Everything You Need to Know About Smart Thermostats

August 25, 2019

Smart thermostats are becoming more common in residential properties because they offer a high level of convenience to homeowners. The technology associated with these devices makes it possible to have more control of your energy usage each season. If you’re looking to improve the precision of your temperature settings, here are a few facts about smart thermostats. 1. They’ll Save You Energy The primary reason most people decide to install a smart thermostat is that it saves energy on the property. The devices teach themselves and remember your setting preferences over time, which can prevent you from having to perform as many repairs on the HVAC system throughout the year. The thermostat also has the power to adjust the temperature to ensure that the heating or cooling device isn’t in use when the property is vacant. With less energy used throughout the year, homeowners can enjoy spending less money on their bill each month. 2. More Comfort A higher level of comfort is provided with smart thermostats because they include remote sensors that can be placed in each room of the house. The temperatures throughout the residence are prone to vary, which makes it necessary to have more control over...

View Article

Read More

The Difference Between HVAC and AC

August 15, 2019

At , we realize that many people don’t understand the differences between HVAC and air conditioning systems. Knowing the unique features of each type of system is important for communicating your needs for a building. Different types of buildings may require various systems in order to stay comfortable throughout the year. What an HVAC System Does HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. These systems can include a furnace, air conditioner, ducts, and air quality controls. HVAC systems are designed to keep a building comfortable regardless of the temperature outside. They are often equipped with a variety of air filters to ensure that they are circulating clean air. All the air is circulated through a central system. Standalone Air Conditioners An air conditioner is designed to keep the air in your building cool whenever it gets hot outside. There are two types of systems that can be operated without having a central ducting system. Window units sit in the window frame and are designed to cool single rooms or small areas. They aren’t overly energy-efficient or designed to regulate the indoor air temperature. Ductless or mini-split systems are a great option for cooling a home without a central ducting...

View Article

Read More

How to Care for Your AC System

August 5, 2019

Your AC system is an investment. It requires ongoing TLC, and an optimal approach to maintenance can help ensure the lowest total cost for operation. Initial Inspection has been serving homeowners in Burbank and the neighboring communities with a full range of AC services since 2001. When you purchase a residence with an AC system already in place, you never know how diligent the last owner was. That’s why we recommend scheduling a comprehensive professional inspection as soon as possible. Seasonal Inspection and Maintenance After installation or full inspection, you only need a seasonal inspection. Early spring is a good target since it lets you identify and correct any issues well before the hottest months arrive. Scheduling service is advisable whenever you notice anything that seems unusual. A Monthly Basic Inspection Our company also recommends that you perform a basic inspection each month. This is especially important if there has been a serious storm that may have damaged any equipment outside. Change Air Filters as Needed Air filters should be swapped out, or cleaned if you have reusables, after three months of use. However, we recommend examining them during the monthly inspection and replacing any that are visibly dirty. Check...

View Article

Read More

Steps to Fix Uneven Cooling in Your Home

July 30, 2019

Uneven cooling can be caused by several factors, and it is especially common in homes with two or more levels. The following covers some simple ways you can try to get cool air distributed more evenly in your house. However, you may also need to have your AC unit inspected by a helpful professional from in Burbank, California. Consider an AC Replacement When your AC unit is older than 10 years, there is a strong chance that it cannot properly cool down your home. If you require a major part replacement in an older AC unit, it may be best to have the entire AC unit replaced. Install a Zoning System A zoning system works with multiple thermostats. In fact, these systems sometimes use one thermostat in each room. You will not have to close off air vents with a zoning system to keep cool air from collecting only in the basement level of your home. Check for Window and Door Leaks If there are any cracks or openings around your doors or windows, this could be where cool air is escaping from. These openings will also let warm air creep inside your home. Turn on Ceiling Fans Even though...

View Article

Read More

Can You Leave Your Air Conditioner Off When You Go on Vacation?

July 20, 2019

If you have a summer vacation planned, you likely have a list of things to do around the house before you leave. When you leave your home for a long time, you make sure the doors are locks and all the lights are turned off to save energy. Should you also turn off your AC unit while you’ll be away? The answer to this question is almost always no. While leaving the air conditioner off when you’re away will definitely help to cut your electrical costs for the month, it may also lead to more costly problems. Set the Temperature Higher Instead of Turning the Unit Off Before you leave for vacation, you can set the temperature on your thermostat to a higher level than you’d normally leave it. While you may typically keep your house around 72 degrees on a hot summer day, if you’ll be gone, you can set it around 83 degrees instead. Setting it this high can help to save you money on your electrical bill but won’t cause other problems. Why You Shouldn’t Shut Off the AC Completely If you shut off your AC unit for an extended period of time, it can lead to...

View Article

Read More

SEER Ratings: What Do They Mean?

