decision of whether to repair or replace your system is to get a quote on the expected cost of the repairs. Serious AC repair work in Phoenix is expected to be expensive in many cases, but following the 5,000 rule can help you determine if the price of the repairs is genuinely worth it or not. This formula, used by some HVAC companies, involves taking the expected cost of the repairs and multiplying them by the system’s age. If the result is over 5,000, it’s likely better to invest in a replacement instead. For example, a unit that’s ten years old and in need of repairs valued at $450 would have a score of $4,500 under this model, meaning it’s a good idea to repair. However, a unit that’s 12 years old and in need of $600 worth of repairs would net a score of 6,000, meaning that replacement would likely be the best idea. It’s a simple formula that considers both the cost of repairs and the dwindling longevity of an old system to make the decision easier.

The Frequency of AC Issues

While the 5,000 rule is generally reliable, you may need to deviate from it in some cases. Your system may need small repairs that place its score far below the 5,000 thresholds but have relatively frequent issues that add up over time, eventually costing you more than simply replacing your system altogether. Suppose your system breaks down several times within the span of a few years. In that case, this is an indicator that it’s unable to handle the strain of operating during the most intense seasons and that replacement may be a better option. However, if you’re only dealing with minor repairs every now and again, repairing your current unit makes more sense financially.

The Noise Your System Makes

Almost every air conditioner make some sort of noise while it operates. Fans, condensers and air intakes all generate some noise, but there is such a thing as a system being too loud. If your system has become unbearably loud, it’s likely begun to overexert itself to keep your home cool during those sweltering Arizona days. This overexertion leads to a wide range of other issues, including:

• Short cycling
• Accelerated equipment wear and tear
• Higher monthly energy bills

Typically, this overexertion and the noise it causes can be repaired and prevented by setting up and following an annual maintenance plan designed to keep stress on the system as low as possible. Generally, a simple noisy unit isn’t grounds for a full replacement unless other, more serious underlying issues are present.

The Inability to Maintain Even Temperatures

Suppose even after regular maintenance and minor repairs, your system cannot maintain even, consistent temperatures throughout your home. In that case, likely, it’s simply no longer up to the task. While upgrading your heating and cooling power via a brand new system will almost definitely get the job done, be sure to speak with your chosen HVAC professionals in Phoenix first. You could be dealing with damaged ductwork or other issues that can’t be fixed by simply replacing your existing system.

The Final Decision

Even using these criteria to assess your situation, choosing between repairing and replacing your air conditioner can be tough. When in doubt, always reach out to the professionals for their input on your situation. Contact Howard Air & Plumbing to review your current system and recommendations on how best to solve your air conditioning issues in a financially responsible and forward-thinking manner.

Featured Image: Shutterstock / David Spates

Save on your Home Energy Bills

Is your monthly energy bill too high? Then it might be time to take a look at simple yet effective ways to lower the cost. The best place to start is with the utility that makes up the most significant percentage of your bill. The cost of running an air conditioning unit makes up about 29 percent of the average household’s annual energy bill, making this utility the single largest contributing factor to a high energy bill. Replacing an aging AC unit for a newer model with a higher SEER rating is likely to make the most significant difference in decreasing the total of your monthly bill. There are other, less expensive ways to go about saving on your air conditioning costs as well. In fact, simply programming your thermostat to operate in an efficient manner could result in huge savings.

How Do You Set Your Thermostat to Save Energy?

The key to finding the right setting for a thermostat in any home is remembering that the less the difference between the temperature set on the thermostat and the ambient temperature outdoors, the better. This means you’ll likely need different programming plans for both the warmer summer and cool winter months. In the winter, setting your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re home and awake is the most efficient way to keep your home comfortable. During the summer months, it’s recommended that setting your thermostat to 78 degrees Fahrenheit provides the best balance between comfort and efficiency.

These are good base settings to work with throughout the seasons, and just making these changes could save you a considerable amount of cash on your monthly Phoenix energy bill. However, to make your savings even more noticeable, program further changes to your thermostat based on when you expect to be out of the house or asleep. When you’re asleep or during the day when you and your family are at work or school, set the thermostat to run 7 to 10 degrees warmer in the summer or cooler in the winter to keep your energy costs even lower.

How Much Energy Can You Save?

By keeping your thermostat at reasonable levels and setting your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees warmer or cooler for 8 hours each day, you could save as much as 10 percent on your annual energy bill. According to the official Energy Star website, this often means savings of around $180 for the average household in the United States each year, at an average of $15 each month.

Of course, how much you save depends on a wide number of factors regarding your home and your air conditioning unit itself. Some of these include:

• The size and layout of your home
• The age of your air conditioning unit
• The model and size of your unit
• General maintenance of your unit and related parts

To ensure you’re getting the most savings possible with these changes to your thermostat settings, ensure you’re putting in the necessary year-round work to keep your unit running smoothly. This means completing simple tasks such as outdoor cleanups and changing your air filters as well as scheduling regular inspections and maintenance from your HVAC repair companies in Phoenix.

Is it More Efficient to Keep the Thermostat at a Constant Temperature?

