Tools | Frequently Asked Questions

Is Blue Phoenix Mechanical family owned and operated?
Blue Phoenix Mechanical has always been a local, family owned business since 19478 !!!
Their allegiance is to their CUSTOMERS rather than to an absentee, out of state owner.

How long has Blue Phoenix Mechanical been is business?
Blue Phoenix Mechanical is the merging of two companies which was Kool Knight-Air who was started in 1978. By merging in 2007 Blue phoenix Mechanical is able to offer prompter service has is steadily growing to be one of the most respected heating and air conditioning contractors in the country.

Does Blue Phoenix Mechanical cover the whole Valley?
Blue Phoenix Mechanical services the whole Phoenix metro area.

Does Blue Phoenix Mechanical stand behind their work?
Blue Phoenix Mechanical offers a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee on every installation and service repair.

Does Blue Phoenix Mechanical employ certified factory trained service technicians?
All service technicians and installers at Blue Phoenix Mechanical are EPA certified and are trained both in house and by factory personnel. The average Blue Phoenix Mechanical technician has over 10 years experience in the HVAC industry. Most are NATE certified. Our technicians use state of the art tools and testing equipment including refrigerant recovery equipment to protect the environment. Blue Phoenix Mechanical is able to provide you with timely, professional service.

Does Blue Phoenix Mechanical offer service agreements?
Blue Phoenix Mechanical offers a full line of service and maintenance agreements enjoyed by thousands of Phoenix area families. Preventive maintenance agreements offer you ‘peace of mind’ and can prolong the life of your equipment.

Is Blue Phoenix Mechanical insured?
Blue Phoenix Mechanical employees are fully insured and covered by Workman’s Compensation.

What type of heating and air equipment does Blue Phoenix Mechanical sell and install?
We know that one family is not the same as another, so at Blue Phoenix Mechanical we account for each family’s needs and we custom tailor an air conditioning system that achieves the best match up for each homes optimal comfort level.

Does Blue Phoenix Mechanical offer financing?
Blue Phoenix Mechanical offers several types of consumer financing on new heating and air systems we sell and install as well as business leasing programs for commercial buildings. For details, call us at (480) 272-9550.

Does Blue Phoenix Mechanical have in stock inventory?
Blue Phoenix Mechanical maintains parts and equipment to serve our customers. Our vehicles are fully stocked with the most frequently required parts and are readily available for quick repairs.

Can Blue Phoenix Mechanical handle all my heating and cooling needs?
Blue Phoenix Mechanical is a full service HVAC contractor with complete residential and commercial service and installation departments, including duct cleaning and whole house diagnostics and testing ability. We offer accessories which feature energy savings, comfort and safety.

How do I select a contractor?
Make sure they are licensed and insured and that the technicians are well trained and certified. It’s very important that they make you feel comfortable and that they have an excellent reputation with good references.

Can I just replace the outdoor unit on an older system to save money?
No. Replacing only the outdoor unit will sacrifice your comfort and lower the efficiency of the unit. In fact, you can lose up to 15% of the unit's efficiency! Even worse, your system may fail sooner than normal and most manufacturers' warranties will be voided. You should seriously consider buying a complete air conditioning system.

Where can I get information about financing programs?
Blue Phoenix Mechanical has several financing programs available to fit most budgets. For more information, please call 480-272-9550.

What is the average life expectancy of equipment?
Most systems have a lifetime of 12 years or less. As your equipment gets older, its efficiency can decrease dramatically. You may notice that it gets noisier and needs repairs more often. If your system is over five years old, you should have a heating and cooling contractor check your system for maintenance or replacement. Preventative maintenance can prolong the life of the equipment.

Should I have my ducts cleaned?
Yes. Mold, mildew, pet hair, skin flakes, smoke film, dander, dust mites, dirt, pollen, and even bacteria take up residence in your air ducts. With each breath you take you inhale these contaminants. Dirty air ducts can not only make you sick or raise your utility bills, but they can also reduce your air flow and cause premature failure of your expensive heating and cooling system.

Why should I purchase a service agreement?
Proper care of your equipment can save you real dollars on your utility bills. Some air conditioning and heating problems can double operating costs without reducing comfort. Just 100th of an inch of dirt or film on an evaporator coil can reduce cooling and heating efficiency by 5%. All leading manufacturers recommend regular maintenance to maintain peak performance. A service agreement will give you the peace of mind that your system is operating at optimum efficiency and performance. To get a detailed list of what is entailed in Blue Phoenix Mechanicals Energy Savings Agreements and what they include click here.

Should I replace or repair my equipment?
There are five main questions that need to be considered when deciding to either replace or repair your heating and cooling system:
How old is your system? If your system is more than ten years old, it may be wiser to invest in new, higher efficiency equipment, which could cut your energy costs by up to 40%.

What is the efficiency level of your current indoor weather system? Unfortunately, replacing parts of your old system will not improve the efficiency. If the energy savings of using a higher efficiency system will cover all or part of the cost of investing in new equipment, you should seriously consider replacement of the old system.
What is the overall condition of your system? If your system is in solid condition, it could be wiser to simply repair it. But if your system breaks down often, you should consider replacing it.

