Author: Eazy Breezy

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!

If you hear strange noises coming from your air conditioner, you may think, “Why is my AC so loud?”

Although your HVAC unit won’t always be completely silent, strange or loud noises can indicate different problems. Easy Breezing Heating & Cooling specializes in HVACs and can help you locate the problem and provide an effective solution.

Our HVAC technicians in Tucson have the necessary skills and tools for an effective system repair. However, you can take various troubleshooting steps to determine the cause of a loud AC unit.

Buzzing Noises

If you hear a buzzing noise coming from your AC unit, it could indicate different types of problems.

Buzzing noises can result from both minor issues and more severe problems. For example, loose internal parts can cause your system to make a loud buzzing noise. Thankfully, this is typically an easy and fast fix.

However, it could also indicate an imbalanced blower motor or a refrigerant leak. These issues are more serious and require immediate attention from your local HVAC technicians.

Hissing Noises

Hissing noises coming from your AC system could be a sign of leaking refrigerant.

Refrigerant is a critical part of your AC unit’s ability to cool the air in your home. However, it is toxic to those who consume it. Refrigerant leaks can pose a danger to pets and young children, which is why it is vital to schedule a repair as soon as possible.

Banging Noises

Why is my AC so loud? If you hear a loud banging noise, it could mean your unit has a broken component.

When internal parts like the piston pin or crankshaft break or disconnect, it can create a loud and obnoxious banging noise. Our technicians will inspect every inch of your system to locate the issue and quickly restore your air conditioner.

Clicking Noises

Clicking noises are normal when turning on your AC unit. Loud or frequent clicking noises often indicate an electrical issue. However, persistent clicking could result from a defective thermostat or another electrical component.

If you hear clicking noises coming from your unit, pay attention to the frequency. Call Easy Breezy Heating & Cooling if they persist to schedule an inspection.

Whistling Noises

A whistling AC unit could be the result of duct system issues. If your ducts are too small or poorly designed, they can create loud whistling noises when transporting air around your home.

If you suspect an air duct issue, schedule an inspection with your local HVAC technicians to determine whether you need a repair or a whole new system.

Your Tucson HVAC Experts

HVAC systems are complex and require a trained eye for effective repairs and maintenance services. Our licensed and insured technicians can help you extend the life of your unit with routine maintenance services and effective repairs. We can also show you the top air conditioning mistakes to avoid to keep your system working longer and more efficiently.

Why is my AC so loud? Call Easy Breezy Heating & Cooling in Tucson, AZ, at (520) 207-0334 to schedule an inspection and find out.

We all want our air conditioners to run as efficiently as possible without compromising comfort. However, many people are guilty of poor air conditioning management, which leads to reduced comfort and increased energy bills.

As Tucson’s expert HVAC contractors, we’ve gathered some of the common mistakes we’ve seen from homeowners to help you avoid them.

Using the Wrong Size of Air Conditioning Unit 

An oversized air conditioner will cycle on and off frequently and waste more energy cooling your home. An undersized unit will work harder than necessary and wear out faster. A qualified HVAC professional will measure the space to recommend the correct air conditioner size for your home.

Ignoring Dirty Filters

Your air conditioning system brings in air from outside the home and cools it before sending it inside. The built-in filters trap dust and other contaminants in the air, improving the air quality around the space. You need to inspect and replace these filters every three months. Ignoring them makes the air conditioner work harder to cool your home, and your home’s indoor air quality will also worsen.

Ignoring Abnormal Noises

Most air conditioners will make some noise while working. However, after spending time with a unit, you’ll learn what sounds are normal and which ones aren’t. Abnormal noise signifies that your unit is due for repair or maintenance. Ignoring the noise is one of the air conditioning mistakes that will cause more damage over time.

Avoiding Routine Maintenance

Your condenser coils and other parts of your air conditioning unit experience wear and tear every time you turn it on, which is especially true in the summer months. Scheduling regular maintenance keeps your unit in good shape, and it will also help you avoid expensive repairs in the future.

