Is a Burning Smell Normal When I Turn on the Heat?

November 1, 2023

If you have recently turned on the heat and noticed a burning smell, it can be quite alarming. It does not necessarily mean that something is going wrong with your system, particularly if it hasn’t been turned on for a while. In instances like this, such a thing happening is actually pretty normal and is often not a cause for concern. There are times, however, when it could be an indicator of a real problem, so it’s important to know when it is time to relax and when it is time to shut down your system and call in a professional. When Not to Worry About a Burning Smell If your heater has not been turned on for a while, it is likely that dust and other particles have accumulated on the heat exchanger, burners, or other components. When you turn the heater on for the first time in months, the smell is likely these particles burning off. This smell is then carried through the air vents until it is all burned away. Let the heater run for about 10 minutes, and the smell will likely dissipate. If it does not go away, then it is time to call a...

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10 AC Problems You Must Know

October 2, 2023

Air conditioners keep us cool when the mercury is soaring, but even new air conditioners will eventually develop a problem. Whether your AC is struggling in the heat or not putting out cold air at all, your first concern is likely how to get that temperature back into a comfortable range fast. Our guide will help you learn the top 10 AC problems you need to understand to keep that cool air flowing again. 1. AC Won’t Turn on If your AC won’t turn on, you might panic, but an air conditioner that fails to cycle on doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re facing expensive repairs. First, check that your unit has power and is switched to the “on” position. Check the circuit breaker on both the indoor and outdoor units to be sure it hasn’t been flipped. Finally, check the thermostat to verify that the system is both turned on and set to cool. This is also a good time to check the air filter. A clogged AC filter won’t necessarily stop the AC from switching on, but it will certainly keep it from cooling effectively. Many things can interfere with your AC’s ability to cycle on, so if you’ve...

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What Temperature Should Your Thermostat Be Set To?

September 21, 2023

Certain factors influence at what temperature you set your thermostat, but it’s primarily a matter of personal preference. Setting it too high or low could not only impact your comfort but also your energy bills and HVAC system. The following is information helpful for deciding what to set your thermostat to at your California home. Best Thermostat Temperature for Summer and Winter It’s typically best to set your thermostat to 68 degrees in the winter and approximately 78 degrees during the warmer months. This will prevent your heating system or AC from coming on too frequently and running for shorter periods. It will also help keep your heating and cooling costs low while reducing the wear and tear your HVAC system experiences. Setting your thermostat to a much higher temperature in the winter or significantly lower in the summer will strain your HVAC system. This added strain can possibly shorten the life span of your furnace and AC or cause the unit to require more frequent repairs. It will also undoubtedly raise your energy bills. Programming Your Thermostat for Day and Night It is important to note that these recommended temperature settings are for the times when you’re awake and...

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How to Reduce Energy Costs on Aging AC Units

August 8, 2023

It is somewhat common to struggle with energy cost increases with your home’s aging AC units. They no longer run as efficiently as they once did. This causes your bills to go up. But, this is nothing to ignore. When you call Air Max HVAC, Inc., our team can troubleshoot your system to determine what types of concerns exist and then offer solutions to help you get your system back up and working at its best. Reduce Energy Bills on your Old AC Systems The first step is to have a comprehensive service call on your air conditioner. Our team will come to your home to inspect, clean, and repair your system. This can help to increase your overall efficiency right away. Or, it can give us some insight into the underlying problems present. From here, we’ll talk about key concerns causing your aging air conditioning units to struggle. Your system may need significant repairs or upgrades. This may be possible in some models. You may need to have your ducts and filters cleaned and replaced as needed. This can help to reduce your overall energy efficiency of poor maintenance or significant dust buildup causes the problem. If the system...

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Is Your AC Unit Energy Efficient? Here’s How to Find Out

August 2, 2023

Do you shudder each time you receive your monthly energy bill, unsure why the cost is so high? If your air conditioning unit is one of the primary contributors to your energy usage, its efficiency—or lack thereof—could be to blame. Understanding Energy Efficiency in AC Units In the context of air conditioning units, energy efficiency refers to the effective conversion of electrical energy into cooling power. The higher the efficiency, the less electricity is wasted in the cooling process. Energy-efficient AC units not only reduce your energy usage but also decrease your carbon footprint, contributing to the fight against climate change. Key components contributing to an AC unit’s energy efficiency include the compressor, the cooling coils, and the fans. The design and efficiency of these components largely determine how much of the electrical energy is effectively transformed into cooling. Understanding the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) One of the most crucial measures of AC energy efficiency is the seasonal energy efficiency ratio, which is the total energy consumed by an air conditioner during an average cooling season, compared to the AC’s total cooling output. SEER ratings range from 13 for most older units to 26 for the most efficient central...

