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  • How Technology is Advancing In-Home Comfort

    How Technology is Advancing In-Home Comfort

    Updated Nov 19, 2021

    HVAC Technology

    With the great progress of today’s technology, in-home comfort is advancing to new levels. With technological improvements of home appliances and systems such as heating and air conditioning units, a higher level of comfort is becoming the norm.

    As these new types of systems become more and more advanced, homeowners can often customize their own standards. From programmable heating and air conditioning systems to room-scanning sensors, technology is helping to advance in-home comfort.

    Programmable Thermostats

    The easiest way to control the comfort level inside your home is with a programmable thermostat. More advanced than just the “auto” mode on old thermostats, new programmable thermostats work to “learn” your comfort levels and “remember” your program settings. Cool features like Wi-Fi connectivity allow you to control the temperature of your home from anywhere in the world. Going on sudden travel and can’t stop home to adjust the thermostat? Lower the temperature of your home right from your mobile device.

    I-See Sensor

    Customize your “perfect” level of hot and cold in your home with an advanced hot/cold-analyzing sensor. New sensors like the i-See sensor scan the rooms in your home using 3D technology and determine the location of hot and cold spots depending on the size of the room and who is in them. Using airflow controls, these sensors can help to deliver that “perfect” amount of heating or cooling for each area of your home.

    Clean Air Solutions

    When you think of in-home comfort, usually temperature is the first thing to come to mind, but what about air quality? With so much pollution in our cities, it is more important than ever to choose a heating and air conditioning system that delivers the best possible clean air solutions. New clean air technologies help to eliminate odors, dust, pollen, and bacteria from the air in your home. Fitting right into your current heating and air conditioning systems, these clean air solutions can be the upgrade you need to maximize your home air quality.

    This is just a small sample of different types of heating and air conditioning technological advances. Each year, our world is becoming more mobile and centered on “instantaneous results.” Providing highly advanced in-home comfort that is controllable from anywhere is one way that the HVAC world is developing for new generations to come. At Howard Air & Plumbing, we are focused on creating comfort in your home. Contact us online for all your home air conditioning and heating needs, or call us at (623) 201-5153.

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  • NBC’s Today Show Investigates Air Conditioning

    Howard Air & Plumbing is a proud member of ACCA !

    On July 10, NBC’s Today Show aired an undercover investigation segment on air conditioning repairs. The “sting” operation took place at a home in New Jersey, where contractors were called to a home experiencing a problem with its air conditioning system. When they misdiagnosed or misled the customer, they were confronted by the Today Show team about their methods.

    Robert C. (Bobby) Ring served as Today’s expert consultant for the segment. Ring is president of Meyer & Depew Co.,  a contracting business in Kenilworth, New Jersey. He also serves as a member of the national Board of Directors of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), the nation’s largest non-profit trade association serving the indoor environment industry.

    “I was glad to work with the Today Show to help educate the public about what they should look for in a quality contractor,” said Ring. “I was very disappointed by those contractors who did not seem to be doing the right thing. Overall I think this segment was an important reminder to homeowners that they need to do their homework before they call a contractor. But I also believe it is important to remember that upgrade options are sometimes about improving comfort, lowering energy bills, or solving a long-term problem, not just about increasing the size of the bill.”

    ACCA, which develops and publishes the national standards used by professional contractors to ensure quality HVAC installation and maintenance, said the segment was an important reminder during a very hot summer.

    “When choosing a contractor, it should not be about which company buys the most prominent search engine link, or has the flashiest website, or has the biggest yellow page ad,” said Paul T. Stalknecht, ACCA President & CEO. “While there are thousands of professional contractors who do outstanding service and care about their customers first, it is the homeowner’s responsibility to find them, and that takes a little work.”

    First, ACCA says, it is vital that homeowners develop a relationship with the right contractor before their system breaks down. “Find the right contracting business, and sign up for their maintenance agreement program,” Stalknecht says. “This is important for two reasons: One, having your system inspected and cleaned twice a year is mandatory to ensure that your system lasts as long as possible. And two, if your system fails in the middle of the summer, the best contractors in your area will probably be busy taking care of their maintenance agreement customers and they may not have time to come visit you.”

