Do you think about the indoor air quality in your home and how it can affect you and your family? Here’s an article we want to share with you in an effort to keep comfort and health top of mind. Your indoor air quality can affect your health and comfort in a number of ways, and it can contribute to the development of asthma infections, asthma, and other serious issues. Hope you find these tips helpful in keeping you and your family breathing well every day.

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One item many home and business owners often overlook is the outside air conditioning unit on the ground. The efficiency of the system’s operations can be directly affected by its surroundings: shrubs, trees, walls, fences and other obstructions. An AC unit depends on proper airflow for its peak performance.

It’s a good practice to occasionally check that your air conditioning unit is clear, clean, and safe for operating efficiently. Whether you have an air conditioner, condenser, or heat pump, be sure there is adequate clearance around the outdoor equipment for ventilation. Below are considerations for proper planning and maintenance around your AC equipment.

Plants Shrubbery and Debris

While plants and shrubbery help hide AC equipment from view and offer shade for the system, be careful that they are trimmed and well kept, so as not to obstruct the efficient airflow and operations of the AC unit.

Whatever shrubs and plant life are around the AC unit, they should be maintained and trimmed regularly to prevent overcrowding and obstruction around the unit. Keep this area clean and clear of shrubs and debris that can restrict airflow around the unit.

• Keep shrubs, bushes and any other vegetation growth 18-24 inches away from the unit on any side with an open grill
• Be sure the AC unit is at least 18-24 inches from the house
• Keep multiple units 18-24 inches apart

Walls and Fencing

Building walls and fences around your AC unit is an easy solution for protecting the equipment from the elements, like blowing debris and dirt. Walls and fences can also hide unsightly equipment and provide the proper space for air to flow.

Air conditioning units need airflow to freely enter and pass through the coils for most effective performance. Check outside every now and then to ensure your AC unit is clean and clear.

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When it comes to your air conditioning system in and around Phoenix, we all know it can eat your lunch in summer utility bills. The reminders can get redundant, however if you take action and utilize these tips, you can actually save money and energy this summer.

First and foremost, be sure to have regular maintenance performed on your AC equipment 1 to 2 times per year. Regular maintenance on your AC equipment keeps the equipment cleaned up, tuned up and running at its peak for the duration of the summer heat. When the unit is operating smoothly and at the highest levels performance – you experience the most comfort, savings and energy efficiencies. Now doesn’t that sound amazing?

Another performance enhancing activity is to replace the air filter every month. This is one of the easiest ways to help lower the energy consumption of your AC by 5-15%. Additionally, it helps keep the inside air quality cleaner and the home more comfortable year around.

Additional Tips for Air Conditioning Efficiencies and Savings:

• Install a programmable thermostat. Using a programmable thermostat properly can save approximately $180 per year in energy costs.
• Thermostat settings for summer are best set at as high a temperature as is comfortable, and control the inside humidity as best you can. For a lower cooling bill, keep as small a difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures as possible.
• Reduce air conditioning energy use 20-50% by switching to a new high efficiency air conditioner as needed.
• Seal ducts to improve the energy efficiency of your AC system – it can save 20% and even more.
• Keep lamps, TVs and other heat-bearing appliances away from your thermostat.
• Use ceiling fans to cool people – turn fans off when leaving a room. Fans save $$ since an AC costs much more to operate. When using fans raise the thermostat 3-4 degrees, depending on your comfort level.

Remember, for best AC performance, regular maintenance and repair on your AC equipment will clean up and tune up the unit for a season of smooth operations and energy savings.

Be cool and comfortable in your home!

MARLIN SERVICES
We know comfort – We are there for you – 24/7
Call: 602-470-1040

Your cooling system operates efficiently when the proper AC equipment is used and sized for your building, the ductwork is professionally designed for the space, quality ductwork materials are used, and professional installation is utilized. Efficient airflow is the lifeline of any HVAC system.

