As temperatures climb and summer kicks into full gear, many homeowners wonder: Did I miss my chance for air conditioner maintenance? If you didn’t schedule your annual AC tune-up in Tucson, AZ this spring, you might be worried it’s too late. But here’s the good news—it’s never too late to protect your comfort and your investment.
Picture Rocks Cooling Heating & Plumbing Blog: Archive for the ‘Air Conditioning’ Category
Is It Too Late for AC Maintenance?
Monday, May 19th, 2025The Rule of 5000: Do You Need to Replace Your AC?
Monday, May 5th, 2025When your air conditioner starts acting up, you’re faced with a big decision: repair it or replace it? One of the simplest ways to help make that choice is by using the “Rule of 5000.” This quick formula can guide homeowners toward a smart, cost-effective decision that takes both short-term and long-term expenses into account. Let’s consider repair versus air conditioning replacement in Sahuarita, AZ.
How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?
Monday, March 24th, 2025When investing in a new air conditioning unit or heat pump, one of the biggest questions homeowners have is: How long will it last? The answer depends on several factors, including the quality of the unit, how often it’s used, and most importantly—whether it receives regular professional maintenance and prompt AC repair when necessary.
A well-maintained air conditioner or heat pump can last 15 years, but without routine care, its lifespan can be cut in half. That means you could find yourself needing a costly replacement in just 7 years—a huge difference that underscores the importance of professional service.
Planning Ahead for AC Season
Monday, February 10th, 2025The brief respite of the cool winter in the Sonoran Desert is not going to last much longer. We can’t afford to dillydally when it comes to being prepared for the heat.
Your air conditioner is more than just a luxury for extravagant comfort. It’s necessary to keep you safe during the hottest times of the year! So let’s make sure it will be ready to keep you cool this season. Here’s how we recommend planning ahead for AC season so you won’t have anything to worry about when the heat hits.
Short Cycling AC: Why It Happens & What to Do
Monday, October 7th, 2024Your air conditioner runs in cycles. When the thermostat gives the signal that your home has gotten too warm, the compressor kicks on and the refrigerant starts circulating, carrying the heat out of your house. Once it gets cool enough, the thermostat signals for the compressor to shut off again. The air conditioner then enters a resting state, waiting for the next signal to turn on.
These cycles should only happen a handful of times per hour. But what if your air conditioner is coming on and shutting off over and over, every few minutes? It’s called short cycling. It’s a sign that something is wrong with your air conditioner. It can also cause more problems to occur! Here’s what’s going on.
All About Ductless System Maintenance
Monday, September 23rd, 2024All air conditioners require maintenance!
All heat pumps require maintenance!
This is true whether they are central systems which lead to ductwork or mini splits, also known as ductless systems. But these systems are not the same.
Do ductless systems have different maintenance needs from central air conditioners? What does ductless maintenance involve? Here’s the lowdown.
Amazing Advances in AC Efficiency
Monday, September 9th, 2024As you look around today, you see hybrid cars that get more than fifty miles per gallon of gasoline. There are electric school buses. Light bulbs now use a fraction of the energy of the incandescent bulbs of days gone by. Technology keeps improving, and it is helping us to cut our energy use and thus our bills. This is also true in HVAC technology.
Today, air conditioners are required to be more efficient than ever before. And this is possible because manufacturers can make them more efficient now! What amazing advances in AC efficiency have made it possible for air conditioners to use less energy while working better than ever? Check this out!
Iced-Up AC? We Can Help!
Monday, August 26th, 2024Air conditioners should not be covered in ice! It’s a common misconception that ice on an air conditioner is nothing to worry about. After all, it’s supposed to be extremely cold, right? But air conditioners with ice on their coils are actually in pretty serious trouble. The ice is a sign that there’s already a problem—and beyond that, the ice itself is causing problems!
Don’t ignore an icy air conditioner. There are some steps you can take to try to resolve the issue on your own. If those don’t work, you’ll need AC repair to address the root of the problem.
What should you do about an iced-up air conditioner? Here’s a straightforward checklist for you to follow.
Don’t Forget About Your AC Air Filter
Monday, July 15th, 2024We’re in the thick of summer now! Your air conditioner is working hard and it will continue to for quite a bit longer before things start to cool down out there again. Have you had your maintenance done? Good. Are you remembering to change your AC air filter? Do you know how to do it, or how often it needs to be done? If you have any questions, we’ve got you covered.
How to Get Ready for Your AC Installation Appointment
Monday, July 1st, 2024What a great choice, getting a new air conditioner! The rest of the summer you’ll be living a life of luxury, reveling in the cool comfort of your home.
But wait! Before you can do that, you have to get that new air conditioner installed. Have you made the appointment? Good. But do you know what to expect?
Because getting a new air conditioner and having it installed isn’t an everyday occurrence, it can be reassuring to get some more info about what will be happening. Then you can take some steps to be extra-prepared, which will help your AC installation appointment to go as smoothly as possible.