Author: Eazy Breezy

When you turn on the heat and notice a smoke smell from the furnace, it’s normal to feel concerned about a serious problem with your heating system. As the most trusted HVAC contractor in Tucson, our Eazy Breezy Heating & Cooling team receives many calls from homeowners worried about smoky odors from their heaters. 

If you smell smoke when you run the furnace, call us at (520) 207-0334 to have a technician investigate the problem. If you suspect gas leaks, call 911 and leave your home immediately for safety. Otherwise, keep reading to learn the most common furnace odors and their causes and how to solve—and prevent—unpleasant heating odors. 

Musty Smells 

One of the most common and normal reasons for furnace odors is dust buildup on components like burners and heat exchangers. The first time you turn on the furnace after the summer, accumulated dust burns off and creates a musty or smoky smell that typically goes away after a few hours. Scheduling a furnace tune-up and cleaning before the heating season can help keep it from happening.  

“Something’s Burning” 

If, after a few hours, there’s still a smoke smell from the furnace, it just smells like something is burning, or the smell appears suddenly, you may have a clogged air filter. Blocked air filters cause blower motors to work harder than usual, which can cause overheating and a burning smell. If the odor doesn’t go away after you change the filter or the current filter is clean, the burning smell may be from an electrical issue that requires immediate attention to prevent a fire.

Burning Plastic

The smell of burning plastic from the furnace could indicate a foreign object, like a toy, caught in the HVAC system. It might also mean something inside the furnace is malfunctioning. In either case, to prevent toxic fumes and further damage, call for an inspection and repairs.

Burning Oil 

An oily odor from the furnace is most often a sign that it’s time to change the oil filter. A dirty oil filter can cause overheating and damage to the furnace. Changing the filter should solve the problem, but if it doesn’t, turn off the furnace to prevent a fire and call an HVAC professional for help. 

Gunpowder 

A gunpowder or firework-type sulfurous odor is usually a sign of an overheated blower motor or a damaged circuit board. In either case, turn off the furnace to prevent further damage and schedule furnace repairs. 

Call Us for Help with Furnace Problems  

When you have concerns about a smoke smell from the furnace or any other HVAC issues, call our professionals at Eazy Breezy Heating & Cooling at (520) 207-0334 for prompt, professional, and affordable service. We can also help prevent furnace problems with regular maintenance and tune-ups to ensure critical components are clean and in good working condition. If we determine it’s time for a new home furnace, you can trust us to help you select the perfect model and provide reliable and efficient installation.

Why won’t my HVAC turn on? It is a valid question if you live or work in the Arizona heat. Locals understand the importance of a fully functional HVAC system, so what are the options when the system breaks down?

As the HVAC experts in Green Valley, Eazy Breezy Heating & Cooling shares six reasons for malfunctioning HVAC systems in Tucson, AZ, and nearby areas.

1. A Tripped Circuit Breaker

Strained circuit breakers will shut off under an overload of electricity. Manufacturers design them to protect a home and appliances against fire and other damages. So, if the HVAC does not turn on, the first check is for a circuit breaker that needs resetting.

Has the problem persisted after the reset? Even broken wires in a light switch can distort the circuit, so call a team like Eazy Breezy Heating & Cooling as soon as possible. A qualified electrician will need to evaluate the property’s circuitry to find the cause of the overload.

2. A Blown Fuse

Are the fuses in good condition? Professionals typically test these points for continuity using a multimeter. If there is no decisive beep from the fuse in question, it will need replacement.

The fuse box for air conditioners is typically around the outdoor unit. The control board holds the fuse for the furnaces.

3. Clogged Air Filters or Evaporator Coils

Why won’t my HVAC turn on with the circuit breaker up and working fuses? The next check would be for dirty filters, which easily lead to ice forming over air conditioning coils. In a furnace, a dirty air filter will limit the fresh air cycled into the system so that the heat exchanger heats up beyond normal and deactivates.

Similarly, evaporator coils (and other such components) must be free from debris to work properly. Without maintenance, an HVAC system will lose efficiency and eventually break down.

4. A Dirty Pilot Light

Is there a faulty or dirty pilot light? The gas furnace will not turn on while it is in that condition. Furnace repair technicians will easily take care of pilot light problems, but it might be possible to check it yourself with some mechanical expertise and a user manual.

