howardair.com

Author: Howard Air & Plumbing

  • Why Choose a Trane System for Your Business

    Why Choose a Trane System for Your Business

    Why Choose a Trane System for Your Business

    Few options run as long or as efficiently as Trane HVAC units do, which is why this has become the brand of choice at many commercial properties. They’ve been building heating and cooling equipment for well over a century now, and they’re only getting better with time. This brand is committed to quality, innovation, and overall reliability, which is everything most people are looking for while managing a commercial property.

    Benefits of Trane Commercial HVAC Units for Buildings and Commercial Spaces

    Trane is often regarded as America’s most trusted HVAC system, which is really everything you need to know about this brand in a nutshell. The engineers at Trane pride themselves on building machines that help create your commercial property’s ideal environment. That means working how they’re supposed to, lasting a long time, and doing the job as efficiently as possible. When you choose a Trane for your property, you can expect it to outshine the competition in the following three ways, among others.

    1 – Keep Your Building Comfortable

    Let’s face it– a hot property is bad for business. If your employees, residents, or visitors are sweating inside your business during the summer months here in the Valley of the Sun, they’re not going to want to come back. The number one job of any heater or air conditioner is to keep spaces at an appropriate temperature so the people inside can be comfortable. Few pieces of equipment on the face of the earth can do that job better than Trane HVAC systems.

    2 – Keep Your Air Pure

    In addition to keeping the air comfortable, it’s also important to keep the air pure and clean. Commercial properties are often much larger than even some of the Phoenix area’s largest homes, which puts more demand on the system while also making more room for dust to collect. At the same time, the high levels of traffic in some commercial buildings will lead to increased dust production. Every time someone walks into your property, they could be bringing allergens, germs, bacteria, and other contaminants right through the door with them.

    The contaminants in the air might gather inside some inefficient HVAC systems, spreading throughout the property via the air ducts and eventually causing problems within the system itself. The best way to avoid this is to keep up with your regularly scheduled commercial HVAC maintenance to ensure that everything is clean, functional, and generally in good condition. Keeping your property clean and sanitary will help a lot, too.

    At some level, though, it’s important to have a system that can function even when conditions are less than ideal. There’s a lot of dust here in Arizona and throughout all of the surrounding areas, which can be hard on machines like air conditioners. Trane units are tested in the most demanding conditions to ensure they’re built to perform in just about any environment. If you’re worried about identifying which commercial HVAC units can stand up to the desert, stop worrying and just get yourself a Trane.

    3 – Save Money

    Few things are nearly as important as keeping people healthy and comfortable. Still, though, the bottom line is certainly important for running a business. The fact that these units are good for the financial bottom line is the icing on the cake for many people responsible for managing a commercial property.

    Trane HVAC units help you save money in a few important ways:

    1. Commercial HVAC Maintenance – It’s still important to keep up with your regular HVAC tune-ups, but you’re less likely to need expensive repairs when you invest in a reliable unit.
    2. Commercial HVAC Replacement – Trane systems have earned their reputation by lasting for a long time. They might be slightly more expensive than some of the cheap competition upfront, but you can realize some serious gains by going longer before you need a new one.
    3. Commercial HVAC Efficiency – It’s not just the big moments where your Trane will save you money. By operating more efficiently every day, it will help you lower your utility bills to reduce the marginal costs of owning a property.

    Working With an Authorized Trane Authorized, Howard Air & Plumbing Today!

    You wouldn’t trust an inexperienced mechanic to put a new V8 engine in your car because the person is just as important as the equipment. Similarly, you shouldn’t trust an unauthorized HVAC contractor to install your new Trane unit. Here at Howard Air & Plumbing, we’re authorized Trane dealers, which means the manufacturer recognizes us as the appropriate people to sell, install, and maintain their machines. Stop by our showroom to learn more about what makes Trane systems the best commercial HVAC units for Phoenix, or contact us for an appointment.

     

  • How to Choose a Commercial HVAC Company

    How to Choose a Commercial HVAC Company

    How to Choose a Commercial HVAC Company

    From apartment buildings and hotels to offices and retail buildings, plus everything in between, businesses do better when the property is comfortable. If your commercial property is dirty, too cold, too hot, or otherwise unpleasant, people won’t want to be there, and your business will reflect that. A big part of keeping your property comfortable here in Arizona involves keeping it cool during the hot summer months. It’s crucial to choose a commercial HVAC company that you can count on with that in mind.