    In addition, when a system fails during the summer, and the homeowner does not have an existing relationship with a contractor, homeowners rarely take the extra steps needed to choose the right contractor. “Do it while your system is still working,” Stalknecht says. “Don’t wait until you find yourself stranded in 100-degree heat, feeling pressured to make a decision quickly.”

    According to ACCA, the steps to finding the right contractor include:

    • Get referrals from friends and neighbors. “The best predictor of a contractor’s future behavior is to find out how well they performed for someone you trust,” Stalknecht says.
    • Verify that the contractor employs NATE-certified technicians. NATE is the industry’s baseline technician certification.www.natex.org
    • If your state or city requires HVAC licensing, verify that the contractor is properly licensed. Each jurisdiction has different rules, unfortunately, so you will need to check with the appropriate websites.
    • Verify that the company belongs to a reputable non-profit trade organization, such as ACCA. This can demonstrate a commitment to ongoing education in a rapidly-changing industry.
    • Ask the contractor to describe their employee training program. If they’re not able to answer this question, they probably don’t have one, and that’s a red flag.
    • Verify that the contractor provides a regular maintenance or service agreement program.

    If your system requires replacement, ACCA says it’s important to remember that HVAC systems are complex, and a system’s successful installation depends more on the abilities of the installer than the equipment itself. “Replacing an HVAC system is not like taking one box out and putting another in,” Stalknecht says. “It’s a system that is part of another system, the entire building. There are numerous steps that must be taken to ensure maximum comfort and energy efficiency.”

    To help consumers make the right choice when installing a replacement, ACCA developed a “Quality Installation Checklist” which homeowners can use to compare bids from different contractors. It outlines the necessary steps and lets the homeowner “score” each bid to show the true value of a proposal. The checklist, along with a number of other articles and online resources for homeowners, can be found at www.acca.org/consumer.

    “While often hidden from view, when an air conditioning system stops working in the summertime, we suddenly realize how important it is,” Stalknecht says. “Unfortunately, when it’s working, too often we neglect it. Which makes it even more likely that it’s going to stop working! Just like cars, HVAC systems need regular maintenance. Take care of them and they will last a long time. Neglect them and they will leave you stranded when you need them most. The key is to find the right HVAC contractor to keep everything running smoothly.”

    For more information about HVAC systems, choosing the right contractor,  the Quality Installation checklists, a database of utility and state incentives for high-efficiency equipment, and to find an ACCA member in your area, visit www.acca.org/consumer.

    For more information about this morning’s Today segment, visit www.today.com.

     

    The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) is a non-profit association serving more than 60,000 professionals and 4,000 businesses in the indoor environmental and energy services community. Founded more than 40 years ago, today ACCA sets the standards for quality comfort systems, provides leading-edge education for contractors and their employees, and fights for the interests of professional contractors in every state in the country. Learn more at www.acca.org.

  • The Phoenix HVAC Repair vs. Replace Debate

    With the triple digit temperatures and excessive heat warnings we have been experiencing across the Phoenix area this summer, many homeowners and business owners have found that their air conditioners just aren’t providing the results that they desire. Does your system need repair, or is it time to replace it with a newer model?  This age old question can be hard to answer on your own, but a Scottsdale air conditioning specialist can help.

    The first step in deciding whether to repair or replace your equipment is to call a trusted heating and cooling company to have an expert take a look at your system and diagnose the problem. Calling a reputable service provider is vital, to ensure that you receive an honest and accurate opinion. Misdiagnosing the problem could lead you to pay thousands of dollars for replacement when a simple repair could have taken care of it.

    If you are experiencing AC problems and aren’t sure whether to repair or replace, ask yourself these questions:

    When was your system installed?

