Troubleshooting Your Heating System
Posted: January 23, 2012 Filed under: Consumer Information, Heat Pumps, Saving Energy | Tags: AC maintenence, air quality in the home, controling indoor tempreture, Heating systems, high energy bills Leave a comment »
At one time or another troubleshooting your heating systems is a necessity. If you are having a problem with your heating system, try the simple troubleshooting solutions below:
The thermostat should be set to the “heat” mode. You would be surprised at the number of service calls that have been generated due to the fact that this tip was overlooked.
- The setting on the thermostat must be higher than the indoor temperature for your furnace or heat pump to cycle on.
- If the thermostat is battery operated, try replacing the batteries before calling the technician. It could save you of a “duh” moment when the technician discovers that the batteries are low and brings it to your attention.
- If you are utilizing a programmable thermostat, make sure it is programmed properly. You can be comfortable by lowering the temperature during the day to 65 degrees and increasing it at night to 68-70 degrees.
- Check the main power control to the furnace, which should also be “on.” This switch should be located on the unit itself or behind the front service panel.
- Make sure your filter access panel is installed securely, as there is typically a safety switch located behind this panel.
- Check the circuit breaker to make sure it is not tripped or off, reset as needed.
- If you suspect that the gas source to the furnace is the problem, contact a heating expert immediately.
Armed with little knowledge, you have the tools you need to assess the problem. But for safety’s sake, know when to call in the professionals. To schedule a maintenance appointment, or if you need service, contact Hobaica Services.
Increase Energy Savings — Without Breaking the Bank
Posted: January 23, 2012 Filed under: Saving Energy, Saving Money | Tags: Air Conditioning Filter, high energy bills, home comfort, saving money on utility bills Leave a comment »
Winter, although short lived, in the in the Valley of the Sun is the time of year when we get a break from the summer heat and have our own bought with cold weather. During the “winter season”, it is important to have a strategy for saving energy. By doing so, you not only save money but you keep your home at a higher comfort level. And isn’t that what it’s all about?
The following steps will not only save money on cold days, they will also keep your house cooler and much more comfortable during the summer months as well:
- Check for air leaks around your exterior doors and windows. Air entering from the outside can add to your HVAC system’s workload. Caulk around the windows, and apply weather stripping to the door frames.
- Turn off the bathroom and kitchen fans after you have vented the air. If left on, ventilation fans can remove a considerable amount of conditioned air from your home.
- Replace your furnace or air handler filters frequently. Dirty filters slow the air delivery through your ducts, causing the equipment to use more energy and work harder. The dust from a dirty filter decreases the life of your air conditioner and furnace.
- If you are experiencing high energy bills, consider having your ductwork inspected. Over time, the ducts can leak air, substantially driving up the cost of heating and cooling your home.
- Turn your thermostat down to 68 degrees in the winter, and grab a sweater. Two degrees can make a huge difference in energy savings over the season.
- The Valley of the Sun has ample sunshine for you to employ passive solar heating. Take advantage of this option by opening your blinds on your south- and west-facing windows to collect the warm sunshine indoors. Remember that closing the curtains or drapes after sunset will also increase savings as the temperature cools.
If you have questions regarding information presented in this blog, Contact Hobaica Services. We can help you increase energy savings while keeping your home comfortable yea-round. We’re always ready to help.
Cooling and Heating Load: Important Before You Upgrade
Posted: January 10, 2012 Filed under: Consumer Information, Heat Pumps | Tags: AC maintenence, AC performance, AC unit efficency, cooling load, Heating load, Hobaica Services, insulation, Seasonal Engery Efficiency Ratio Leave a comment »
If you’re thinking about an HVAC upgrade, it’s wise to examine your home’s cooling and heating load. When you do, you’ll get the maximum value from your new comfort system.
What is Cooling or Heating Load?
The cooling load of your home is a term HVAC experts use to assess the level of heat that gathers in your home. It is the job of your A/C system to remove this heat. Your home’s cooling equipment has to compensate for the heat that is coming from outside, as well as heat that is generated within the home. Your HVAC system works to bring the home’s temperature to a comfortable level by stabilizing these factors.