    5 Questions to Ask While Choosing Commercial HVAC Services

    There are many things to consider when looking for commercial HVAC services. It’s important to drill down into what you really need to ensure you’re finding a match with a company that specializes in the things you’re looking for. At the end of the day, the most important thing is to find a company you trust, so you can rest easy when it comes to heating and cooling, staying focused on the big picture of running your commercial property. Ask yourself the following five questions, and you’ll find it much easier to find a good HVAC company in Phoenix for your business.

    1 – Is This Company Trusted Within the Community?

    Every company was brand new at one time. It doesn’t make sense to hold anything against a business just because they’re new. Still, sometimes it helps if you know that you’re working with an established business that’s built a good reputation throughout the years. The stakes are high when managing your commercial property, so why take a risk on some unestablished newcomer just to save a few dollars?

    Howard Air & Plumbing, for example, has been in business since 1977. With a history that’s over 40 years long, you already know exactly what kind of quality you can expect.

    2 – Does This Company Have Experience With Commercial HVAC Services?

    Not all experience is worth the same, though. Keeping even the largest homes comfortable is a lot easier than keeping up with a commercial property. For one thing, commercial properties may be much larger, requiring a whole different class of equipment. Furthermore, the traffic within commercial properties is often a lot higher. Does the company know how to account for the added demand of a front door that’s always opening and closing at a retail store? Can your air conditioner keep up with the demands of filtering the air when dozens of people pass through the building every day?

    3 – Can You Rely on Them for Ongoing HVAC Services for Businesses?

    This is another area where a company’s longevity comes into play. If you ever need an emergency A/C repair in Phoenix, will the company still be around? Can you count on them to respond quickly in your time of need? Is there any risk that the company might fold, leaving you in the lurch whenever it’s time for your next HVAC system tune-up? Will they be able to perform all of the commercial HVAC services you need in the future, as well as helping you out right now?

    4 – Do They Use the Best HVAC Equipment for Businesses?

    Some HVAC companies find that they can increase their profits in the short term by buying cheap equipment that cuts costs. Unfortunately, this means they’re installing substandard HVAC equipment at each of the properties they service. Here at Howard Air & Plumbing, we’re firm believers that tough climates like the one here in the Valley of the Sun demand a better HVAC system.

    That’s why we’re proud installers of Trane systems. They’re tested rigorously in all kinds of conditions until the engineers are confident in the equipment’s ability to perform. When you want to equip your business with a system that will work efficiently for a long time, entrust the work to skilled HVAC system technicians who use state-of-the-art tools and parts.

    5 – Are They Committed to Clean Air?

    Keeping the air clean in your commercial property is a struggle. With all of that space and the high levels of traffic, there’s plenty of ways for dust, bacteria, germs, and other contaminants to end up in the air. A typical HVAC filtering system like you might use in a four-person household won’t be able to keep up with the workload at a building where many people are coming in and out all day. Look for your contractor to have a Healthy Building Division or something similar.

    Need Expert Commercial HVAC Services in Phoenix? Call Howard Air & Plumbing!

    Here at Howard Air & Plumbing, we’re proud to offer a team of skilled HVAC system technicians to businesses all over Phoenix and throughout the surrounding areas. With the right equipment, the right tools, and the right expertise, we’ll make sure your property stays comfortable. Contact us today to set an appointment.

  • Come See Howard Air & Plumbing at the Maricopa County Home & Garden Show

    Come See Howard Air & Plumbing at the Maricopa County Home & Garden Show

    Maricopa County Home & Garden Show

    Howard Air & Plumbing will be at the Maricopa County Home & Garden Show at State Farm Stadium in Glendale from March 5th to the 7th. Come by booth #1135 and learn more about what we have to offer, from HVAC Units to our Healthy Building Division.

    If you are unable to see us at the Home & Garden Show, come by and visit our 20,000 Square Foot Showroom and see why Howard Air & Plumbing has been creating comfort and trust for over forty years.

    ad4cdf97-eaba-4178-886a-f51b3a8a169f

  • How Our Healthy Building Division Helps You Reopen Your Business Safely

    How Our Healthy Building Division Helps You Reopen Your Business Safely

    Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses across the nation have had to close to slow the virus’s spread. Businesses in Phoenix, Arizona, are no exception. Now that many guidelines and restrictions are in place, some companies are starting to reopen so they can stay afloat. the Valley already has strict guidelines in place for businesses that want to reopen, but if you want to be confident you are doing your best to keep your employees and customers safe, you can take advantage of the indoor air quality services offered by Howard Air & Plumbing.