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What to Do If Your AC Keeps Tripping the Circuit Breaker

July 15, 2023

Constantly having to reset the circuit breaker in your Burbank, CA home is guaranteed to prove frustrating. This is especially true if your air conditioner is what’s causing the breaker to trip. Although you can temporarily resolve the problem with a quick flip of the breaker switch, the issue will continue until its underlying cause is identified and addressed. Read on to find out what you can do to restore normal AC functionality and whether or not you need an AC repair service to solve it. Start by Inspecting Your HVAC Air Filter Air conditioners that repeatedly trip circuit breakers are often overheated or in the process of overheating. This is but one of several failsafe measures that prevent ACs from completely breaking down, causing fires, or posing electrical hazards. Surprisingly, dirty air filters are a common cause of overheating in residential cooling systems. During operation, your air conditioner moves air through its filter so that dust and other particulates are collected before air is chilled and distributed. Buildups of thick, lint-like material that cover your filter’s mesh inhibit airflow. This causes air conditioners to work harder. It also subjects their moving components to excess stress that eventually causes them...

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6 Major Reasons Why Your AC Is Blowing Warm Air

June 1, 2023

All air conditioners are designed to provide a cool and comfortable living environment inside your home. One of the worst feelings you can experience as a homeowner is walking into your home during a hot summer day to cool off, only to discover that your AC is blowing warm air. Not only will you likely experience stress when your AC fails to keep you cool, but HVAC technicians are busiest during the peak season. To help avoid these problems, you should set up an appointment to have your AC unit serviced regularly. Here are some of the top reasons your AC could blow warm air. 1. Thermostat Settings One of the first things you should check when you notice warm air coming from the vents is your thermostat settings. Thermostat problems usually occur in old dial-type units when they are incorrectly calibrated. If you have the manufacturer’s manual, check that your current thermostat settings are correct. You might also want to check that you did not accidentally flip your thermostat to heat mode, a mistake that frequently goes unnoticed. If that does not resolve the problem, you may want to have your thermostat recalibrated or replaced. You can also consider...

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What Happens During an HVAC Installation?

May 2, 2023

Always leave HVAC installation in the hands of a professional. The time it takes to install the new heating and cooling unit depends on the system’s dimensions and complexity. Some installations take as little as a day, while others may take several days, especially when installing multiple units in larger homes. Read on to explore what to do before an HVAC installation, what to expect on the day of installation, and what will happen after the installation is complete. Before Installation: Inspection of the Installation Site Several days or weeks before you get a new HVAC system installed, a licensed technician will inspect your existing system and perform an on-site evaluation. This allows the technician to decide which tools to bring to the job and whether there’s a need for any remodeling. During the on-site visit, the technician will also check if any nearby trees or shrubs present a problem for the outside unit. If so, the technician will recommend removing them. Before Installation: Homeowner Preparation As the homeowner, you can prepare for installation day in several ways. First, make plans to be away from home on the day of installation. This includes pets, as well. Secondly, move furniture away...

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Choose From These 5 Best Smart Thermostats for Your Home

April 11, 2023

When shopping around for a smart thermostat, how do you know which one is right for you? A smart thermostat is an essential energy-saving component of a modern HVAC system. The best device is highly affordable, reliable, and provides high-quality performance. We have reviewed five of the best smart thermostats on the market you should consider for your home. Let’s begin! What Is a Smart Thermostat? A smart thermostat has the ability to be adjusted with remote devices, including cell phones, tablets, smart speakers, and other internet-connected devices. This technologically advanced innovation allows you to easily schedule your desired home temperature. It can also be integrated into your home automation system for the most convenient use. In addition to their highly functional features, smart thermostats have also been designed with sleek and modern looks that blend into your home’s decor. They are much more attractive than the boxy and chunky older thermostats. Finally, a great device must also be competitively priced. 5 Best Smart Thermostats To help you choose amongst the best smart thermostats on the market, we have reviewed highly affordable models with the most features. We also chose models that are easy to set up and are compatible...

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How Much Does a New HVAC System Cost?

March 14, 2023

An HVAC system is one of the most significant expenditures associated with owning a home, regardless of whether you’re installing one in a new construction or replacing an existing one. As you plan for your new system, it’s helpful to know how much you should expect to spend on installing the system. Unfortunately, HVAC systems have a variety of variables that influence the final price. Consider these factors that will affect how much you’ll pay for a new HVAC system. New Construction Versus Replacement The first thing to consider is whether you’re installing a system in a new construction or replacing an existing system. With new construction, you may also have to install ductwork for a central heating and cooling system. You may not need to replace the ducting every time you install a new part of your system, significantly reducing the overall costs. According to HomeAdvisor, the average range to replace an existing HVAC system is $5,000 to $10,000. For new construction homes, you’ll add the cost of duct installation, which can range from about $4,000 to as much as $12,000 depending on the size of your home and the kind of system you’re installing. HVAC System Type Next,...

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