How Air Duct Cleaning Affects Your Home AC Performance

When dealing with the heat of the summer, your air conditioning system's ability to function at its peak is of the utmost importance. Throughout the southwest, you must be vigilant about heat-related ailments, s they can be quite severe and come on quite suddenly.

Many people like to think that just because they have one of the best air conditioning units available will perform to a high degree. The truth is, many factors play a role in how well your cooling unit operates. W know to keep windows and doors closed to prevent the cold air from escaping, but have you thought about how well it can circulate within your home?

The air ducts inside your home, if properly cleaned and maintained, can provide adequate circulation for the air, allowing your air conditioning system to function at its peak performance level.

How Do Air Ducts Get Dirty?

Many people do not realize that air ducts become soiled because of interior and exterior contaminants. Your daily activities, such as cleaning or cooking, can cause loads of chemicals to spray into the air, clogging up the ducts that are supposed to provide clean air. Similarly, chemicals from the outside, such as pesticides, smoke, and exhaust fumes can seep in through walls and blemish your clean ducts.

The moisture caused by a cooling mechanism in your air conditioner is also a likely culprit. The reason for your air ducts being dirty is essential, but so is having them professionally inspected and cleaned out or repaired if need be. Once your air ducts are free and clear of all mess, your home will have a more consistent and stable temperature.

Benefits of Getting Air Conditioning Ducts Cleaned

In addition to allowing for greater consistency in your home's temperature regulation, clean air ducts can also improve your general health. It makes the environment in which you live cleaner by significantly reducing the amount of dust flying from room to room.

Just as with the dust, cleaning the vents associated with your air conditioning system can reduce the number of allergens in the air. Not only will your home be more comfortable, but it will have fewer of those pesky irritants. A lot of the air that flows through an already contaminated air vent is likely to contain a high amount of dangerous micro-organisms that can damage the safety of your health.

Getting rid of these harmful particles floating on your air can make your home smell more pleasant, but you can make a deep sigh of relief. Having your air ducts professionally cleaned, especially in a place as warm and close as Phoenix, dramatically reduces your likelihood of suffering from respiratory distress.

How Often Should My Air Ducts be Cleaned?

Part of owning a home is performing the regular, routine maintenance on it. This includes your air conditioning ducts. While air conditioning ducts can get very clogged from outside contaminants, in a residential home, it is recommended to have your ducts looked at every three to five years. If your home also serves as a retail or commercial space, it is recommended that you do this more often. With more pedestrian traffic, your air ducts are likely to trap contaminants more readily.

Of course, this three to five-year rule is only the case if you previously had a thorough cleaning. The age of your home can also cause this to be a more frequently needed task. If you or a member of your household is often in respiratory distress or was recently diagnosed with a significant respiratory disease, know that having your air conditioning ducts cleaned out well by a professional is often the first step to alleviating some of their discomforts.

The air ducts in your home allow for the proper circulation of air, helping your air conditioning system perform at its best and remove harmful chemicals from the air. Cleaning these ducts enable them to circulate air more thoroughly and can significantly reduce these harmful particles in the air. Call a professional in Phoenix today to inspect your system and work with you on an action plan.

How to Choose the Right Ice Machine for Your Business

If you are in the food services or healthcare business, there is a good chance that you need an ice machine. An ice machine helps cool your drinks, preserve your fish, and even heal injured muscles.

There are different types of ice makers on the market. They are available in various sizes and styles. It is, therefore, daunting to choose the right one. To choose the right one, you have to consider an array of factors.

As a business owner, it becomes easier to purchase an ice machine when you know what you want. That said, here is how to choose the right ice machine for your business.

Size and Types of Ice Machines

The trickiest thing about buying an ice machine is determining how much ice you need. The type of ice maker you purchase will depend on your industry.

There are several types of ice machines that you can purchase for your business. Each is designed for specific usage. They include under-counter ice machines, dispenser ice machines, and modular ice machines.

Undercounter ice machines

Undercounter ice machines, also known as self-contained machines, are designed to fit under a 40" countertop. They are suitable for business owners with small working spaces. For instance, in bars, owners place under-counter ice machines below the counter to allow easy access to the ice.

Most under-counter ice machines produce up to 300 pounds of ice per day. However, some models can produce more.

Dispenser ice machines

Dispenser ice machines are ideal for businesses that handle large crowds. The main advantage of this ice machine is that it prevents contamination and the spread of germs. They allow you to dispense ice directly into your glass or cup without any supervision. Apart from ice, some also dispense water.