    Why Air Quality Is So Important

    As dirt, dust, pollen, and other impurities settle in the air ducts of your company building, they can easily get dispersed in the air. This often irritates your employees’ or customers’ allergies, and it could lead to more extensive health problems if the issue isn’t resolved. With COVID-19 spreading rapidly, staying healthy is more important than ever. Even with the mask requirement in place for all of the Valley, a single employee or customer unaware that they are carrying COVID-19 could accidentally infect everyone in the building since the virus is airborne.

    Keeping the air inside your business building clean and pure is a great way to reduce the virus’s potential spread and improve people’s overall health. The expert technicians at Howard Air & Plumbing are experienced with recognizing poor indoor air quality and using various techniques to improve it. By letting our healthy building services work in your building when you reopen your business, you can be confident that you are reopening as safely as possible.

    How We Check Air Quality

    Because many pollutants are invisible to the naked eye, you probably don’t know about the status of your indoor air quality. At Howard Air & Plumbing, we promise to inspect air quality quickly and efficiently by performing the following steps.

    • Visual inspection: We walk through your building to see how we can improve airflow and determine if there are any visible pollutants present.
    • Take a sample: Using state-of-the-art equipment, we’ll take a sample of the air to count the number of present respirable particles.
    • Study the amount of volatile organic compounds: We scan the sample for traces of VOCs.
    • Analyze the amount of formaldehyde that is present: Formaldehyde is a common pollutant that comes from furnishings and materials. We’ll determine if this pollutant is present in your air and, if so, how much.
    • Check for carbon monoxide: It doesn’t take much carbon monoxide to negatively impact health, so we check to see if any is present in your air sample.
    • Scan for carbon dioxide: Carbon dioxide doesn’t usually impact health, but it does help us detect the presence of other pollutants.
    • Study temperature: Certain pollutants thrive at different temperatures, so we’ll check to make sure the temperature inside the building is the same throughout the space with no hot or cold pockets.
    • Check relative humidity: The air inside the building shouldn’t be humid, and if it is, we’ll figure out how to add more ventilation to improve air quality.
    • Use infrared thermal imaging: We’ll use a top-of-the-line infrared camera to detect any remaining pollutants.
    • Develop a plan of action: Once we have a good understanding of the status of your indoor air quality, we will use our findings to develop a customized plan of action to improve the quality of the air inside your business.

    How We Work to Improve Your Business’s Air Quality

    Our mission for improving the air quality inside our place of business is to reduce the likelihood of transmitting COVID-19 through your ventilation system. While cleaning air ducts is helpful, they also aim to improve ventilation inside the building. You can expect our expert technicians to use the following strategies to improve air quality.

    • Bypass existing energy recovery ventilation systems.
    • Change air filters to enhance the performance of the filtration system.
    • Maintain indoor humidity and temperature to be inhospitable to the virus.
    • Use ultraviolet germicidal irradiation to remove viral particles from the air.
    • Add outdoor ventilation to improve airflow.
    • Extend the time that HVAC systems run to keep air circulating throughout the building.
    • Use portable high-efficiency particulate air filters to stop viral particles,
    • Disable demand-controlled ventilation.
    • Open outdoor air dampers.

    These strategies improve the airflow inside your business building and eliminate viral particles from the air. Don’t only does this keep COVID-19 from spreading through the sir of your building, but it also reduces the presence of other airborne pollutants. Purifying the air is one of the best ways to stop the spread of the highly contagious coronavirus that causes COVID-19, so if you want to keep your employees and customers safe and healthy, let Howard Air & Plumbing test the air quality of your building before reopening. If we find traces of any pollutants, we’ll start the mitigation process quickly so you can feel safe reopening the building. Even if you have high-quality air inside the building, we will work with you to examine how our mitigation strategies can help you defend your business from the threat of COVID-19 and implement strategies to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

    What We Can Do for Your Business

    When you first start thinking about reopening your business, air quality may be the last thing on your mind. You’re probably working on how to social distance your employees and implementing COVID leave policies if one of your workers catches the virus. You may also be thinking about how to improve the sanitation of the building. All of these are great ways to slow the spread of COVID-19, but because the virus is airborne, you also need to think about purifying the air inside your company building.