The heating load of your home is similar to the cooling load. It’s the amount of energy your heating system will consume to compensate for cold air in order to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. In this case, equipment throughout your home, body heat from people and solar gain from windows will add to the heat in your home.
Steps to Ensure Efficiency
Whether you are upgrading cooling equipment, heating equipment or both, the potential for maximum efficiency is directly related to your home’s load for both heating and cooling. You can ensure efficiency by having the following items evaluated by your home comfort specialist at Hobaica Services:
- Make sure your insulation is effective. Your home’s insulation should stop the transfer of heat – from inside your home to the outdoors in the winter – and from the outside into your home in the summer months.
- Check for adequate insulation levels in key locations such as the attic, foundation and walls.
- Seal any air leaks that occur throughout the home. Air leaks let conditioned air escape, and they hinder home comfort and the efficiency of your HVAC systems.
- Upgrade ductwork efficiency by sealing your home’s ducts. When ducts lose conditioned air, they let valuable energy escape before it ever reaches the rooms in your home.
Get your home’s cooling and heat load under control for optimal energy savings. You’ll see your comfort levels rise, and your energy bill fall.
If you need help reducing the cooling and heat load in your home, give Hobaica Services a call at 602-995-0387. Let our NATE Certified Specialists evaluate your home.
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THE IMPORTANCE OF CHOOSING AN ETHICAL HVAC CONTRACTOR
Posted: December 26, 2011 Filed under: Consumer Information, Hobaica Credentials | Tags: Better Business Bureau, Contracting Business Magazine, Contracting Magazine, contractor of the year, Hobaica Services Credentials Leave a comment »Ethics are foundational to a successful HVAC Business. From ethics are derived the contractor’s attitudes regarding how the company obtains expertise, and how they keep abreast of new technologies in the field. Most importantly, ethics play a major role in how the contractor relates to and treats their customers.
Hobaica Services pride themselves in doing what is ethical, honest and right. Treating others the way that you want to be treated is more than just lip service to Paul Hobaica, founder of Hobaica Services. Carrying out this precept has been the basis of how business has been conducted at Hobaica Services for the past 59 years. Hobaica’s high standard of excellence in both business and ethics has earned them numerous awards.
2011 National Residential HVAC Contractor of the Year
Hobaica Services was selected National Residential Contractor of the Year for 2011 by Contracting Business Magazine. Contracting Business Magazine has a circulation of over 40,000 air conditioning contractors nationwide. Contracting Business selected Hobaica for its outstanding service, business ethics, and business management.
Better Business Bureau A+ Rating
Hobaica Services is a Better Business Bureau accredited business and holds a rating of A+. This rating represents sound business practices such as advertising, selling, and customer service practices that build trust in the business. Hobaica has been and accredited member of the BBB since 1972 and maintains an A+ Rating. Click here to view more
2008 Better Business Bureau Business Ethics Award
In April of 2008, Hobaica Services Inc. was awarded the 2008 Business Ethics Award, sponsored by the Better Business Bureau of Central, Northern and Western Arizona.
The Better Business Bureau established the Award to recognize businesses that maintain a continuing commitment to conducting all aspects of their business and business practices in an ethical manner.
2008 National Residential Contractor of the Year
Hobaica Services Inc. was voted the Best Residential Air Conditioning Contractor in the United States by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America. This prestigious award is only given to “the best of the best”.
Choosing an ethical contractor insures that you will get expert service by qualified professionals at a fair price. More than that, it insures that you will receive something that you can’t put a price on—peace of mind.
CREDENTIALS & YOUR HVAC CONTRACTOR
Posted: December 19, 2011 Filed under: Consumer Information, Hobaica Awards and Causes | Tags: BBB Rating, Better Business Bureau, Contracting business, Hobaica Credentials, NATE, North American Technician Excellence Leave a comment »It is a common notion among consumers that credentials and training certifications are just an excuse for a contractor to charge premium prices for their services. Not true.
Proper credentialing insures customers they have qualified technicians working on their comfort system. Additionally, certifications afford a level of security when allowing technicians access to your home.