5. A Refrigerant Leak

What will happen when there is a refrigerant leak? The system will stop working, or worse, it can lead to freon poisoning. If you suspect a leak, call an HVAC professional immediately for a detailed evaluation.

6. A Broken Thermostat

The HVAC thermostat is a vital part of the system as the control panel of the appliance. If the thermostat loses battery power or sustains damage, your HVAC units will not run.

Request an Inspection From a Team of HVAC Professionals

Sometimes, the best way to find out why an HVAC isn’t working is a professional inspection by experienced HVAC technicians. And choosing the right HVAC contractor can make all the difference.

Why won’t my HVAC turn on with all the above checks in place? Call Eazy Breezy Heating & Cooling at 520-207-0334 today to find out or schedule HVAC-related services in Tucson, AZ, and the surrounding communities.

What is static pressure in HVAC? How does it affect your heating and cooling system, and how can you maintain it properly? Rely on Eazy Breezy Heating & Cooling, your local HVAC specialists in Oro Valley, to provide the HVAC assistance you need.

Are you worried about your HVAC system’s health? Reach out to our team of experienced and highly skilled experts by calling 520-207-0334.

What Is Static Pressure in HVAC Systems?

What is static pressure in HVAC systems?

The definition relates to the airflow resistance in the ductwork and other essential components. Low static pressure results in low airflow, while high static pressure allows for a strong flow through the air ducts.

To visualize this, imagine the blower motor in your system as a water source that connects to a garden hose. Wide open hoses don’t push the water out as quickly, but a narrow hose or hose nozzle increases pressure to more efficient levels.

Of course, your HVAC system doesn’t need to reach super high pressure, but it should achieve a balance that works for the size of your residence or commercial building. Experts can perform load calculations to identify the best balance for your system for maximum efficiency.

Effects of Improper Static Pressure Balance

What happens to your HVAC system if the pressure balance isn’t within the recommendations of the manufacturer? What causes this pressure imbalance? Unbalanced static pressure in heating and cooling systems has several potential causes. 

For example, a blocked or excessively restricted air filter or the wrong size of ductwork due to a poor system design can cause imbalances in the flow of air within the building. This imbalance can negatively impact your system in multiple ways, such as:

• More frequent part wear-down and need for repair
• High energy bills from long run times and loss of efficiency
• Noisy operation
• Uneven heating or cooling
• Leak development in the ductwork

High or low static pressure can cause the above symptoms and eventually lead to HVAC system failure. Your system needs to have a balance of static pressure to allow for optimal airflow from the intake through the vents to ensure even heating and cooling for maximum comfort.

Find Expert HVAC Services in Tucson, AZ

Do the above symptoms of static pressure imbalance sound familiar to you? Are you looking for a trusted HVAC company in Tucson to help you with your heating and cooling system? Our team at Eazy Breezy Heating & Cooling offers the repair and installation services you need all year round!

We provide inspections and repair services to troubleshoot your heating and cooling system and find a solution to maintain your comfort. Be sure to ask about our current special offers and installation financing plans to better manage your HVAC investment.

Knowing the answer to “What is static pressure in HVAC?” doesn’t mean you have to tackle repairs yourself. If you suspect your HVAC unit needs help, call our Eazy Breezy Heating & Cooling technicians at 520-207-0334 today!

Maintaining a healthy HVAC system is crucial to keeping your home interiors comfortable. However, these complex systems require routine maintenance and upkeep to function optimally. 

Consider changing air filters a necessary step to keep your HVAC system functioning healthily. But what if you don’t have a new filter and need your air conditioner to continue running? How long can you run AC without a filter?

While it’s possible to run your AC system safely for up to eight hours without a filter, hiring Oro Valley’s HVAC services to replace your filters quickly offers the perfect solution. Understanding why air filters are necessary for a healthy system can avoid costly repairs and replacements.

How Air Filters Function in an AC System

Air conditioning systems recycle air throughout your home to provide climate control. Return air vents suck in your interior air, bringing it back into the AC system, where it cools and redistributes it through supply air vents.