    Ensure Your Business’s Air Quality is Up to Par with Howard Air & Plumbing

    By keeping your indoor air clean and purified, the Howard Air & Plumbing technicians give you peace of mind about reopening. Pure air reduces the chance of the virus surviving and spreading inside your business building, so you can be confident the space is safe for your employees to work in. Customers will also feel more comfortable visiting your building to discuss or buy the products and services they need, which will improve your bottom line. Improved air quality benefits your business in many ways as you navigate the stage of reopening during a pandemic.

    For nearly half a century, Howard Air & Plumbing has been providing superior heating and cooling services to both residents and businesses in Phoenix, Arizona, and the surrounding area. Air quality has always been one of our top priorities, and because of the pandemic, we have begun taking additional steps with our healthy building division to improve the indoor air quality of businesses all over the Valley. If you want to go above and beyond the Arizona state requirements for reopening your business so you can feel confident you are being responsible about your customers’ and employees’ health, you need Howard Air & Plumbing. Contact us today to ask about our healthy building services.

  • How Do I Know Which HVAC Brand to Choose?

    How Do I Know Which HVAC Brand to Choose?

    At Howard Air & Plumbing, we receive a lot of questions from our customers about proper HVAC use and maintenance. Along with these common questions, we’re also asked about unit replacement. Many customers are more than willing to spend money on the best possible unit for their home or business, but many do not know if a replacement is truly needed and, if so, what brand to purchase.

    Here is an overview of why and when an HVAC system should be replaced and picking the correct brand for your needs.

    Why Replace An HVAC Unit?

    Replacement of an HVAC unit is not a common event. Most systems last about 10 years, provided they were installed correctly. Sadly, we often see subpar work such as bad ductwork or improper unit installation which can reduce the life of a system. That is why we always endeavor to install a system right the first time.

    Even with proper installation, sometimes it’s simply time for a unit to be replaced. This can be for several different reason, including:

    • Age: it could very well be the system is just old and getting worn down. Older systems often require more frequent repairs and are not as efficient as they once were even when fully functional.   
    • Newer Systems Are More Efficient: inefficient systems cause your utility bills to increase. A more efficient system does not have to “kick on” as much to keep a building at the right temperature. This can greatly reduce utility bills in a and that savings can really add up over time.
    • It Never Did Work Right: as previously noted some installations are done improperly. This results in systems that never cool or heat a property correctly. This can be a system that runs all the time or does not keep the building at a comfortable temperature.

    Brands

    There is no shortage of HVAC brands from which to choose. For many buyers this can be daunting as this is not a common purchase and they often lack information on what to buy. The important thing to know is that these numerous brands are made by only six different manufacturers. These manufacturers also use parts from the same suppliers. Climate control systems are highly specialized units and all are made to very strict standards. For the buyer, this means aside from very specific uncommon systems or high-end units, quality is relatively good across the board no matter what the brand name is.

    The true secret to a good system installation is using a professional to install it. Here at Howard Air & Plumbing, we pride ourselves on the quality of the work we provide and our satisfied customers. We not only handle repair and upkeep, but also installations.    

    Howard Air & Plumbing

    Part of choosing the best HVAC system is proper care and installation. You can buy the best system on the market but if it’s not taken care of properly, it won’t last as long as it should or function as efficiently. With regular maintenance and occasional minor repairs, your HVAC unit can last a very long time and perform well for the life of the unit. Contact Howard Air & Plumbing when you need expert AC and heating repair, maintenance, or installation.

  • Howard Air Earns Angie’s List Super Service Award

    Howard Air Earns Angie’s List Super Service Award

    Angies List Super Service Award

    Howard Air & Plumbing in Phoenix Arizona is proud to announce that it has earned the home service industry’s coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award (SSA). This award honors service professionals who have maintained exceptional service ratings and reviews on Angie’s List

    “Service pros that receive our Angie’s List Super Service Award represent the best in our network, who are consistently making great customer service their mission,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “These pros have provided exceptional service to our members and absolutely deserve recognition for the exemplary customer service they exhibited in the past year.”

    Angie’s List Super Service Award winners have met strict eligibility requirements, which include maintaining an “A” rating in overall grade, recent grade, and review period grade. The SSA winners must be in good standing with Angie’s List and undergo additional screening.

    Howard Air & Plumbing has been listed on Angie’s List since 2005. This is the 13th year Howard Air & Plumbing has received this honor.

    Service company ratings are updated continually on Angie’s List as new, verified consumer reviews are submitted. Companies are graded on an A through F scale in multiple fields ranging from price to professionalism to punctuality.

    For over two decades, Angie’s List has been a trusted name for connecting consumers to top-rated service professionals. Angie’s List provides unique tools and support designed to improve the local service experience for both consumers and service professionals.