Certification
One of the most coveted certifications in the industry today is the NATE Certification. NATE stands for North American Technician Excellence. With a 100% NATE Certification level, Hobaica ranks among the elite in the industry today. This assures Hobaica’s customers that technicians are well-trained and certified in cutting edge techniques used in the HVAC industry.
Licensing
Hobaica Services are licensed in the state of Arizona to insure compliance with all codes and regulations applicable to the HVAC business. They hold licensing in the following areas:
*Residential Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
*Commercial Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
*Commercial, Industrial Refrigeration
*Dual Residential and Small Commercial General Contracting
*Commercial and Residential Plumbing including Solar
Arizona Registrar of Contractors
The Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) is the regulatory agency governing contractors in the state of Arizona. The ROC holds the power to revoke any contractor’s license and assess fines for slipshod work, or dishonest practices. The ROC can revoke a contractor’s license for dishonesty and major complaints left unresolved. The ROC monitors licensing requirements for contractors and tracks complaints filed against contractors.
Hobaica holds an A+ Rating with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. This indicates that Hobaica has a long track record of quality work, and this quality has been noted by the ROC.
Better Business Bureau A+ Rating
The A+ rating given by the BBB is another guarantee that you are doing business with a reputable, reliable contractor. Complaints filed with the BBB are kept and compile a “history” of the company. The history reveals to consumers how the company handles disputes and a general picture of how they conduct themselves within the business community.
Hobaica has been awarded the BBB’s ethics award for 2008 and has and A+ Rating. They have been an accredited member of the BBB since 1972.
Insurance and Bonding
A reputable HVAC Contractor should be insured and bonded. This is a best practice in the industry and protects both the consumer and the contractor from any unexpected mishaps that could occur. Hobaica Services is licensed and bonded according to state required standards. Their licensure and bonding can be verified by going to the Arizona Registrar of Contractors website.
Raving Fans is a Way of Life at Hobaica Services
Posted: December 14, 2011 Filed under: Consumer Information, Hobaica Awards and Causes | Tags: AC maintenence, charity organizations, Elizebeth Hobaica, Hobaica Services, Ida Charles, Paul Hobaica, quality customer service Leave a comment »Hobaica Services has been a leader in the HVAC industry for 59 years; this alone is quite a feat. In that time, they have built a reputation for quality customer service, and gained the trust, loyalty and respect of their customers as well as the community they serve.
Raving Fans
Hobaica values feedback from its customers regarding all aspects of their HVAC service. Customer feedback is so important that we established feature on our website called “Raving Fans.” At “Raving Fans”, you can hear actual Hobaica customers talk about their HVAC service call experiences.
The technicians are repeatedly described as “professional”, “knowledgeable”, “courteous”, “polite”, and “personable.” Customers go on about the level of service that they received and speak about the technicians as if they are family.
We literally receive between 250-300 of these calls every month! Then we award our employees for Raving Fan calls. The awards have been large enough to fund vacations, contribute to large family purchases and create unshakable happiness for the winners of Raving Fan dollars!
We are so proud and honored to have customers like Ida Charles, Hobaica Customer since 1970 . . .
Ida Charles jumped at the chance to relocate to sunny Scottsdale to escape the brutal Wyoming winters when her husband received a job offer in the Valley in 1970.
Shortly after the move, Ida met a woman she described as “honest, charming and open”. That woman was Elizabeth Hobaica, wife of Paul Hobaica, the founder of Hobaica Services. The two became friends, and in the early years and circulated together volunteering for various charity organizations. On the occasion when Ida needed service on her air conditioning, Paul Hobaica was her first call and thus began a 40 year relationship with one company.
If only it were that simple . . .
While there are many mile stones which validate a customer’s loyalty to one company or another, there are also unexpected actions which touch the lives of other human beings and become an imprint of that person’s character. Ida shared a story from the early 80s when she was working at a local shelter which served battered and abused women.
It was summer and the shelter had been nursing along an old AC unit for several years. The unit finally succumbed to its work load and died a painful death, leaving the staff and the women they served in a very hot and uncomfortable building.
