Written by With warmer temps fast approaching, its no secret that the Arizona desert contributes to the majority of our weather conditions. From extreme heat to dust storms and everything in between, outdoor weather conditions may have a significant effect on your heating and cooling bill. Specifically, common sources of uneven heating and cooling after a harsh winter can be attributed to duct issues, thermostat settings, water heater leaks, and worn-out indoor weather seals.
Tired of seeing hefty energy bills that never seem to let up? It might be time to schedule an energy audit with the heating and cooling experts at Wolff Mechanical. Below, we have provided an energy checklist that you can use as a reference guide in order to take advantage of preventative home measures.
Spring Energy Audit Checklist:
- Make sure your thermostat isn’t near lamps, TVs or a fireplace. Your thermostat may have the ability to sense heat from those appliances and as a result, may take longer to shut down.
- Refrigerator Seal: One simple trick to see if your refrigeration is sealed properly is to stick a dollar bill in the door. If it easily slips out, then you may have a seal that should be replaced immediately.
- The Light Bulb Test: Given the myriad of light bulbs available, choosing between halogen, incandescent, or CFL may seem confusing. Considering the benefits of a CFL bulb, it may be smart to replace your bulbs with newer, more energy efficient lights. CFL bulbs produce about 3 to 4 times as much light as a traditional bulb and on average, use about 25% less energy.
- Toilet Tank Test: One DIY home maintenance area that is often overlooked may be your toilet. We recommend checking for seals by adding some food coloring into your tank. If the food coloring immediately seeps into your tank without flushing, then you may have a water leak that should be addressed.
From thermostat maintenance to a simple refrigerator checkup, we hope our quick Spring Energy Checklist guides you towards DIY excellence. For more in-depth answers to your heating and cooling questions, be sure to schedule an energy audit with the Scottsdale AC service experts at Wolff Mechanical. For more information on our full line of services, please visit: http://azairconditioning.com/
Image via This Old House
Written by 
Many people never consider checking their home heating bills to know exactly what they’re paying for. It’s not only prudent to understand what’s contained on your heating bills to avoid paying unnecessary fees, but you can also determine how to save energy. Before you pay and throw away that bill, understand the basics of what you’re paying for. 
Do you take home safety seriously? Carbon monoxide leaks, smoke and fires are potentially lethal, and may strike at any time. Take the initiative and the responsibility to implement these two safety measures: prevention and detection. 
For as long as they’ve been around, HVAC systems have made it so a home can truly become a sanctuary. The comfort they provide is something many people today rely on, yet scheduling an annual service appointment is often overlooked. When your system goes kaput in the middle of extreme temperatures, that’s when you really wish you had just had it inspected ahead of time. Doing so will not only ensure your home feels cozy year-round, but will also make your system operate more efficiently, thus saving you money on your monthly utility bills. 
Upgrading your HVAC system involves a critical step: performing a carefully executed load calculation. Be wary of any contractor who suggests installing the same-sized air conditioner, furnace or heat pump as your existing equipment. It’s highly possible that your old system wasn’t sized correctly in the first place, and if any home upgrades have been made to the home’s structure that impact load, such as adding insulation or sealing air leaks, you may be able to install a slightly smaller system. 
Approximately half of Americans killed by 
In the Phoenix Valley, summer signals the arrival of extreme temperatures — and monsoon season. Homeowners should be prepared for both, but the beginning of monsoon season requires special consideration, as conditions that range from dust storms to extreme thunderstorms to rare tornadoes can occur. Your home must be ready to endure monsoon season, and the damage that can sometimes occur from extreme weather conditions.
Up to 30 percent of conditioned air loss, especially in older buildings, occurs because of gaps or holes in the structure. You can prevent that loss by weatherizing your home — which will save money on utilities and improve indoor comfort. 
If you are in the process of selecting new HVAC equipment for your home, take a little extra time to seek out expert advice before you make the big investment. 