What is the best swamp cooler?

Swamp coolers are popular in dry, arid climates like New Mexico because they’re cost-effective and eco-friendly. But what are the best swamp cooler brands? Swamp coolers (also called evaporative coolers) are a great choice for those of us who live in drier climates. They have been and remain popular, but lately, the industry has experienced some struggles. The quality of … Read More

What is a Whole House Humidifier?

what-is-a-whole-house-humidifier-header-image

New Mexico has a dry climate (yes, we’re stating the obvious). Many New Mexico residents prefer it that way, but what if you have paintings, musical instruments, exotic plants/pets, or a health condition that requires more humidity?

10 Frequently Asked Questions About Refrigerated Air

TLC-hvac-technician-installing-refrigerated-air

Summertime in New Mexico brings bright sunshine, toasty temperatures, and wonderings about refrigerated air and how to stay cool. You don’t have to wonder anymore! Here are answers to 10 frequently asked questions about refrigerated air: 1. Should I convert to refrigerated air from my swamp cooler? We can’t tell you what you should do because the answer is different … Read More

When is the Best Time to Start Using my Swamp Cooler?

when-to-turn-on-your-swamp-cooler-tips-from-TLC

Chico Apachito, Your HVAC Expert Chico has lived his whole life in New Mexico. He grew up in Alamo on the Navajo Reservation, graduated high school in Magdalena, and has been in the Albuquerque-Los Lunas area for the last 11 years. He is happily married, and he and his wife are raising four kiddos together. They love being outside and … Read More

Why Is My AC Blowing Hot Air? A New Mexico Tech Answers

programmable-thermostat

So you’ve noticed that your air conditioner is blowing not-so-cool air. In fact, the air you feel coming from your vents is warm, or even hot. We know—it’s not an ideal situation to find yourself in so we’ll do our best to help you through it. To start, let’s explore the most common reasons an AC blows hot/warm air: Of … Read More

Top 4 Summer Tips for Homeowners

Top 4 summer tips for homeowners image

We’re about halfway through the summer! What should you be thinking about when it comes to your home? We asked some of our top technicians for their tips to help you get through the summer with your home comfort equipment.

How Much Does it Cost to Install a Central AC in New Mexico?

Heil-air-conditioner-repair-services

If you’re in the market for a replacement AC, the first question on your mind is probably, “How much will this cost me when all is said and done?”  And that’s a tough question to answer because all AC installations are different. However, we can give you a price range to expect. In the New Mexico area, the cost to … Read More

How Much Does an AC Repair Cost in New Mexico?

TLC-Technician-Fixing-AC-Unit-on-roof-in-Albuquerque

That’s a tough question to answer. It really all depends on what’s wrong with your AC system— and believe us, there are a lot of different things that can go wrong with an AC system. So the best answer we can give you is this: In the New Mexico area, an AC repair can cost anywhere from $120 to $3,000. … Read More

Should I Get a Swamp Cooler or Refrigerated Air?

Should I Get a Swamp Cooler or Refrigerated Air? Choosing between a swamp cooler and refrigerated air isn’t an easy task. Both types of air conditioners have pros and cons. So how do you decide which is best for you?

4 Spring Refrigerated Air Conditioning Tips

Image of Lenny in front of TLC truck

Spring is right around the corner. Even though New Mexico weather is unpredictable, there’s no doubt it’s getting warmer. Cooling season is almost here! That’s why we asked Lenny to share his best tips for the start of cooling season.

5 Spring Swamp Cooler Tips

Image of Lenny in front of TLC truck

Spring is right around the corner. Even though New Mexico weather is unpredictable, there’s no doubt it’s getting warmer. Cooling season is almost here! That’s why we asked Lenny to share his best tips for the start of cooling season.

Older Air Conditioner? R22 Refrigerant Phase Out Information

Image of men installing commercial air conditoner

Updated on 12/15/19 to reflect changes in EPA regulations. R22 refrigerant is being phased out, here’s what that means for you As environmental awareness increases, the sale and use of ozone depleting substances (ODS) is decreasing – including common refrigerants used in air conditioning. As a business owner, it’s important to be aware of and understand the repercussions of such … Read More

What is a Duct Balancing Service?

TLC-Duct-Balancing-Service-Albuquerque-Rio-Rancho

Why Are Some Rooms in My Home Hot or Cold? Is there a room in your home that just doesn’t ever really seem to get cold in the summer or warm up in the winter? The air in your home isn’t always equally distributed with your duct system. This is often the cause of hot and cold spots in your … Read More

5 Ways to Keep Your Air Ducts Clean Longer

Image of man inspecting duct

Ducts are an important part of many heating and cooling systems. Refrigerated air, furnaces, and swamp coolers have of air ducts to circulate heated or cooled air through your home. What many homeowners don’t realize is that dust, dander, pollen, and many other nasty things collect inside of ductwork. Because it’s “out of sight, out of mind”, the buildup can … Read More

How a Swamp Cooler Thermostat can Make Your Home More Comfortable

Image for swamp cooler thermostat comfort

If you have a swamp cooler in your home, you are familiar with the balancing act of keeping the house cool. You have to pay attention to the temperature, monitor the fan speed and open and close windows. Basically, you’re the thermostat. It doesn’t have to be this way! You can control the temperature in your home by installing a … Read More

How can Preventive Maintenance Save You Money?

