""

FAQs

Yes – Arizona Registrar of Contractors.R.O.C. # 211594

The Arizona Registrar of Contractors’ mission is to promote quality construction by Arizona contractors through a licensing and regulatory system designed to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public.

Below are 8 tips to consider when hiring a contractor.

  1. Only Hire Licensed Contractors
    Interview and hire only State licensed contractors. Check a contractor’s license number online at www.azroc.govor by calling 602-542-1525 or toll free within AZ:  1-877-MYAZROC  (1-877-692-9762).
    Remember to check the contractor’s license status again on the day you are scheduled to sign the contract even if you did so earlier. License status can change overnight.
  2. Everything in Writing
    Make sure all agreements are in writing including changes made to the original agreement.
  3. Get & Verify Reference
    Obtain three references of recent jobs from each bidder. Review their past work in person.
  4. Detailed Records
    Keep a file of all papers relating to the project including a payment receipt file.
  5. Warranty
    Ensure all products purchased are covered under warranty.
  6. Payment
    When providing payment, make check payable to the company name, not the Individuals name.
  7. Free Estimates
    Estimates should always be free!
  8. Did you know that when you shop at a locally owned business, 45 cents of every dollar stays in Arizona-versus only 13 cents of every dollar spent at a national chain. *

Yes.  We have been a BBB Accredited business since 7/21/2006.  The
BBB has determined that Elite Shutters & Blinds, LLC meets BBB accreditation standards, which include a commitment to make a good faith effort to resolve any consumer complaints. BBB Accredited Businesses pay a fee for accreditation review/monitoring and for support of BBB services to the public.

*Elite Shutters & Blinds received an award in 2009 from the BBB as a finalist for a Business Ethics Award.

When a homeowner is having work done to their property, they want to be assured that the work will be done properly. Using a licensed contractor is one important way to do that. The Arizona Registrar of Contractors works on your behalf to resolve any disputes that arise when work is done to your home. They can, and do, put a hold on a contractor’s license until issues are resolved to the satisfaction of the homeowner.

Not only are shutters and blinds effective at reducing the amount of light allowed into a particular room, they can enhance the beauty and ambiance of your favorite space as well. Many homeowners have praised the benefits of their interior upgrade and we have the experienced professionals that can help you with your questions and concerns.

Air Movement
Air movement is essentially determined by a delicate balance between two primary factors: motor size and blade pitch. The size of the motor generally reflects its overall strength. There are three sizes that have proven to be effective and they are basically small (153mm), medium (172mm), and large (188mm or k55/xlp2000). The strength of the motor and the degree of the blade pitch determines how efficiently the fan will move air. The blade pitch refers to the angle of the blade relative to the fan. As the motor increases in strength, it is able to push a blade with a greater pitch or angle. Generally, the greater the pitch, the greater the air movement. But be careful! These two factors must increase in proportion to one another or else there could be adverse effects on the fan motor.

Blade size and fan diameter
The sweep or span of a fan’s blade is critical to overall performance. As the blade increases in length, the fan will push air over a larger surface area. Conversely, smaller bladed fans tend to move a larger volume of air over a smaller surface area. Most 52″ fans move air out and away from the fan, which makes them efficient at circulating air in larger areas. But be careful- not all 52 ” ceiling fans are created equally. Check the motor size and blade pitch to ensure that the fan is strong enough to cool your rooms.

Number of blades
As the amount of blades decrease, the amount of air moved increases. This sounds counter intuitive but it is the truth – check your physics books! Five bladed fans are the norm and so we are all accustomed to seeing them in most applications, but the truth is that four blades move more air than five, three blades move more air than four, etc.

Blades
The highest quality blades are seven ply, furniture quality. Most, however, are multi-ply wooden blades with photo finishes. These blades have come a long way and some will make it difficult for most to determine whether they are real wood or not.

Quiet Performance
The most important determinant of quiet operation is the motor. Some motors are guaranteed silent but most are not. The larger motors are often the quietest because they use what is called a triple capacitor system. The triple capacitor system ensures that the fan is quiet throughout all of its speeds.

Energy Savings
A ceiling fan can offer energy savings all year round. In warm weather, a fan can make a room 7 to 10 degrees cooler allowing you to set your thermostat higher and save up to 40% on air conditioning bills. In the winter, you can run your fans in reverse to reclaim the hot air trapped near the ceiling. You can set your thermostats lower and save on heating costs as the fan provides even, comfortable temperatures throughout the room. Either way, you conserve valuable energy making a ceiling fan a wise investment for you and the environment. On high speed, most fans use less than a 100-watt bulb.

Clockwise vs. Counterclockwise
During the warm months, the fans should be moving counterclockwise. In other words, for the cooling function, the higher edge of the blade should be the leading edge as the fan spins. For heat reclamation purposes, the fan should run clockwise with the low edge of the blade being the leading edge

Occasional light vacuuming with a brush attachment or a Swiffer hand duster should keep blinds clean. More severe soiling can be removed from painted blinds by using a soft, damp cloth. Stained blinds can be treated with lemon oil or a wood preservative.