The shelter operated on a shoe string already and there were simply no funds for a potentially large, unexpected expense like a new Air Conditioning unit. Ida was given the task of “convincing” an air conditioning company to provide service and/or a new unit as a donation. The odds were stacked against Ida’s mission. In fact, there was even an office pool betting against Ida’s ability to get the job done and not spend any money.
Ida spent a long hot day calling, vendor after vendor trying to get a new AC unit or service through the goodness of someone’s heart. Time after time each company offered quotes and estimates and even some sympathy but would not offer the service or unit replacement for free, regardless of the cause or those being impacted by the heat.
By 6pm that evening, Ida was tired, hot and knew it was time to make an uncomfortable call to a friend. She finally called Elizabeth Hobaica, who immediately put Paul Sr. on the phone. Ida explained the situation to Paul, and was expecting another gracious “I’m sorry, but we can’t do that” type of response. Instead Paul simply said “why are we wasting time on the phone, I am on the way.”
Ida says “there is a lot of beauty in simply being nice and helpful; the Hobaica family lives that and its part of their company.” Ida went on to say, “being loyal is easy when you see all the ways a company gives back to their community.”
Ida remains one of our favorite customers and we are honored to know her and have her loyalty for the past 40 years. We look forward to serving her and her family for the next 40 years as well.
During the current economic times, it is comforting to know that one company has what could be considered by some as “old fashioned values”. Hobaica was founded on the principle of treating others the way you would like to be treated, or the “Golden Rule” and 59 years later, they haven’t changed.
You see, Raving Fans isn’t just gathering testimonials. Raving Fans is truly the foundation of our company. If you would like to experience the Hobaica difference contact us at 602-995-0387 or visit us on the web at www.hobaica.com.
BEGIN 2011 CAMPAIGN RULES
Posted: December 14, 2011 Filed under: BEGIN Program | Tags: BEGIN Program, Clean Home, Helping Neighbors, Hobaica Services, Needy families Leave a comment »Campaign Name: “Business Entities Getting Involved in our Neighborhood” (“BEGIN”)
Company: Hobaica Services Inc.
Address: 7027 N. 27 Ave. Phoenix, AZ, 85051
Telephone: 602-995-0387
Hobaica Services Inc. will conduct “BEGIN” substantially as described in these rules and by participating, each participant agrees as follows:
1. Description of “BEGIN”: The purpose of “BEGIN” is to find needy homeowners in the Phoenix metropolitan area that currently have no heating or cooling due to an inoperative/
non-repairable system.
2. Dates of “BEGIN”: “BEGIN” will start on or about October 17, 2011 and will end on or about December 23, 2011. The first name will be drawn the week of October 31, 2011.
3. How to Submit a Deserving Recipient:
a. Applications can be submitted in one of 3 ways:
i. By visiting our website at www.hobaica.com;
ii. By applying at Hobaica Services Inc. office, 7027 N. 27 Ave., Phoenix, AZ, 85051;
iii. Or by providing your name; the name, address, phone number and e-mail address
of the deserving recipient; and a brief explanation of why they are deserving of a
new system; on a 3×5 index card and mail to: Hobaica Services Inc., 7027 N. 27
Ave, Phoenix, AZ, 85051.
4. How to Participate:
a. Hobaica Services Inc. will select one winner each week and it will be announced to the
public on or soon after the Friday of that week.
b. If the winner cannot be contacted or it is determined by Hobaica that the selection does
not qualify, Hobaica reserves the right to determine an alternate recipient.
5. Gift:
a. The system that may be awarded to the eligible recipient is One (1) new (or slightly used)
heating and/or cooling replacement air conditioner, One (1) replacement heating system,
or One (1) replacement evaporative cooler installed by Hobaica Services on recipients
home.
b. The system will be new (or slightly used), but in order to help as many families as
possible, it may come with no warranty attached. It may also be an unsellable new
system that has blemishes (scratches and/or dents), but fully functional. The system will
be determined by Hobaica Services Inc. and installed subject to materials availability and
budgeted funds.
c. Installation to be performed during normal business hours and is based on scheduling
availability.