PMA Header Image

How Can TLC’s Preventive Maintenance Agreement Save You Money? It is easy to take our home’s plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling systems for granted until something breaks. Even though they take the backstage, your comfort, functionality and even safety relies on them. Plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling emergencies can be costly, inconvenient and, on occasion, dangerous. How can you avoid … Read More

What’s the Cost of Comfort?

Image of a happy family used for marketing

If you are struggling to stay cool with your swamp cooler, you may be thinking about converting to refrigerated air. Refrigerated air takes your family’s comfort to a whole new level by cooling your home to a set temperature and eliminating humidity. But what is the cost of comfort? There is no single answer for the question of refrigerated air … Read More

Difference between an Attic Fan and Whole House Fan?

Image of a girl laying in front of a fan

Attic Fan vs Whole House Fan If your home has an attic, you are probably aware of how hot it gets in the summer. Attics have been known to reach temperatures as high as 130 degrees! Because heat rises it becomes trapped in the attic and without proper ventilation, the heat has nowhere to go. It’s like having an oven … Read More

Air Conditioning Options in Santa Fe

air-conditioning-installation-options

You’d be hard-pressed to find a New Mexican complaining about the plethora of bright sunny days and our relatively mild climate. But, even though Santa Fe stays 10 -15 degrees cooler than Albuquerque, we still get our fair share of hot months that leave our homes sweltering. If you live in one of our beautiful historic homes, installing air conditioning … Read More

Save Money By Buying Online? Not So Fast…

online-buyer-beware

Undoubtedly, online shopping has drastically changed the way that Americans consume goods. The reality is that every online purchase is a roll of the dice, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but you should go into understanding that it’s a gamble. I was reminded of this the other day as I opened a box of bargain spring clothes purchased online … Read More

Understanding Home Automation Options

Diagram of a fully connected smart home

What is Home Automation and How does it Work? Before our smartphones became an extension of our lives it was hard to believe all that would be possible in home automation. Home automation technology seemed something to exist only in the movies. But now with the latest advancements in Wi-Fi and the use of our smartphones you can control a … Read More

Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Rebates Available For Your Home

Plumbing-Heating-Cooling-Rebates

It’s hard to believe but we are almost through the first month of the year and while many of us are still trying to focus on our New Year’s Resolutions tax season is quickly approaching. It’s time to sharpen your pencils, get your and receipts together. Since taxes are on everyone’s mind these days we thought it would be good to … Read More

Swamp Cooler vs. Refrigerated Air Conditioning

swamp-cooler-vs-refrigerated-air-conditioning

One of the biggest reasons most homeowners in New Mexico choose to convert to refrigerated air is temperature control. As the temperatures rise you may be wondering if you should convert to central air conditioning. With temperatures reaching a high point this time of year, you can easily feel the difference in cooling between swamp coolers and air conditioning. Swamp … Read More

How to choose an HVAC Contractor

how-to-choose-an-hvac-contractor

So you’ve done your homework and are ready to convert your swamp cooler to refrigerated air.  Now that you have a better understanding of air conditioning systems you need to hire a professional to install and convert your system.  There are a lot of options out there and you are making a sizable investment in your home so you want … Read More

What is SEER rating

what-is-seer-rating

What is SEER rating and what you need to know? If you have central air conditioning in your home or are considering converting to refrigerated air, you may have heard SEER ratio or EER. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, while EER is Energy Efficiency Ratio. Why are there two energy standards? Both of these measure the energy efficiency of … Read More

Will Energy Costs Go Up With Refrigerated Air Conditioning?

will-energy-costs-go-up-with-refrigerated-air

The simple answer is yes, in most cases your energy bill will rise because you will use more electricity with central air conditioning.  However, your water bill usually goes down when you convert.  Typically in most cases though what you spent in water with a swamp cooler you will likely spend more in electricity with central air.  That is why … Read More

Swamp Cooler Maintenance Tips

Image of a swamp cooler on a roof with an exposed side for service

Those hot summer temperatures are just around the corner, are you ready? We are getting closer and closer to those very hot days in New Mexico! It is definitely time to get your swamp cooler up and running and ready for summer. Swamp cooler maintenance is essential to keeping you cool and comfortable. While we absolutely recommend hiring a professional … Read More

How much is it to convert to refrigerated air?