In most cases, the ice from a dispenser is chewable. It is used in drinks such as soda and health facilities.

Dispenser ice machines are available in different sizes and can produce up to 800 pounds of ice daily. Depending on size, dispenser ice machines can store 8-12 pounds of ice.

Modular Ice Machines

Modular ice machines are suitable for businesses that require ice in large amounts. They usually fit on top of an ice storage bin. Additionally, you can modify the machine's setting to produce the amount of ice you want per day. A commercial modular ice machine can produce up to 2500 pounds of ice daily. Storage bins, on the other hand, stores between 250lbs to 1700lbs.

Modular ice machines do not offer storage. It would be best if you bought an ice storage bin. The size of the storage bin is all up to you. Modular ice machines are meant for staff use only to prevent possible contamination. This is also a good type of residential ice machine to use for large gatherings of friends and family.

Types of Ice Cubes

Knowing the different types of ice cubes can help you choose the right ice machine. For instance, there are types of ice that melt faster, while others more melt slowly. Here are the main types of ice:

Cubed Ice

This is the most common type of ice you can come across. It melts slower compared to other types of ice. It is ideal for restaurants and bars. The different types of cubed ice include half cube, full cube, and regular cube.

Nugget Ice

Nugget ice is mostly available in health care facilities. It is also ideal for fast food restaurants. Unlike cubed ice, nugget ice is easy to chew and does not melt as quickly as some other types. It comes in handy when serving, beverages, blended drinks, and smoothies.

Flake Ice

Flake ice is mostly used when displaying fish or meat. It can also be used to cool blended drinks. Flake ice is soft and easy to chew. It is suitable for buffets and grocery markets where there is usually a cooler to help keep the ice from melting fast.

Water-Cooled Vs. Air-Cooled Ice Machines

After you have decided what type of ice machine you want for your business, the next step is to determine whether you want an ice machine that uses air to freeze the ice or one that uses water. Before choosing your preferred condenser, make sure you consider how much space you have, how much ice you intend to produce daily, and your location.

Air-Cooled Machines

They are very cost-effective because you do not have to spend a penny on water expenses. Their condensers require at least six inches of space around the intake and discharge areas.

Water-Cooled Machines

They use water to make ice instead of air. There are instances where these types of ice makers can outshine ice machines that use air. Such instances include:

• When the temperatures exceed 80 degrees


• When there is a high level of contaminants in the air


• When the clearance space for an air-cooled ice maker isn't enough

It is important to note that this ice machine uses a lot of water, which can be expensive. However, they are quieter compared to ice machines that use an air condenser.

When you use the above tips, you have a better chance of growing your business and satisfying your customers. Contact us here at Icon Mechanical for a specialist who can help you find the right ice machine for your business. In addition to ice machines, we also service and maintain refrigeration systems.

Signs Your AC System May Not Be Operating Efficiently

The summer is a wonderful time for cookouts, barbeques, water activities, vacations, etc. It can also be a dreadful time dealing with the summer heat, especially if you live in an area like Phoenix, Arizona.



Having said this, having a fully operational air conditioning system is mandatory. And even though each system has its unique sound, various signs may indicate that your system is not operating efficiently. Thus, the following includes signs that your system may not be working efficiently:

Increased Costs

Increased costs in your electric bill could be a result of an inefficient air conditioning system. When an air conditioning unit is not running efficiently, it works harder to cool your home. And as a result, there is a pull on your electricity that will show in your electric bill.

So, it is essential to hire a professional HVAC technician to inspect and service your system regularly. He/she will inform you about any issues found and schedule when it is time to get various services done.

Frequent Cycling

The brains of your home cooling system include the thermostat. If you notice frequent on and off cycling of your system, you may need to get your thermostat replaced. Thermostat systems wear out due to everyday usage and dust.

Otherwise, frequent cycling could be a result of a compressor issue. Nevertheless, a handy HVAC professional can detect and fix the issue for you.

Unusual Sounds

Shut down your air conditioning system immediately if you hear an unusual rattle, clanking, banging, or some other sound that isn't ordinary. Broken components, such as something electrical or fan blades, could cause strange sounds. Therefore, you need to schedule your HVAC technician to inspect and do the necessary repairs or replacements.

Low Airflow

There are a plethora of reasons why your AC system may have low airflow. The following could either be one or a combination of those reasons.