6. Eligibility and Limitations:
a. Participants must be U.S. residents, must be at least 18-years old, must be the owner
of the home on the application, must be living in the home, and must prove that they
are deserving of a new heating and/or cooling system.
b. Each recipient must submit proof of eligibility and home ownership.
c. Employees of the Hobaica Services Inc., “BEGIN”s participating sponsors and their
advertising agencies, and members of the immediate family of any such persons are not
eligible to participate and win. The term “immediate family” includes spouses, siblings,
parents, children, grandparents, and grandchildren, whether as “in-laws,” or by current
or past marriage(s), remarriage(s), adoption, co-habitation or other family extension, and
any other persons residing at the same household whether or not related.
7. Publicity / Use of Personal Information:
By participating, all participants and recipient(s) grant Hobaica Services Inc. exclusive permission to use their names, characters, photographs, voices, and likenesses in connection with promotion and waive any claims to royalty, right, or remuneration for such use. By participating in “BEGIN”, participants agree that Hobaica Services Inc. may disclose personal information obtained from participants in “BEGIN” to third parties and use such information for marketing and other purposes.
8. Release:
By participating, each participant and recipient waives any and all claims of liability
against Hobaica Services Inc., its employees and agents, “BEGIN” sponsors and their
respective employees and agents, for any personal injury or loss which may occur from the
conduct of, or participation in, BEGIN, or from the use of any awarded system. In order
to receive a system, participants must sign an official waiver form provided by Hobaica
Services Inc.
9. Decisions:
By submitting an application in “BEGIN”, participants agree to be bound by the
decisions of Hobaica Services Inc. personnel. Hobaica Services Inc. reserves the right to
disqualify any participant and may refuse to award a system to a person who is ineligible
or who Hobaica Services Inc. believes has violated any rule, gained unfair advantage in
participating in “BEGIN”, or obtained winner status using fraudulent means. Hobaica
Services Inc. will interpret these rules and resolve any disputes, conflicting claims or
ambiguities concerning the rules; and the Hobaica Services Inc. decisions concerning such
disputes shall be final. If the conduct or outcome of “BEGIN” is affected by human error, any
mechanical malfunctions or failures of any kind, intentional interference or any event beyond
the control of Hobaica Services Inc., Hobaica Services Inc. reserves the right to terminate
“BEGIN”, or make such other decisions regarding the outcome as Hobaica Services Inc.
deems appropriate at any time during “BEGIN”. All decisions will be made by Hobaica
Services Inc. and are final. Hobaica Services Inc. may waive any of these rules in its sole
discretion.
10. Miscellaneous:
a. No purchase necessary to apply or qualify.
b. Hobaica Services Inc. disclaims any responsibility to notify participants of any aspect
related to the conduct or results of “BEGIN”.
c. All entries become the property of Hobaica Services Inc. and will not be returned.
11. The “BEGIN” program may be cancelled at any time without any prior warning or notification
if in the Hobaica Services Inc. management’s soul opinion; it’s the best decision for the
campaign.
BEGIN 2011 Recipient # 2 Leo and Diana Ferraro
Posted: December 8, 2011 Filed under: BEGIN Program | Tags: AC maintenence, Air Conditioning Filter, BEGIN Program, high energy bills, Hobaica Services, Low Income Family Programs Leave a comment »Leo and Diana had to short sale their home earlier this year and they purchased a mobile home to live in. They have fixed it up enough to make it livable. Leo has been 100% disabled for several years and Diana became 100% disabled in 2007. Their two sons have recently had to move back home. One son sleeps on the floor in the dining room and the other sleeps on the couch. This has made for a crowded home, especially without cooling and heating.