    If your Phoenix AC system is 10-15 years old, it may be time to think about replacement. Newer technologies can offer greater energy efficiency and overall performance. Remember, energy efficiency=energy bill savings!

    Are you consistently having problems with it?

    If your system always seems to be breaking down and you are calling a repair service regularly, there may be a deeper issue and replacement may be in order.

    Have your energy bills risen to astronomical levels?

    While it isn’t uncommon for energy expenses to rise for other reasons, an inefficient system may require more energy to operate than usual, leading to an increased monthly bill.

    Is it noisier than it used to be during operation?

    If your system is very loud during operation, and it didn’t use to be, there may be an issue with the indoor coil or you may have an improperly sized duct system causing the excess sound.

    While replacement is a costly investment, you can expect a number of benefits such as improved air quality, reduced energy bills as a result of increased energy efficiency, non-ozone -depleting refrigerants, a manufacturer warranty, and available rebates and tax incentives. Otherwise, your system may simply need repair for issues such as an improper refrigerant charge, leaks in the air ducts, clogged filters, or you may not have enough air returns to provide cool air throughout your space. A trustworthy Phoenix heating and air company can provide you with an honest, unbiased opinion. Having problems with your system now? Call Howard Air today to speak with an AC expert about our repair and installation services or systems options.

  • Choosing A Trustworthy Phoenix Air Conditioning Contractor

    Choosing A Trustworthy Phoenix Air Conditioning Contractor

    How to Find a Trustworthy AC Company

    When the time comes to either install a new HVAC unit or to repair your existing air conditioner, you never want anything but the best, most reliable contractors on your side. However, with dozens of air conditioning contractors throughout the Phoenix, Arizona area to choose from, how can you know your home and your air conditioner are going to get the care they deserve? 

    Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to ensure any contractor on your shortlist will live up to your expectations. Finding the perfect contractor for your individual needs may involve a bit of legwork on your part, but the results are well worth the effort in the long run. 

    Trust Friends and Family

    The best advertisement for any good business is word of mouth. If you receive multiple recommendations from friends or family members for the same air conditioning contractors in Phoenix, then it’s a sign that those contractors are doing a good job at leaving a positive and lasting impression on their customers. Of course, simply asking your loved ones shouldn’t be the only step you take in finding the right team of professionals for your air conditioning needs, but it’s a great way to create a list of local companies to investigate further.

    Check Out the Contractor’s Qualifications and Awards

    With just a quick search in your preferred search engine, you can easily learn more about the contractors that have made it onto your shortlist. While you can find a great deal of information on the contractor’s website, there are some details you’ll want to keep an eye out for above everything else: 

    • Better Business Bureau accreditation
    • Angie’s List approval
    • Factory-Authorized Dealer status
    • NATE certification for all technicians
    • Proper licensing and insurance

    Any contractor can claim that they’re the best in the area, but the above details prove that a team is professional, reliable, and skilled enough to handle the job at hand. Additionally, it’s always a good sign when an air conditioning repair company has reviews from real customers posted on their website, especially in video format. This gives you a glimpse of the quality of work you can expect from that particular contractor if you happen to choose them.

    Find an Experienced Team

    New startup businesses may sometimes offer low prices and bargains to draw customers in, but the truth is, it’s always better to do business with an established contractor that has years of experience on its side. More experience means the team you’ll be working with has dealt with a wider range of on-the-job challenges, which means a smoother overall experience on your end. 

    It also means that the pros working on your air conditioner will know the pitfalls of most projects, and can address this during a quote rather than surprising you and your budget with additional charges on your final bill. Working with an experienced contractor has nearly endless benefits, which you can learn more about by getting in contact with them.