Image of a man frustrated in front of a fan for marketing

Are you dreading the hot temperatures? Worried that your swamp cooler will not be able to cool your home? If you’ve been thinking about refrigerated air conditioning or central air conditioning but are curious about how much it is to convert to refrigerated air you’ve come to the right place. What is the cost to convert to refrigerated air? We’ve … Read More

What are the Best Swamp Cooler Pads?

Image of swamp cooler pads installed on a side

Honestly, this is a question that we get a lot this time of year. There are two different types of pads for standard swamp coolers or evaporative coolers. Each type of pad has pros and cons. We have broken down the types of pads that are available so you can see which type may be best for your home. I … Read More

Things To Consider Before Converting To Refrigerated Air Conditioning

Marketing imaged used for refrigerated air considerations

Refrigerated air or central air conditioning is very comfortable and more homeowners in Albuquerque and Santa Fe are making the switch to refrigerated air conditioning. Refrigerated air can keep a home at comfortable temperatures year round, no matter what the weather or climate is like outside. But is refrigerated air right for you? Here are some things you should know … Read More

Why is my swamp cooler not working?

Image of vent temperature and vent cleaner

My struggle with cooling my home I have a confession to make, I should know more about maintaining my cooler than I do. After all, I work for an air conditioning service company. However, it wasn’t until recently that I realized I had a problem with my own swamp cooler that my husband and I had overlooked for 2 years. … Read More

How Do Swamp Coolers Work?

Image of swamp cooler on roof

Swamp cooling or evaporative cooling, is a popular, cost effective way to cool your home here in the southwest. Swamp cooling works best in the hot dry climates like New Mexico. Basic swamp cooler function starts with a pan filled with water that will automatically fill as water evaporates. The water is pumped from the pan to a pad which … Read More

What is a Wall-Mounted Ductless Air Conditioner?

Image of a ductless Lennox system

A wall-mounted ductless air conditioner also referred to as a mini split system or ductless mini split system is an easy, convenient and efficient way to gain refrigerated air without the expense or hassle of adding ductwork to a home or business looking for air conditioning. A wall-mounted air conditioner is also an ideal solution for homes that do not … Read More

Breezair Swamp Coolers Offer Superior Cooling

Breezair marketing image with light bulb

The summer heat is here and the temps are starting to soar! Are you worried about how well your swamp cooler will cool your home as the temperatures start to rise? Or is this the year you replace or upgrade your cooler? Maybe you’re thinking about refrigerated air but want to explore your air conditioning options? Let us introduce you … Read More

Deciding the Best Time to Run Your Cooler

Image of someone sleeping by an alarm clock

Every family has their own schedule. Between work, school, activities, and dinner, it’s important to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. Especially during the summer months! Knowing the best time of day to run your swamp cooler is the best way to maximize cooling power while

Why You Should Consider a Digital Thermostat

what-to-set-your-thermostat-to-in-winter

Summer is officially in full swing. That means the days are long, hot, and full of glorious New Mexico sunshine. Sure, there are plenty of ways to cool off – a dip in the pool, a popsicle. But, nothing beats the cool, refreshing relief of an evaporative cooling system in your home.

How to Optimize Airflow in Your Home Swamp Cooler Efficiency

swamp-cooler-101

Good airflow is an essential component to any cooling system, but it is especially important for swamp coolers. Without proper airflow, a swamp cooler cannot run effectively. That means that your cooler has to run longer to get your home to a comfortable temperature – potentially costing you more money on utility bills.

5 Reasons to Schedule Your Spring Changeover Today

spring-changeover

Spring has finally arrived! With abundant sunshine and life blooming at every turn, a heating and cooling changeover may be the last thing on your mind. But, in between the refreshing bike rides and gardening, here are 5 reasons to schedule your spring changeover during the month of April:

10 Reasons to Install Ductless Air Conditioners

Diagram of a ductless Lennox system

When it’s time to upgrade your heating and cooling system, you may want to do more than install a new air conditioner.  At TLC Plumbing, we can recommend and install ductless split systems that provide quality thermal control that is highly energy efficient. So why switch to this system? 

Get the Best Air Quality During Fire Season

Image of woman in a mask with air quality sign

When fire season in full swing, air quality is a major concern for New Mexico homeowners. While your cooling system can maintain a comfortable temperature in your home during the summer months, it also has a major impact on the quality of air you breathe.

Swamp Cooler 101: Getting Your Cooler Ready for Summer

swamp-cooler-101

If you’re new to New Mexico or you’ve recently moved to a home with a swamp cooler you may be unfamiliar with this type of air conditioning or cooling. Swamp coolers or “evaporative coolers” are easy to operate but do require maintenance at the beginning and end of each season.

Swamp Cooler Conversion Efficient Solution

Heil-air-conditioner-repair-services

To Convert or not to Convert? In Albuquerque, actually New Mexico in general, we’ve all grown up with the ol’ swamp cooler pumping cool air into our homes. On a hot dry day, we could always expect to get 10 or 15 degrees of cooling depending on the relative humidity. Now however, it seems that a lot of people are … Read More