Ductwork has three purposes: Supply Air, Return Air, Exhaust Air, and to provide ventilation that promotes healthy indoor air quality and thermal comfort all year long.

Between 400 and 700 cubic feet per minute of conditioned air circulates through the ducts of a typical home. In many homes, up to 30% of that air is wasted and does not even reach the rooms it’s intended for. Inefficiencies in ductwork can be due to duct leaks, thermal loss, and imbalanced pressure that cause air loss in the duct system.

Ductwork design done right is calculated by professionals who use industry software and professional installation. Have your ductwork fabricated using quality materials, and keep duct maintained with periodic checks for leaks.

For best results it is essential that the ductwork be designed for each building at the time of planning and construction. New AC units can be retrofit to your current duct by your professional air conditioning contractor, Marlin Services.

Well designed and installed duct systems operate at their best, and they can save you substantial energy and $$. Remember to periodically have your ducts checked for air leaks and have them repaired quickly.

Stay cool and comfortable this summer!

MARLIN SERVICES
We know comfort – We are there when you need us – 24/7
Call: 602-470-1040

STAY COOL WITH ENERGY-SAVING TIPS
It’s HOT in the Phoenix area and summer is officially upon us in a couple of weeks. Temps have been hovering in the low 100s lately and with these high temperatures we’d like to offer a few reminders for cooling your home and saving as much money as possible. As we crank up the air conditioning at home, keep these energy-saving tips in mind:

• First on the list is to check and replace those clogged and dirty air filters. It’s best to keep the filter changed once per month. This alone can help save AC energy by 5-15%.
• Regular maintenance on your air conditioning system by professional service technicians, like Marlin Services is your best insurance for a well running system throughout the season – and for the longevity of your equipment. Have AC maintenance and repairs completed at the beginning of the season to optimize your summer comfort and smooth equipment operations.
• Use your thermostat efficiently – save energy and money by setting your thermostat for the various times of day and night – adjust it up or down based on times when someone is home or away.
• Thermostat efficiency – consider using a programmable thermostat for ease of control and for best indoor comfort and savings. You can save as much as 10% per year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting.
• Be sure to check your thermostat batteries
• Use your ceiling fans for additional air circulation and comfort in your home. Remember, ceiling fans cool people – not rooms. Turn on ceiling fans only when someone is in the room and turn them off upon leaving the room.
• Reduce the amount of humidity inside your home for best cooling efficiencies – use bathroom and kitchen fans as needed.
• Reduce heat from building up in your home on hot days by limiting stove and oven use when possible. Use window coverings to help limit the sun’s heat from entering the home during summer months.
• If your current air conditioner is 10+ years old and acting up often, think about having high efficiency equipment installed – as it can reduce your energy usage by 20-50%.

We hope these reminders help you achieve the highest level of comfort in your home this summer. Enjoy saving cash and energy at the same time.

MARLIN SERVICES
We know comfort – and we are at your service
when you need us – 24/7
Call: 602-470-1040

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 43% of our monthly utility bills goes to heating and air conditioning. We are quickly approaching the warm summer months of Arizona. Which means, we are also approaching the months of our highest utility bills with the usual dread we feel at this time of the year.

What can you do to keep your bill low while staying cool at the same time? Here are some tips for simple steps you can take to help control your utility bill during the summer months:

• Set your programmable thermostat at 78 degrees when you are at home but raise the temperature a few degrees when you are not at home and during the hours you sleep. You can see a 5-15% savings per year.
• During the warm months, skip stove-top or oven cooking to remove an indoor heat source. Use your outdoor BBQ grill or the microwave whenever you can.
• As always, keep your air filters clean by replacing them regularly (once a month is ideal).
• If it’s time to replace your older A/C unit, look for a high-energy-efficiency ratio, or EER, or an Energy Star-qualified unit. Higher EER ratings mean a more efficient air conditioner.
• Run your appliances in the evening. Appliances produce heat, which causes your air conditioner to work harder.
• Only use your ceiling fans when you are home. They circulate the air and are more efficient than your air conditioning, but leaving them running all day while you are not at home does not help cool your home. It only adds to your electric bill.
• Close your drapes and shades during the day when the sun is shining.
• Seal the leaks in your home where cool air may be escaping.
• Clean leaves and debris from the area around your outside unit so that it may run as efficiently as possible.
• Install your air conditioning unit in the shade because it uses more energy when it is in direct sunlight.
• If you are purchasing a new air conditioning system, make sure it is the right size for the space you will be cooling (and heating). A system that is larger than you need will translate into higher utility bills.