Within the return air vents are air filters. As these vents bring air into your AC unit, the filter actively cleans out dirt, mold spores, debris, and bacteria that might not be visible. Especially for homes with children and pets, these filters eliminate quantities of contaminants from the air.

How AC Filters Benefit Your HVAC System

Your HVAC system benefits significantly from air filters. If unfiltered air blows through your system for too long, dust and debris can accumulate on the mechanisms of your AC unit. These contaminants can cause breakdowns that become expensive to resolve.

The Dangers of Running AC Without a Filter

Answering the question “how long can you run AC without a filter” is impossible without exploring the consequences of overrunning your system this way. Below we list some of the top concerns.

Degrading Air Quality

A lack of a filter decreases your home’s air quality considerably. While allowing small amounts of dust and bacteria to recycle through your home’s air may not seem awful, these contaminants can cause adverse respiratory and asthmatic effects. 

Running your AC without a filter too long could increase your chances of sickness. Dirty air can also damage your compressor, another costly system component.

Frozen Evaporator Coils

Dust and debris that flow through an unfiltered AC system will likely settle in the evaporator coils. These coils are responsible for combining refrigerant with the warm air drawn in from your home. 

If evaporator coils become too dirty, they’ll work harder to compensate. However, the additional workload combined with refrigerant attaching to dust particles could freeze your coils. Frozen coils also lead to costly repairs.

Decreased Efficiency and Increased Utility Bills

Dirty air will decrease your AC unit’s efficiency as it works harder to reach desired temperatures. A less efficient system will usually result in increased utility bills. 

Air Conditioning Repair and Maintenance Services From Eazy Breezy Heating and Cooling

For more answers to the question “how long can you run AC without a filter” or to learn about the signs it’s time to replace your air conditioner, call (520) 207-0334 and schedule a service consultation with Eazy Breezing Heating and Cooling today!

A furnace is essential to maintain comfort in your home. If you don’t select the right furnace for your home, your energy bills could go up as the furnace fails to heat your space. When you’re choosing a new furnace, you should consider efficiency, comfort features, cost, and the type of system.

If you find yourself in the market for a new HVAC in Oro Valley, call Easy Breezy Heating & Cooling. Our experts have years of HVAC experience and can help you choose a new home furnace, taking into account these four key factors.

1. Efficiency

Age matters with heating systems. As furnaces age, they become less efficient and use more energy to run. If you’re replacing an outdated furnace, look for a furnace with 95% efficiency and a high ENERGY STAR rating. New, high-efficiency furnaces can save you up to 45% on your energy bill.

A higher-efficiency furnace cuts costs, runs quieter, and services your entire home. Lower energy bills leave room in the budget to consider upgrades to your unit.

2. Comfort Features

A new home furnace is an investment that you will live with for the next 15 to 20 years. High-quality furnaces have a variety of extra features to ensure comfort and convenience.

A dehumidifier regulates humidity to ensure that each space is comfortable. Wi-Fi-controlled thermostats make changing the temperature convenient from an app on your phone.

3. Installation Cost

Parts and labor costs vary depending on the contractor you hire. An experienced contractor gets the job done correctly, but may charge more for their time. A proper installation is essential in ensuring the reliability of your furnace for years to come.

Be prepared to pay extra costs if your home needs other services to operate efficiently, like maintenance of your ductwork, vents, or chimney.

4. Type of System

When shopping for a furnace, you can choose different furnace types:

• Natural gas furnaces are the most popular type of furnace due to their low running cost. They use natural gas to burn cold air and create heat, which fans then disperse through air ducts.
• Electric furnaces are popular in households without a gas line and don’t come with any carbon monoxide risks. Electric furnaces use a heat exchanger to warm cold air and blow it through the air ducts.
• Oil furnaces create heat by vaporizing oil into a fine mist and mixing it with air. The mixture ignites burners inside a combustion chamber to create heat. The heat disperses through air ducts to warm a space.
• Propane systems do not rely on electricity to function, so they are a reliable heat source in areas with frequent power outages.

Contact Easy Breezy to Learn More About Choosing a Furnace

At Easy Breezy Heating & Cooling, we know the importance of keeping your family comfortable. If you don’t know why your AC smells or you want to choose a new home furnace, we can help. Call 520-207-0334 to schedule a maintenance appointment with us today.