Using an Old Air Conditioning Unit

With the right maintenance, your air conditioning unit can last up to 15 years. However, with each passing year, the unit’s efficiency will decrease. Over time, you’ll have an energy-guzzling unit that doesn’t provide as much cool air as it should anymore. Don’t hesitate to replace old units with newer models when necessary.

Using the Lowest Setting on Your Thermostat

A popular misconception amongst owners of air conditioning units is that turning the thermostat to the lowest setting will cool the house faster. On the contrary, it doesn’t matter: Running the unit at the lowest temperature setting will force the unit to work harder overall, increasing wear and tear.

Using the Air Conditioner When an Electric Fan Will Suffice

Electric fans can cool your home on those mildly warm days. Running your AC unit on those days will lead to more on and off cycles which is bad for the internal components.

Leaving Your Windows Open

Open windows allow cool air to escape from your home while bringing in warm air. The result is an air conditioning unit working harder than necessary. Always keep your windows closed when your air conditioner is working.

Expert HVAC Service in Tucson, AZ

Avoiding the air conditioning mistakes above is the surest way to ensure longevity for your units. Do you need more guidance? Call Eazy Breezy Heating and Cooling at 520-207-0334 for more advice. You can also continue browsing the site to learn more about our ac installation services.

Invest in HVAC services in Tucson from Eazy Breezy Heating & Cooling by calling our office at (520) 207-0334.

When it is time to install an HVAC unit, you want to get several years out of it. To do so, you must be aware of the factors contributing to your heating and cooling system’s lifespan.

Eazy Breezy Heating & Cooling is Tucson’s home for HVAC maintenance, installation, and repair. Our licensed and insured technicians will ensure that your heating and cooling unit lasts as long as possible, with proper maintenance treatments.

To help you set realistic expectations for your new HVAC system, below, we will answer the question, “How long do HVAC systems last?”  

Factors That Affect Longevity

Many factors impact how many years you can get from your HVAC system.

Wear and Tear

Sometimes, it is hard to avoid HVAC replacement. Over time, your heater or air conditioner will exhibit signs of wear and tear. If you do not fix these problems immediately, your AC unit will suffer.

Poor Maintenance

Another factor that impacts how long your HVAC system will last is how well you maintain it. Have a professional technician inspect your HVAC unit at least twice per year. These inspections allow you to get ahead of potential long-term problems.

Oversized or Undersized Unit

Often, an HVAC technician may install an oversized or undersized unit in your home. Doing so will cause your heating and cooling unit to run inefficiently. Consult with our HVAC technicians to find the best size heater or cooler for your home.

Life Spans for HVAC Systems

So, how long do HVAC systems last? It depends on what kind of heating and cooling system you have.

Furnace – You can expect to get 15 to 20 years out of your furnace. However, you must invest in maintenance to reach that life expectancy.

Boiler – Typically, boilers will last around 35 years. When your heat exchange leaks, it is a sign that you must replace your boiler.

Air Conditioner – A typical air conditioning unit has an average lifespan of 18 years. If you live in a coastal area, that lifespan decreases to ten years due to salt exposure.

Heat Pump – Heat pumps tend to last around a decade and a half. Compressor failures are the biggest reason why HVAC technicians replace heat pumps.

Ductless Mini-Splits – For ductless mini-split units, expect to get a replacement every 20 years. Coastal areas should replace these units every decade.

Schedule an Appointment Today

People who ask us, “How long do HVAC systems last?” also ask about other parts of their HVAC system. Here are some common HVAC terms you can familiarize yourself with.

Eazy Breezy Heating & Cooling provides exceptional HVAC maintenance services to Tucson, AZ, homes, and businesses. Our contractors are licensed and insured, meaning we assume all liability during service calls. Call our office today at (520) 207-0334 to schedule an appointment.

We are also available 24/7 for emergency services!