  • Your Guide to Ductless Mini-Split vs Central Air Conditioning System

    Your Guide to Ductless Mini-Split vs Central Air Conditioning System

    Your Guide to Ductless Mini-Split vs Central Air Conditioning System

    When it comes to heating and cooling your Phoenix home, there’s never a one size fits all solution. Fortunately, when you choose to work with us at Howard Air & Plumbing, you can rest assured you’ll always find the right unit for your home, no matter the shape and size. For many homes in the area, one of the main decisions you’ll need to make is installing a central air conditioning system or switching things up and going with a ductless mini-split system. Both are great ways to cool a home, but both have their own pros and cons to familiarize yourself with before making your final decision.

    Overview of Central Air Conditioning

    Central air conditioning units are by far the most common type of HVAC systems found in homes throughout the United States, especially in newer constructions. They consist of an outdoor unit, an indoor unit, and a series of ducts that are responsible for delivering air throughout the home, including the heat pump. This construction offers some unique advantages, including:

    • Cheaper upfront
    • Lower installation costs (in some cases)
    • Equipment is invisible indoors

    By and large, installing a central air conditioner is going to cost you far less than a ductless system assuming your home has pre-existing ductwork. This is precisely the reason why most new homes come equipped with a central air conditioning system. Additionally, since the ductwork is held in the walls, ceiling, and floor of your home, you never have to see it, leaving you with nothing but clean, clear walls. However, like any home upgrade, central air units also come with some downsides as well, including:

    • Higher overall operating costs
    • Poor indoor air quality without proper maintenance
    • Lack of personalized temperature control

    With this system, ductwork is required to carry air throughout your home. However, ductwork in some homes may be sub-par or constructed in such a way that the system’s blower has a hard time moving air to all corners of your home. This leads to a loss of efficiency as your cool air leaks out of the ductwork, and the system has to work harder and longer to get air where it needs to go. Dirty ducts can also lead to poor air quality, while units with a single thermostat force a “one size fits all” temperature solution throughout the house.

    Overview of a Ductless Mini-Split Systems

    Much like a central air unit, ductless systems consist of an indoor unit and outdoor unit. However, unlike central air units, ductless systems do not involve a series of ducts or an indoor furnace and blower mechanism. Rather, the outdoor unit is only connected to the indoor wall-mounted blower via a series of thin tubes. This setup has its own benefits to enjoy, which include:

    • Less noise than the average central air system
    • Zone cooling is easy and available
    • Easier overall installation

    With a ductless system, the noisy compressor is housed outdoors. That means you don’t get any of the rumbling noise inside while your unit is running. Because the indoor units are individually installed in each room, you can also adjust the settings, allowing you to keep each room at a different temperature at any given time. Finally, installing these units typically involves only creating a small hole in the wall for the connecting pipe, a far easier (and cheaper) process than installing ductwork.

    Ductless AC systems have much to offer, but they, too, have their own drawbacks to consider. These include:

    • Not suited for larger homes due to size limitations
    • Visible and space-consuming indoor units
    • Higher up-front costs

    Because an indoor unit will need to be installed in each room you want to be cooled, a larger home may require several units, making ductless units an impractical option. Furthermore, wall-mounted ductless units are highly visible and may detract from your overall decor scheme, and are generally significantly more expensive to install.

    Ductless AC vs Central Air: Which is Better?

    The simple answer is that there is no simple answer. Central air conditioning units and ductless mini-split units both have heft pros and cons to consider, and your final decision should come down to what’s best for your individual home, budget, and lifestyle. If you have any doubts about which route to take with your new system, it’s always a good idea to reach out to the professionals with questions about cost, operation, and other details.

    Still Trying to Decide? Get in Touch with Howard Air & Plumbing Today!

    To learn more about both central air and ductless units, contact us at Howard Air & Plumbing. We’ll not only get you the information you need, but we’ll also help you choose your unit and install it after you’ve made your decision. Our professional technicians are here and ready to make your Phoenix home cool and comfortable as soon as possible.

    Featured Image: Shutterstock / C5 Media

  • How to Add Home Equity Through HVAC Upgrades

    How to Add Home Equity Through HVAC Upgrades

    Ways to Add Home Equity Through HVAC Upgrades

    When it comes to renovating a house to raise the value, the first upgrades that come to mind usually involve upgrades to kitchens and bathrooms. While these are some of the most valuable renovations you can make to a home on the current housing market, homeowners have time and time again overlooked a potentially even more lucrative realm of upgrades: the HVAC system. 

