Robbins Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. Blog: Archive for March, 2022

Evaporative Cooler Efficiency in New Mexico Climate

Saturday, March 26th, 2022
swamp cooler san juan county nm new mexico
Swamp Cooler

There are many options to consider when deciding what kind of AC unit is most efficient for the climate you’re living in. What your sister is using at her home in Buffalo, NY may not be what’s right for you in the high desert, like San Juan County, NM, even if she raves about how well it works for her home. If you’ve kicked around the idea of purchasing an evaporative cooler, read on to find out more about this option.

How do “swamp coolers” work?

Evaporative coolers aka “swamp coolers” use water to wet a cooling pad inside the unit, when outdoor air passes over the pads the cooled air is blown into the space. This is similar to taking a cold shower on a hot day or putting a cold cloth against your skin. They add humidity to the air which can be a great benefit in our dry desert climate. Evaporative coolers can also add fresh air into the space, which is great in environments where lots of people may be present. Evaporative coolers also don’t use any refrigerant. Replacement parts have a lower cost and can be found at a local hardware store. Many owners find the know-how to perform repairs with DIY training or YouTube University.

What are the cons to using a swamp cooler?

Cooling with outside air does have its drawbacks. Because outside air is the source, the temperature will only be 20-25° cooler than the outdoor temperature at best. Likewise, any outdoor smell can travel into the cooled space, i.e.; the neighbors’ barbeque grill, skunks, etc. Evaporative coolers also continually use water which may be an extra consideration to make in drought conditions.


Although the initial cost is lower, the frequency of repairs is high and most manufacturer warranties are typically only 12 months or less. Additionally, IAQ solutions are not compatible. Electricity costs are also another detail to factor in when budgeting for this type of cooling unit. A common belief is evaporative coolers are less expensive to operate than AC. This may be true when compared to older AC systems but is not the case when considering newer, high efficient systems.

How do I know which option is right for me?

Depending on what your needs are, you may have a strong preference for a certain system to use. When in doubt, call a professional like Robbins Heating and & Air Conditioning, and we can help guide you through questions or which option would be better for your home or business. As always, our in-home evaluations are free of charge.

Continue Reading

Make Sure Your AC Is Ready To Keep You Cool

Monday, March 21st, 2022

Would you go on a road trip without having your car checked out? Or would you participate in a marathon without any training to prepare yourself physically? We’d hope that the answer to both of these questions is no!

Preparation is vital to so many different things and this includes your home comfort. We aren’t just talking about preparing to switch your air conditioner on though. Much like training for the marathon, your air conditioner needs maintenance services in Aztec to prepare for the challenge of summer.

Have you scheduled your maintenance appointment yet? If not, read on to discover how it will benefit you, and then contact us to book a visit from an expert technician.

Continue Reading

It Is Maintenance Season; Book Your Tune-Up Today

Monday, March 7th, 2022

Was that a warm breeze you just felt? Spring is around the corner and things are going to be warming up faster than we might think possible. This is why we want to make sure you and your home are prepared. We aren’t just talking about putting away your thick wintertime blankets. We are really talking about making sure that you get AC maintenance in Farmington, NM before the heat hits.

While the temperatures outside may not be too warm right now, it doesn’t mean we aren’t headed into the hottest months of the year. So, while you don’t need your air conditioner right this moment, now is actually the perfect time to get it tuned up!

Continue Reading

How you can easily maintain your Farmington HVAC system

Friday, March 4th, 2022
Let us maintain your HVAC unit in farmington nm
Let us maintain your HVAC unit!

If you’re in Farmington or anywhere in San Juan County, you’re thinking about basic home maintenance and repairs, you probably imagine a list of tasks that have to be tackled over an entire weekend.

But one of the easiest ways to get ahead on any major HVAC repairs or issues is to stay on top of HVAC system maintenance with these three easy steps. 

Change your filters regularly

As a landlord or homeowner, you may not realize that the best thing you can do for the life of your HVAC system is to change your filter. A dirty filter is the #1 cause of repairs in peak seasons. Based on your situation, the recommended filter replacement is as follows:

  • Single occupant without pets or allergies: 6-12 months
  • A suburban home without pets or allergies: 90 days
  • A suburban home with pets or allergies: 60 days

Not all filters are created equal! Although pleated filters are the most popular filter to use, they may not be what’s best for your system. In the summertime, they can restrict airflow and freeze up your AC system if your current ductwork isn’t efficient enough. Consider whole system solutions that tackle pollen, pet dander, bacteria, and viruses such as the Reme Halo. This is a small unit that is placed in your air supply ducts and improves the air quality of your home. 

Schedule regular maintenance on your HVAC system

Regular maintenance is required by most manufacturers as warranties may be void without regular maintenance. The average life to expect from a forced-air system is 15 years. Regular maintenance gives you more life from your system! Over time this gives you a higher return on investment.

Budget for scheduled maintenance to occur on your HVAC system twice a year. Unless you have a swamp cooler, preventative maintenance can happen at ANY time during the year. In the middle of summer, your system can be tested under working conditions and problems can be spotted easier than if the system has sat cold all winter, similar to a cardiologist’s heart stress test. If maintenance is performed as the season is closing, it’s easy to catch any parts going out before they cause problems next season. This regular upkeep will ensure the parts remain in good working order and your system is functioning optimally. 

Keep the area surrounding your unit clean

While it may go without saying, sometimes we need reminders to check on the outdoor unit to make sure that the most recent storm didn’t cover the unit in debris, or to determine if nearby trees and foliage may need to be trimmed to allow safe and easy access to the unit.

Always call Robbins Heating & Air in Farmington, NM to perform maintenance on your AC units or if you have questions about how to improve the air quality of your home!

Continue Reading