HVAC Tips, Advice & Facts
Expert maintenance advice, proven energy-saving strategies, surprising HVAC facts, and fixes for common problems — all tailored for Arizona homes. Brought to you by Serrano’s Heating & Cooling LLC in Tucson. Keep cool, save big, and protect your investment!
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📞 Call Now: (520) 201-3865 📅 Book Online in 60 SecondsReplace or clean filters every 1–3 months (more often in dusty Arizona conditions).
Why it matters
Clogged filters restrict airflow, raise energy use by 15–20%, and can damage your system over time.
Schedule full inspections and cleanings every spring before the intense summer heat hits.
Pro tip
Early detection prevents 80% of major breakdowns and can extend your unit’s lifespan by 5+ years.
Clean evaporator and condenser coils at least once a year — or twice in dusty areas.
Quick check
Gently hose outdoor coils (low pressure) or hire a pro for indoor ones. Clean coils boost efficiency up to 30%.
Ensure your thermostat is accurate and placed away from heat sources.
Why bother
A miscalibrated thermostat can cause unnecessary cycling and increase bills by 5–10%.
Keep 2–3 feet clear of plants, debris, and grass around the condenser.
Benefit
Proper airflow prevents overheating and reduces strain during 110°F+ Arizona days.
Look for disconnected or damaged ducts in attic/crawlspace.
Impact
Leaky ducts waste 20–30% of your cooled air — sealing them is one of the best ROI upgrades.
Use models like Nest or Ecobee that adapt to your schedule and weather.
Savings estimate
Typically 10–15% off cooling bills — huge in desert climates with extreme swings.
Use mastic sealant or foil tape on duct joints and seams.
Impact
Can recover 20–30% of lost conditioned air and pay for itself in 1–2 summers.
Aim for R-38+ in Arizona attics to block intense solar heat gain.
Arizona bonus
Reduces AC runtime dramatically — many homes see 20–30% lower summer bills.
Set fans to counterclockwise in summer to create a wind-chill effect.
Pro move
Allows thermostat settings 4°F higher without losing comfort — saves ~5–10% energy.
Choose MERV 11–13 filters that balance filtration and airflow.
Balance
Better air quality without over-straining the blower — ideal for allergy sufferers in dusty AZ.
Close blinds/curtains during peak sun hours to block heat gain.
Quick win
Can reduce cooling load by 10–20% — especially effective on south/west-facing windows.
Willis Carrier invented modern air conditioning in 1902 to control humidity in a Brooklyn printing plant.
Heating and cooling make up about 48–50% of the average home’s total energy use.
Indoor air can be 2–5 times more polluted than outdoor air, per the EPA.
In 1955, only ~1% of U.S. homes had air conditioning — today it’s over 90%.
The optimal indoor humidity for comfort and health is 30–50% — AC helps control this in humid AZ monsoons.
Minimum SEER rating jumped from 10 in 2006 to 14–15 today — newer units can reach 20+ SEER.
Hot upstairs, cold downstairs? Common in Arizona split-level homes.
Fix ideas
Adjust dampers, clean vents, run ceiling fans, or consider zoning systems.
Banging, rattling, screeching? Don’t ignore — could be loose parts or debris.
Safety step
Shut off immediately and inspect filters/blower or call a tech to avoid major damage.
Energy bills jump unexpectedly? Often due to inefficiency or hidden issues.
Next move
Check filters/coils first, then consider refrigerant levels or an energy audit.
Little to no air coming out? Could be blocked vents or failing blower.
Common causes
Dusty filters, closed dampers, or duct restrictions — start simple before calling help.
Unit turns on/off rapidly? Wastes energy and causes wear.
Likely culprits
Oversized unit, low refrigerant, dirty coils, or thermostat issues — needs professional diagnosis.
Shaking unit or loud humming? Often loose components or fan imbalance.
Quick action
Check for debris in fan, tighten panels, or schedule service to prevent failure.