As you can see, many of these steps are easy to incorporate into your daily life. These simple steps do not infringe on how comfortable you will be and do not take a tremendous amount of effort.

Stay cool and keep your utility bills low this summer!

For more information on how we can help you save BIG this season, contact us NOW: (602) 470-1040

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How Do You Calculate SEER?

Do you even know what that means, even if you do know how to calculate it?

Cooling BTUs and the amount of electricity a cooling unit uses per hour are crucial when determining a unit’s SEER ratings. An inefficient unit will have less cooling capacity/power (indicated by the cooling BTUs) and use up more watts of electricity per hour during the summer.

And buying the proper size unit for the size of your home is vital. If you purchase a unit that is more than you really need (in other words, too big), you are merely spending more money than necessary and it will not cool your house better or more efficiently. Read more on the subject of the correct size unit for your home here: https://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=roomac.pr_properly_sized.

Back to the question – How do you calculate SEER?

BTUs/hr x 1,000 hr  /  Watts/hr x 1,000 hr  =  SEER

Simply stated, SEER stands for the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This is a measure of any cooling system’s cooling efficiency over the course of a season of use – be it an air conditioner or heat pump. That is, how efficiently the system cools your home.

Frigidaire’s air conditioners and heat pumps offer a range of efficiency options – all the way up to 25.5 SEER! This means that there is a cooling system that suits any budget or need. An air conditioner may cost more if it is a higher SEER, but you will have a greater potential to save money on utilities if you install a cooling system with high SEER ratings, in the long run.

Investing in Efficiency Can Save Money –

Although the techy details aren’t as important, it is always good to know why a high-efficiency unit will have a higher SEER ratings. A more efficient system will have more power behind it while using less electricity. This is why investing in a high-SEER system can pay off in utility savings over the life of your HVAC system. Your cooling unit will use less energy and give you more power. Old, inefficient units from the past may only be rated at 10 SEER. This means that simply upgrading to a budget-friendly 14-SEER air conditioner or heat pump, which is the minimum SEER rating required by the government for the Southwest United States, can have money-saving performance benefits when installed correctly.

We are always ready and available to answer any questions you may have on this subject. The hot summer weather is just around the corner. Be prepared with the best knowledge and don’t overspend if you don’t have to.

For more information on how we can help you save BIG this season, contact us NOW: (602) 470-1040

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This is a question we get quite often. The answer is not a quick yes or no, however. There are several good reasons you should opt to repair you’re A/C system. There are also several good reasons why replacing your system makes good sense, as well. We have discussed this in the past, in both our blog and in our social media posts. It is well worth repeating. Of course, if you have any questions at all about this topic, call us. We are happy to answer all questions!

Let’s look at the answers, side-by-side. This should be helpful to you.

A couple of other things to consider:

If your unit is less than five years old there’s a good chance that the parts will be covered under warranty.

Although you may have a unit that has needed no repair or minimal repair for the past 10 years, if you are starting to see higher energy bills, it just may make sense to replace the unit. The A/C systems available today are much more energy efficient and these systems did not exist 10 years ago.

Check out this list from ENERGYSTAR.GOV, which provides good information on reasons to replace:
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=heat_cool.pr_checklist_consumers

Check out the Home Energy Yardstick to assess your annual home energy usage:
https://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=HOME_ENERGY_YARDSTICK.showGetStarted

Replacing an A/C is never fun or on top of anyone’s list of things you enjoy purchasing. Arizona’s hot summers make it necessary to think ahead and be prepared with a well operating system. If you are unsure what to do, ask us! We are happy to help.