Air Conditioning unit supplied by Johnstone Supply
Tony Nolan, VP Sales & Operations
Steve Estrada, Manager
Other BEGIN Va lley Participants
The Trane Company • American Refrigeration Supply • Bud Carey Realtors • Emerson Climate Technologies Empire Metal Products • Heating and Cooling Supply • Hercules Industries • Johnstone Supply KG Group • Lennox Industries • ServPro of Glendale • Smiley Crane • Double D Services • KTAR FM
Heat Pump Upgrade: Pros and Cons
Posted: November 28, 2011 Filed under: Heat Pumps | Tags: Heat pump, high energy bills, Hobaica Services, home comfort, installing a heat pump 1 Comment »
Have you ever considered upgrading your comfort system by adding a heat pump? Heat pumps, especially a high-efficiency heat pump, are a smart choice for maintaining comfort in the Southwest climate. Heat pumps are extremely economical for our long summer season and yet very effective at producing the heat needed in winter months.
High-efficiency heat pumps have come a long way over the previous generation used in the 1980’s. Current models use less energy and deliver improved comfort.
Lifetime costs vs. initial costs
When considering a heat pump, keep in mind maintenance costs. Choosing an inferior unit in the beginning can end up costing you later in repair bills. Here are some other factors to consider when choosing:
- Warranties. Choosing a high-efficiency heat pump, with an extended warranty, has a great benefit. These units have a higher initial cost but are better support by both manufacturer and dealer. A longer warranty period means less risk for both the manufacturer and dealer. And by offering you the longer warranty, they’re betting your unit will perform better and longer than a lower-end model. Another reason to consider a higher-end unit.
- Energy costs. Another reason for choosing a high-efficiency heat pump is energy savings. Considering the savings over the life span of the equipment, your payback for additional costs of the unit will come early; often after only a few seasons. Calculated at 8 to 10 percent better efficiency, the high-end model will pay off the difference in only a few years through savings on power costs.
- Life span. Higher-end equipment will have a longer life span whereas low-cost equipment can become outdated quickly. Instead of having the expense of replacing the unit early, you’ll have the advantage of added years of service; extending the payback of your original purchase price.
Follow these tips to make sure your investment is one you can live with for years to come.
For more information on lifetime costs, or questions regarding heat pumps or their replacement, contact the comfort specialists at: Hobaica Services. Hobaica has been a leader in serving the Valley of the Sun since 1952.
“You’ll Lika Hobaica!”
Consumer Alert: New A/C Refrigerant Standards
Posted: November 14, 2011 Filed under: Consumer Alerts | Tags: Freon, Hobaica Services, R-22 refrigerant, R-41oA Leave a comment »If you own an older A/C unit, odds are its using R-22 refrigerant to keep you cool. R-22 has been the refrigerant of choice for residential heat pump and air-conditioning systems for more than four decades. The down side is that R-22 is considered a greenhouse gas, meaning that when released into the atmosphere, it contributes to the depletion of the ozone layer.
Hobaica Services wants you to be informed about the new refrigerant standards. The EPA has mandated that the old R-22 refrigerant will be completely phased out. No production or importation of R-22 will be permitted beginning in the year 2020. Manufacturers of air conditioning equipment were required to phase out the use of R-22 in new equipment as of January 1, 2010.
If you’re thinking about purchasing a new A/C unit, you’ll be switching to the new refrigerant. It’s called R410-A, and it’s offered under different trade names by different refrigerant manufacturers. The R-410A systems employ thicker walled tubing, newly developed compressors/components, and higher grade oil. All require diverse installation and service procedures.
What does the switchover mean for our customers? Well, prices for the old R-22 will gradually go up but shouldn’t be outrageous for a long time. For example; if you installed a new R-22 air conditioning system in the year 2004, you will be able to get refrigerant for your system at least until the year 2020.
If you opt to retrofit your existing A/C system for the new refrigerant, you need to be aware that when a system is changed over to R-410A we will need to change the condenser, the evaporator coil and, the refrigerant copper line set, or at least have them properly flushed.
If you’re buying a new R410-A system, you may actually get a side benefit. Some products have experienced up to one full point higher SEER rating with the use of R-410A.
Ask Hobaica about the new refrigerant standards if you’re in the market to repair or replace your A/C unit. We can advise you about choosing a new unit, or change you over if you’d like to “go green” with your air conditioning.
For more information about air conditioning refrigerant standards and other HVAC topics, contact Hobaica Services at 602-995-0387.
