By Shay Moser
Photos by Kimberly Carrillo

After serving five years in prison and being released in 2018, Arizona native Robert Gracia hit the road running toward being a productive member of society. With trade certifications, a family that supported him, a relationship with God, and a deep desire for a better life, he wisely applied the skills he learned while locked up.

Alliance Plumbing Service and Repair hired Gracia right away. He worked there for over a year before being promoted to an HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) mechanical business. Then he became a foreman for an emerging company in Arizona that wanted him to run the HVAC division. “I asked that owner, ‘You want me to build your dream?’ So, I decided to get my contractor’s license — and now, I’m building my dream,” Gracia says. Today, he owns Arizaz Heating and Cooling to help Valley families with all their HVAC needs.

“I’ve always had an entrepreneurial mindset, but I directed it the wrong way,” Gracia explains. “Being surrounded with the right people and Godly counsel, I want to bring good to the community and give back.”

Now that Gracia ended the cycle of his broken generation, giving back means being a devoted husband to Angie, his wife of 12 years. It also means being a loving father to their four children, Zyanna, Alex, Genesis, and Nevaeh. It means being a leader and counselor to those in the community struggling with self-identity and addiction.

“I set goals and accomplished them in two years of being free, including buying a home for my family,” Gracia says. “The self-control and determination I have is far from who I used to be.”

Since opening Arizaz Heating and Cooling in January, Gracia has become debt free and says his main goal is to be the example people need in society. “It’s not how we start; it’s how we finish.”

Besides being a dedicated dad, husband, and community member, Gracia has been busy with his business. With summer in full swing and extreme heat waves breaking multiple records, he only gets a few breaks these days.

Do people really need air conditioning checkups?
“People usually call when their air conditioning isn’t heating or cooling, but it’s a good idea to have a professional inspect and clean your A/C system twice a year to catch problems and ensure it’s running efficiently and lasts longer,” says Gracia. “Get a tune-up twice yearly — before summer and winter — especially if you have an older unit.”

Arizaz’s multipoint inspections/tune-ups include checking:
• All electrical components, including amps, wiring, coils, fans, motors, compressor pressures, and condensation drains and pan
• Fan motor
• Compressor
• Freon levels and pressures
• Overall condition of condenser and air handler
• Furnace
• Condensation drain
• Secondary drain pan
• Indoor coils
• Outdoor coils
• That your unit is running to factory specifications

Gracia is happy to pray for customers who need more than an A/C checkup. “Many people don’t know my past and how God transformed me,” he says. “I pray with my customers sometimes.”

Need a new air conditioning unit?
Gracia hopes prospective clients will send him their estimates from other contractors so he can beat or match them. “We’ll match or beat most competitors’ prices to earn your business and keep you as a long-term customer.”

A case in point from a Google review: “Robert was amazing, responsive, honest, and a lifesaver. I returned from a trip to find my A/C was not working, and I initially called a known company. They were looking to sell us a new unit for a small fortune. After several other major life events, we were slightly panicked and unprepared for that cost. I called Robert, who told us what was wrong with it, ran us through all the options, and saved us. The fix ended up being very simple and affordable. He treated us like family and made sure we were OK. I will be using Robert and Arizaz Heating and Cooling from now on.”

Gracia says, “Because I don’t have a lot of overhead, I can pass the savings on to my customers. I’m very competitive with my pricing.” This guarantee includes new units and installation.

Even with Arizaz’s competitive prices, financing is available, especially on new A/C units since they can cost thousands of dollars.

Who needs a ductless mini-split air conditioner?
“We also offer ductless mini-split air conditioners as an alternative option if you’re trying to heat or cool your man or woman cave, garage, or Arizona room,” says Gracia.

He also does ductwork, a service that helps modify heating or cooling ducting systems to be more efficient.

“If your rooms are different temperatures or you have a hot room,” he says, “this is possibly a sign of improper ductwork.”

Other benefits to using Arizaz include 24/7 availability, free estimates, budget-friendly options, energy-efficient A/C units, and debit and credit card payments. He also gives discounts to first responders and veterans.

Gracia is a proud sponsor of Chandler High School basketball and football teams, gives globally, and has a future goal to donate air conditioning units to needy families.

“When I get the opportunity and extra finances to do stuff in the community, I want to sponsor concerts and barbecues to bring people together,” he says. “I want to thank all customers for the opportunity to earn their trust and business. I pray I can leave everyone with a positive experience and an everlasting friendship with Arizaz Heating and Cooling.”

Call Arizaz Heating and Cooling at 480-343-4034 or visit arizazheatingandcooling.com to schedule an appointment.

This content is sponsored by Arizaz Heating and Cooling.