    A home’s HVAC system is an imperative part of its overall functionality, and an outdated system means the home isn’t working as well as it could be beneath all of the cosmetic improvements. Fortunately, there are a number of ways you can upgrade this portion of a Phoenix home to increase equity.


    Perform Maintenance and Repairs

    In some instances, you may have a modern HVAC system that simply isn’t performing properly. If your unit is fairly new, you likely won’t need to worry about replacing the unit, but instead simply repair it. Buyers may not notice the repairs you’ve done, but they’ll almost certainly take note of malfunctioning equipment that you haven’t taken the time and money to repair.

    Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

    If you already have an HVAC system in place, it’s well worth your time, money, and energy to focus on making it more energy efficient. If your HVAC system is over 10 years old, this may mean it’s time to simply replace the entire unit altogether. Of course, choosing a system at random isn’t likely to benefit your goal of creating an efficient, valuable home. You’ll need to take factors such as the home’s size, shape, insulation, and even access to natural gas into account if you really want the best possible replacement for your outdated unit. An assessment by a professional can help to set you on the right path with a number of viable recommendations.

    However, if your system is already modern and efficient, there are a number of other, smaller upgrades you can make to your home to enhance its overall efficiency in the coming years, such as:

    • Replacing and upgrading weather stripping throughout the house
    • Installing appliances such as smart thermostats
    • Upgrading and updating windows and doors to more efficient versions

    While these updates may not be direct alterations to the HVAC system itself, they definitely help to boost the system’s overall efficiency and operational capabilities, allowing it to work better and longer in the often harsh Phoenix weather. Speak with our trained technicians at Howard Air & Plumbing to learn more about how you can upgrade your home and your unit to add efficiency to your home while increasing value. 

    Boost Your Home’s Air Quality

    While homebuyers may not be able to see how clean the air within your Phoenix home is, they will certainly appreciate how it feels. Performing a few upgrades to your home can remove dust, pollen, pet dander, and other sources of debris and pollution from the air, leaving you with nothing but easy breathability. Some ways to make your home’s air more breathable include:

    • Investing in professional duct cleaning services
    • Upgrading to a better, more thorough air filter
    • Adding whole-house humidifiers or dehumidifiers
    • Installing an LED air purification system

    While many of these upgrades are considered luxuries, they’re still practical touches than any potential future buyer is sure to appreciate. The staff at Howard Air & Plumbing is here to give you more information on why improving a home’s air quality is imperative, and to give even more recommendations on how to get the job done.

    Install A New HVAC System

    Many regions throughout the United States require homes to have a reliable source of heating and air in order to adhere to local building codes. However, this doesn’t specify HVAC use, and you may find yourself in possession of a home that relies on window units or other non-HVAC means to keep the air comfortable. If this is the case, the best way to boost the home’s overall value is to invest in installing an HVAC system. This upgrade makes homes more valuable and is likely to bring in more interested buyers.

    The process is neither cheap nor easy, but the professionals are here at Howard Air & Plumbing to help with all your HVAC systems HVAC maintenance, and general installation needs. We’ll help you choose the perfect unit, perform a perfect installation, and install ductwork and any other components your home needs to have the system operating effectively and efficiently in no time.

    Still Not Sure What You Need? Howard Air & Plumbing is Here to Help!

    Whether you’re seeking to gain equity in your own home or you’re planning a flip, always trust a team of professionals, like those at Howard Air & Plumbing to handle your HVAC installation, maintenance, and alterations. Contact Us today to learn more about what we have to offer your Phoenix home and how we can help you increase the value of your house without breaking your budget.

    Featured Image: Shutterstock / Alpa Prod

  • Guide to Finding the Right Air Conditioning Repair Contractor

    Guide to Finding the Right Air Conditioning Repair Contractor

    Guide to Finding the Right Air Conditioning Repair Contractor

    Air conditioning breakdowns in Phoenix can be catastrophic to your home’s comfort, regardless of the season. The best way to restore operation is, of course, to find a repair company to remedy whatever’s ailing your system as soon as possible. However, if you genuinely want the best results, best budget, and best overall experience, you don’t want to just leap at the first company you come across. Follow this guide to find the right air conditioning repair Phoenix professionals for your specific job and your individual needs.