How often is your system operating? If your system has been used extensively, it may be time to replace it. Systems exposed to extreme weather normally do not last as long as those in mild conditions.

Are you planning to move soon? If you are moving in the next year or two and believe investing in a new indoor weather system will improve the value of your home, you should consider making the investment. If you plan to live in your current residence for many more years, it may also be wise to go ahead and invest in your future comfort.

For more information, please call Blue Phoenix Mechanical at 480-272-9550. We will be happy to discuss it with you.


How can I reduce allergens and increase humidity in my home?
With a high efficiency air cleaner, you can remove up to 99% of the pollen and spores that find their way into the home. There is also a great reduction in household dust, dirt, smoke, and other air pollutants. Your indoor air will become cleaner and fresher while reducing the allergens and dust that circulate throughout the house. With a whole house humidifier, you can relieve the irritating discomfort of dry indoor air. The humidifier reduces itchy skin, scratchy throats, static electricity, and damage to your furnishings and woodwork. Since humid air feels warmer than dry air, you do not have to set the thermostat as high to feel the comfort you want. A lower thermostat setting will reduce the costs of your energy bill. A humidifier adds moisture and improves your comfort while increasing the energy efficiency of your indoor weather system. On the other hand, a central dehumidifier removes excess moisture and helps control the humidity inside your home.

What does SEER and HSPF mean to me?
SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is the measure of efficiency by which the cooling process of air conditioners and heat pumps is rated. The higher the SEER number, the greater the efficiency, which translates into greater energy savings. Today, U.S. regulatory agencies require all new models to have a 13.0 SEER rating or better. Most major manufacturers offer a line of air conditioners and heat pumps that range from 13.0 SEER to 18.0 SEER.

HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) is the efficiency measurement used to gauge the efficiency of the heating mode of heat pumps. Again, the higher the number, the greater the efficiency. Today's models are required to have a minimum 6.8 HSPF. Most major manufactures offer heat pumps with HSPF ratings ranging from 6.8 to 9.4.

How will the new environment friendly refrigerant affect me?
The 1990 Clean Air Act and the internationally binding Montreal Protocol calls for an international phase out of future manufacturing of the refrigerant R-22, which is currently used in most air conditioning and heat pump systems. Historically, when a refrigerant has been phased out, the cost of that refrigerant has risen dramatically. Also, the costs for servicing products using a phased out refrigerant have risen as well. According to current government regulations, the production of R-22 will be reduced by nearly one-fourth by 2004. By the year 2010, manufactures will not be allowed to produce air conditioning systems that contain the R-22 freon. That means all R-22 products will eventually need to be replaced by products utilizing the new R-410a chlorine-free refrigerant.

Should I be concerned about Carbon Monoxide in my home?
Yes. Each year, carbon monoxide kills more than 300 Americans and sends nearly 5,000 more to emergency rooms for treatment, reports the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Where does it come from? When carbon-based fuels such as gas, oil, kerosene or wood burn, they produce gases. When fuel combustion or burning isn't complete, carbon monoxide enters the air. The CPSC advises that carbon monoxide detectors are the only way to alert yourself to the presence of toxic gas in your home. If you wake in the night with a headache -- and especially if another member of the family complains of a headache or is difficult to arouse -- get out of the house fast and seek medical help. Estes recommends carbon monoxide detectors be installed through out your home!

What does Energy Star mean?
Energy Star stands for high-efficiency and energy savings according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards. Energy Star heating and cooling products are a good investment. Owners of such equipment realize returns in the form of lower utility bills.

Should I change my indoor coil?
When replacing your air conditioner or heat pump, the answer is most likely yes. The efficiency ratings that are advertised for an air conditioner or heat pump are based on the performance as part of a matched system. If only the outdoor portion is changed, the efficiency and savings could be less than that of a matched system.


How long can I expect a new system to last?
If you have a qualified technician perform regular preventative maintenance and service suggested for your unit, industry averages suggest that an air conditioner should last 12-15 years (sea coast applications may be less) and a gas furnace should last as many as 20-25 years.


Why should I replace my existing heating or air conditioning system?
You may wish to consider replacing your air conditioning or heating system if it is old, inefficient or in need of repair. Today's systems are as much as 60% more efficient than those systems manufactured as little as ten years ago. In addition, if not properly maintained, wear and tear on a system can reduce the actual or realized efficiency of the system. If you are concerned about utility bills or are faced with an expensive repair, you may want to consider replacing your system rather than enduring another costly season or paying to replace an expensive component. The utility cost savings of a new unit may provide an attractive return on your investment. If you plan on financing the purchase, the monthly savings on your utility bill should be considered when determining the actual monthly cost of replacing a system. The offsetting savings may permit you to purchase a more efficient system.


How expensive are air conditioning and heat pump systems?
Many factors affect the cost of a heating or air conditioning system, including the size of your home, the type and condition of the ductwork installed and accessories you might need such as a thermostat or an electronic air cleaner. We have a complete range of systems and accessories available to meet all your needs, including your financial ones!