Here are 5 things Arizona residents need to know about their HVAC system

PHOENIX — It’s warming back up in the Valley, which means it’s time to think about your air conditioning system’s preparedness for summer if you haven’t already.

Proactivity over reactivity is one of the most important things to remember when it comes to air conditioning, especially here in the Valley, because no one wants to deal with a dead A/C unit in the middle of the summer. Its why experts recommend servicing air conditioning systems in the spring as opposed to emergency repairs in June or July.

Collins Comfort Masters offers plenty of service to residents from a free second opinion on an A/C repair to the emergency “My family is burning alive” type of catastrophe.

1. What are the different types of HVAC systems?

Most homes in Arizona run off what’s called a split-system air conditioner and or rooftop package unit with electrical and gas, but others include an electric furnace or a boiler.

2. Most HVAC systems are only good for about a decade

While some HVAC systems can last 15-25 years, the heat in Phoenix batters down on A/C systems forcing them to run constantly during the harsh summer months.

If your system is reaching the 10 year mark, sometimes it makes more sense to replace rather than invest in repairs. Collins Comfort Masters is known for their “No Worry Service” and “No Worry Guarantee” that includes being open 24/7 with no extra charge for nights, weekends and holidays, and a quality guarantee — you can be sure that no matter which route you go down, your HVAC system will be back in working order quickly completed with expert craftsmanship.

3. HVAC systems can wear down quicker in Arizona due to heat

Compressor failure is one of the biggest problems that people can run into with their air conditioning. For Arizona customers, heat is one of the leading causes of that compressor failure.

The extreme heat causes A/C systems to work overtime, leading to wear out sooner than anticipated.

4. Maintenance is critical if you want your HVAC system to last beyond its expected lifespan

Just like cars, air conditioning systems need annual maintenance to keep them running properly. Many factors can impact the performance of your air conditioning, even something as simple as changing the filters in A/C vents, which should be done every 90 days or so. Other maintenance tasks require a technician to inspect the unit to make sure its ready for the summer heat.

It’s recommended that the units themselves are kept up twice a year, which should happen during the spring and one during the fall.

5. What are SEER ratings?

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and it factors the cooling output divided by the energy it uses. Simply put, it measures the way your system will perform under the best of conditions.

A more efficient unit with a higher SEER rating (a scale of 13 to 21 although the 2024 standard in Arizona is at least 15 SEER) will work smoother and be better for the environment but it will also be more expensive in the short term. But it does also bring more comfort and can go longer between repairs and replacements.

Now is the time to act, so visit Collins Comfort Masters online to schedule an appointment today to get your HVAC system in the best shape possible ahead of the summer heat.