NATE certification is a sure sign that a technician is competent and knowledgeable. In order to receive this certification, a technician has to pass two rigorous comprehensive tests. One of the tests is a core test, which covers the basics of all HVAC/R systems. The second one is a specialty test.

The nationally recognized NATE tests are well known for being extremely detailed and thorough. Technicians who pass these tests have proved themselves to be experts on HVAC/R systems.

Expert knowledge is not the only thing that a NATE-certified technician brings to the job. Fast and efficient service is often seen in jobs that are performed by NATE-certified technicians. Mistakes in installation, replacement and repair can lead to higher utility bills, and these mistakes are often caused by inexperience or a lack of knowledge. Avoid these costly mistakes by hiring only technicians who have earned their certification from NATE.

A national survey was conducted on homeowners who received HVAC services from either a technician with NATE certification or a technician without the certification. The survey results showed that clients were generally more satisfied with those having NATE certification. For example, 67 percent of homeowners were pleased with how their HVAC/R system performed after a service by a NATE-certified technician, while only 35 percent felt the same about services done by technicians who didn’t have the certification.

A technician who is NATE certified also can give you invaluable advice about your HVAC/R systems to empower you to take care of your equipment, thanks to their specialized knowledge. From improving your indoor air quality to the newest tax credits and rebates available for new systems, your technician will be happy to share his expert knowledge with you.

Work with only the best. Call us at Rite-Way Ventilating Co.to request a technician with NATE certification for your next service call. We proudly serve the Tucson area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Tucson, Arizona about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about NATE certification and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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How a zoning system works

Though they might seem very high-tech, zoning systems are really not all that complex. A few electronic doors are installed within the home’s HVAC ducts; by closing one of the doors, the system can cut off airflow to one part of the house. Each part, or zone, of the house contains its own thermostat, which can be set independently of the other zones. If the temperature in one zone matches its thermostat setting, but another zone needs additional cooling or heating, the system will direct air only to the zone that needs it.

How zoning systems save money

There are several ways in which a zoning system can help you save energy and money:

• It gives you the option of only cooling and heating the parts of the house that you are using. For example, you can use a programmable thermostat to turn down the A/C in your bedroom during the day, when it sits empty. That way, you only pay to cool or heat part of the house.
• It eliminates the unnecessary cooling or heating of rooms that are already comfortable. If the afternoon sun is keeping your westward-facing rooms warm, for instance, there’s no need to spend money heating them further.
• Since it’s often only cooling or heating part of the house, a zoning system lets your HVAC equipment run at a slower, more efficient speed. This also means that the equipment will not wear out as quickly, saving you money on repairs and replacements.

To learn more about zoning systems, please contact us at Rite Way Ventilating Co. We have been serving the Tucson area for more than a half-century, and will be happy to help you make your home more comfortable and energy efficient.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Tucson, Arizona about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about zoning systems and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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When to replace your water heater

1. Age. If your unit is gas fueled, its life expectancy is between eight and 12 years. An electric unit can be expected to last a bit longer, from 10-15 years. A tankless system offers a longer life expectancy. However, they are new to the American market, and their actual life expectancy is not well established.
2. Water. If the water coming out of the hot water tap is initially orange and rust colored.
3. Temperature. If you run out of hot water sooner than you would expect, or if your hot water doesn’t seem to get as hot as it should.
4. Moisture. Moisture around the base of the unit could be a sign of a slow leak. A larger puddle is a good indication that it’s leaking.
5. Cold water. An icy cold shower when you least expect it is one of the most unpleasant ways to find out you need a new water heater.

How to choose a new storage tank water heater

Stick with what you have. Converting from gas fueled to electric or vice versa can be costly. The only exception is if you want to switch to solar. That conversion is also costly but likely comes with rebates and tax incentives to help offset your initial cost.

Determine how much hot water your family uses at its peak time and purchase a conventional unit that can meet those needs. If you are choosing to go with a tankless system, make sure you size the system correctly, or else you’ll face situations where you can’t use hot water for more than two or three purposes at the same time.

When considering replacement for your water heater, careful research can help you make a purchase that fits your needs best. For more help on when to replace your water heater, contact our experts at Rite-Way Ventilating Co.We have been serving the Tucson area since 1959.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Tucson, Arizona about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about water heaters and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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The greater part of regular heat pump maintenance should be performed by a qualified HVAC technician. When you schedule professional maintenance, you can expect the technician to thoroughly inspect your heat pump and its components, make necessary repairs, and provide adjustments that will improve system performance. The technician should perform tasks such as:

• Check refrigerant charge and add refrigerant as needed.
• Find and repair any refrigerant leaks.
• Check and verify airflow.
• Calibrate thermostat and system controls.
• Check, clean and tighten electrical connections.
• Tighten or replace belts.
• Lubricate motors and moving parts.
• Verify controls and overall unit function.