    Take a Closer Look at the Maintenance Plans

    Regular maintenance is a must if you’re expecting to get the best performance and efficiency out of your air conditioner. In order to get consistent service, your best bet is to find a single air repair company and stick with it to build a working relationship over the years. Before you make the critical decision on which repair team is best for your home or commercial building, though, you should ask them to lay out their annual maintenance plan. Ideally, the plan should include:

    • Coil cleaning and inspection
    • Refrigerant check and adjustment
    • Electrical system and drain line inspections
    • Parts revision and lubrication
    • Belt and pulley inspection and replacement
    • Heat exchanger performance testing
    • Deep cleaning and revision of burners, ignition, blowers, and fans
    • Thermostat diagnostics

    By hitting each of these points, a contractor shows they’re approaching your AC’s maintenance needs professionally and thoroughly, which is exactly what you want in a long-lasting business relationship.

    Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for a Second Opinion

    Whether you’re in the market for simple maintenance or you require more expensive repairs, it’s always crucial to seek multiple opinions on the matter before choosing who to work with. Seeking two or three diagnostic opinions on your AC issue may help you better understand the skill required and price of repairs or maintenance and help you make an informed and beneficial decision for your home or business premises in the end.

    Find the Right Contractor for Your Home

    To learn more about the process of choosing the ideal AC contractor in Phoenix for your home or business’s unique, individual needs, contact Howard Air & Plumbing today. We’ve been in the business of servicing AC units of all shapes and sizes since 1977. 

    Over the years, we have shown time and time again that we’re dedicated to giving members of our community the repair and maintenance results they deserve. That’s precisely why we offer a free second opinion on every job and why we proudly display testimonials on our site. 

    Featured Image: I Am Nikom/Shutterstock

  • 5 Tips for Preparing your Home for Fall in Scottsdale

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    Fall is a beautiful time in Arizona. The summer heat dissipates and locals can step outside and enjoy outdoor activities without fear of overheating. In addition, your air conditioning Phoenix systems will get a much-needed break and your heating system may even get some use. The onslaught of cooler weather and the impending fall allergy season leave locals with a lengthy to-do list in preparation. Check out these tips for preparing your home for fall:

    1. Seal Energy Drains-While there may be many sources of energy drains in your home, common sources include air leaks around your window and door frames. Inexpensive weatherstripping and caulking can be purchased at your local home improvement store and installed to close off these leaks. You will experience savings on your energy bills as a result!
    2. Inspect Smoke Alarms– Your home likely has multiple smoke detectors, and you may even have a carbon monoxide detector for added protection. Fall is a great time to inspect these safety devices and change batteries if need be.
    3. Improve Air Quality– Did you know that Trane offers whole home air purifiers to remove 99.98% of allergens from the air? This can be a life saver during the irritating fall allergy season and is great for those with asthma. Your carpet is home to large amounts of allergens and respiratory irritants (despite vacuuming regularly). Consider having them cleaned this fall and breathe easier!
    4. Change Air Filters– Your heating system uses a filter to trap airborne particles from being expelled into the home. When these filters become overly dirty, they can clog the system and reduce energy efficiency. This costs you in inflated energy expenses. Check your filters every month and change them regularly. Call your heating & cooling specialist for the proper replacement filters.
    5. Sign a Maintenance Agreement– Maintenance services are the best way to avoid the need for heating and AC repair Scottsdale. Planned maintenance agreements are a great way to save money on preventative services and often have additional benefits such as discounted, preferred service. As a result of maintenance, you will see improved performance and reduced energy costs.

    Howard Air can help you with the majority of these tasks so be sure to call for service or product solutions from the reliable Trane brand. We would love to help you prepare for fall so you have more time to spend enjoying the weather!

  • Tips for Reducing Carefree Heating & Cooling Bills

    Living in a subtropical desert climate leaves locals relying on their Carefree air conditioning systems for a majority of the year. Unfortunately, this can also leave them with overwhelming monthly energy expenses. We thought it would be a good idea to compile some great tips for reducing energy consumption, in order to help our customers reduce their summer utility bills. Check them out below, and take the time to try them and take advantage of the savings they can provide.

    HVAC Tune-up- Of course, our first tip is to have an HVAC professional provide your system with a tune-up. These services make sure that your system is clean and functioning as properly and efficiently as possible, which will allow your system to operate with the use of less energy. This equates into savings for you! For your convenience, Howard Air offers planned maintenance agreements that offer additional benefits such as discounted, priority service, and 5% off system replacements!

