When to Replace Your Furnace: 7 Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

November 2, 2018

If you’ve been noticing uneven heating, rising utility bills, or strange noises from your furnace, it might be trying to tell you something. Knowing when to replace your furnace can save you money, improve indoor comfort, and protect your family’s safety. Below, we break down the key signs it’s time to consider replacement, along with expert-backed tips to help you make a smart decision. 1. Your Furnace Is Over 15–20 Years Old Most furnaces last about 15–20 years with proper maintenance. If yours is approaching this age, start planning for a replacement—especially if your furnace is older and losing efficiency. An aging system may still work, but it’ll likely cost more in energy and repairs. How old is too old for a furnace? Generally, if it’s 15 years or older and having issues, it’s time to start planning a replacement. 2. Your Energy Bills Are Climbing A spike in your heating bills—without a change in usage—is a classic sign of reduced efficiency. Older systems often struggle to heat your home evenly and burn more fuel doing it. This is one of the clearest signs you need to replace your furnace instead of repair—it’s no longer cost-effective to keep running a...

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Does Rain Damage My Heating System Over Time?

October 8, 2018

Many people want to know if the rain and weather can damage an HVAC unit. Fortunately, your heating and cooling system is specially designed to handle moisture and extremes of temperature all year long. That means the weather is unlikely to cause any significant problems that regular maintenance can’t prevent. However, there are a few issues you should keep in mind to keep your HVAC system running safely. Hail Severe hail can cause damage to just about everything you own. If you expect a hail storm you should find some way to shelter an outdoor unit. Covering it with a free-standing wooden shelter might be the best solution. Do not use a tarp or plastic bag that will block ventilation. Flooding Instances of flooding where 15 inches or more of rain accumulates can damage your HVAC system. Sandbag barriers may prevent some damage. If your system is properly insulated, there is a chance it will not be damaged. However, electrical hazards can pose a serious threat to your safety. If your unit has endured severe flooding, it’s best to have it inspected by a heating and cooling professional. Snow If your outdoor unit becomes covered with snow, the vents can...

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What is Super Cooling?

August 28, 2018

If you live in the greater Burbank, CA area, you are well aware of the necessity of an air conditioning system that is effective and reliable! But have you heard about the new more efficient and cost-effective process called super cooling? Today’s air conditioning systems are smarter than ever, and if you haven’t already, now is the time to upgrade to an advanced home system that includes an Energy Management Computer. Air Max Heating and Air Conditioning carries a full line of systems that feature Energy Management Computers and that can keep you cool in the Burbank area heat while helping you save money. It’s a win-win situation for you and your family. What, Exactly, is Super Cooling? In the simplest terms, super cooling is the process used to keep your home cool using the least amount of money possible. While it is a technique that you can work out yourself manually, today’s latest air conditioning systems come with the necessary Energy Management Computer that automates the entire process. If you wanted to create a super cooling environment manually, you can do so by following these simple steps: Determine the on-peak and off-peak hours that your energy company uses for...

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Can Air Conditioning Cause Headaches?

August 15, 2018

Air conditioning can be a blessing during the hot summer months, especially for those who would prefer to stop sweating profusely all over themselves. But not everyone feels good when they’re in a frigid retail store or even when they’re in their own home. They may struggle to find the right temperature, running hot or cold as they turn it a few notches up or down. Or they may even start to experience headaches when they feel their air conditioning kick on. Blood Vessel Constriction A cold stimulus headache effectively occurs when the blood vessels in the body constrict. If your body is trying to shield itself from freezing, it will slow the blood to protect the core. Unfortunately, this can also give you a headache because it’s interfering with the trigeminal nerve in the brain. If you’re in your house when this happens, you can turn up the thermostat. But if you’re out, you may just have to step outside. Humidity Your air conditioning makes it difficult to maintain a healthy level of humidity in the air. Too much humidity in the air can cause discomfort, but too little will dry out your skin and body. If you’re in...

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What Causes Indoor Air Quality Problems?

August 5, 2018

Problems with indoor air quality arise when pollutants contaminate the air inside our homes, workplaces, and other enclosed spaces. Contrary to popular belief, indoor air pollution can be more dangerous than outdoor pollution, especially since indoor spaces tend to trap contaminants and limit ventilation. These pollutants can cause a wide range of health issues—from short-term symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and eye irritation to long-term respiratory illnesses, allergies, and other chronic conditions. Common Indoor Air Pollutants and Their Health Effects Indoor air can harbor a wide range of harmful pollutants—many of which come from everyday household items and activities. These substances may be invisible or odorless, but they can have serious health effects when exposure is prolonged or concentrated in poorly ventilated environments. Below are some of the most common indoor air pollutants, their sources, and the risks they pose to your health: 1. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Sources: Paints Varnishes Cleaning products Building materials Glue and adhesives Office equipment Health Effects: Headaches Nausea Dizziness Eye, nose, and throat irritation 2. Carbon Monoxide (CO) Sources: Gas-burning appliances (e.g., furnaces, stoves) Cigarettes Vehicle exhaust in attached garages Description:An odorless, colorless gas that is highly toxic even at low concentrations. Health Effects: Nausea...