There are also a few maintenance tasks you can take care of yourself. By doing these, you will save time for your technician that will allow him to give more attention to the technical and mechanical aspects of heat pump maintenance. You can:

• Check and change air filters: Dirty filters can significantly reduce heat pump performance. Put clean filters in after professional maintenance has been performed. During operating season, check filters every month and change them when they get dirty.
• Clean coils and the outdoor unit: Keep the indoor and outdoor coils clean and free from debris and obstructions. Clean the outdoor unit and make sure there’s plenty of clearance on all sides for proper airflow.
• Check registers and vents: Make sure the supply and return registers and vents are clear of obstructions such as furniture, clothing, drapes or other items. Blocked vents restrict airflow, which can decrease system effectiveness and lead to malfunctions and breakdowns.

Since 1959, Rite-Way Ventilating Co. has brought professional HVAC services to customers in Tucson and the surrounding southern Arizona communities. Contact us today for more information on heat pump maintenance or to schedule a preventive maintenance inspection when you need it.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Tucson, Arizona about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about heat pump maintenance and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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When you purchase a product with the WaterSense label, you can feel confident in the efficiency of the product, because the label is backed by independent certification. These certifying agencies test and verify that the products meet specifications, efficiency and performance. The days of low-pressure showerheads and poorly performing toilets are a thing of the past when you choose a WaterSense product.

Products with the WaterSense label

• Meet or exceed performance levels of the less-efficient options

• Are more water efficient when compared to other products in their category.

• Get water-saving results you can see right on your utility bill

• Have independent, third-party certification

• Are easy to distinguish from their counterparts because they carry the WaterSense label.

In order for a company to be permitted to use the label on its products, it must enter into a WaterSense partnership agreement. This agreement defines roles for the EPA, the certifying agency, and the company. It also describes proper use of the label. These companies can then use the label for marketing purposes, promotional materials, and on products and packaging.

Where you can find the label

You can find the WaterSense label on many different products for your home including but not limited to:

• Bathroom faucets

• Showerheads

• Toilets

• Urinals

• Weather-based irrigation systems

The WaterSense program is always growing and developing specifications for more products and services. Whenever you’re replacing a fixture or product in your home that uses water, look for the label that lets you know your chosen product will save you money while conserving water.

For more assistance in conserving water and other environmentally friendly choices you can make in your home, please contact our experts at Rite-Way Ventilating Co. We have been serving homeowners in the Tucson area since 1959.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Tucson, Arizona about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about the WaterSense label and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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• Check and change the air filter regularly: Your A/C or heat pump’s air filter traps particulates such as dust, fibers and microorganisms and keeps them out of your indoor air. When a filter gets dirty enough, the reduced airflow will adversely affect cooling system performance. In the worst cases, a dirty filter can cause malfunctions and breakdowns. During the height of cooling season, air conditioner filters should be checked at least once a month and changed if they are dirty. A useful method for checking the condition of the filter is to hold it up to a bright light. If you can’t see light coming through the filter, it’s too dirty to put back and should be changed.
• Clean the unit: Keep the outdoor condensing unit of your air conditioning system clean and free of debris and material that could interfere with its performance. Remove vegetation, sticks, dirt, weeds or animal nests from the vents and from inside the unit. Spray the condensing unit down occasionally with a water hose to clean it and the condenser coils. Protect the unit’s cabinet by applying a light coat of automobile wax to reduce damage from the sun.
• Provide clearance: Make sure there’s clearance on all sides of the outdoor unit. Trim vegetation, clear away dirt and move objects that could block airflow on any side or above the condenser.
• Check indoor vents and registers: Ensure vents and registers inside your home are clear and not obstructed by boxes, furniture, rugs, curtains, clothing or other items. Both supply and return vents must be clear for proper airflow.

Rite-Way Ventilating Co. has been serving the HVAC needs of customers in Tucson and the surrounding area since 1959. Contact us today for more information on A/C maintenance or to schedule a professional inspection for your home cooling system.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Tucson, Arizona about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about A/C maintenance and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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If you’re looking to clean up your home’s indoor air, a whole-house air cleaner may be just the thing you need to get the job done. Centrally located within your home’s HVAC system, a whole-house air cleaner removes airborne dust, pollen and bacteria from the air as it circulates through your home’s ductwork. Unlike portable air cleaners, you won’t have to worry about moving it from room to room to get the best results.