Have you ever come in from a hard day of yard work, turned the AC down a few degrees, and thought, “why does my air conditioning smell?” Unpleasant odors emanating from your unit indicate a problem with your air conditioning. Keep reading to learn the most common AC issues.

At Eazy Breezy, our technicians provide comprehensive Oro Valley HVAC services. We can perform a thorough inspection to identify, resolve, and even prevent any issues with your AC unit.

1. Rotten Eggs Are a Red Flag for Gas Leaks

The most crucial odor to be on alert for is the smell of rotten eggs because it may indicate a gas leak. Natural gas is odorless, and manufacturers add a chemical called methyl mercaptan. This chemical creates an unmistakable, putrid egg odor that only becomes apparent in a gas leak that has found its way into your ducts.

If you’re asking yourself, “why does my air conditioning smell like rotten eggs?” quickly perform the following tasks:

• Turn off your gas and call your gas company.
• Put out any candles and do not use any matches or lighters.
• Open the doors and windows to ventilate your house.
• Do not operate household appliances.
• Evacuate the home until your gas company can locate and fix the source of the leak.

2. Burning Smells May Indicate a Mechanical Malfunction

Air conditioners have many electrical components that may overheat, so a burning smell from your vents indicates, perhaps obviously, that something is burning. The circuit board, wiring, compressor, or fan motor may have shorted, so you should disable the HVAC system in your breaker box. If the burning smell does not disappear, contact the fire department and evacuate your home.  

3. Putrid Smells Could Be a Decomposing Animal

Animals seeking refuge may find their way into your air conditioning system only to become trapped and die. If you don’t know where the animal carcass is in your ducts, our technicians can find it and remove it. Once the critter is gone, clean the area and ensure it is dry before restarting your AC.

4. A Musty Smell Is a Sign of Mold Buildup

Mold is the most common issue with an air conditioning unit that can create foul smells. Water in your ducts spawns mold; once it does, you will need to hire a professional to clean your system thoroughly. A musty smell could also signify a dirty air filter, which you can buy at any hardware store and quickly replace on your own.

Learn More About AC Maintenance and Repair

Did you know that the location of your thermostat affects its performance? The thermostat operates the system’s HVAC, and inefficiency can result in several problems with your air conditioning system, so it’s essential to know the best location for a thermostat to optimize the performance of your unit.

If your AC is experiencing problems, or you’re wondering, “why does my air conditioning smell?” give Eazy Breezy Heating & Cooling a call at 520-207-0334, and we’ll send one of our technicians out to give you the quality service you deserve!

Installing or upgrading your HVAC system leads to many decisions, including where you should place your thermostat. Your thermostat controls your HVAC system and lets you set your ideal temperature.

Yet, many homeowners forget that the thermostat location affects its overall function. If you place your thermostat in suboptimal areas, you may suffer from higher energy bills, uneven heating and cooling, or a low-performing HVAC system.

For the most accurate temperatures in your home, use these tips from an Oro Valley HVAC contractor at Eazy Breezy Heating and Cooling.

The Best Thermostat Location in Your Home

When choosing where to place your thermostat, decide which room you use the most. For most families, the living or sitting room tends to see more action than other rooms. Install your thermostat at least five feet from the floor to avoid incorrect temperature readings.

Where You Shouldn’t Install a Thermostat

Near Windows or Doors

Your thermostat may pick up temperatures from weak seals or the opening and shutting of your windows or doors. These actions trick the system into attempting to meet that outdoor temperature instead of your interior’s set temperature.

Exterior Walls

Especially in summer, heat from the sun’s rays may soak into your exterior walls and against your thermostat location. As a result, it triggers your air conditioner.

Bathrooms or Kitchens

Hot showers and cooking cause temperature spikes. These fluctuations might turn your HVAC on, wasting electricity and money.

Near TV Sets or Lamps

Since these items generate heat, your thermostat may incorrectly read the temperature around them.

Air Supply Ducts and Plumbing

Air and water may send inaccurate temperature readings to your thermostat. Therefore, your HVAC will work overtime to compensate for the cold or heat they radiate.

Non-Central Home Areas

Hallways, guest bedrooms, and areas that don’t see much use won’t provide your thermostat with accurate readings. You want your thermostat location to generate the right temperature for the central part of your home. 