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Can Air Conditioning Affect Your Sinuses?

July 18, 2018

Air conditioning helps make the summer heat and hot climates bearable year-round. Burbank air conditioning and Beverly Hills HVAC systems are key to managing exposure to hot temperatures in these areas. In some regions of the country, air conditioning is not optional when it comes to your comfort, quality of life, and in some cases, your sinuses. However, while air conditioning can bring relief from hot temperatures, some people are triggered by it. It can affect both the sinuses and the respiratory system. The symptoms of a reaction to air conditioning often include: Runny Nose Sinus Inflammation Congestion Eye Redness Constricted Breathing One of the causes of these symptoms is related to the effect of going from one environment to another where there is a significant temperature difference; for example, going from a warm house into cold winter temperatures. The same effect happens when coming from warm outdoor conditions into a cool air-conditioned room. When we experience a big contrast in temperature or humidity, nervous system reflexes are triggered in the nasal membranes. Persons with allergies may be more sensitive to abrupt temperature differences like these. However, in most people, this effect should cause only temporary congestion and related sinus...

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Why Use a Home Humidifier?

July 15, 2018

A home humidifier is great at all times of the year but even more so during winter. During summer, the air is drier than usual and the need for indoor cooling only makes matters worse. Breathing dry air could lead to allergic symptoms, asthma, colds, and sore throats. Benefits of a Home Humidifier To Promote Health Homeowners in [Your City/Region] can improve indoor air quality with a home humidifier. Dry air can cause colds, allergies, dry skin, and even dandruff. Maintaining a humidity level of 40% or higher helps protect your family’s health and comfort. At Air Max HVAC Inc, we help local homeowners create a healthier, more comfortable living environment year-round. To Keep Pets Healthy Keeping a room properly humidified purifies the air. The air is safer for pets to breathe. It also reduces the occurrence of allergies. Most indoor pets are likely to suffer from various allergies if they breathe in dry air. To Protect Wooden Furniture If the air is too dry, it may cause your wooden furniture to crack or split. Investing in a home humidifier helps protect your wooden furniture and furnishings. To Reduce Static Energy Low air humidity leads to an excessive buildup of...

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5 Most Common HVAC Issues

July 11, 2018

Airmax Heating & Air is a full-service HVAC company located in Burbank, CA. Since 2001, we have been serving Burbank, CA and the surrounding areas with a wide variety of service benefits. We understand that knowledge is power, so we are going to take a moment to talk to you about five of the most common HVAC issues that you will run into as a homeowner. If any of these issues currently afflict your household, our staff is available to schedule a service appointment. When discussing HVAC issues, we are speaking directly to the following components: heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Inside your home or business, your HVAC system is what keeps you comfortable. With that being said, there is a wide variety of issue that can plague them. Listed below are the most common issues you’ll run into, but they are not the only issues. 1) Refrigerant Leaks – When speaking of the cooling system within your home, you’ll likely find that your AC unit relies on refrigerant in order to keep your building cool. When you have leaky refrigerant, your cooling system doesn’t operate at peak efficiency — thus causing your home to be stuffy and uncomfortable. 2)...

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The Importance of AC Maintenance

June 18, 2018

Maintaining your air conditioner is one of the most important steps you can take to safeguard your home. Your air conditioner does a wide range of tasks for your home. Keeps humidity under control. Aids in ensuring you can maintain Los Angeles’s heat without a concern. It also works to ensure your home has clean air for you to breathe. For these benefits to occur, you need proper and consistent AC maintenance. Air Max HVAC Inc can help you with this process. Why Maintain Your Air Conditioner? AC maintenance is the process of inspecting, cleaning, and repairing the air conditioner and the air duct system. This should be done at least one time every month by the homeowner and, in Los Angeles, about twice a year by a trained professional. At Air Max HVAC Inc., we are happy to come to your home and offer this service as often as necessary. When you have routine AC maintenance, you gain several key benefits: Your home’s air remains cleaner. Though your air conditioner’s main job is to cool air, it also helps pull particles from it. This can help your family breathe easier. It ensures your air conditioner is not working too...

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When is it Time to Replace Your AC Unit?

June 11, 2018

Knowing when it’s time to replace your home’s AC unit. Can help you save a considerable amount of money in the long run. Following are some tell-tale signs. That it may be better to buy a new unit than it would be to fix an existing one. Age The Department of Energy recommends replacing any AC unit that is over ten years old. Old units not only tend to need regular repair but are also significantly less energy efficient than their younger counterparts. Look for a new unit that has a high SEER rating in order to keep your electric bill low. Subpar Service If your AC unit isn’t keeping your home cool. Call a reputable AC company to have it serviced. In some instances, the problems may be remediable. However, in other instances, you may need to replace the unit with a newer model. You should also seriously consider replacing your HVAC unit if it is either too large or too small for your home. A unit that is just the right size will be the most effective in keeping the home at a comfortable temperature. Maintenance Problems If your HVAC unit needs regular repairs in order to work...

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