    Upkeep for Your Unit- Clogged systems have to work harder, which cost more to operate. In order to maintain a clean, efficient system, we recommend checking your air filters every month, and changing them as you deem them to be dirty. Energy Star recommends changing them every three months, at least1. Debris such as grass, leaves, and shrubs can also clog your outdoor unit so be sure to clear anything away, and blow grass away from the unit when mowing.

    Invest in a Programmable Thermostat- Adjustable thermostats are easy and affordable options for managing the temperature in your home, and ultimately saving money. You can program your thermostat to turn down the AC while you and your family are away at school and work so as to not waste cool air on an empty home. Your Paradise Valley heating and cooling specialist help you choose one. You can also adjust your thermostat manually each day, and keep the blinds and curtains closed to keep out the heat of the sun as well.

    Utility Rebate Programs- Your local utility provider may also offer incentives for implementing energy saving measures. These include upgrading to energy efficient appliances, getting an adjustable thermostat, and even for adding shade screens to windows. You can find programs offered by providers in your area at http://www.dsireusa.org/.

    Ready to get started? Call Howard Air in Scottsdale to inquire about our maintenance plans and adjustable thermostat options, or to inquire about upgrading to a more energy efficient system. We are standing by to take your call!

    Sources:

    Heat & Cool Efficiently: Energy Star; http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=heat_cool.pr_hvac

  • Scottsdale Heating Experts Offer Tips For Relieving Fall Allergies

    While the first signs of fall for some may have been cooler temperatures or the slight changing of the leaves (as much as you can have in the Sonoran Desert, that is), for others it was the discomfort of allergy symptoms. Fall allergy season isn’t typically as much of a problem in Arizona as in the spring, but this past summer’s above average rainfall and extreme heat will prove differently this season. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), the city of Phoenix ranks #75 on the list of the worst cities for fall allergies this year which is up from its spot at #91 last year1. While there is little you can do to alleviate discomfort outdoors, you shouldn’t have to suffer in the comforts of your own home. Check out these solutions for fall allergies courtesy of your local Scottsdale heating experts!

    Schedule an HVAC Check-Up: An annual service agreement not only ensures proper care of your system, with energy efficient and money-saving benefits but can also improve indoor air quality. During inspection, an HVAC professional will clean your unit to prevent accumulated allergens, viruses, and bacteria from being circulated through your home when the furnace or heating system is in use. Additionally, your service technician will also be able to identify if mold may be present in your system, which could allow mold spores to be distributed through your air and inhaled by your family.

    Clean Your Space Weekly: It might not seem like much, but cleaning your space regularly is a great way to eliminate airborne particles which could irritate your allergies. For example, dusting surfaces and vacuuming carpets can help significantly as these sources are ideal spots for the gathering of allergens. Of course, it is a good idea to wear a protective mask to prevent the stirred allergens from entering your nose and mouth.

    Install an Air Purification System: If you suffer from severe allergies or even asthma, a whole-home air cleaner is a necessity. Trane manufacturers a number of reliable systems, removing up to 99.98% of allergens from the air in your home! For more information on air cleaners, contact your Phoenix heating and air contractor to discuss available models.

    Consider Adding a Humidifier: Did you know that the level of humidity in your space also plays a role in the development of allergens? Air that is too damp allows mold to grow, while air that is overly dry creates perfect conditions for dust. Adding a Trane humidification system to your HVAC system will allow you to control the humidity in your space and gain allergy relief as a result.

    If you are looking to relieve allergy symptoms such as runny nose, coughing, watery eyes, and sneezing, the above suggestions are sure to help. For additional information about the benefits of indoor air quality solutions such as the ones mentioned above, feel free to contact Howard Air for more information, or click here to learn more about our products.

    Sources:

    1Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America; http://www.aafa.org/pdfs/Public%20LIST%20FALL_2012%20v1.pdf

  • What are the risks of hiring an unlicensed contractor?