    Discover Your Options

    The first step to finding the right team for your AC servicing needs in the Phoenix area is knowing your options. Take the time to compile a shortlist of potential candidates by using the resources around yourself. Building your list might involve a few key steps, including:

    • Acquiring recommendations from friends and family members
    • Search online using terms like “AC service Phoenix”
    • Reference online directories
    • Seek recommendations at your local hardware store
    • Contact your Chamber of Commerce for a list of recommendations

    Whether you’re highly familiar with the Phoenix area or you’ve just moved in, there are several ways to discover the complete range of air conditioner professionals available to help you with your HVAC troubles.

    Narrow Down the List

    Once you’ve compiled your initial list, the next step is to narrow down your options, so you’re left with only the best of the best in air conditioning services in Phoenix, AZ. During this step, you’ll need to perform a bit of your research. Fortunately, thanks to modern technology, the vast majority of this process can be done from home using online sources. First, take the time to visit the company’s website and social media sites. Look at reviews left by previous customers on various review sites to understand better the quality of work and communication you can expect. You can even take the time to review the businesses’ record on the Better Business Bureau website. 

    Throughout the process, you’ll be wanting to look for a few key factors that set the best contractors apart from the rest. These include:

    • Experience
    • Integrity
    • A recent record of satisfactory work
    • Praise for excellent communication
    • A wide assortment of services offered
    • A long history of working with locals

    This should help you to narrow down your options considerably. Above all, you want to know you’re choosing a company that has in-depth industry knowledge and that can handle not only the issue you’re facing now but issues you might face in the future as well, without cutting corners and without using subpar materials.

    Ask Questions

    If you still find yourself with more than one option to choose from, the next step is to call your short list of contractors and ask a few key questions to get some further information. Asking the right questions is key during this step. Some of the queries you should consider include:

    • What standards are employees and technicians held to in the workplace?
    • Does the company have proper insurance?
    • Are all technicians licensed?
    • How long has the company been in business?
    • Does the company have an A+ rating with the BBB? Why or why not?

    The employees’ questions are especially important here, as the technicians are the people you’ll be working with most closely. Ideally, you’ll want to ensure that they’ve undergone background and criminal checks and that drug testing is standard in the workplace.

    The Estimate

    After you’ve narrowed your short list down to a single candidate, there’s still another step you need to make to ensure your pick is right for your needs. Schedule an estimate visit, and while the team is out, prepare to ask a few more crucial questions:

    • Are labor and materials under warranty, and for how long?
    • Do manufacturers offer warranties, and for how long do they last?
    • What does the company’s money-back guarantee entail?
    • Will you need to require any permits for the upcoming job?
    • Will techs be able to show calculations that the new system is right for your home?

    Understanding where you stand in terms of warranties, money-back guarantees, and other details are crucial to saving yourself money and hassle in the long run. If you find the contractor’s answers here unfavorable, it’s not too late to schedule an estimate with a different company and start over.

    Don’t Be Afraid to Try Again

    The first contractor you land on might not always be the right one. Don’t be afraid to try the last step as many times as you need to find the right contractor for your budget, home, and individual needs. It’s your home you’re dealing with, and you need to ensure you’re working with air conditioner pros in Phoenix who care as much about your comfort, budget, and schedule as you do.

    If you’re looking for truly expert work in Phoenix from a team that cares about your needs, contact Howard Air & Plumbing. Our team of licensed, trained professionals is here and ready to handle any job you might have on hand.

    Featured Image: Shutterstock / WaveBreakMedia

  • Should You Have Your Air Ducts Cleaned?

    Should You Have Your Air Ducts Cleaned?

    Is Air Duct Cleaning Worth It?

    Household pollutants are a serious threat, both to those with serious breathing issues such as asthma and those with perfectly healthy lungs. Modern homes contain more pollution sources than one might think, and it’s up to you as a homeowner to ensure you’re covering your bases to reduce pollution and keep the air quality within your home as high as possible. 

    Should You Have Your Air Ducts Cleaned?

    Changing your air filters and regularly cleaning are steps you can take on your own, but you can take other crucial steps that might take a professional touch to get done right. One of these steps is investing in air duct cleaning by a team of HVAC professionals in Phoenix, a process that’s often overlooked but provides a considerable boost to air cleanliness.

    Why Should You Clean Your Air Ducts?