While this is a commonly-held belief among many homeowners, the fact is that keeping your thermostat at a constant temperature, even when you’re not home, rarely saves energy. The justification of this thought process is that your HVAC unit will have to work more to heat or cool your home after it’s been warmer or cooler for an extended period of time. However, maintaining a constant temperature simply means your unit will be working harder throughout the hottest or coldest parts of the day. It wastes energy when you and your family aren’t even around to enjoy the comfortable temperatures that hard work produces.

Does Turning the Thermostat On and Off Save Money?

Turning your air conditioning system completely off while you’re away and then back on when you come home seems like it could save you money, but in fact, it could cost you even more than simply adjusting your thermostat. If you turn the system off entirely, the interior of your home may heat or cool far too much, meaning your HVAC unit needs to work at full blast when you turn it back on. Additionally, turning your thermostat off entirely may lead to issues with other environmental factors. Your heating and cooling systems help to control moisture within your home, discouraging the development of condensation and potentially even mold growth on walls and other surfaces throughout each room. Instead of turning off your unit altogether, just stick to the plan of keeping the thermostat set warmer or cooler when your family will be away.

Work With the Pros to Reduce Your Energy Bill

Ensure your system is running smoothly throughout the year to get the most of your temperature control efforts by contacting Howard Air & Plumbing in Phoenix to schedule an annual inspection and tune-up. This team has the experience and know-how to ensure you’re getting the best performance and best price out of your Phoenix HVAC system so you can enjoy your savings in peace.

Featured Image: Shutterstock/Goodluz

Updated Feb 25, 2025

If you already live in Phenix (or even if you’ve ever visited), you already know why it’s important to find an excellent air conditioning system. Choosing a good option now can save you a lot of problems down the road, so installing new HVAC equipment is definitely worth doing the right way. This short guide will tell you everything you need to know about buying a new A/C for your home.

What Makes the “Best A/C System”?

First and foremost, your air conditioner should be able to keep your home comfortable even here in the Valley of the Sun. That’s a big job, so it’s also important to think about how much energy your unit will require on hot summer days. Finally, it’s good to consider the durability and reliability you can expect from your system so you don’t have to buy a new one too soon.

1. Unit Size

There’s a big difference between an air conditioner for a luxury garage and what you’d need to keep a whole home or business cool. Beyond building size, the number of windows in space will affect the air conditioner capacity required. Pick the right unit for the job.

2. Efficiency and Features

Homeowners near Phoenix often keep their homes 30° than the outside temperature on the warmest days of summer. That means an efficient A/C system can save you a lot of money. Look for high SEER2 Ratings and features like dual-stage or multi-stage capability.

3. Brand Reputation

Simply put, some brands are more reliable than others. When you buy from a premier air conditioning brand, you can expect your equipment to last longer and run more reliably. Here at Howard Air & Plumbing, for example, we’re proud to sell and install high-efficiency Trane systems. These HVAC systems are tested rigorously to ensure they’re ready for conditions like the Arizona desert.

Best A/C Systems in Phoenix, AZ from Howard Air & Plumbing

At Howard Air & Plumbing in Phoenix, we know what it takes to choose the best air conditioner for Phoenix. Our experts will help you select the right unit for your home or business, then we’ll get you up and running with a fast installation. If you want to see options in person, we’ll welcome you to our showroom and design center in Deer Valley. Contact us today to get started.

 

Updated Feb 25, 2025

Buying a new air conditioner can be stressful because there are so many different factors to consider. If you live near Phoenix, AZ, there’s some extra pressure because you know just how important it is to have the best air conditioner for your home or business. Buying an oversized system can be a waste of money, but your home will be hot all summer if your air conditioner is too small.

Professional HVAC contractors are skilled at calculating the perfect air conditioner size for a home or business. They take a number of different factors into account. For example, the style and quality of the ductwork will impact how large of a unit you need. If your home has a lot of windows, you may need a larger air conditioner, especially if the windows aren’t very well insulated. Other factors include the amount of shade your property gets, how much heat you generate by using appliances, and even how many people use the space.

How Many Square Feet Will an Air Conditioner Cool?

The size of an air conditioning unit is measured in British Thermal Units (BTU). It’s also important to keep in mind that the size of a property isn’t the only thing to consider when shopping for a new A/C unit. 

With that in mind, though, here are some general guidelines about what you can expect if you’re wondering how many BTU you need by square foot:

• A 500 square foot space will need about 12,000 BTU.
• A 1,000 square foot space will need about 22,000 BTU.
• A 1,500 square foot space will need about 25,000 BTU.
• A 2,000 square foot space will need about 34,000 BTU.

Finally, keep in mind that you’re likely to need a larger air conditioner if you live in or near Phoenix because the weather here is so hot.

Where Can I find an A/C Unit in Phoenix, AZ?

At Howard Air & Plumbing in Phoenix, AZ, our entire team lives and works in Peoria, Surprise, Tempe, and the surrounding areas. In other words, we’re experts in finding the right air conditioner for homes and businesses near Phoenix. We proudly supply Trane air conditioners because we believe this brand builds superior products for tough climates like ours. Contact us today, and we’ll help you find the right A/C size.