    What are the risks of hiring an unlicensed contractor?

    Updated Nov 20, 2021

    What are the risks of hiring an unlicensed contractor?

    Finding a contractor who holds proper license or registration credentials is an essential step for many home improvement projects.

    Date Published: Jan 07, 2013

    Dear Angie: What are the risks if I hired a remodeling contractor who is not bonded or insured? – M.K., Santa Maria, Calif. 

    Dear M.K.: Hiring a contractor who is not bonded, insured – and licensed, if applicable – is a risk you don’t want to take.

    Let’s talk about the importance of insurance first. Contractors should carry two types of insurance: liability and worker’s compensation. As a homeowner, these protect you in two ways. First, liability insurance will protect you in the event the contractor causes damage to your home. What if, say during an upstairs bathroom remodel, your uninsured contractor was doing work that caused the bathtub to crash through the floor? If you think your homeowner’s policy would cover you, think again. It likely won’t, unless you’ve purchased additional coverage for in-home employees.

    What if the contractor had an employee on the job at your home who was injured on your property but the contractor didn’t carry worker’s compensation insurance? Your homeowner’s insurance policy might help cover the cost to pay that worker’s claim after you meet your deductible, but that claim could result in an increase in your rates and make it more difficult for you to get insured in the future.

    Bonding is often confused with insurance, but there is a notable difference. A bond is intended to act as a guarantee that the contractor will perform the work as he or she is supposed to. It is secured money that would be distributed to the homeowner in the event the contractor failed to perform as he or she should. For example, if a plumbing contractor failed to perform a pipe repair adequately and caused a leak that went undetected and caused damage to the home. Or, if a company employee stole personal items from your home, the bond would cover that loss. Don’t take a contractor’s word that he or she is bonded. Ask for proof of the bond and be sure you understand exactly what it covers.

    Finally, you want to make sure your contractor holds the appropriate licensing if it’s needed. Check with your local licensing authority and, if applicable, ask spielautomaten for a copy of the license. Licensing offers proof that the contractor has met certain industry training standards and is allowed to do the work in your area. Hiring an unlicensed contractor could cost you big. If the work does not meet local building codes, or the contractor doesn’t pull the necessary permits (which an unlicensed contractor cannot do), you will be responsible for making the repairs to meet the code. Allowing work to be done by an unlicensed contractor could also void your homeowner’s insurance policy, should a claim arise as a result of that work.

    It might be appealing when comparing the estimate of an unlicensed, uninsured, and non-bonded contractor to one who has those credentials. Licensed, bonded and insured contractors usually charge more than those who haven’t earned the credentials or paid for the insurance protection. I like to look at it this way: if a contractor doesn’t follow the law (or good business practices) is being licensed, insured, or bonded, what else is he or she cutting corners on? If something goes wrong, it’s you who will be paying the price.

    My advice is to save yourself the stress and risks involved with hiring cheap, unqualified help. Hire a contractor who you know has earned the credentials of his or her trade and follows good business practices. You’ll have a much better chance of seeing your job done right the first time.

    To see which contractors in your town need to be licensed, please visit Angies List Online License Database.

    Angie’s List collects about 65,000 consumer reviews each month covering more than 550 home and health services. Angie Hicks compiles the best advice from the most highly rated service pros on Angie’s List to answer your questions. Ask Angie your question at [email protected].

    Since 1995, Angie Hicks has been dedicated to helping consumers get the real scoop on local service companies and health providers. Inspired by the frustrations her co-founder had trying to find reliable contractors in suburban Columbus, Ohio, she started Angie’s List to help homeowners find who they should hire and who they should avoid.

     

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  • Howard Air recognized by APS for the second year!

    Howard Air is honored to be selected by APS as one of the top 10 contractors of Arizona again for the second year in a row!

    There are over 2,000 HVAC contractors in the valley and to be recognized for their dedication to replacing 1,000’s of inefficient systems each year with energy-conscious systems is their mission.