    You should have your air ducts cleaned now and again. Just like dust builds up on surfaces around your home, if they’re not cleaned regularly, it also builds up on the inside of your air ducts over the years. Unlike a tv stand or table, though, air ducts aren’t exactly easy to reach and clean without a particular set of tools and at least a bit of technical knowledge. This means dust remains in your vents and is moved throughout your home as your HVAC’s blower works to deliver cool air through those same vents. The EPA estimates that modern Americans spend as much as 90 percent of their time indoors each day, which is why this dust buildup and distributions can be detrimental to lung health. Those with breathing problems could spend nearly their entire day breathing in allergens that they cannot avoid.

    Additionally, dirty air filters can heavily impact the effectiveness and efficiency of your HVAC system. When your ducts are dirty, the blower must work harder and longer to push air through those ducts. This causes undue strain on your system, leading to breakdowns and other severe issues over time. Therefore, an investment in air duct cleaning is an investment in health and household efficiency in the long run.

    Is Air Duct Cleaning Worth It?

    The health benefits of home air duct cleaning depend largely on your family. If you have family members with compromised respiratory systems, having the air ducts in your home professionally cleaned could help prevent asthma attacks, coughing, and wheezing.

    More important, the ducts can become clogged with dust, insect parts and droppings, and grit that could damage your central air conditioner or furnace. Air conditioner filters are in place primarily to prevent damage to your system, not your family’s lungs.

    The grit and dirt that can impede heat transfer on your evaporator coils can lead to mold and mildew forming on the coil, a truly disgusting situation. When you consider that the air passing over that coil then moves into your home, it is even a more unpleasant thought.

    For the cost of one session of air duct cleaning, Phoenix homeowners can avoid expensive HVAC repair bills later and improve the indoor air quality for their families.

    What Are the Signs It’s Time to Schedule a Cleaning?

    Air duct cleaning isn’t something you’ll need every week, of course. It should be performed as required to keep the air quality within your home high. Fortunately, diagnosing dirty air ducts is a simple process that can be done at a glance sometimes. You can keep an eye out for several signs that indicate you may need to schedule an air duct cleaning soon. Some of these include:

    • Dust accumulating on surfaces throughout your home at a faster rate
    • Dust accumulating around air registers
    • Black marks appearing around air registers
    • Decreased breathability, particularly for those with asthma or other breathing problems
    • Unusual or musty odors from register areas

    While you could go as far as to have your indoor air quality tested to confirm that it’s time for a cleaning, these signs are easy enough for anyone with no technical knowledge of ductwork or air quality to pick up on. If you notice one or more of these issues in your home, it’s time to schedule air duct cleaning in Phoenix.

    Can You Clean Your Air Ducts Yourself?

    The short answer is no; you can’t properly clean your air ducts yourself. Though dirty air ducts are simple to diagnose, they are not easy to resolve, at least not without professional help. Air ducts are difficult to access, and most homeowners are unlikely to have the tools on hand that are necessary to get the job done thoroughly or correctly. Furthermore, reaching deep into ductwork without the right tools or training could be dangerous, leading to slips, falls, or stumbles that may lead to serious injuries. All in all, it’s best to trust this job to a team of professionals to keep yourself safe and to get the results you need and deserve.

    What Does Air Duct Cleaning Entail?

    At a glance, it may seem like air duct cleaning means little more than sweeping the dust out of your ductwork. However, the process is a bit more involved and thorough than when you choose to hire a Phoenix professionals team for the job. A professional cleaning process may include several steps, including:

    • HEPA decontamination to remove loose contaminants
    • Air register scrubbing to remove surface contaminants
    • Airbrush duct cleaning to thoroughly clean even the deepest part of your air ducts
    • Air handler cabinet cleaning to keep your air system clean at the source
    • Chemical cleaning of evaporator coils
    • Drain pan flushing and cleaning
    • Full duct system decontamination

    Air duct cleaning isn’t just about removing dust. It’s also about getting rid of various unseen airborne contaminants that may have made themselves at home in your ductwork on your vents and in your HVAC system over the years. This includes threats such as bacteria and viruses, among others, a type of removal that’s difficult without professionals’ assistance. Having professionals give your ductwork this full treatment, you’re ensuring your air isn’t just clean but that it’s also healthy and completely breathable for everyone in the family.

    When Should You Schedule Your Cleaning?

    It’s never too early to begin worrying about the quality of the air within your home. If you’ve noticed any signs of dirty air ducts in your home or you’ve recently moved into a new home, reach out to a professional duct cleaning team in Phoenix, AZ, to schedule a visit. Contact us at Howard Air & Plumbing to learn more about how air duct cleaning can improve your home’s air quality and what other measures our experienced team can take to purify the air you’re breathing every day.

    Featured Image: Shutterstock / Alexeisido