For more information on how we can help you save BIG this season, contact us NOW: (602) 470-1040

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We have been very lucky with the winter weather here in Arizona. It has felt like spring for quite a while now, even though spring has not officially arrived. That being said, NOW is the time to be sure you’re A/C system is working the way it should be working. You do not want to be dealing with a broken system in the heat of the Arizona summer!

Here are some common problems you can look for:

• Improper Operation: Be sure all windows and doors are closed if the air conditioner is on.
• Inadequate Maintenance: Changing your air filters regularly and having your system serviced regularly for preventive maintenance are the best ways to keep your A/C running at optimum performance and most efficiently.
• Refrigerant Leaks: There are a variety of reasons this can happen – improper installation and poor service procedures can contribute to low refrigerant levels or leaking. Your system may not have been charged at the proper level with a bad installation. Poorly trained technicians may not properly repair and test a leak or match the manufacturer’s specifications for the refrigerant charge.
• Electric Control Failure: The compressor and fan controls can wear out. Wires and terminals can corrode. This is where regular maintenance can be helpful and your professional HVAC company should check electrical connections and contacts during these visits.
• Drainage Problems: When there is humidity outside, check for clogging in the condensate drain and make sure it is draining properly.

The Energy.gov website has some valuable information you may find helpful. Check it out:

General Cooling Information:
http://energy.gov/public-services/homes/heating-cooling/home-cooling

Maintenance of Your System:
http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/maintaining-your-air-conditioner

Energy Saving Information on Heating and Cooling Your Home Efficiently:
http://energy.gov/public-services/homes/heating-cooling

Check out The Weather Channel’s tips for keeping a cool home:
http://tinyurl.com/kracjw4

For more information on how we can help you save BIG this upcoming warm weather season, contact us NOW: (602) 470-1040

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The heating and cooling of your home account for 56% of all your energy costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. There are steps you can take to help with your efforts to save money and use less energy. We talk about these things often, but it’s worth repeating.

• Regular maintenance of your heating and A/C system will help to keep your system running efficiently and help save money as a result.
• Maintain a comfortable level of temperature in your home while you are there. When you leave the house for work, school or multiple continuous hours, be sure to adjust the thermostat so that you are not wasting heat or air conditioning in an empty house. In the colder months, if you adjust your thermostat 10-15 degrees for 8 hours at a time, while you are out of the house, you can save 5%-15% annually.
• Install programmable thermostats. This will help you control your temperatures when you are not home.
• Seal your home for energy leaks, in both the cold and warm months so you do not lose precious heating or air conditioning. Windows, doors and drafty areas can cost you in lost energy.
• Change air filters regularly. Clean air filters will help your system run efficiently and effectively and will help save money as a result.
• Using window coverings can help in your energy efficient efforts. By opening the blinds and curtains, you bring in natural sunlight to help warm the house in the cooler months and closing them in the summer months will keep the house cooler.
• Replace older systems (when it is time and no longer operating at its optimum performance) with ENERGY STAR®, energy efficient products. And be sure they are installed properly by a qualified HVAC professional, or you could lose up to 30% of the system’s efficiency with an improper installation.

When you install a new, energy efficient system, here are some helpful guidelines for your furnace and air conditioning units for long-term savings:

• For furnaces: You want to look for high Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings and the national minimum is 78% AFUE. Some ENERGY STAR® models on the market currently exceed 90% AFUE.
• For air conditioners: You want to look for a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). The current minimum is 13 SEER for central air conditioners. However there are ENERGY STAR models on the market currently at 14.5 SEER or more.

Ultimately, it’s the combination of using new, modern, energy efficient products and some simple steps you can take that will make a difference in your energy use and reduce your energy bills.

For more information on how we can help you save BIG this fall and winter season, contact us NOW: (602) 470-1040

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