Smart Thermostats: The Best Way to Control Your Temperature

Smart thermostats read the room around them as regular thermostats do. However, you can purchase additional sensors for each room in your home. Each room’s readings tell your thermostat what to do for ultimate climate control.

Smart thermostats offer many features not available with traditional manual or digital thermostats, including:

• The ability to control them from your app
• Proximity sensors in the thermostat that dim its light when you’re not near
• GPS tracking to adjust temperatures as you approach home
• Alerts for potential HVAC issues when you’re away
• Learning capabilities to change temperatures depending on your schedule
• Energy usage tracking and reporting features

Know the Best Location for Your Thermostat

Get ready to enjoy quality heating and cooling with the right thermostat location when installing or upgrading your central HVAC system. Call (520) 207-0334 for assistance with thermostat placement from Eazy Breezy Heating and Cooling.

Are you having trouble beating the heat? Know the signs that indicate it’s time to replace your air conditioner.

Summers seem to get hotter every year, and nobody wants their air conditioner to fail in a heat wave. If you keep an eye out for the following signs it’s time to replace your air conditioner, you can face the summer more confidently.

Don’t suffer through hot weather. Call 520-207-0334 to ask about HVAC services by Eazy Breezy Heating and Cooling in Oro Valley.

Sign #1: Frozen Evaporator Coils

Your air conditioner’s evaporator coils remove heat from the air in your home so that the refrigerant can convey it outside. If the refrigerant level is too low or there is a problem with the coils, the coils can become too cold too quickly. As a result, ice buildup on the coils can damage the air conditioner.

Sign #2: Unusual Noises

A refrigerant leak can cause the air conditioner to fail. If you hear a hissing sound coming from your air conditioning unit, call a professional to patch the leak and top off your refrigerant.

You might also hear noises from the blower motor if it struggles to circulate air through clogged ductwork. Any unusual sounds could indicate an air conditioning problem.

Sign #3: Increased Cooling Costs

If your energy bills are higher in the summer months, your air conditioner could struggle to keep your home sufficiently cool, requiring more energy than usual. An air conditioner will cycle on and off throughout the day. However, if your air conditioner has inadequate airflow or the temperature sensor breaks, the air conditioner will run continuously or longer than it should.

Sigh #4: Odors from AC Vents

If dirt or mold clogs your air conditioning system, filthy, musty smells may emanate from the air conditioning vents. It can strain your air conditioning system and worsen allergies and respiratory illnesses. Protect the health of your family by regularly cleaning filters and ductwork.

Sign #5: Warm Air Coming from AC Vents

One of the most apparent signs it’s time to replace your air conditioner is when it doesn’t keep your house cool anymore. If your refrigerant levels are too low in your central air conditioning, but the blower motor is working, you might feel warm air from the vents.

Sign #6: Breakdowns

An air conditioning system can last for more than a decade, but parts in the air conditioning system wear out eventually. As one part fails, it puts stress on other components, which means you may need to call a local technician for more frequent repairs.

If you keep paying for costly repairs and service calls, it might be time to replace your air conditioner with a newer, more efficient model. A new unit will cool your home more efficiently and require fewer maintenance and repair services, saving you money in the long run.

Fix All Your Air Conditioning Problems with Eazy Breezy Heating & Cooling

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to replace your air conditioner. Call 520-207-0334 today to schedule AC or HVAC servicing and learn more tips on how to choose the right HVAC contractor.

All machines degrade over time. Once your car starts giving you trouble or maintenance gets too expensive, you replace the car. The same goes for an HVAC system.

It’s sometimes cheaper to replace AC and furnace together when the air conditioner fails. While the initial cost is high, it is less expensive long-term to have a brand new system that cools and heats your home.

If it’s time to replace your system, call Eazy Breezy Heating & Cooling at 520-207-0334. We are your AC and furnace installation experts in Tucson, AZ.

When to Replace AC and Furnace Together?

It’s easier to replace both systems when you replace your furnace or air conditioner. There are several reasons why you should change out both systems.

Higher Energy-Efficiency

As technology advances, air conditioners have better SEER ratings, which determines the energy efficiency of your AC unit. A higher SEER rating means a more energy-efficient unit.