Most basic whole-house air cleaners rely on HEPA media filters for removing airborne pollutants. Some filters are available with electrostatically charged fibers to capture smaller airborne particles. Other air cleaners use electronic filters to capture airborne pollutants. The electrostatic field generated by their wire mesh works in roughly the same manner as electrostatically charged filter media.

Ultraviolet (UV) light is another method that many whole-house air cleaners use to get rid of pollutants. UV light disrupts the reproductive properties of many microorganisms, rendering them sterile and otherwise harmless. Some systems boast a 99 percent removal rate of harmful allergens and other airborne microorganisms.

The initial expense of installing a whole-house system may be a bit steep, but it’s a long-term investment worth making if you want to improve your modern home’s air quality. Those who suffer from allergies and asthma will also appreciate the way whole-house systems cut down on exacerbating particulates in your home’s air. Along with natural ventilation, air purification offers a comprehensive strategy for scrubbing your indoor air.

For more information on whole-house air cleaners, contact the seasoned veterans at Rite-Way Ventilating Co. Since 1959, we’ve made a name for ourselves by providing the best air conditioning and heating services throughout the greater Tucson area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Tucson, Arizona about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about whole-house air cleaners and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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• Mold growth is visible on your duct surfaces. Mold growth can release allergens, irritants and even toxins into the air, degrading indoor air quality.
• You’ve seen evidence of an infestation of insects or other vermin in your ducts. The dander, hair and feces deposited in your vents will reduce air quality, for obvious reasons.
• Dust or debris in the ducts impede airflow. This will cause your central cooling system to work harder, operate less efficiently and wear out sooner.

Because sections of your ductwork are hidden from view or inaccessible, consider hiring a trusted HVAC professional to inspect your ducts. You might suspect dirty or contaminated ductwork if anyone in your household is suffering from allergies or respiratory problems. While indoor pollution sources and insufficient ventilation can contribute to poor indoor air quality, dirty ducts are certainly a possibility. Some professionals may recommend having your ducts cleaned every few years, but if none of the above conditions are present, there’s no guarantee it will improve air quality or system performance. On the other hand, ducts do get dirty over time, and a comprehensive duct cleaning won’t do any harm, and you’ll also find out of your ducts need sealing.

Exercise caution when selecting a contractor to do your duct cleaning; an improperly done duct cleaning can actually damage your ducts. Avoid companies that exaggerate the benefits of duct cleaning, and make sure the contractor can offer evidence of any claimed contamination in your ducts.

To discuss a duct inspection or cleaning for your Tucson area home, please contact us at Rite-Way Ventilating Company.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Tucson, Arizona about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about duct cleaning and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Anti-scald devices allow you to set a maximum temperature, usually between 100 and 140 degrees, and the devices will automatically reduce the hot water with cold water if the temperature exceeds the limit or the cold water is diverted. This also protects you from surges of hot water that occur if a toilet is flushed or the dishwasher is turned on while you’re in the shower.

If you’d like to learn more about upgrading your water heater or installing anti-scalding devices in your Tucson home, contact the pros at Rite-Way Ventilating Co. We can help you pick out the product that’s best suited for your family and budget. We’ve been helping Arizona homeowners like you with their heating, cooling and hot water needs since 1959.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Tucson, Arizona about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about Anti-Scald Devices and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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You should get your architect and your HVAC contractor involved in the earliest stages of your renovation planning so they can work together to make your ductwork design as effective as possible. Make sure they consider all of these factors before the final drawings are complete:

• Ducts should be sized to provide balanced airflow to and from every room in your house. If a return duct isn’t included for every room, vents should be provided in walls or doors to allow easy airflow to the nearest return duct.
• Ductwork should be as straight as possible to minimize friction. Avoid tight turns and use gradual bends rather than right-angle corners.
• Any ducts that run through unconditioned spaces such as your attic or garage should be insulated to prevent energy losses.
• Ducts should be sealed to prevent loss of conditioned air from the system. This is especially important where ducts run through garages, utility rooms or other spaces that might contain hazardous combustion fumes or other pollutants.
• Connections between ducts and registers and between ducts and blower compartments should be sealed to prevent leaks into or out of the system.
• Ducts should be designed to allow for expansion and contraction due to temperature changes so that joints don’t pull apart and create leaks in the system.
• Ducts should be provided with automated flaps for opening and closing if you’ve installed a zoned system with independent thermostats.

A proper ductwork design will determine whether your new addition stays comfortable all year round, so don’t cut corners when you’re finalizing your plans. Call us at Rite Way Ventilating Co. early in your design process. We’ve been helping homeowners throughout the Tucson area since 1959.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Tucson, Arizona about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about Ductwork Design and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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