July 10, 2019

When you start to do research about air conditioners, you’ll likely notice the term “SEER Rating.” You may be wondering what it means and why it’s so important. What SEER Stands For The term stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. It’s determined by dividing an AC’s cooling output by the energy it consumes. The period of time factored in is a typical cooling season. Since SEER is a ratio of output to input, a higher SEER translates to being more energy-efficient. When manufacturers put a SEER rating on an AC, they’re showing the maximum rating possible. Note that the true SEER is variable, depending on your usage. If you ever have questions, the team at is here to help. What to Look For Here in California, the minimum SEER is 14. Minimum ratings are set by each state, and they’re usually either 13 or 14. However, a unit’s rating could go up to 21 or 22, or even higher in limited situations. If you’re thinking about installing a new AC, consider how efficient you’d like your unit to be. Typically, more efficient units are more expensive, but if you plan on living in your Burbank home for a long time,...

View Article

Read More

Save Money on Your Cooling Bills This Summer

June 25, 2019

If your energy bill always feels like a bit of a shock at the end of the month, there are several ways you could address the situation. Here are some of the best strategies for keeping cooling costs low this summer while still staying out of the heat. Clean Your Air Filters Air conditioners can end up catching a lot of accumulated dust in the process of keeping your house cool. All of this extra gunk eventually starts to build up and can reduce the efficiency of the machine. In order to prevent this, we recommend cleaning your air filters at least once a month. Doing so can potentially reduce your cooling bill by up to 10% and will also help the temperature in your house stay cooler. Use Ceiling Fans If your roof is painted black or another dark color, then your house is absorbing a lot of heat. The roof might do better if it’s painted white or reflective color. Note that this will keep your home cool both in the summer and the winter, so if you tend to use your heater in winter, you might be better off trying a different strategy to reduce your energy...

View Article

Read More

3 Advantages of Changing Your Air Filter

June 10, 2019

Changing your AC filter is a key step in maintaining a healthy, energy-efficient air conditioner. As air filters become dirty, your air conditioner must work harder to force air through the system. This impacts everything from your AC’s efficiency to the cost of your energy bills. Not to mention, a dirty air filter may lead to mechanical problems that can be costly to fix. Take a look at our top three benefits of changing your air filter: 1. Fewer Breakdowns and Costly Repairs As air filters reach the end of their natural lifespan, they can begin to deteriorate and release fibers and debris back into your air conditioner. As this debris builds up in the machinery, it reduces the unit’s performance and can even lead to mechanical failures. Regularly changing your air filter is a simple and affordable way to avoid costly fixes in the future. 2. Purer Indoor Air Quality As the air filter catches dust and debris from the air, it reduces the amount that you and your family would otherwise breathe in daily. All that debris eventually takes a toll on the air filter as it becomes clogged to the point where it can’t clean the air...

View Article

Read More

Find the Right HVAC Contractor for Your Project

June 1, 2019

When you’re experiencing issues with your HVAC system, you’ll need to find a professional contractor. You may worry about finding the best company, but it doesn’t have to be a hassle. It’s important to find a company that can provide you with the highest quality of work at an affordable rate. When you need to find a professional HVAC contractor, here are a few things you’ll want to know. Research the Company Before you choose an HVAC contractor, you’ll want to conduct a little research for your project. There are many places online that feature reviews for HVAC contractors, and many of these come from former customers. You might also want to check out the Better Business Bureau for the company’s rating. Your potential HVAC company should have a rating of A or better. When you need to choose an HVAC company in Burbank, you can count on the team at . Make Sure They’re Licensed A professional company will be fully insured, bonded, and licensed. Many companies even go a step further and will perform a background check on their technicians. A professional company will also have EPA, NATE, or Diamond certifications. Every contractor will have a license number...

View Article

Read More

How to Maintain Superior Indoor Air Quality in Your Home

May 22, 2019

Creating and maintaining great indoor air quality does not require spending a small fortune. Much of it happens by making small changes throughout your home and choosing the right products to use on a daily basis. Below are a few ideas to get you started. Monitor the Additives to Your Air It seems that all types of cleaners and household products emit some sort of scent that could begin to bring down the quality of your indoor air. Additionally, smoking indoors and not having things like a gas furnace properly vented can add to a buildup of odors and pollutants in the air you breathe. To combat these issues, you can purchase and use as many products as you can that are free of scents and odors. You should also operate vent fans when in the bathroom or cooking in the kitchen. Keep the Home Well-Ventilated and Balanced in Humidity As air-tight as most new homes are, it’s essential to have a way to properly ventilate your living space. Open windows on nice days that are low in pollen. Use ceiling fans to help keep good airflow throughout the home. You can also add a dehumidifier system when the air...

View Article

Read More