Compressor

Low airflow can indicate an issue with the compressor. As one of the most crucial system components, you must have an experienced HVAC technician to determine if there is a problem with the compressor.

Ductwork Blockage

On the other hand, the low airflow issue could be from a blockage in your ductwork. This is especially true if some rooms have stronger airflow than other rooms.

Pressure Balance Issue

This problem could also be a result of a pressure balance problem. A reputable HVAC technician is vital to diagnose whether it's a problem with your pressure and handle it accordingly.

Filter

Another possibility is the filter. If your filter hasn't been changed recently, you won't breathe in quality air, and you will encounter inefficient airflow. With some air conditioning maintenance plans, you can have the air conditioning professional change out the filter.

A filter that hasn't been changed in a while is clogged with contaminants. And because of that, air can't flow as smoothly and safely, and you and your loved ones' breathing passages will take in the contaminants that are redistributed in the air. The result of this could lead those with respiratory/allergic issues into various health issues.



Ensuring your air conditioning system is up-to-par is one main way to ensure you have an awesome summer. Don't take for granted that because your system worked fine during the spring or the previous fall season, everything is fine with your air conditioning unit.

Not only will you and your loved ones feel relief from dreadful heat, but you all will also maintain safe and healthy air quality. The good air quality will eliminate possible illness, especially if you or your loved ones have respiratory or allergic issues.

Furthermore, obtaining routine servicing of your air conditioning system will eliminate more possible costs in repairs and replacements. And as a result, you will have more money in your pockets for you and your family to enjoy for the summer.

So, contact us today for all of your air conditioning system's needs. Our technicians are highly-trained, licensed, and experienced. Additionally, we are more than happy to assist you!

Tips to Optimize Your AC Usage in Extreme Heat

Arizona's heat can make it unbearable in the summer. You may be wanting to stay indoors more often to try to beat the heat, but your a/c might not be able to keep your house as cool as you'd like. Fortunately, you don't have to suffer all summer long because your home is just too hot to handle. You can optimize your a/c usage in extreme heat by utilizing the tips mentioned below.

Thermostat Control

Your a/c is controlled by the thermostat, and if it isn't used correctly, you won't be able to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Don't turn it up when you are leaving your house for the day, as it will just cause your system to have a difficult time cooling off your home when you turn it down at night. It's more efficient to leave your thermostat on the same setting to keep your home at a consistent temperature.

Air Conditioning Maintenance

Your a/c needs to be regularly maintained for it to be able to deal with the extreme heat. Your air conditioning technician will check coolant levels and ensure the system is functioning as it should. This will ensure that it's able to keep your home cool and lessen the likelihood of it malfunctioning in the middle of a summer heatwave. Your technician can also discuss how you can optimize your usage when it's sweltering outside.

Reduce Solar Glare

The sun's heat can come into your home thanks to solar glare as it can reflect off outside surfaces, which will be reflected through your windows. This can cause your indoor temperatures to rise no matter how efficient your a/c is, but you can combat this by utilizing window curtains or having your windows tinted. You may be surprised at how just decreasing the amount of sunlight coming into your windows can help keep your home at a cooler indoor temperature. If you want to go one step further, you can also add insulation to your attic or the inside of your walls. It will act as a barrier between the inside of your home and the sweltering heat outside.

Air Leaks

Many homes have air leaks, and if this is occurring in your home, you will find it nearly impossible to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Common areas to check for air leaks include around your windows and doors. If you notice that you have a leak around your windows, you may be able to eliminate it with silicone caulk. If there's a leak around your doors, you probably will need to replace the weather stripping to keep hot air from coming inside.

A/C Zones

You can strategically keep certain areas of your home cool by utilizing a/c zones. Your a/c technician can place dampers throughout your ductwork to control how much air goes into each room. This can prove beneficial if you areas in your home that you don't want to cool, such as your laundry room or a utility room.

Supplement With Fans

Your a/c probably can't do all of the work at keeping your home cool in Arizona in the summer. Because of this, you may want to consider supplementing the air with fans as they can circulate cool air around. They will help cool down your home to a more bearable temperature. One of the nice things about fans is that they are relatively inexpensive to use and won't raise your electricity bill very much.

Arizona can be very hot in the summer, but there are some things that you can do to optimize your a/c usage. If you want to check your a/c to make sure that it's running correctly, give us a call today. We can inspect your system and maintain it so that it keeps you cool all summer long.