If your furnace is ten years old, it won’t run as efficiently as newer systems. Pairing the old furnace and new air conditioner together will result in one of two problems. Either the AC won’t run as efficiently, or the new AC unit will wear out more quickly.

Matching Systems Work Better

Like all machines, different systems work better together than others. For example, some furnaces work better with certain AC units. Compatible systems will support each other and be more energy efficient.

Installing an AC or furnace with an older, incompatible system will lead to significant problems. At best, your system will significantly increase your energy costs. At worst, both systems will run very poorly or constantly break down.

Installing a new cooling and heating  together will result in better air quality in your home and save you from future headaches.

Lower Energy Costs

Most of the monthly cost on an energy bill comes from your HVAC system. The efficiency of your system determines your energy costs over time. A higher efficiency system will result in lower prices.

When you replace AC and furnace together, you have a new system that is much more efficient than an older system. For example, a new heat pump functions as an AC and a furnace. It draws heat from outside and pushes it inside during the cold months and pulls heat out of your home in warmer months.

When Not to Replace the Furnace and Air Conditioner Together?

There are only two reasons not to replace an entire system in your home. One reason is if your budget can’t handle the upfront cost.

Another reason is that one of your systems is already new. You don’t need to replace an AC or furnace that is six years old or younger.

Choosing the Best Option for Your Home

No one knows your home better than you do. You deserve to be comfortable year-round, and we provide the service to make that happen.

Whether you replace AC and furnace together or choose to do just one, Eazy Breezy Heating & Cooling has the experience and equipment to do the job right. Call us at 520-207-0334 for top-tier air conditioning installation services.

A furnace’s primary job is to keep your residential or commercial property comfy during the frost-bitten months. However, if you’re replacing or installing a new system, deciphering between gas and electric may be dizzying, especially when searching for the most cost-effective or energy-efficient furnace on the market. 

For a new, more productive way to heat your home this winter, we at Eazy Breezy Heating and Cooling will help you filter through your options. As your  furnace installation experts in Tuscon, AZ, we’ll start by weighing the pros and cons of a gas vs. an electric furnace below, leading you to make the most informed decision.

Installation Fees

Installing a gas furnace, especially if you’ve never had one before, proves more costly than an electric furnace. With more parts to install, including a new gas line and gas valve that helps heated air circulate within your home, this complex installation process could cost thousands of dollars.

Maintenance Charges

Alongside a large upfront installation cost, semi-annual maintenance fees are higher for gas furnaces since they have more parts that may become faulty over time. For instance, a professional needs to service the heat exchanger or condenser coils to prevent leaks. They may also have to repair or replace burners, ignition switches, and flame sensors, as well as other parts as your system ages. 

While each type of furnace should have bi-annual servicing done, gas furnaces prove more dangerous with potential carbon monoxide leaks, making checkups especially vital for your family’s safety.

Cost Efficiency

Although installation and maintenance are more costly with a gas furnace when considering a gas vs. an electric furnace, an electrical unit costs more to run. That makes electric furnaces more expensive in the long term. While the cost of electricity is always on the rise, fuel sources for gas furnaces come from combustible natural gas, which has become cheaper in recent years. 

The harder your system works to produce your desired indoor temperature, the more gas or electricity you’ll burn, increasing your utility bills. However, since the winter temps in Tuscon, AZ, rarely drop below 40 degrees, southern US residents can take advantage of a cheaper electric system in this moderate climate.

Longevity

While natural gas fuels your gas furnace at a cheaper cost to you, the gas is always in contact with your metal heat exchanger, leading to corrosion. A lack of proper ventilation in the heat exchanger also shortens the lifespan of your gas furnace to 10 to 15 years. 

Even with semi-annual cleanings and inspections, when considering a gas vs. an electric furnace, it’s rare that the former will outlive a low-maintenance electric one that performs well over 30 years.

Get in Touch with Eazy Breezy Heating & Cooling

For an energy-efficient way to heat your home this Tuscon winter, we’ll help you find what you need. Despite your preference in the gas vs. electric furnace debate, multiple factors, including existing furnace piping and housing location, affect your choice. To better understand your options and learn more about air conditioning mistakes during the summer, call Eazy Breezy Heating and Cooling at 520-207-0334 today!